What the Library Means to Orange County

I love the public library and truly value what they offer. I borrow books for myself to enjoy a little bit of escape from this chaotic and often challenging world. I also bring home piles of books for my son (5th grade) to help him learn more about his favorite subjects (WWII, spies), explore new topics (mythology, veterinary medicine, whatever), or try out new genres (currently stuck in graphic novels but trying to expand!). We would not have these opportunities to relax and explore if we were required to buy these books. We also have limited free time and reducing library hours would make it difficult to find the time for this.
Please don't take away this valued resource!

Our story is simple, our public library is important! Our family has been going to the Hillsborough branch since our sons were babies and attended the Library story time. We continue to use the hours there for borrowing and our sons for studying after school. I have juried a local community art exhibit for public schools here that the library graciously hosted. In a world turning its head toward non-accredited sources online, libraries are still important places for research and centers for community. Please reconsider and provide funding to this important resource to our community.

The main library has always been one of my favorite places to go in town. I’ve been checking out books there since I’ve moved here over thirteen years ago. Every time my brother and I would visit we each end up checking out a copious amount of books, so many that the staff members often have to provide us with bags so we can carry them. The library has always been a place where my brother and I can go to bond and read together, it’s where we’ve cultivated our shared love of reading. It’s really disappointing to know that we could have fewer books in the library. With as much as my brother and I read it’s always exciting to see what new books added, especially if they’re the next book in a series we’re reading.

My family and I spend one to three days each week at the Hillsborough Library. I attend programs for younger elementary-aged children with my youngest son, upper elementary programs with my oldest son, and my daughter has been an active member of the Teen Advisory Group for middle and high school students for the past several years.

When I first moved to Hillsborough, I didn't know anyone in the community. Through the library, I found connection and friendship. Today, I have a wonderful group of fellow moms I spend time with while our children participate in library programs.

My children have not only made lasting friendships at the library, but they have also developed a genuine love of reading. Every year, they eagerly anticipate the Summer Reading Kickoff, and the Summer Reading Program remains their favorite part of summer. My oldest son loves the library so much that he is determined to become a librarian someday. My youngest son is counting down the days until Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, when he'll finally receive his very own library card. And every year, my teenage daughter looks forward to the Library Lock-In.

Our local library is so much more than a place that houses books. It is a gathering place, a source of learning and inspiration, and a cornerstone of our community. For my family, it feels like a second home.

I worked at the Orange County Library. I am a regular patron at Orange County Library. I regularly check out books, c.d.s and d.v.d.s. I regularly attend events there. I regularly hear authors speak at the library. I regularly use study rooms. Keep our library open!

I use the library to study and check out books and audiobooks. It is one of the few places I can study without have to buy something, like at a coffee shop. This is extremely important because I am a full time student and have so much appreciation for a quiet place to focus without spending money. I also attend library activities like trivia which helps me unwind and see friends and community members. Caroline from the library is an especially great trivia host as well as a kind and caring person. Her and others’ work deserves to be rewarded, not made more difficult. The library provides important social spaces for the Orange County community and under no circumstances should be stripped of everything that makes it great.

These days I mainly use the library to look for new books (and there are always some great ones) and I've gone to many events and meetings there. I like my workspace at home, but my husband needs a change of scene more often than I do and often works at the library.
We are both big public library fans and actually moved to Hillsborough 11 years ago in part because of the high quality of the library!
Also my love of the library is not just about me. Libraries are hugely important for families and children - safe public spaces for reading and learning without looking at screens and with actual books and people of all ages present.
My favorite library as a kid was a magical place. Having to close the Orange County library two days a week and/or reducing the book budget would be terrible in so many ways, as the Friends of the Orange County Public Library website says so eloquently.

I use the library to educate myself and my children. We homeschool. We use the library programs to socialize with other children and parents. My husband and I use the library to learn new hobbies and dive into interests like baking, meditation, and volunteer coaching our kids sports teams. The library is a reliably safe and peaceful place to learn and meet other people in the community.

We love the Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough and go there a couple times a week. We moved here from VA 11 years ago and the library was one of the main reasons we chose Hillsborough over another charming town in the Triangle. We brag about it to our friends far away. Please don't cut the library budget. That would be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Here's what Ben Franklin said about the subscription library he helped found in Philadelphia in 1731:
"These libraries have improved the general conversation of the Americans, made the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries, and perhaps have contributed in some degree to the stand so generally made throughout the colonies in defence of their privileges."

I have been visiting the Orange County Library since I was a little girl. I remember the first time my mom took me to the library and told be to choose a few books to take home. Soon, that library became my home, I would sit and read in the library so I could take different books home. The librarians always helped to find the exact book I needed and made sure I could visit after school. At one point my artwork was displayed in the library during Elementary school. This brought my dad out of his shell and brought him to the library.

Dear Friends, I love the library! Please, please, please keep it open so that my husband and I can continue enjoying it weekly for books and special programs (and the take-one-leave-one puzzles!). I'm in a book club and I always get my books from the library. My grandchildren go several times a week for books, story time, crafts, and special programs. It is like a magic castle for them and they especially love the huge stuffed animals!!!!

As a grown adult child of a single mother (who went back to school to become a librarian), I can attest to the power of the library in my life and how important it was as a safe, communal place where anyone, regardless of income, can access knowledge, opportunity, and community 5-7 days/week. The public library was a lifesaver when as a young teen, I found stories and caring librarians that helped me to find my place in the world. In this age of emerging AI, access to reading material and opportunities to exercise/develop our brains with the skilled guidance of library professionals is not a luxury, but a necessity. Also, safe spaces that offer community, connection, and value learning need to be fully supported in every way possible.
I love our Hillsborough library and the variety of reading material (from News of Orange County to the New Yorker); I've loved the gardening programs, poetry programs, Trivia nights at the Rookery, Book clubs -- this library is a gem and needs to be supported by this community.

As a lifelong Orange County resident, I've used the library at numerous stages of my life. As a child, I was brought to the library by my parents, who used the resources to encourage me to read and grow. As a high schooler, I used the library for asynchronous class meetings, study time, college applications, and meetings with tutors. The library has offered me printing resources, access to a computer, magazines, books, DVDs, wifi; all things that have been increasingly expensive (and cost-prohibitive to some) as the cost of living across our state and country rises.

While I understand the need for financial management and sound budgeting in times where the tax base shrinks, consumer spending declines, and federal support is at an all-time low, the proposed county manager's 2026-27 budget's overall direction does not suggest that economic limitations are a primary driver of budget cuts to the library system. To begin, despite the economic climate, the manager's requested budget represents an increase of $6,282,157 over FY 2026 and an increase of $20,915,919 over FY 2025. This growth is largely driven by proposed increases to public safety (requested increase of $1,588,033 from FY 2026), human services (requested increase of $1,786,037 from FY 2026), and debt services; the Office of the County Manager's recommendations largely match each department's request and represent an increase over the FY 2026 budget. However, while the request for library services represented an increase of $121,312 over FY 2026 -- a paltry sum relative to other departments -- the manager's recommendation represents a $20,809 decrease over FY 2026. This is before accounting for Commissioner Jean Hamilton's proposed amendment to reduce a further $200,000 from the library budget.

There is a saying that, to understand an organization's values, don't ask them what's important to them; look at their budget, and you'll find out yourself. Orange County's budget does not show a county facing fiscal austerity. It does not show a county that is forcing budget cuts across the board to all town services equitably. It shows a county government that simply does not value library services. Even an increase that represents a fraction of other departmental requests is rejected. If that $20,809 cut relative to FY 2026 in the manager's original recommendation is so hard to find, might I suggest that County Manager Travis Myren volunteer some of his $227,513 salary? While the county staff and elected officials may view the library system as a luxury which can be cut as needed, I view their inability to maintain even existing funding levels while approving increases across the board as a failure of creativity at best and a dereliction of duties at worst. Considering that Orange County residents face some of the highest sales tax rates in the state and above-average property tax rates, it is unacceptable, in my view, to cut crucial services unless absolutely necessary. The proposed budget does not demonstrate that need.

I am writing in hopes of impacting the decision regarding funding for Orange County Public Library. Let me start by acknowledging an understanding that tough decisions have to be made in these uncertain times. I do not envy the budget decisions and recognize that any cut to any group will certainly leave an impact. That said, I would hate to see library services cut. I am a regular user of the library and regularly check out books. So for selfish reasons, I would hate to lose access. But the greater concern to me would be the impact in two ways. One—the potential impact to literacy development of youth and underserved populations. Second—the message it sends in our current political times.

As a retired public school employee who served as a teacher, a principal and a literacy supervisor for the third largest district in NC, I understand the importance for quick and easy access to books. Currently I am a national LETRS facilitator and I daily teach teachers across the country how to best teach reading related to cognitive brain research. The impact of the pandemic is still being seen in the literacy development of students. Certainly students have access to books at school, but with budgets in schools being slashed, we, as a community, must continue to provide access to reading materials for students and teachers. Cutting services at the library will leave a deep void for many of our residents, especially children. Books are costly. Parents and teachers alike depend on the public library for books to put in children’s hands.

Secondly, I am deeply concerned about attacks on libraries across the country during in our current political climate. One of the great things about Orange County is the sense that all are welcome, belong, and valued. While the reasons for cutting services may not be the same reason politically that some have faced across the country, the message will be received as the same. And that is not what Orange County is about.

Again, I know that budgets are not easy when there is less money. But I am hopeful other concessions can be made. I ask that the commissioners re-evaluate the plan to reduce the funding for Orange Public Libraries.

The library has been my home in Orange County, more than any house has been. My husband was a native, but when I arrived 35 years ago the public library was the warm and welcoming place that allowed me to get acquainted with the community. As a newcomer to the town I couldn’t have asked for as much help as they gave me. Their only reward is that I kept coming back.
With my first child I discovered how few places I could walk to with a stroller. I stopped by the town office one day to ask about a park for little kids and the mayor was kind enough to invite me into his office to talk about it. There weren’t any parks with paths, in those days, or many curb cuts. The library welcomed us both then. Later there were story times to do the hokey pokey and meet other local parents.
I was lucky enough to participate in a charette to help plan the new library, and as it happened, a new grocery store in walking distance. I took both of my kids to the little portacabin in the parking lot that was the interim library, and when the new library opened, we got a brick out front with our names on it.
The kids are grown and gone now, so I can give back a little with donations and the books sales. My needs have changed, but I still need help and opportunities to meet up with a good cross section of the community. Now I come for book clubs, and the Peeps diorama contest, and an introduction to signing up for Medicare, or seed exchanges.
So I’m asking you: Please don’t balance the budget by cutting back on library funding, not now. People have lost a great deal in the past year, and the immediate future doesn’t look good. When things are bad, Mr. Rogers taught us, we have to look for the helpers. Luckily we know where to look for helpers: the library is full of them, every single day. Please don’t close those doors for even one day, not now. We can’t any of us afford what that budget cut would cost us.

The library has been a welcoming resource to my family ever since we moved to Hillsborough. It has such a friendly and helpful staff and of course, a great selection of books. We loved visiting and borrowing books, but also appreciated the book sale and often brought our grandson to enjoy the children's section. Lessening hours means less public participation at a time when we need an informed and engaged reading public the most!

My daughter and I have been coming to the library at least once a week since she was about a year old. She absolutely loves searching for books and remembering where the ones are that she has enjoyed the most. Even the concept of borrowing and returning has been such an important life skill to watch her embrace. Story-time is where we have met EVERY single parent and child friend we have now and has generated an amazing group of humans that support each other in more ways than one. Recently we got to participate in an incredibly special program put on by the library called, “Stuffy Sleepover”. The children got to enjoy an evening story-time session with their stuffy and some popcorn (all provided by the library) and then leave their stuffy at the library for their sleepover. The next morning we came back and our incredible librarians had made individual memory books with pictures showing all the (staged) activities each child’s stuffy had been involved in from the night before. They then provided breakfast spread and played a slideshow with all the pictures of the stuffy’s from the night before that the children got to enjoy. All of us, as parents walked away just marveling at how incredible our local library is and what an amazingly awesome FREE activity this was for the children in our community! We also thoroughly enjoyed our day last weekend for the libraries summer reading kickoff which included balloon animals, face painting, bubbles, ribbon dancing, and more! It would be truly devastating to lose any days that these doors are open.

I love taking our 3 kids to the library! They enjoy picking out books and reading some there on the carpet and then taking them home to finish all the great stories! My kids also use this library for their school library since we do not have one in our school! The kids walk to the library from school and it’s a great experience for the whole class! Our readers also look forward to the summer reading challenge! The library is so important for kids and we need to keep the funding so we can Invest in their future!

My family of 7 uses the library every week to get books. My kids ages pre-k to 6th grade are thriving because they have access to these resources. I also volunteer with a non profit that gets books into the hands of little ones under 5 and in underprivileged families. We use the library to meet and discuss reading strategies, exchange books, and have a safe space to learn about the free resources our community provides for every family in the area.

