Link to December 9 Charlotte Observer article, "Tough choices ahead for libraries. Leaders describe options that include layoffs and closing more branches."
Excerpt: A key factor in any decision will be how much the library receives from Mecklenburg County, which provides about 90 percent of the system's money. But the county won't adopt a budget until June, and it could be some time before county leaders know the financial outlook for 2011-12.
The county gave the libraries more than $21.1 million this year, but that was about $10 million less than in 2009-10. The county also picked up the cost of library maintenance and security.
The county cuts led to staff layoffs, closing three branches and reducing hours and services at other library sites. The city of Charlotte and four towns chipped in one-time aid to stave off more branch closings.
Looking ahead to 2011-12, library officials presented five scenarios to the system's board of trustees on Wednesday. The options showed the potential implications if county money is cut - or increased - by up to 20 percent.
The scenarios all assume the library system would receive no extra money from the city and towns next year.
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Interlocal cooperation pact. (6/22/2010)
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Five towns tentatively OK $730,000 for libraries. (6/18/2010)
Carmel, two other branches to close. (6/16/2010)
Now that the ax has fallen. (6/16/2010)
Commissioners to vote on budget today. (6/15/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries: It's complicated. (6/9/2010)
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Editorial: Should city 'stay in its lane' on libraries. (6/4/2010)
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Straw votes begin on Mecklinburg County budget. (6/3/2010)
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Mayor supports financial help for library. (5/27/2010)
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Bailout proposal not gaining traction. (5/23/2010)
Library trustees vote to close 4 branches. (5/20/2010)
Mecklenburg County tightens its belt. (5/20/2010)
County manager cuts $14.7 million from library budget. (5/18/2010)
2010-11 Mecklenburg County budget to be unveiled today. (5/18/2010)
North Carolina woman plans on "going straight to the top" to keep Charlotte libraries open. (5/16/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg officials ask local municipalities for $3 million contribution. (4/30/2010Library Board chair speaks out. (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts. (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit. (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task. (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours. (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday". (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines. (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches. (3/26/2010)
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Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote. (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open. (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives. (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)
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