Charlotte Mecklenburg 'Future of the Library Task Force' Report to be Submitted Next Week

Panel again calls for saving libraries in low-income areas. (Charlotte Observer, 3/16/2011)

Excerpt: One of the most debated recommendations of the independent library task force - to make saving branches in low-income areas a top priority - was reaffirmed in the group's final meeting Tuesday.

The discussion came as the Future of the Library Task Force was finalizing a 64-page report that will be submitted next week to the county commission and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees.

Among the recommendations adopted in past meetings is a call for the library to shift staff so hours can be increased at the six better-equipped regional locations.

The trade-off is that up to six smaller branches might have to close, if the county can't provide more money to keep them open.

The controversy centers on a provision that three branches in low-income areas (West Boulevard, Scaleybark and Sugar Creek) be excluded from consideration for closing.

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