This is truly a place for ALL..young and old. Have used the library for fun reading, learning and sharing. If anything the amount for the library should be raised because it provides something for everyone. Love seeing little children go home with an armload of books.....we are growing the next generations and need to provide them with resources.

My husband and I just moved back to Orange County after we graduated from UNC 15 years ago. One of the things that attracted us to move back to this area was the county services, including the libraries. I have friends who work at the libraries, and with our first child due this fall I am really looking forward to visiting the library often and participating in the children's programs. Cuts like this for something that was specifically attractive to us moving here would be deeply disappointing to our growing family.

I recently moved to Hillsborough 2 years ago and the Library here is a wonderful resource for newcomers. I have participated in several clubs that meet there and the weekend hours are important to me because I work FT during the weekdays and cannot get there. I would be crushed if the hours and services were reduced. Please restore the funding and keep the library strong!

The public library is a community space where people from all aspects of society can come together and share a common love of reading. I love going there and seeing all of the children participating. A library is not a transactional place to "rent" a book. It is an experience that unites the community and allows us to grow and learn, something that is constantly being hindered right now by those in power.

The Public Library is an integral part of our family’s life. We started attending youth library events when my eldest (now 9) started kindergarten and have continued to be frequent visitors of OCPL ever since.

I really appreciate the time and care that library staff put into planning children's activities covering a wide variety of themes. They often incorporate reading a thematic story into their activity and then set the children loose on carefully planned hands on activities that stimulate their creativity and imaginations. Over the years we have attended magic shows and science demonstrations – activities about robots and medieval knights, global cultures and local history, the science of rainbows and the engineering behind architecture – and SO much more.

Both of my children love to read and love going to the library. Children's development can feel so rapid sometimes, and, frankly, trying to constantly keep up a home library of developmentally appropriate books would be a financial strain. Having access to a multitude of books at differing reading levels with a wide variety of topics allows for parents to tailor the books we get based on the child's current interests - which helps feed their love of learning. For instance, when my youngest was a toddler we checked out books about fruits & vegetables to learn about healthy eating – and later when she was taking gymnastics, we got lots of children's books on gymnastics to go through with her. When my eldest got into the Percy Jackson series, not only was he able to access all of the series through OCPL, but we started checking out all sorts of nonfiction books on Greek mythology that he devoured as well. Once he had gone through those, he jumped into several other series by Rick Riordan that he was also able to fully access at OCPL (and then books about Norse and Egyptian mythology!). He frequently gets excited when we leave the library with a “long receipt” - meaning we checked out a lot of stuff! Last Saturday morning at 6:30am he tiptoed into my room to ask for my phone to use as a timer because he knew it was the first day of OCPL’s Summer Reading and he wanted to make sure he captured every minute.

My children are strong students in OCS – my eldest represented OCS in the Duke Regional Spelling Bee. When I was helping him study, he noted numerous words that he knew because he had learned them from reading different books he had gotten from OCPL. He also participated in OCS’ recent Engineering challenge – where his team won an award. I would firmly advocate that all of the intellectually stimulating activities he has attended at OCPL – as well as the unending supply of books he has been able to access thanks to OCPL – has enabled him to be the best that he can be.

As a family, we have checked out numerous boardgames that promoted important skills like strategizing and facilitated family bonding and fun – and audiobooks on CD that we listen to in the car - that we were able to enjoy for FREE thanks to the public library. When we downsized our streaming services at home to save money, we were able to check out DVDs at the library to finish a series my children had been in the middle of. My son has also been able to try out a few games for his Switch without us having to purchase them.

As an adult, I have camped out dozens of times at the upstairs tables for hours when my children were in activities nearby and I needed a quiet place with Wifi to get work done (without feeling obligated to purchase something). I have also utilized the study rooms on multiple occasions when I needed to attend meetings or record videos for my job. We do not have a printer at home – and I have been so grateful to be able to print all sorts of things at OCPL over the years from passport applications to Cub Scout forms and flyers to work articles to coloring pages for my daughter’s birthday party. And all those times I came in to print, the computer area was usually full of other adults sitting at the computers, taking advantage of the awesome resources that OCPL provides. And, last but not least, of course, I also check out books for myself sometimes, including physical books, cookbooks, and audiobooks.

As an Orange County taxpayer, I have appreciated that ALL of this is available to my family - and everyone else’s families – at no additional cost! There are so few places one can go these days without having to spend money – which is to the detriment of society because it encourages people to stay home (and probably on screens). OCPL represents a wealth of options to enrich our local population and I believe it would be a travesty for a town and county that proports to be invested in its citizens and to be a forerunner in education – to deplete such a valuable resource.

The library has been invaluable to me over the years, particularly when my granddaughter was younger. She attended, eagerly, the weekly children's program, and also just about every special children's program that was held. She learned about history, and culture, and about arts and crafts, and science, things that go beyond what is offered in school -- and she had fun doing it, while making new friends (both other children and library staff).

I have also benefited from the book collection, finding new authors I enjoy. I found worthwhile books for teaching children's classes with the help of our wonderful library staff. I have attended numerous library programs -- educational talks, films, book readings.

Also, we own a business next to the library, giving us a glimpse into the impact of the library. We see people that visit everyday, people that must be teachers with big bundles of books in their arms, children skipping up the walkway.

I think that the value the library brings far outweighs its costs. The losses resulting from cuts to the library budget would be extensive with significant indirect costs for our residents, as the library serves as a cultural hub for our community -- a place for socialization, education, basic resource provision, and shelter.

The Orange County Public library has been central to the life of this community for all the 40 years I have lived here. It lifts my heart each day, as I drive down Margaret Lane to see people of all ages, but especially the young children, walking in and out through those doors to knowledge, joy, inspiration, and learning.
I’m especially moved by the location of the current Orange County Public library building. It stands where once was a much beloved School for girls, the Nash and Kollock school. The school, operated by three ladies, educated hundreds of girls over 30 years. It produced college professors, authors, business owners, and devoted members of the community. It moves me to think that that same exact location is where people of all ages, but especially young people, go to learn in a nurturing and supportive environment.

The Orange County Public library and all is outreach. Programs deserve 100% support from our county. I am shocked to see proposed cuts. It’s very discouraging to see the values that have always represented Orange County slowly eroding.

As a tax-paying resident of Hillsborough for over 25 years, I am writing to oppose any significant reductions in library funding. Libraries are crucial for an enlightened populace. Take money from somewhere else before reducing library funding. Spend less on decorating for holidays and look into ways to reduce fluff from the budget for policing. Inflation and stagnant wages make libraries more important than ever.

When I was very young, the library still ran a regular book mobile route. Book mobile day was a highlight of my week. Now, I take my own kids to the library every Wednesday. The excellent collection and the friendly staff and the constant supply of new books for reading have really contributed to their growth and is surely a reason they read near the top of their class. Please keep this opportunity open, not just for us but for families who may not have the resources to make up a gap in library service cuts.

While it might superficially appear simple to argue that the Information Age has reduced the public need for, and role of, the Orange County Public Library, the exact inverse is true: the Information Age, and the heightened disparity it creates, underscores a need for greater—or at the very least, undiminished!—library funding.

Have you ever needed to print a resume, an application, a document to be filed, or a form to be notarized, but not had easy access to a printer of your own? Members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) might all possess working printers, but the same cannot be said for all members of our community. The Orange County Public Library not only offers on-site access to computers, wireless internet connectivity, and printers, but also allows anyone with an Orange County library card to print up to five pages, each day, free of charge. Because of this, the Orange County Courthouse, County Clerk, and DMV all regularly direct individuals to us in order to print such materials. Your own assumption, by example, is that we are there to facilitate this need, but this need requires funding for both consumable materials and patron assistance.

With printed materials in hand, have you ever required quick access to a notary? The library maintains a reservation system for notary appointments, but both the Courthouse and County Clerk regularly direct individuals to us, offering assurance that notary services are available, and we do our best to accommodate each such request… yet while all of our notaries are among the library staff, all of the library staff are not notaries. Providing this service frequently requires one library employee to cover the immediate, scheduled responsibilities of another in order to render services. Your own assumption and direction to the community then, by example, necessitates sufficient staff to not only notarize documents, but also accomplish all other tasks within a library.

Suppose a patron is not on site, but still in need of internet access? The Orange County Public Library allows patrons to check out wireless hotspots, for up to three weeks at a time. Continuing to provide internet access, especially to areas and individuals financially disadvantaged or geographically challenged in regard to affordable, high-speed access, is a public good. Making good on the promise of available hotspots is itself, then, a necessary expenditure, and their presence requires additional on-site configuration and maintenance by library staff.

In terms of a broader public good, the Orange County Public Library provides a safe, clean, welcoming environment to all who visit. One does not need a PhD or a stock portfolio to step inside, nor even a permanent address to utilize our materials, resources, and services on-site. Our building is a public “cooling center” in the summer, and a “warming center,” in the winter, and should any other environmental crisis threaten the well-being of Orange County and its population, the library employees will undoubtedly serve… but the effort will only be successful if there are enough of us to do so.

Alongside all of these responsibilities, your Orange County Public Library employees perpetually help patrons to locate materials of interest, frequently retrieve them for both young and old, facilitate the borrowing process, promptly check in returned items (as well as retrieve items from within the library that were briefly used or considered, but ultimately not borrowed, and left out-of-place), and strive to swiftly and accurately re-shelve items so that other patrons may use them. The choreographed schedule of library staff allow us to thus manage the volume and maintain the usability of this facility, without needless backlog, confusion, or redundancy. Any reduction in our staffing or hours would ultimately stress the effectiveness of our service, and in so doing, inconvenience or harm users.

As a part-time (“temporary”) employee of the Orange County Public Library who has been privileged to serve our community in this role for slightly over ten years as of this writing, I urge you to continue funding this essential resource at or above current levels, and abandon any temptation to view the good afforded by public libraries as an optional luxury.

I’m a teacher at a local small school and a mom to two young children. The library has been indispensable to me in both teaching and motherhood. I can always count on the library to supply books to support my students in their studies. I’m able to help students research whatever subject they want with books that are appropriate for their reading levels. We were able to support 2 Lower Elementary classrooms of students doing animal research to at with reading levels ranging from 1st-3rd grade because of the library’s incredible resources. The students presented their research to their peers at the animal exhibits at the NC Zoo and the pride on their faces was because they were able to access information at their reading level thanks to the library.
As a mom, I’m also incredibly grateful for the library. The programs for children have been so meaningful to both of my kids and help to foster a sense of community among parents. I’ve also been able to utilize the library to help unlock independent reading for my son, through the wonderbooks and vox books. I have also been able to find books that help me address tricky topics with my kids whenever questions have come up. Finding books about things like world religion, gender and new siblings have made these complex topics meaningful and accessible to my 5 year old.
Losing 2 days a week would make it significantly more difficult for me as a working mom to be able to get books for my class and to bring my own kids to grow their love of reading by picking out their own books.

In a world becoming more divided by "the haves and the have nots" the library serves as a critical resource especially for the underprivileged. This disparity is born out in the statistics that show the library is being used more and more. Its absolutely shameful that constituents need to advocate and beg for their tax dollars be used on vital resources like this, but here we are. Let's do the right thing and make sure money is allocated for this absolutely invaluable service.

Our kids love the library! We are there at least once a week, if not twice. I have a voracious middle school reader and the library has saved us hundreds, if not a few thousand dollars. She has had access to dozens of books that she likely would never have read, or unfortunately would have been told we couldn’t spend money on. My elementary aged child has grown up in the library because of our frequency attending with the older child. She looks forward to the summer reading challenge, community programs such as magician performance, animal rehabilitation demonstrations, the current Books and Badges program. She has explored so many more aspects of life, animal science and standard biological science because of exploring the hard copy collection at the library in person. It offers a safe space to spend time between errands for a family like ours that lives 20 min outside of town. It’s has helped foster a lifestyle away from electronics for both of my kids. In a community with an ever growing Hispanic and immigrant population, cutting library resources will only further challenge children from those homes who often benefit from Internet, computer and hard book resources the library has to offer. We have allowed so much residential growth in our community, it seems irresponsible to cut funding to such and important resource that benefits residents of all types. Parking is easy. Drive through returns are available and I think our Hillsborough branch is a excellent facility that needs to remain fully funded.

My 7 year old has not been particularly excited to read, but the summer reading program has inspired her to read for more time than she ever has before. She’s choosing to read without prompting on her own time for the first time because of it. We also have attended many of the events over the years like the Thursday activities, magician, all helping her develop a positive relationship with books and getting into the library more often. When she was small, the baby storytime was an important outing for me as a parent and a special opportunity for her to socialize with other kids. Losing these programs and daily access to the library would have a significant impact on us, especially at this important age where she is developing her reading fluency and starting to be motivated to read on her own.

When I was 6 months postpartum with my first child, I felt lonely, isolated, incredibly unsure of my new role, and overwhelmed. On my days off of work, I started attending lapsit storytime at the main library… Through speaking with other new parents and having a structured time to look forward to, out of the house, with my baby every week, I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to actually appreciate motherhood. The library was a saving grace for me during an incredibly difficult time in my life, and it continues to be an integral part of my family life. My children and I regularly attend programming at the library and check out books every week. The library is literally my favorite place in Hillsborough. Please, let’s continue to put public funding where it serves the community equitably and contributes to the greater good of our residents.

Our public library is a backbone of our community. It is more than a place to borrow books; it is a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn, connect, access technology, attend programs, and find support. From children’s story times and student resources to job-search help, senior programs, and community events, the library serves all of us.  As a child, my weekly visits to the library were what installed a love of books into my life -- and I cannot imagine children not having this opportunity.  As an adult, I've enjoyed crafting meetups, book clubs, Spanish practice sessions, and more.

Reducing library funding by $200,000 would have a real and immediate impact. Closing two days a week and cutting circulation and programs would limit access for families, students, seniors, and residents who rely on the library’s services. I urge our county commissioners to protect library funding and preserve this essential community resource.

I am writing desperately seeking for the Orange County library Hillsborough branch to not receive the proposed budget cuts. This library is where I met the community that I am closer with than my own family. We are raising our children together and they are my village. Without open regular access to the library, we would not have met and I would not have had support through the most difficult time in my life. It seems everytime we leave the house lately to do something with my children, it costs us money I can’t afford as a single mom. We visit the library multiple times a week finding community, education. Warm and kind staff, and a place that is at the top of my list for why I love Hillsborough so dearly. Please Consider, if anything, raising the budget to allow for extended hours and an expansion of new books. This is a place I rely on to be screen free, nourishing, and fulfilling fun for my family. We have been long time card holders renting out upwards of 30 books a week. The staff here are like family to me. I’m begging you to not make life more expensive and harder then it already is which is exactly what would happen for our local community if these budget cuts go through

I am a writer, working on my debut novel. The library offers me a place to come, work, and focus without the pressure to purchase anything. It is the last true third place. I can check out a cookbook, learn a new hobby, get lost in a novel, and participate in writing workshops in the same place. It would be devastating to lose two days a week, and also impactful to downtown businesses that I visit alongside a trip to the Main library.

I have lived in hillsborough all my life and the county/town library has been one of my favorite locations and a core part of my childhood. I and many other have praised it's large collected of books and other media that may help other children growing up in the area. Keeping availability to this large collection of media is very important to me and likely many other future residents of the county. The events such as the d&d games run at the library are also very nice and I would hate to have them be cut back due to lack of staff or volunteers.

For over 16 years that I have lived in Hillsborough, the Orange County Central Library has been a pilar of the Hillsborough township. Every weekend for several years my wife and child would travel to the library on our limited budget and came home with a small mountain of books and videos that we would cycle through. The next week we would do it again.

The Orange Public Library is a vital part of my life! I absolutely love interacting with folks from different generations in the Not-a-Book-Club Book Club, and visiting the library is always a calm part of my day. I recently had the fabulous opportunity to attend the Carrboro Film Festival at the Southern Branch, and I was deeply impressed by the facility and the professionals who work there.

I am an organic farmer and mother of 2 young girls. Our family uses the library weekly. The joy on my daughters' faces when I tell them it is library day is wonderful to behold! They are avid readers and can spend hours browsing the library and having autonomy in perusing shelves, checking out books on their personal cards and asking the staff for help. One moment stands out: both girls got the idea from Highlights to ask the librarian for a "surprise book" we have found some wonderful books through their "surprise book" requests.

At a time in society and culture when kids are moving farther away from books and reading in favor of screens, closing the library 2 extra days is a step in the wrong direction. We need robust funding for our libraries to continue the hard but necessary work of encouraging children to read through programming, a wide selection of books, daily hours and helpful staff.

I would be shocked if funding to the library was reduced so dramatically, and if it were open two fewer days per week. I was previously an academic librarian. I am a writer, a book blogger, and a former editor of children's educational books. I am especially surprised because many towns, counties and regions seem to be expanding their libraries, not cutting them back. The OCPL system is heavily used. To cut the library funding would eliminate vital services to vast numbers of our citizens who need these services; what's more, a fully funded, functioning library is key to an educated community. I am baffled; if the funding is cut this will be a huge detriment to the town and region.

I use the library for all kinds of things! For printing documents, checking out books, and a very big help is a place for me to work. I am a remote worker and at times I need a quiet place to work or a place with power and internet when my power goes out (again!). We NEED libraries and programs! Libraries build communities!

We’ve used the library for toddler story time and play, and as the kids get older - a place to meet friends. One child goes to Expedition School who go there mo they on a field trip. My husband and I both check out books. Our 13 year old an 7 year old check out books, and movies. We love the children’s and teens programming. PLEASE DO NOT CUT FUNDING

Hello! I grew up in Hillsborough, and the Orange County Library has been an invaluable resource for my family and me for my entire life! As a young person with little else to do around town, I spent my summers devouring books in the library until my mom got off work. It gave me a place of belonging, as I remember seeing friends there, comparing books, and also taking advice from the librarians as I would trade out my stacks of books each week. An expanding collection meant there was always something new for me to read, and that a small-town girl like me had the chance to learn about the world through books. This access alone changed my life, and I know the space still functions the same for our young people today! As a young adult without access to a computer, I applied for my first jobs in the library, and from those jobs, was led down a career path in education. My career took me away from Hillsborough for a long time, but I've since returned home and in the last years, have frequented the library weekly for the same reasons I did as a child and young adult. I go to be with community; For access to printing; To check out books for the classes I teach in Orange County; For a cool place to work and read on a hot afternoon, as there is nowhere else in Hillsborough to do that! Losing two days a week of library service would pose a challenge for community members (not everyone works a M-F schedule!) and erode at our community. Ultimately, the library, with all of its many functions and services, is a safe space for everyone. It fosters connection, and pushes back at the isolation that so many, young and old, are facing. When we talk about investing in preventative services and mental health, the library budget should be included in that conversation. The library being open 7 days a week is a huge benefit to Orange County. Cutting funding in order to balance the budget would be a huge loss, and it's reverberations will be felt.

The library has been an important part of my children’s lives! We’ve gone since my oldest was 2 months old to the baby story time. She loves the library and we come every Monday, we’ve met friends and enjoyed many days here. We enjoy the programs and the activities the library offers. Staff is always so engaging and helpful. Monday is a mommy and me day for me and my daughter and we enjoy coming to the library to pick out books for the week, losing that would break both of our hearts.

I love the library, it is my happy place. The staff are all so wonderful. I check out books , love the programing at the library , the use of the computers , checking out books and DVDs . It would break my heart to have our beloved library have to close 2 days a week or to cut programs and activities they offer. The library is a vital place for our community . It has helped me through the years and through 3 different locations , the building that now houses the museum was the library when I was a child , my mother took me there often, I grew my love of books here . Then it moved to the building where the health dept area now is . Then our beautiful current building. The library holds such memories of studying with friends when I was in high school, using the computers when I did not have one of my own. The library holds such wonderful information, history and reference which I so enjoy . They offer many non fiction books on history that are avaliable for check out. There are so many reasons I could list about the library to prove its importance to the community. Its a valuable place , and it would suffer greatly with this budget cut. Please I hope this doesn't happen for our wonderful library.

The Orange County Library is woven into the fabric of my family's story since we moved to Hillsborough. The library was nearly brand new at the time and was one of the reasons we moved here. Since then, my daughter has spent countless hours not only checking out books from the library, but also participating in programs, learning to crochet with the knitting club and going to the library on walks with their class from The Expedition School. The library contributed significantly to their love of reading. My husband is also an avid reader and lover of books, so when a part time position became available at the library, he eagerly applied. He has now worked there for 10 years and is passionate about his job. It brings him joy to help patrons and other library staff in any way he can. The library is an essential part of our community and my family and the reduction in funding would endanger both.

I absolutely love the library. My wife has been using the Orange County library for her thirty years and she just got to show me around. I love getting books and attending events. I love doing my work there as someone who gets to work from home. I would be so devastated if we didn’t have the library.

Upon moving to Hillsborough where my wife was born in order to raise our own sons, one of the first things I took note of was the proximity of our home to the downtown public county library. Seeing it brought back memories of my own childhood, as I grew up a 10 minute bike ride from a library. From the time I was 9 until the age of 15 I frequently spent north of 12 hours a week at the library, and sometimes near 20 hours a week. I would pack my lunch, get on my bike, and ride to the library where I would stay until dusk. It was the first measure given to me for my own independence - I could leave the house for the entire day and my parents were okay with it because they knew I was at the library. The librarians there saw me grow up through the difficult years of becoming a teenager, I built relationships with them, and it was a coming-of-age moment when I realized that the books I was reading were no longer in the children's section, and were instead in the young adult section.

All of these memories came flooding to mind when I saw that the Orange County public library was only a 10 minute bike ride from our home, and I began to think with fondness of how my sons would be able to have that same experience. Already we go to the library regularly as a family, and they will lose themselves amongst the shelves and stack their little arms up with as many books as they can physically carry. It is cute to see as an adult looking on, yet when I remember how much it impacted me to grow up spending hours at the library every single day of the week throughout my childhood I realize it's far more than simply cute - growing up near to a library that I went to every single day for hours on end changed my world paradigm. When I was at home I was often unable to read to the extent that I liked without interruptions from my family members. Hence when I went to the library I didn't simply check out books and leave, it was my peaceful relaxing spot to read at, and so I would spend the day reading books from the shelves.

Hillsborough is a small town, and like small children, small towns are often overlooked. However also like small children, small towns quietly blossom and produce results and impacts that shape society years down the road.

We have many small children in Hillsborough, and while the parents of these children will happily continue to take them to the library to check out books even if it is open for fewer hours and fewer days of the week, those small children will still be unable to have the life-changing experience of growing up in proximity to a library that they can visit every single day and read at for hours on end.

We are a small town, with many small children. Those of us who live here are aware of the differences in what small towns are able to afford in comparison to the amenities of larger towns and cities, and yet still we have chosen to raise our children here, for the small town holds our hearts. This one amenity we request to continue, our small town library. Like small children, small town libraries are often overlooked, and yet they have world-altering changes decades down the road. I ask you to consider this.

Both OCPL locations are major, critical assets to our Orange County community. As a lifelong resident of the Triangle, I have enjoyed OCPL as a resource hub, a workspace, a classroom, and a reading refuge over the years, as have the other members of my multigenerational family. The library is in need of more support, staff, and open hours, not less — and any decrease in open hours would particularly affect those of us with non-traditional work, life, and schooling schedules, for whom the library’s availability during weekdays and in the mornings and evenings is a significant benefit and blessing. Orange County residents understand and respect the pressures the Commissioners face in preparing this year’s county budget, but we also know that cuts to the library budget are against the wishes, wellbeing, and long-term goals of our community. Orange County is a leader in the state in funding and dedication for education, arts, recreation, and public services, and it is every Orange County resident’s hope that our Commissioners remain steadfast in our collective commitment to funding what we know matters, even when times are tough. The library matters.

My family and I check out books about twice a month ourselves. In addition, all 3 of my kids go to the library monthly with their school. Every now and then, I use the library to work from, mostly when we have power or Internet outages. Our library system in Orange county is amazing, and will become even more vital, not less, in the coming years. In Hillsborough, there's always a decent number of folks in there when we come.

This was my first year homeschooling my 6 year old and I don't know what I would have done without the library to help me out, for 2 reasons. First, we regularly dip into many different sections when we visit (which we do once or twice a week) to check out books. Just a few days ago, I took both of my kids (6 and 2 years old) and we checked out kids' graphic novels (through which my 6 year old is learning to read), audio books, non-fiction kids' books about snakes for my obsessed 2 year old, story picture books, and several easy reader books for my 6 year old. THEN we went upstairs and got books about different crafts that I am using in our homeschool curriculum. Having such a wide breadth of books available to us enriches our world and makes the possibilities of learning feel endless. Secondly, we have participated in so many activities throughout this past year alone: story time, young kids explorer programs, and the literary peep show have been some of our favorites. We always run into friends at the library and feel so supported by the staff, all of which makes the library feel like a huge cornerstone in our experience of local community. The library is a place where my kids are developing a love of reading, learning, and being part of a strong community fabric, and a place that makes me feel so supported as a parent. In a country that makes it so difficult to raise children, I can't even begin to articulate how invaluable the library is for me and my family.

The Library is one of the most treasured and utilized "third spaces" in our community, where people of any age can access resources ranging from early literacy to computer/digital inclusion, civic engagement opportunities to educational and cultural programming. It is such a vital lifeblood for our community, and cutting resources and services will impact those who can least afford it.

I love the library! I took my kids there when they were little, and now they both hang out there as teens. The teen librarian is especially exceptional at providing fun, safe activities for middle and high schoolers. I go there to work frequently, I use the printer since i don't have one at home, and I check out books every single week. The library is my 'third place' where I hang out when I am not at home or work. The library was one of the reasons we decided to settle in Hillsborough (a strong community library was essential in choosing a town!) and I strongly support not cutting any more funding!

Having a local library is extremely important to me and, I believe, for our community. I go to the library on average once a week. It’s convenient for me to go to, along with errands I am running in downtown Hillsborough. Besides borrowing books, I have attended special events (such as the summer reading kickoff), Spanish conversation groups, used book sales, author talks, trivia nights, film showings and community meetings. The library is my favorite place to go when I find myself with extra time, and it provides a way for me, as a relatively new resident, to feel connected to the community. Less open hours or less books available would be a loss for the community and for me.

Libraries are vital community resources and we are so lucky to have such incredible libraries in Orange County! I value deeply (rare) places like the library that bring together community members from all walks of life. I bring my toddler to our library regularly to instill an early love of books that will last a lifetime. And it's not just about the books! We love seeing the art installations and attending programs for kids. I also appreciate a walkable place to work quietly on my laptop. Reduced staff and hours would mean many opportunities lost for me and my fellow Hillsborough community members to learn, grow, and engage with one another.

There are very few third spaces in our county. The library is a shore way for those with less to use internet apply for jobs, learn more about topics and just be safe! Please understand that closing this even a little more is detrimental.

I bring my grandson one day a week to the Hillsborough Library. The programs and services available are helping shape his little mind! There are very few opportunities for him to interact with other adults and children as childcare is unavailable financial for many young families. These services are helping to prepare for school!

With everything going on in our society today, we need places where people from all walks of life can go for free and have the opportunity to learn, escape into a good book and be around each other without discord as everyone is there for the same reasons- to enjoy the library. We all pay taxes for money to be used to make our community run and to be better yet we have no say in how a chosen few use that money. Well, this is us saying the library is an important part of our community and worth funding in full!

We are so lucky in Hillsborough to have a vibrant library as a central point downtown.
I began taking my kids to the story time there 14years ago.
Is an an active part of our community and losing programs, two open days a week, or staff would be a detriment to the community as a whole.

We visit OCPL almost weekly. Our 6yo daughter has proudly just learned to read and going to the library for the next book in her favorite series is something she always looks forward to. She is super excited about the Summer Reading program at OCPL as well. Losing books and days of availability to check them out and return them is a good way to dampen the enthusiasm the children in our community have for reading in a world where it is already in stiff competition with screens.

I love listening to audiobooks and I appreciate the Orange County Library to access free audiobooks using the Libby and Hoopla platforms. They have a great selection and I would be so sad to see that capacity reduced. With my kids I enjoy going to the library and browsing the selection. The library is such a great sustainable way to enjoy reading without buying a bunch of books.

I have many fond memories of coming this library since I was 3-years-old. Many of my family's favorite books were just random ones we picked off the shelf. I have been going at least one a week for many, many years. I still love coming to find new things to read! This library was the first place my mom and I felt comfortable with me going to alone. I attended story time as a kid and now, as a highschooler, I often use the study rooms to meet with friends to works on projects, study for tests, or prepare for academic competitions. I am much busier than I used to be and if the library was closed for two extra days, it would be much harder for me to find time to get there. I live in Mebane, but we usually prefer the Hillsborough library because it has a larger selection. It would be very sad for our community if the library lost funding!

Our son (4 years old) is obsessed with books. Thanks, in part, to our weekly (often twice a week) visits to our library in Hillsborough. The morning of the day we go to the library, he starts getting excited and tells everyone he's going to the library. His other obsession (other than books) is animals. And his favorite combination in the whole world is books about animals. When we get to the library he knows exactly where to go to find the animal books and he loves finding new ones or returning to favorites. We often run into friends and the library staff are always so helpful and kind. Our trips to the library and the incredible books we bring home are an integral part of our lives and a big part of what we love about living in our community. We're so grateful to have such a shared wealth of knowledge and joy in the form of our library and we feel it would be a shame for the library to lose some of its funding.

I am 12 years old and love checking out books. I can read a variety of books without having to spend my hard earned money. I have been coming here since I was a baby. I also love just finding a place to read in the library. Please keep the money for the library.

My family and I have been using the Hillsborough library for over a decade, starting with story time and picture books, and now the adult section and study rooms. My children absolutely love spending time here, just wandering or checking out tons of books that spark their curiosity. They have often picked up a random books that send them on a trajectory of learning a new topic. All the librarians and kind and helpful, and are always willing to help us find what we need. We often stop by randomly, like when we go to Weaver Street, or just have an itch to be around books. Losing days that they are open would make our random trips so much more difficult. All towns and all community members deserve libraries! Reading is the most important academic skill for children. You can learn anything from reading! Go anywhere with books! Limiting library resources will limit how much kids and all people read! Please keep the funding. We love and need our library!

The library is one of my 3yo son's favorite places to go in town on the weekend. He loves the stickers, interactive activities, and multiple ways the library engages little learners. We read and loan out books there weekly for him (he loves to use the self checkout machines) and for myself. We have also done some of the classes and groups that organize there (like the music movement classes with kids and the dad group). We went to the library kickoff in the park this weekend and had a blast, and are doing the summer reading challenge now. We love that it's open so many days a week! Please save our library!!

The library has been a second home since we took field trips there every month in elementary school, though I, of course, went several times a week. Liturature was key to my development and understanding of the world. In a digital age, children are now often lost in their screens, and resources that will help them learn and grow rather are dwindling. We can't risk losing any more.

As a writer in Hillsborough and the most recent North Carolina Piedmont Laureate both branches have proven fundamental in providing venues for readings, programs, discussions, all of which to help forge community. Our community. These are hard days with hard choices, with libraries and librarians taking so much of the brunt. Please don't make these cuts.

I use the library extensively for its collection on Libby of audio and e-books. I also love being able to put books on hold and come in and pick them up. I usually read around 80 books per year, and I would guess about 80% of them come from the OC Library!

When my nephews come to visit, we love to go to the children's section and take out books to read during their visit. I've also occasionally used the library as a quiet place to work when the internet is down at my house, and borrowed from their DVD collection.

I would hate to see funding diminished for the library. It's such a valuable resource for our community!

I am a teacher at Orange High School and I live in the community where I am raising my 3 children with my awesome wife.

The Libraries in Orange County have been a safe haven for myself, my family and my students over the years. My boys have learned to love reading and visiting the library almost every weekend. My students and their families use the resources available at the library, including being able to just escape the outside elements.

Also, to remove access to such a fundamental need in a town will cause trickle down effects you can't even begin to imagine. The most important part of a child's development is reading and being read to as they grow up. Ask any Elementary school teacher in our country, they will echo these sentiments.

Please make the right decision and vote to continue funding Orange County Libraries.

I've lived in Hillsborough for less than three years and one of the first places I felt welcomed was the OC Public Library. The space is ideal for writing, they offer many services and the book club kits are invaluable to our book club! It's important for our broader community to have this space open and secure for people of all ages. I now teach beginner's classes on writing at the Southern Branch (for free) and have met many people who need and use that library space in Carrboro. Please do what you can to continue to support this valuable space for our Orange County community.

Please do not cut the library budget. I am a life time library user. As a child I would bike to the library all the time to spend time. It has lead to a lifetime of reading and learning for me. Cutting this resource to our community is a terrible idea.

We moved last year to Hillsborough. The library was one of the factors that led us to move from Durham to Hillsborough. I was impressed by the support (financial and personnel) and the facilities. I am an avid reader, who works full time remotely and has trouble meeting new people. Going to the library on Saturdays has become a safe place, a social activity. The thought of closures, of a reduction in the books available is the exact opposite of why I chose to move to Hillsborough.

Visits to the library and book mobile were an important part of my childhood. A friend of mine with high school twins mentioned that her kids go to the library regularly to study with their friends. I think today’s kids deserve the same real life opportunities that I had, especially given that so much of their lives are spent online.

My family moved to Hillsborough 7 years ago and we have utilized the library every week of those 7 years. My kids LOVE it and never say no when we offer to go there, it's a welcoming place where we all feel at home. We have spent hours upon hours looking at books, exploring and meeting up with friends and community members there. It would be a monumental loss to have reduced hours or fewer books. If we lose that essential access, we will be forced to go to neighboring towns for the things we need or a space to meet and it will greatly impact the community that we are building right here in town. We want more reasons to stay here, not more reasons to leave.

The library is the center of my social network. We use the library almost every day. My kiddo walks there after school to meet friends in good and bad weather. I borrow books for myself and my family on a regular basis. Losing two days a week would severely change our schedule and our access to literature, games, movies and community.

I am a highschooler wo loves going to the library and reading. Going to programs at the library helps me connect with people with similar interests to me. I love all of the events at the library and being a part of a community. I have grown up in this town and have been going to this library for as long as I can remember. Cutting off the funding is cutting off a vital part of our community.

Of all things to cut, this is one of the worst. The support it gives to families and individuals is an immense return compared to the money put in. With property taxes going up as much as they did, it would be appalling to cut such an important institution in our community. My children grew up going to the library and continue to use it now for its resources and programming. I hope you reconsider the impact this will have on our community and continue to fund it at least as is.

The library is the heart of our community in Hillsborough, especially for people with young children. They provide essential services and a safe all-ages, non-commercial space downtown. Our 2 year old daughter regularly asks to go to the library, and it has been a very important part of building her verbal skills. I see this proposed budget cut as short sighted and destructive. I strongly suspect that every dollar spent on funding our libraries does much greater good than a dollar spent on many other budget line items.

From a child of six, I went to Library and checked out 5 books at a time. I read every little orange book that described civil war times; I read Gone with the WIND three times; I read "The Oldest Confederate Soldier's Widow" written by our own author, Alex Gurganus; I read all of our authors (LOCAL); and I would never have been able to buy all those books! Through the years, I checked out MULTIPLE Books and have not stopped. The Library provides MANY services that HELP our COUNTY residents. Maybe they do not NEED all the temp employees, maybe they do not NEED to be open late, but they NEED TO BE OPEN!!!!! FUND the best way possible.

The public library has always been a safe place for me, a refuge. I have enjoyed time at the Southern branch and the main library. At a time when libraries have become more than just a place to check out books, but a social resource for so many in the community, I urge you to reconsider changing the funding to the library. Librarians are overworked, underpaid, and still provide the community with informative, helpful programs that bring our community together. Thank you for your time.

Our libraries, an essential third space open to all, are the heart of our community. Books, resource materials and tech access are a lifeline. Please ensure the doors remain open every day for the people who need access, information and support now more than ever.

The library has given me access to books I couldn't afford to buy, a quiet place to work, access to research databases I needed, and meaningful programs that bring people together. Please continue to fully fund our library system!

I enjoy going to the Library, there’s always a friendly greeting from workers and a peaceful place to read or just be. I watch so many families come in, with their excited children. I get some time to read real news The New York Times. The programs for all ages and adults are great to make new connections and learn.

As a senior citizen and former educator the libraries mean everything to me. I love the Hillsborough library which I have been going to since we moved to OC, and was so excited when the Carrboro branch opened. These institutions are the life of our community, please keep the doors open! Seeing the children reading together, checking out piles to bring home, and reading to the kids in my neighborhood from their library books keeps my hope in the future alive.

We love the Carrboro branch of the library so much and we use it constantly. It’s a big part of our weekend. My daughter has her tutoring classes there and I love the fact that we don’t have to buy anything the way we did when her tutoring was at a cafe. The librarians are very helpful and she always comes home with a new book to read. Please help families who are having trouble in these hard economic times by keeping the library doors open.

Please don’t defund the OC Public Library. This is a treasured resource that I and my family use regularly, from checking out books to attending programs and meetings. Public spaces like this are so important for holding our community together. I drive a good distance to Hillsborough from my home in Orange County. Having more closing hours would make it very challenging time my trips to town with checking out books.

I had my first baby in April 2020 at the start of the COVID pandemic. There were many challenging things about new parenthood while the world was shut down. I remember how excited I was when the library opened its door for in-person visiting, and I got to bring my toddler there for the first time. Now, I have a kindergartner who loves to read, and an almost 3 year-old who is following in her big sister’s footsteps. We visit the Main Library just about every week, and I love searching for books with the kids, seeing what the librarians have curated on the shelves, and visiting the children’s desk to see what scavenger hunt or other fun may await. Every time my 6 year-old has a question I don’t know how to answer, I say “let’s see if we can find a book about it”, and we search on the library computer instead of turning to my phone the next time we go to the library. The children’s programming events we attend are a source of connection with other families and a way to introduce my kids to new experiences. I sincerely hope that library funding does not get cut so that the libraries can remain open everyday and continue to offer excellent programming for our community. Thank you for your consideration.

Hi,

Our public library is one of my favorite parts of Hillsborough! When my kid was little, the "Elephant and Piggy" books from the library were what taught my kid how to read. We enjoyed so much getting games, books, videos and audio books for long car rides. The graphic novel and young adult section really helped my kid (who is dyslexic) strengthen reading skills allowing them to keep up at school. When my kid became a teenager, the library D&D group gave them a place to hang out and make friends. My husband and I both enjoy checking out books, and attending events at the library. Please, don't cut funding for this vibrant, joy-giving, and essential part of our community!!!

Hi,

Our public library is one of my favorite parts of Hillsborough! When my kid was little, the "Elephant and Piggy" books from the library were what taught my kid how to read. We enjoyed so much getting games, books, videos and audio books for long car rides. The graphic novel and young adult section really helped my kid (who is dyslexic) strengthen reading skills allowing them to keep up at school. When my kid became a teenager, the library D&D group gave them a place to hang out and make friends. My husband and I both enjoy checking out books, and attending events at the library. Please, don't cut funding for this vibrant, joy-giving, and essential part of our community!!!

When we moved to Hillsborough, I was able to join a book club and immediately had a greater sense of community. Our book club very specifically chooses books that are accessible through the library so that everyone can participate each month.

Keeping the library open regularly means that people in our community have access to services and information throughout the week. It is a very important community service to have a range of days and hours available.

I take my kids to the Hillsborough library weekly. I especially love the children’s programming they have. From baby lapsit, to the STEM learning classes to summer reading challenge this library is a resource my family is grateful for every week. We especially love Miss Heather. This library has added to much to my children’s lives. It’s one of the reasons I live in Hillsborough. I would be devastated for them to lose any funding. Please don’t change such a good thing we have going for the kids!

Libraries are an incredibly important resource to every community. They are a safe place for so many different people from all sorts of backgrounds depend on to teach, learn, research, or use public resources that might not be available to them in their private lives. Libraries are especially important for our youth, existing as a place for them to gather and socialize without risk or fear. Taking this space from them might send our teens into more dangerous settings in their search for community and acceptance.

The library and the librarians are how my kids have learned how to learn. And as someone who works from home, it's been a lifesaver when our home internet has gone out when I've had important meetings. The idea of cutting back its funding as we head into a recession seems insane. When families are tightening their belts, the library is the first place they turn.

For my family, the library is the heart of Hillsborough. We use its collections and participate in its programs multiple times each week. We deeply appreciate the wonderful librarians who connect us with materials, offer thoughtful recommendations, and create a welcoming environment for everyone.

The library is one of the few places in town that truly serves the entire community. People of all ages, abilities, and income levels rely on its resources and services. Cutting library funding would have a significant impact on my family's daily life and on many others in our community.

I support full funding for the Orange County Public Library and urge the Board of County Commissioners to protect it from the proposed $333,759 budget cut.

There is a consensus in my community of parents of young children that the Hillsborough library is the preeminent public space to take their children in northern Orange County. Everyone loves it and takes advantage of offerings and programming with their children (my sample is kids less than 7yrs old). For my part, I have found that since moving from Durham, the OC library has less of a selection than I was used to, so I worry what cuts would do to the availability of desirable books.

The library is a vital space for the community. I used the downtown Hillsborough library to study for my LEED exams after design school. I enjoyed having a relaxing space to focus for hours. As many third-spaces disappear, it becomes more important that we keep libraries funded and available.

The Hillsborough library was a draw for us to move from downtown Durham to Hillsborough recently. We always loved having a library with amazing services for kids and adults in Durham so when we saw that Hillsborough library offered very strong programming as well that made the move just that much easier. The library is such an important community space offering the elusive "third space" so many of us are missing.

My 20 month old grandson and I visit the library faithfully each week and have done so for almost a year. There is such a sweet sense of wonder on his face when we walk through the doors. He loves choosing books and he has participated in several programs such as Spanish language story time and stuffed animal sleepover. Even at his young age, he has gotten to know several of the library staff members by name. We call them his library friends. We are blessed that he has many books at home and is surrounded by family members who love books as well. As a retired preschool teacher, I know that not all children in our county are so fortunate. For many children, the library is one of the few places they can be surrounded by books and learn to love reading. I feel the library is a crucial resource for all community members; most especially the youngest and most vulnerable in our community. Please consider carefully contributing as much as possible to this valuable resource.

I am 75 and my husband is 79 we are retired and live two blocks away from the Library in Hillsborough, NC. We walk there frequently. We love to read and enjoy reading for entertainment and research.

The staff at the library is helpful and knowledgeable. We also appreciate the multigenerational engagement with the community, the displays of art work and the children's area is always full of joyful activity. When we first moved to Hillsborough we attended a meeting about how to use public transportation at the Library. The bus stop is located right outside the Library and as gas prices soar it might be a necessity to ride those buses and meet more neighbors.
As we age it is important to become committed to reading and interacting with live people rather than watching televisions, computers, iPads and cell phones.

Commissioners please do not cut funds from our Library, it is an essential part of our Town!

The Orange County Public Library has been a place where I can study, use WiFi when service is down by my home, and where I can enjoy reading books without making purchases. This has been my library since I was in elementary school and it has provided me with countless fond memories of meeting up with friends and reading hundreds of books I may not have otherwise discovered. Losing access to the library means losing access to a safe place to study as well as books to learn from and enjoy.

The Hillsborough Library is a huge part of our lives. We spent many days at both the baby and toddler storytimes. My toddler loves the library. “Library! Books! Home!” We read 20+ books a day, and I believe that love of reading and books is hugely due to this library and staff. As he’s gotten older, I’ve been amazed by the book offerings. Every kid book that I find online is available at our library. It feels like the greatest gift. We would surely feel the loss of days or books. The importance and caliber of our library for this community cannot be understated.

I am a local public school educator who has lived in Orange County for over 20 years while raising my own children here. The library is the cornerstone of our community. Please fully fund the OCPL budget so all may continue to fully benefit from the library's essential services.

I remember telling my mother about walking into The Tate Gallery for the first time in many years. "Mom," I said, "I can't explain it, but when I saw those paintings, I burst into tears." My mother smiled knowingly. "I understand completely," she said, "Old friends.You were visiting old friends."

My mother nailed it, as she usually did. She understood that next to home, few places mean as much to people as familiar public spaces where they know they are welcome.

The Orange County Public Library in Hillsborough, North Carolina is one of those places for my grandchildren.Watching them levitate with delight to see a favorite book displayed is one of life's greatest joys. They are 5 and 2, but it is "their" library, and they are my guides. They know where to look for their favorite books. They know where things are displayed and if you need to find the water fountain or the bathroom, just ask them.

The West Margaret Lane library is always abuzz with parents and children and older people like me. A quick glance at the library's monthly calendar, Facebook page, Instagram, or website tells you that this is a vibrant multigenerational place. The Orange County Public Library is one of the county's most-used public services. Last year it was used more than 632,712 times, a ten-year high, at a cost of about $35.94 per resident, roughly ten cents a day.

When I heard about potential budget cuts to the library, my first thought was of Dr. Seuss's Grinch. Why would anyone propose that the library be open two fewer days a week? Why are they proposing cutting programs, staff and supplies? During this era of increasing social isolation and crippling inflation, why would we want to deprive citizens access to one the few places where no purchase is required?

Whether in Whoville or Hillsborough, shouldn't we do everything in our power to enrich children's lives and build community? For our edification, shouldn't we protect and preserve those public spaces where so much is offered and the only card needed is a library card?

Budgets are important. Money should be spent wisely, but if money is managed in a way that requires undermining the public library, we have a problem. I know that we can do better than this.

I consider the Hillsborough branch of the library to be an invaluable community resource. I visit several times a week. I love the “lucky day” shelf, where new books or authors can be found. I have an ongoing holds list where I read thrillers and historical fiction. I love going to the library to cool off on hot days. I frequently use the computer stations.
We need to protect the library and keep it fully funded! I want my tax paying dollars to support the library. Please do not cut funding for the library!

My son and I have been going to the library as soon as they opened back up after COVID. It has been absoloutely essential in fostering his love of and learning to read, a pivotal pillar and resource in the community’s education and fostering the small town feel and connection of Hillsborough. Losing two days would mean limiting access to not only books, but resources and reduce opportunity for the community to connect across the board.

Libraries allow people to learn without a curricular agenda. I did and it meant the world to me both as a kid and as an adult. Things are even more channeled than they used to be so the library is the last stand for curriculum-less exploration of ideas. I get that there is a money crunch and that it is politically not a good idea to raise taxes. That said, you could allow a check box for library services or other needed services. If people can pay more, that should be facilitated. The legal hoops to get this done are not huge.

The library was always a safe haven as a kid. My mom would take me on Sundays to explore all the opportunities and titles that were free to access. She was a professional student and always encouraged me to read and look into all the possibilities that life had to offer. Libraries are crucial to development. Please don't abolish this outstanding resource out of greed, spite and wealth. Think of future generations who will ultimately be responsible.

The library was always a safe haven as a kid. My mom would take me on Sundays to explore all the opportunities and titles that were free to access. She was a professional student and always encouraged me to read and look into all the possibilities that life had to offer. Libraries are crucial to development. Please don't abolish this outstanding resource out of greed, spite and wealth. Think of future generations who will ultimately be responsible.

Libraries are meant to be an accessible resource for all citizens, and the OCPL in Hillsborough is a shining example of helping a community thrive. Every grade at my child's school visits the Hillsborough library once a month since they do not have a school library. The proposed cuts would eliminate two days a week that the school would be able to schedule library visits, which might make it possible to only visit to check out books every other month or longer.
My family attends programs offered by OCPL, checks out books on a weekly basis, and uses other resources like free meeting space. The staff are tremendously helpful and the passion they have for working at OCPL is apparent with every interaction. Please reconsider the proposed cuts!

The Orange County library is where I introduced my children to the love of books, just like my mom did for me. We have spent hours reading, picking out DVDs for car trips, partipating in community events like yoga as well as countless trips as a school volunteer. I have seen homeless persons find a safe place in the library. I have seen the unemploymed, search for jobs and teens play endlessly on computers and participate in art, garden, and giving back through the giving trees. Our library has helped me teach my children humanity. It has been a safe place for me to escape the heat, find time to check out board games and read a book simply for myself. The library is a gift for all, please help us save it!

Library storytime helped me overcome postpartum anxiety with my oldest child: The reliable, welcoming event each week gave me the confidence to take my son out of the house and meet other parents who were facing similar challenges to me. I now have two children, and we still plan our weeks around library storytime. My kids have gained valuable literacy skills, but they’ve also learned how to talk to other adults and share with other kids. We would be devastated if we lost even a little access to our beloved library.

Hi, I have lived in Hillsborough for 20 years and the library is the most valuable resource in our town. When my kids were little we visited both the Carrboro and Hillsborough library multiple times a week for program activities, books and just somewhere calm to go and spend some time, especially when the weather is hot. With this love instilled, one of my sons, who is a young adults and still lives here, visits the libraries 1 or 2 times a week. Our librarians are the best, our collection is the best and we love being at the library. Our manga and comic collection is better than most. Reading and accessibility to reading is paramount for the education of our kids and community members. The library is a way to learn more about anything you are interested in without having to pay out of pocket to do so, that is what the taxes are for, I have already paid for these services and therefore do not have additional funds to purchase them on my own. Collectively, through taxes, we are stronger and have access to more.
I also ask that you strongly think about what you are removing if you reduce these funds. The library is the only public place where anyone can go and be during the day, use the bathroom and use the internet for free. This is an accessibility issue for our community. Where can our community members, who cannot afford the internet, go for access? Residents who need to access the internet to look for jobs, access email to take care of their kids and school, do school work, just to name a few.
If you take away this option, how are you taking care of the community in its stead? That is what taxes are for, to take care of this community.
Orange County has some of the highest taxes in NC and I am ok with this knowing that they are going to our wonderful libraries and parks. I seriously question my high taxes if you choose to reduce funding to one of the most important areas that my taxes support. Please keep the funding as is for our library system.

I have two small children, and we frequent the library on an almost weekly basis. The programs and services the Orange County public library provides are importantly to me and my family of beginning readers. My children love the summer reading program, and as a parent with a 1st grader in the process of learning how to read, the library resources are essential in continuing to develop his skills (especially as we approach summer). I would be disappointed and disheartened if the commissioners decided to go forward with this proposed budget cut; library services are one of the most essential services you can provide to a community. Please reconsider and please consider the impact these proposed budget cuts would have on families like mine.

I have lived in Hillsborough for 43 years. I raised 2 children here and brought them to the library regularly for books. I read mostly books from the library and rarely purchase a book. Now my granddaughter has thrived on books from the library and has attended story time for the last 4 years. In that process, a community has been built. Parents meet and friendships grow. The library is a focal point of our community!

Libraries support our educational efforts. Our community needs ALL of our libraries, hours, and an excellent collection. I particularly enjoy the historical collections. Orange County is RICH in history and limiting access to materials would not be what our forefathers would want. They worked to provide us documentation of their lives, intentionally or not.

I use the library for books, ebooks and audiobooks as well as DVDs/movies which I otherwise would not purchase. I also use it for printing and internet access, study space, and meeting space (both small meetings and large, in the meeting room). The library is a hugely-needed community resource and one of the only places in the community where one can just BE without being expected to purchase something or being asked to move on. The library reflects the values of this community and needs ADDITIONAL funding, not reduced funding! Keep both library branches open 7 days with the staffing needed to maintain or expand existing hours!

The Board of Commissioners needs to fund entities according to our community's values and TAKE THE TIME to explore the budget requests of all entities in detail instead of just knee-jerk funding what's requested without looking at justifications and data from every single entity. If this means the BoCC needs to delay a final vote on the budget to allow more time, then so be it! All entities requesting funding should be required to provide detailed explanations and data to back up their budget requests (just like the schools have had to do, for example), so the BoCC can see where there is excess in their requests which can be trimmed, to be able to support our fundamental community needs.

A budget is an expression of the values of its COMMUNITY - make sure OUR County's budget allocates OUR monetary resources in alignment with values the PEOPLE support!

I love the Orange County Library. I have two children, who both enjoy browsing shelves and seeing the “fish" at the desk in the children’s section. My second-grader goes on monthly library field trips from The Expedition School, and I am so grateful that locations allow for this kind of community and town experience. He is so excited to sign up for summer reading. I have gotten free Covid tests at the library, taken out movies as well as books, and participated in several of the free programs offered. I want our kids to grow up seeing how important public libraries are to our communities, especially in this extremely challenging and often downright scary time in national and global politics. Librarians and libraries should be supported and cherished, as Americans look around at what’s going on and realize that local, in-person, inclusive institutions and communities are what we must rely on. We all know everyone is tightening their belts, individually and institutionally. And libraries are there for people when they’re needed. Please don’t diminish this invaluable resource.

I get books and puzzles, do research in the history room, attend the crafts groups and bring in my magazines for the free rack. I've also used the study rooms occasionally. I think the library is not just a place for books but a place for community building! It is a welcoming place, very friendly and helpful staff.

I get books and puzzles, do research in the history room, attend the crafts groups and bring in my magazines for the free rack. I've also used the study rooms occasionally. I think the library is not just a place for books but a place for community building! It is a welcoming place, very friendly and helpful staff.

Since our house was one of the 518 the commissioners elected not to connect to the fiber cable that passes in front of our house, we are dependent on the library hotspots to do simple things like pay bills online. This is also true for our daughter and her family who live across the road. Additionally, our granddaughter is in the library at least once a week for story time and other activities.

Raise my taxes. Don’t cut this vital service to our community.

I use the libraries for: books, movies, research, internet, community news and information, meetings, workshops, and access to knowledgeable people who can help with all of the above.
Why are you even concerting cutting their funding?

The library is a central and important piece of our community and our lives. We visit the library every week, often multiple times per week. I read library books to my child at bedtime every single night. He's very curious and is always asking about various topics that I have limited knowledge about. The library is an invaluable resource for finding books that help educate us on the topics my child finds interesting. Losing funding for books and library days would be devastating to this community. The library plays a central role in bringing people together and providing us with resources to expand our minds and those of our children. We have multiple, very close, friends whom we met attending events at the library with our children. The library is an extremely important part of our community that we need to safeguard.

My family of 4, with a 2 year old and a 5 year old, visit the Hillsborough library about 2 to 3 times a week all year round! We love the library for making an exciting place for our kids to engage with reading and other early literacy skills. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful every day we visit. The collection constantly matches our needs for our growing children who will spend their entire childhoods in Orange County.

I implore the county commissioners to consider full funding, no further cuts, to this essential community service. We need these services not for entertainment or just a thing to do, but as an essential community building and capacity building feature of our county for the betterment of society.

My four-year-old son often asks me questions about how the world works, and with enough “why?” questions, we quickly get to a point where I cannot answer him. I say, “Let’s add it to our library list and get a book that can help us learn more about that.” A recent example is when my son asked, “Where does electricity come from?”, so we checked out a Building Blocks of Science book from the Hillsborough library. It had a little yellow character representing electricity who explained in terms and in pictures where electricity comes from in a better way than I ever could! Honestly, I read the book on my own a few times because I was learning too! We check out books all the time on topics my son has been curious about. Topics on our list have included piranhas, polar bears, pregnancy poison ivy, evaporation,and recycling. The library has been a constant resource for me as a parent to organically build upon subjects my son asks about and we learn more together.

I started going to the library daily with my son when he was about 5 months old. I would sit in the comfortable love seat in the children’s section and read board books to him while he snuggled in my lap. As he got older we started going to the weekly storytime and it is there that we met a close group of friends who we still get together and play with multiple times a week. Children librarians, Lexi and Heather, greet my son by name every time we visit and my son feels comfortable walking right up to the library desk and asking for help finding books on a certain topic.

Losing books or days of the week at the library would be heartbreaking. Visiting the library is a weekly staple in our family. Dad goes after work with our son and I stop by with our son during walks around town. Last year, I was at the library almost every day studying for a licensing exam for work. With there not being many quiet public places open in Hillsborough to work or study, it would be a really big shame and negative impact to many to lose library days.

I have a two year old son and we use the library in Hillsborough constantly. I am so glad that it is open seven days a week. We truly would feel bereft if hours or services were reduced. Please help preserve the library and all that it offers. It's so important that our children learn to love and value reading and spend time in the presence of books.

My daughter and I go to the library every week to get fresh picture books to read at night. On hot days, we go there to play inside when there’s nowhere else to go. And when she was a baby, we went to storytime every Tuesday with Ms. Heather. This is a precious community resource.

The library is the last and most important resource that does not divide the haves and the have nots. ANYONE can utilize it for wifi, support, opportunity to advance and educate oneself, and teach literacy to others. Making cuts will take from our county and nation one our most valuable, dependable resources to ourselves and others, our education. People can steal your home, your car, your money but no one can steal what a person knows. Library cuts can rob us of obtaining this knowledge.

For my family, the library is the beating heart of Hillsborough.

The librarians know my 3 children, and have watched them grow up. We go every single week, multiple times a week.

Ms Heather is my son’s favorite librarian. He talks about her like she’s an auntie. Ms Lexi held my baby for me for an hour one morning. She knew my baby’s name before she was born! The library is an extension of our home. Our living room down the street.

There’s no where like the library where I can take them and not be expected to buy something, pay admission, etc. This resource means the world to us.

Our family would directly benefit from MORE open hours not fewer. (9am opening on Sundays please?) More books on the shelves. More kids programs.

Access to the library is a huge part of what makes Hillsborough a great place to live.

I bring my young children to the library to choose books to read, to participate in story time, and to develop a love of books and learning. We have some books at home, but the library offers so many more that they can choose from. We can spend hours at a time there. It’s so important to have a place to go to do this, especially for a developing child’s brain. Losing 2 days a week would be detrimental, not just for me and my children, but for so many others who rely on what the library offers. It would be a huge loss for Orange County.

It’s hard to put into words just how much the CH library means to me. I grew up going to the older library and am in awe of the new facility and the many services they offer me and my family. We adore our weekly baby story time, leyendo, and open play and the opportunity to connect with other young, local families. I turn to the amazing collection of books on a regular basis for everything from graphic novels to quilting books to baby board books. I go to the library for “heads down” work and so appreciate the light-filled rooms and the wide open windows that look out into the woods and nearby trail. The library is my family’s “third space” — it’s so much more than a building. I’m there so frequently, it would be devastating to me and my family to lose open days, staff, programming and services or collections. I empathize with the Board of County Commissioners and the tough budget position they are in, but I urge them to reconsider cutting funding for our beloved library.

Our library is the heart and soul of our wonderful community. We meet our friends and neighbors and gather for special events. We find new authors, reunite with old ones, find meaningful and educational books and some that stir our souls. Our library opens us up to new worlds, and lets us explore our own.
Funding our libraries should always be a priority.

My family has been visiting the Orange County Main Library in Hillsborough since we first moved here over a decade ago. My children see it as a home away from home, as a place to not only check out books, but to attend programs weekly, to volunteer, and to talk with knowledgeable and kind staff about book recommendations. The library means so much to us, and it has grown with us from playdates when our kids were little to a place for our teenagers to study and meet up with friends. In our view, every town library is indispensable, but the Hillsborough library is especially so. It is in many ways the heart of our community and it deserves more funding not less. It deserves our support, our thanks for librarians such as Alexis, and a budget that allows quality programming and a strong collection to continue.

The OC Library in Hillsborough has become part of our family routine. We stopped purchasing books for our daughter because the selection of books is so good at the library, and she absolutely loves going there. We especially enjoy all the activities and contests they host for kids, and it has sparked a love for reading and learning. The staff are so kind, as well!

I use the library extensively for my career as a children’s writer for Scholastic—often taking out 20 books at a time to see what has been written on my topic, obtain facts, and gain ideas. The library is a vital source of information for my line of work. I have also used the library throughout my children’s younger years for programs and hope to do that with my grandchildren some day.

A peaceful place to come that you can actually read a newspaper. A place to warm up and cool down. And most important a great place for children. My grandson just loves it. We go there at least 3 to 4 times a week.

My friends and I use the library for studying, connecting with others, and exploring new hobbies! As students, we don't have much money to go many places, so a free library is perfect for checking out new books, local events, and crafts. I love my library and believe that everyone should have access to all of the wonderful services that our library provides.

I have a rising first grader and a four year old. We check out roughly 25 kids books every two weeks and a grown-up book here and there. These books are the lifeblood of our at-home entertainment and literacy. It keeps our tv off and pushes our kids to gain knowledge, reading ability, and empathy through story. Our trips to the library are some of the favorite parts of our lives and happen primarily in the evening and on weekends. I cannot overemphasize the importance of the hundreds of hours of reading that have been done in our house because of the library. Closing the doors or reducing the stacks would impact us greatly. I cannot imagine this loss to our family. Nor can I fathom the impact this would have on those who rely on the library for internet connectivity, community programming, work/employability training, or simply a free place to exist indoors. Please please please vote against this budget slash!!

We regularly check out books which is part of our weekly routine and would be devastated to have the library hours or staff cut. Our community relies on the consistency since the library is the heart of any community. We are senior citizens who depend on reading the books the library offers and the children and families of Orange County depend on this too.

I love our local library! I use it regularly to get all my books. I read a book for fun every night and a book for research (into spirituality, health, and topics that inform my practice as an artist) every morning. I get so much pleasure and education that I would not be able to afford to access without the library collection.

I am raising 4 kids in Orange County. They are all voracious readers, in no small part because of the OC library. Each of my children has spent days of cumulative time in each area of the Library as they are growing up. Each of them has learned how to conduct themselves civically in public by walking up (under my watchful eye) to librarians to ask for help or book ideas. Other than the police and schools, I can’t imagine a more impactful institution to our community. You should be raising the budget. Cut something else.

I use the library to read books. The kind w paper, words and smell. This helps my eyes from limiting screen reading.
Also, I enjoy programs such as the Orange County Master Gardener’s Digging Deeper.
In addition, I use the library to help me lend books to several of my book groups where we can discuss and support each other.

I wrote two books about the history of Quakers in Hillsborough and used the history room extensively. I write with friends on Tuesday mornings in the library and often drop in on other days for a quiet space to write. I appreciate being able to reserve a study room for myself or a friend to share our work. And, of course, I frequently check out books. I have also attended workshops at the Carrboro branch. Our communities need our libraries.

I often use the library as a free remote work space and to access books and audiobooks. It’s also a lifesaver on cold, hot, or rainy days when my toddler and I need to get out of the house. As a family on a fixed budget, we are so grateful for a free third place with quality children’s programming. Being able to browse a wide selection of children’s books has really fostered my daughter’s love of books. Reduced hours, programming, and inventory would be deeply disappointing to our family.

The Orange County Public Library on Margaret Lane offers an important service in our town.
I go there often as my book club meets there. Currently, I’m working on a project that requires discussing it with another person. We’ve been able to reserve one of the rooms on the second floor for our meetings. I cannot adequately describe how helpful this has been to us. It provides a quiet and uninterrupted environment for our discussions.
When I go, I see others of all ages taking advantage of this wonderful facility.
I strongly encourage you to think seriously before making any more reductions to the library’s services.

I visit the main library in Hillsborough at least once a week. I use library services to obtain informational books (eg. crafts, working with children, local history) as well as recreational reading and DVD's. The collection is excellent and the staff are always very helpful in finding the items I seek. And I make use of the valuable interlibrary loan services to borrow items from the UNC Chapel Hill library. In addition, I use the computer for internet access and for writing documents. Finally, I very much appreciate the high quality adult/teen programs in both the main library and the Carrboro branch. ( I especially appreciate the Orange County Library services because I am a retired library and this library is truly praiseworthy).

As a North Carolina native we moved to Hillsborough for the lovely community. After having children the library has been integral to our life! My husband and I feel very strongly about public resources and the library is this communities biggest and best resource across classes, cultures races etc: to take away funding for something everyone in the community values from is horrendous. Shames on you if you do this.

The Orange County Public Library is a gift we give to ourselves and our children. The benefits are a current and future citizenry with the important attibutes critical for the perservation of freedom and democracy: familiarity with U.S. and world history, understanding the dynamics of a complex democratic society, a discerning intellect that rejects bigotry, ignorance, conspiracy junk, mindless discrimination and the like. The library provides reading material for free and is also a safe comfort zone for learners of all ages. Our library is also a dynamic insitution that provides advanced technology and digital information to those who may not have access to these increasingly important resources. In my childhood the public library promoted and helped to develop lifelong learning habits. Even now, in retirement, I am still a frequent user of library resources both physical and online. I encourage our County Commissioners to carefully review the impact of budgetary reductions on the users of Orange County's excellent public library services and on the future citizens of our wonderful community. Thank you for reading this.

As a retired psychologist, lifelong reader, and extroverted writer, I am deeply indebted to the library's kind and knowledgeable staff, diverse resources, and glorious work spaces for enabling me to read and tackle projects surrounded by the community I crave. Never have I entered this space without observing every nook and cranny being utilized. This essential resource provides a critically important and much valued place of inclusion, connection, assistance, and lifelong learning for all, and it deserves ongoing financial support.

I am currently between jobs and caring for my 19-month-old daughter, and the Orange County Public Library has become one of the most valuable resources in our lives.

Story times and library programs have given structure to our week, a welcoming place to go on rainy days and weekends, and opportunities to connect with other families in our community. We regularly borrow books, attend children's programs, and participate in activities that support early literacy, language development, and a love of learning. As a multilingual family, we are especially grateful for access to books and resources that help expose our daughter to multiple languages and cultures from an early age.

Over the past several months, I have watched my daughter's confidence grow. She has developed a genuine love of books and recognizes familiar librarians, parents, and children when we attend programs. Seeing her light up when she recognizes friends and familiar faces has shown me that even at 19 months old, the library helps create a sense of belonging and community.

The library has also helped me build friendships with other parents. Through conversations at programs and events, I have learned about local schools, children's activities, community resources, and opportunities throughout Orange County that I might not have discovered otherwise. Many of the families we first met through library programs overlap with other activities in the community. What started as seeing familiar faces at story time has grown into real friendships, and I hope some of those connections will last for many years for both my daughter and our family.

The Orange County Public Library is much more than a place to borrow books. It is a welcoming community hub where families can learn, connect, and belong. I am deeply grateful for everything the library has provided for my family, and I hope other families will continue to have access to these opportunities for years to come.

My daughter and I love the carrboro library. We go every week for baby story time with miss Samantha. Anytime we are in town near the library we pop in and read some books. We use the library all the time and these cuts are an atrocity. We have also made so many friends through the library.

My homeschooled daughter found a second home at the Orange County library. She planned her days around our trips ti the library, started a writing group there, found adult mentors in the living staff, and wrote a novel in the quiet rooms provided. Her life would have been so different and less enriched without this resource. Importantly, I would have spent far less for family lunches in town, chocolates, and coffees in the small local shops of downtown Hillsborough. I am forever grateful for these memories and the time we spent growing roots in the community where my children now feel a deep sense of belonging.

My wife, my son and I chose to move to Orange County because of the amazing PUBLIC services available to county residences. We moved from Raleigh knowing that our property taxes would increase, but we tink the trade is well worth the public resources available to everyone including the library. I take my son to the library every week and my wife takes him there 2-3 times per week. We are watching the votes closely and will vote accordingly in the future.

Since moving to Orange County from Wake County in November, my family visits the library 2-3 times per week. We attend baby times twice weekly, which provide my infant early literacy and social emotional development opportunities. We check out a variety of books to cycle through at home with our infant. My spouse and I also both are avid readers and benefit from the library offerings. The budget cuts proposed for both branches of the Orange County library and for the proposed spending cuts on funds allocated toward the Chapel Hill library are infuriating. We CHOSE to move to Orange County from Wake because of the incredible public services offered in Orange County. We knew we would face an increase in local property taxes, but it was worth it to us because of the tremendous value add that these public services would provide our young, growing family. The libraries are vital parts of our community. They have also been an anchor in developing our social circle since moving here. Please do not vote to approve these cuts. We will be very closely monitoring your votes and will remember how you vote when your positions are up for re-election.

Good Afternoon,
I am a librarian in the public school system in OCS. I partner with OCPL to bring books and stories to our special needs students. I also utilize the library with my own children, we visit multiple times a week to get books as a family as well as participate in multiple programs such as summer reading, crafting classes, teen events, and more. Staff have always been extremely welcoming, but Alexis has made a huge impact within OCS by visiting and building relationships with our middle school special needs students. I’ve never been to OCPL and seen it empty, it’s always being used. Closing it for even one day a week would mean losing access to internet for many families, a place of shelter for unhoused, access to job help and other community organizations.

It's about more than books. A safe and educational community meeting space with great programs; a safe and educational space specifically designed for children, for teens, for people with special needs; a cooling and warming space to keep out most vulnerable local folks safe; a research hub; a place where those without the means can have access to computers and printers. When I first went into our Hillsborough library in 2016, my first thought was that I had finally found my home.

I frequent the library about once a week to get books for my elementary school children. I have checked out a few hundred excellent children’s books in just the past year, and my kids have become avid readers purely through the library’s resources. There is no other way for me to procure the quantity or quality of books every month that we enjoy reading with the kids as a family. The librarians at the children’s section of the Hillsborough main library have always been so helpful and friendly, and they always have good recommendations on which books my children might enjoy next. It is always such a joy to come to this library, and leave with bags full of books that gives my children something to do other than watch screens in their free time. I would hate to see the collection of books dwindle down due to budget cuts, or be limited to when I can come to the library. We also love the library’s summer reading program, which keeps my kids excited about reading even when school is out. The Orange County libraries are truly a wonderful and beloved resource to have in our community, and should not be forced to limit their availability to us.

The OC library provides a crucial service to our community. It's been essential for our kids' intellectual growth and going there has been an exciting prospect as long as we've been in Hillsborough. There is absolutely nothing like a public library for bringing a community together and fostering learning, curiosity, and literacy. It would devastating to cut its budget.

Used primarily for Children’s knowledge and study area and would significantly undercut children from losing a part of their childhood place that support their growth. We would need a major pillar of our community especially ones supporting the growth of kids to not be made less effective. I hope areas other than knowledge centers are explored to balance the budget.

I am passionate about reading and live two blocks from the library. I walk there several times a week to see what new books are on the shelves and to rub shoulders with neighbors. I volunteer at all the library booksales; my favorite volunteer job of all! This small town library is the best library I have ever used due to its size, its incredibly helpful staff, its wonderful varied community programs, and the warm friendly atmosphere! It's a lifesource for many without the advantages I have. It is one of Hillsborough's precious gems and some people with children have told me they move to Hillsborough explicitly for this library.

I use the library for books, community programs, and events that bring people together.

A moment that stands out to me was the Summer Reading Kickoff yesterday. The event was full of children, families, and adults enjoying activities, connecting with one another, and getting excited about reading. It was inspiring to see so many people gathered around something that encourages learning and community.

Without library funding, events like this would not happen. The Summer Reading Kickoff is much more than a fun day in the park—it helps foster a love of reading, keeps children engaged during the summer, and creates opportunities for families to participate in free community activities.

Losing two days a week of library services, or losing books and programs because of budget cuts, would mean losing opportunities like this for countless families. The library is not just a place to borrow books; it is a community resource that brings people together, supports learning, and enriches lives.

We use the main library in Hillsborough on a regular basis. We just signed our kids up for the summer reading challenge. This program is one of the highlights of my kids' summer break and they look forward to it every year. It wouldn't be possible to have such engaging programs without sufficient funding. For myself, I am happy that the library collects all the popular materials I want to read and offers ILL. I could go on and on, but suffice to say we love our library and would be dismayed to see it struggle to offer these services. Please do not cut the library's budget.

I use the library many times each week, from digital services like NYT access or Hoopla to in-person book borrowing and browsing. Reducing library hours and limiting the collections and services offered by the library would drive frequent users like myself to other resources and depress usage statistics for the Orange County library: this relatively small-scale budget decision by the Commissioners could spiral into a long-term cycle of collapse for an essential community service.

Even more harmful is the impact to the most vulnerable members of our community. Public libraries are a social service that offer an incredible bang for your buck. By providing safety, community, and educational and professional resources to underserved parts of our community, libraries work proactively to help the people of Orange County before they need other, more expensive government services.

If a financial argument is what you need, please keep that in mind. But if you want to use your position of responsibility to improve the lives of people in your community rather than cut their foundations of support out from under them in times of stress, please reconsider the importance of public library services to the thousands of people who rely on them every week.

Both of our children (ages 11 and 7) will ask “Can we go to the library?” If it’s after-hours when they ask, they’re always disappointed. They each come back with a stack of books. As busy working parents, losing the number of days it’s open each week would limit our ability to take our children. Losing the selection of books would reduce their chances of findings what they’re looking for and reduce their excitement about going. Additionally, the public library is critical for those who are low-income: job-seekers who cannot afford a computer and internet to apply to jobs, those who can’t afford their own copies of books, the stay-at-home parents who can’t afford regular outings and would otherwise sit isolated at home. Literacy is critical and public libraries make the community a better place. Please do not cut funding!

Please reconsider the plan to cut the budget for Orange County Libraries. Funding is crucial to maintain and improve collections and programming to stay relevant. The library is vital to the community and provides access to technology, information, and resources that are especially needed by underserved and low income populations. A quiet meeting room with a reliable internet connection can make the difference in employment opportunities. A cool place to sit with access to clean water can be life saving. Reading programs promote lifelong literacy. Please consider fully funding the Orange County Public Library.

I often visit the main library in Hillsborough (on weekdays and weekends) because it's wonderful, with a great selection and very helpful staff. The library draws me to downtown, and my library trip often becomes a starting point for visiting local shops afterward. If the library reduces its operating days, I can guarantee I will spend less time (and money) in downtown Hillsborough. I ask you to NOT reduce the library's budget allocation further than what's already been absorbed (thus do NOT adopt Amendment OP-B08) and suggest you seek other ways to balance the proposed budget instead.

My family of 5 (with 3 children under age 6) uses the library multiple times a week for checking out books and other materials, going to programming for kids, and for community. The library and its incredible staff and programming is one of the things we love most about living in Orange County. It would be such a loss for us and the community if budget cuts meant fewer days open or reduced catalog and programming, please reconsider this budget proposal and keep our library funding. This community resource deserves more funding - not less!

My entire family makes the trip to the library as often as possible to use many of its resources and to connect to the community. This act of reducing the library budget, along with poor teacher pay, eliminating funding from NPR, and gutting the Department of Education sends a clear message that learning through formal and informal means are a low or more priority at every level of government. You will drive people away from this once-great state.

We are a family with children and depend on the library as an educational and entertainment resource for books! The library is an important part of a community’s infrastructure to support families, education and to help anchor our community. Please don’t reduce funding to such an important part of our county and its residents.

My kids and I go to the library weekly and check-out around 20 books every two weeks. My boys live on library books and we were just reading Countasaurus and a Paw Patrol Anthology right now. They are so looking forward to participating in the annual summer read-a-thon and my two year old runs to the back of the library to see the fish. We do puzzles, we run up and down the stairs, and sometimes I work at the library. We were so happy when the extra hour was available in the morning for the library to open at 9am. We need all the hours of the library, please do not cut the budget.

When I moved here 2 years ago, the first week I visited the library and obtained a library card.
The library is an important educational hub and mainstay of our county. As a volunteer for the FAmily Reading Partners program, I go into homes with a gift of books every 3 months to each family to start to build their reading routines to level the playing fields as children enter kdg. Research shows us that reading is crucial to a child's readiness for school. Keeping the library open is essential to welcome all community members to embrace available resources for learning and growing into educated citizens.

My family and I use the library multiple times per month and have done so for the past decade. We have 3 children ranging in ages from 3 to 10. We have participated in various children’s programs over the past 10 years as well as school trips to the library with The Little School Hillsborough and The Expedition School. The library has been a safe haven for our children and a place they very much look forward to going. It has also played a major role in fostering their love for reading. We do not support budget cuts to the library in any way for these reasons. We believe it would be detrimental to not only our family but many other families in our community for resources and funding to be decreased. The library is a place in our community that we value and we would like to see it remain fully supported financially by our local leadership. We think it would be a mistake to reduce funding and that it would ultimately have a negative impact on our community and it’s children.

My entire family uses the libraries multiple days a week! We check out plenty of books. My baby goes to storytime. My two older kids participate in WonderKids. They do the library scavenger hunt. My oldest practices typing and using the computer while searching for books. We use the puzzle exchange. We post on the community board. We attend elementary school read-a-thon events there. We play with Legos at the Southern Branch.

One of my favorite things about the library is my kids' library joy! The children's librarians are a wealth of knowledge and so kind! They have gotten to know my kids and my kids love seeing them. We have been going to storytime with Heather for years. It's such an integral part of our lives.

We would hate to see the library less than what it is now. We want the library to grow!

The library has been a huge part of my entire family’s life and the growth and development of my kids. Both my kids have been going there at least once a week since they were babies. They are 8 and 10 now. It’s one of the few places they can go, get a book, relax in the cool quiet environment in a comfortable chair and just read. We love the librarians, the selection of books and all the other services provided, which are amazing. We have benefited from the books, graphic novels, audiobooks, children’s activities, puzzle swap, board game rental, computers and wifi, holiday activities (giving tree for seniors, ornament tree, free wrapped mystery books for Christmas Eve), free COVID tests, and of course the summer reading challenge which we look forward to every year and is a huge motivator to get my kids reading. This library is one of my favorite things about living in Hillsborough and I am heartbroken to hear there may be cuts, it would be a huge loss of a great resource to the community. Please do not cut their budget!!

I use the library every single week. I get books constantly. We have been enjoying the Hillsborough library for 20 years - story time, summer reading, puzzle swaps, crafts, and location for Science in the Summer camps. It has been a staple for my kids in their community. Please keep their funding and allow Orange County residents to continue to enjoy all that it has to offer.

I am active in multiple book clubs & depend on the local library to check out each book to read.
It saves money vs buying each book. Plus I just love libraries and they helped fuel my love for reading growing up.

Libraries are essential to every town's ecosystem. Libraries are where kids learn to love to read outside of the classroom, where adults can further their education & make connections through different programs. Most importantly, libraries grant access to both books and computers to those who can't afford their own. It is a privilege to own your own books and computers.
It would be negligent and a disservice to each town's ecosystem to cut funding from Orange County Public Library System.

The library has been a solice for me and my children. They have been exposed to to so many books since we can borrow them for free. We’ve been about to read about topics that interest them. In addition, the additional programming offered is top notch! The library is one of the best public services.

I love the Hillsborough library. This is where i brought my kids who learned how to read. This is where i went to study for my board exam. This is where I go for book recommendations. Please keep it open 6 days a week.

When my husband and I moved to Hillsborough almost 5 years ago , the first thing we did was sign up for an OCPL library card The staff were so friendly and welcomed us to the town !
Then I joined The Monday Classics book club where I met a wonderful, literature loving group of people! It helped me acclimate to our new home .
The library provides so much more than books , it fosters a sense of community and belonging for patrons of all ages It is the last bastion of our democracy ! All are welcome ! We need our library funding to protect these essential services!!







I then joined the Monday Classics bookclub where I found a

I use the Orange County Public Library as part of my work. If these cuts go through, they will directly affect my ability to earn a living and provide for my family.

I am the parent of two young children, ages 3 and 1. My household contributes roughly $6,000–$9,000 in taxes to Orange County each year, yet the library is one of the very few county services that my family uses regularly and receives substantial value from. It supports my work, provides educational opportunities for my children, and serves as a resource that benefits the entire community.

I am appalled by this proposed cut. The County has somehow found a way to increase the tax burden on homeowners while reducing access to one of the most heavily used and broadly beneficial public services it provides. At a time when library usage is at a ten-year high, reducing hours, programs, and books is exactly the wrong decision.

There is quite literally no other use of my county tax dollars that I value more than the public library. Please reject these cuts.

My family and I love the library! My daughter loves picking out new books to take home and I love that she is learning to borrow books instead of buying things new. We both enjoy the kids programming, which is not only fun for kids but creates a nice community among parents as well. And I love being able to read e-books from the library while I am breastfeeding or helping my baby go to sleep. We have also taken advantage of the printing and notary services at the library. We are so grateful for all that the library provides for our community!

We recently discovered Baby Time at the library and it has become our favorite part of our week. Our baby loves to interact with the other babies, which is important because he doesn’t get to spend a lot of time with kids his age.
We also love being able to check out books for him because he LOVES to read and always wants new books, and we can’t buy nearly as many as we can check out at the library.

A good, well-resourced library is essential to the health of a community. It's a safe "third space" where people can spend time without the expectation of spending money. It's a place to learn. And they provide invaluable resources to our citizens in need of a variety of kinds of support.

I have always admired Orange County libraries for their programs, and have taken advantage of quite a few of them. This is the wrong thing to cut. Orange County is a kind place that watches out for all her citizens--which means we need our libraries to at the very least keep their current level of funding. If anything, you ought to raise it, not cut it.

My kids and I go to the library every week. We love the flexibility of going on one of the few days that work for our schedule after school. I have 3 kids and we read lots of books, so we are always excited to look at the new picture books section. I also help with a Read-a-thon event at River Park Elementary. Alexis was a huge help in making that event a success. She offered bookmarks to students who came to the library during the read-a-thon and made a list of library books available at the library that went with our theme. She also had given me advice on event planning to get kids excited about reading.
My son was behind in reading because he had a year of substitute teachers in 1st grade when he was supposed to climb reading levels quickly. The library summer reading program, support from librarians, and easy access to books that fit into his narrow range of interests helped him get excited about reading and back on reading level for his grade. We are so grateful for all that the library does to build community and solve the national problem of kids being below the grade level in their reading abilities. Please continue to support their important work

Public libraries are a cornerstone to the county. They provide a place for children to engage with books and learning to read, which in turn helps kids become more knowledgeable, and stretch their curiosity. It makes them better in the community and engages them to grow and reach for new ideas, libraries spark their curiosity and imagination. This is vital for kids and needs to be accessible. Cutting hours or books directly scales back their learning and growth.
Libraries create a space for everyone to learn, create, become inspired, and carry this out into the community making it a more cohesive and compassionate community.
Libraries are for students to learn and for those in the community who might not otherwise have access to computers or even just a quiet place to go enjoy.
Each library in Orange County serves that community as a center location for everyone regardless of background to come and learn and as such these learning centers need to be open and available for those who may work odd hours and need to be local to those it serves. Loss of hours or books would mean a loss to everyone and directly hinder many who rely on its doors being open.
A single working mom who needs a computer to use is going to find hardship having to travel from Chapel Hill to Carrboro or Hillsborough if she does not have her own car. Keeping libraries accessible, well stocked with books, open and local is imperative.
As a kid I remember well going to the library to hang out after school or on a weekend, to read, study, take a class or research, it was easy to get to since I could take a short bus trip, and I believe helped form me as a youth to inquire, research, and forever keep learning.
Libraries keep us learning and growing. They are the heartbeat that makes an area keep its vitality and learning alive in each community and then share that vitality to the neighborhood they are in.

My kids and I rely on WIFI and printing at OCPL for school projects. With the failed roll-out of the rural fiber optic plan, we don’t have reliable internet out where we live. Where did the money for that go? The county commissioners made promises there, and now are cutting accessibility to our backup internet source. It’s incredibly disappointing.

I have loved the Orange County Library for 50 years! From its’ spot under the now Historical Museum, to the old Hillsborough High School to the beautiful new building, just walking in makes my day. The pandemic closure was so tough. Upon the reopening, I found myself in tears just to be back in our library. It represents the very best of Orange County. From books to all ages, support for teachers and homeschoolers, to a wide range of programs, the Orange County Library is for everyone. Please continue to keep this vital resource opened for us all.

Here’s a tighter version that keeps the personal angle while sharpening the argument:

The library has always been a special place for our family. Our oldest loves to read, be read to, and simply spend time surrounded by books. Some of our favorite family moments have come from spontaneous trips to the library—an afternoon outing, a surprise visit, or just a place to explore together.

Reducing library hours and closing additional days makes those opportunities harder to have. The library is one of the few community resources that is educational, accessible, and beneficial to families of all income levels. Taking away access to it feels like moving in the wrong direction.

It’s especially frustrating when property taxes have increased significantly—we’re paying roughly $300 more per month than before—yet we’re seeing cuts to services that families actually use and value. Surely there are other areas where savings can be found before reducing access to one of the community’s most important educational resources.

Please keep the library open and accessible for the families who rely on it.

The library has been a game changer for our family. When our children were younger, we regularly participated in the children's programming, which provided opportunities to learn, connect, and develop a love of reading. The library has given our children access to books that truly interest them, helping foster a lifelong passion for reading.

The library's extensive collection and accessible hours have been critical in ensuring our children always have something engaging to read. One of the most valuable lessons we have learned through the library is that many children don't dislike reading. They simply have not found the right books yet. Having access to a wide variety of materials and knowledgeable staff has made all the difference.

The librarians have been instrumental in recommending books for our hesitant readers and helping them discover genres and authors they enjoy. Today, we continue to frequent the library to keep our middle schooler stocked with books for Battle of the Books and other reading opportunities.

The library is far more than a building with books. It is an essential community resource that supports literacy, learning, and lifelong curiosity. Its impact on families like ours is immeasurable, and it is simply too important to our community to face funding cuts.

The library is such a valuable resource for this community. My kids have always enjoyed the events they host and being able to go get books that often are out of our price range to purchase ourselves. My son once went to a free workshop hosted by the library on writing for video game creators, which is exactly what he wants to do when he grows up, and he got to talk to the workshop leader who has been in the gaming industry a while and get ideas on how to make this his career path. This meant so much to my son and really inspired him in his dream of story creation for video games as a real possible and attainable career. Cutting resources is not the way to go. We need things like this in the community not just to help build a better future, but to create a better now. Books are important, education and learning is important, and equality is important. Cutting the library effects everyone, but very much so families who rely on it for enriching activities and books they may not be able to afford otherwise.

I love that our Hillsborough/OC library locations are open on Sundays! Ease of use. The ability to place "holds" on books allows those with busy schedules to still access and utilize the library and plan ahead within our schedules.
Also, I love that the Hillsborough location has the drive-up drop off box right near the parking deck. This makes the ability to return books a lot more accessible, without the need to find parking.

"It is a pleasure to be part of the Friends of the Orange County Library. It is a wonderful way to support literacy in our community. The Library is the best way to ensure that reading resources are available for everyone. Please join this worthy cause, meet great people, and be a part of the good of the community."

Libraries are as essential to democracy as the voting booth, our educational system, and our daily lives. But especially for those among us who are not as well-off as others. It is our responsibility as a people, not just as a nation, to provide places and opportunities for everyone to access our cultural knowledge. Please don't cut back on libraries.

OCPL is a central hub for books, yes, but also for safe gathering. The programming benefits people of all ages & abilities, as does the puzzle lending. I urge the BoCC to protect the library from the proposed budget cut.

Cutting the library is an awful idea. It's a source for ideas, a place I've been able to get my kid to do projects, a safe spot for the community. Do not make a budget cut to the library funds!!

As somebody who recently relocated to NC, I love the “auto renew” feature on items checked out. Also the “self-checkout”. Neither of which I had in MI. It’s a wonderful library that I’ve enjoyed very much this past year or so!!

The library has been a staple in my life in Orange county since my ownchildhood. I raised my daughter on storytimes and spent many afternoons selecting books with her. Please do not cut funding to our libraries.

I am retired and housebound. Reading is my primary pleasure these days. My husband goes to the library each week to pick up books that I have requested. Please don't cut library resources.

As a child, we were intimately familiar with the 40 book limit, because each week we reached it. The library has always been a safe space, somewhere to go to escape from the world, study, do a puzzle, or find an adventure. I would be devastated to lose access for two days a week.

Our local library is the bedrock of community. It’s one of the only healthy, free spaces where people can gain knowledge and engage with community . It’s an irreplaceable resource that should be protected at all cost. I do not support defunding.

I use the library to check out books for my child and to participate in the summer reading program. It’s so valuable to have such an amazing library in our tiny town. The high cost of everything right now makes borrowing books from the library even more important.

I love to bring my little kids to the library as a special outing and walk around down town get a bit to eat while they relax and read their books. The staff does an amazing job with all the little kid programs. It such a great resource

My toddlers love the great educational reading and music programming at the library. It’s a much needed community building experience, in addition to being educational and fun, and so helpful for families.

The Main Library in Hillsborough is fantastic, I use it all the time and it has such great programs and resources. Libraries are so important for the community, and this one is so heavily used! Please keep funding our libraries!

I’m an artist, and there was a time when the Main Library in Hillsborough was the only place I was able to get high-quality scans of my artwork, which I would then use to create books and prints. Being able to go there any day of the week was the difference between me having an essential part of my portfolio and not.

I love this Library. The people are so helpful. I moved from Philly 4 yrs. ago and made a good friend through one of the book clubs at the Library, for which I am very thankful.

The library will always be a place you can come back to and find comfort, community and even new skills through special programs! Story time with my kids is one of our favorite activities. I can't imagine the loss these resources

I hope you can fully fund the library. I want my taxes used for life affirming, educational, healthy social services. Please reconsider this budget cut. Find the funds in the Sheriff department which has more money than required for our county.

I am appalled at the idea that Orange County Commissioners would consider these drastic cuts to the Orange County Public Library. I have used my local branch for workshops, and have other workshops upcoming. These are in addition to the regular library services.

I love living near a walkable town with a vibrant library that I go to twice a week to check out books and keep current with local activities. There are always people in and out there at any time of day. It keeps our community connected.

In these hard times the Orange County Library has been my lifeline for finding books and CDs. We need it now more than ever - please don't cut there finding again, they do a great job for the community!

I very frequently use the Chapel Hill library to checkout audiobooks, to use their Spanish language online program, to checkout DVDs and hardcover books and attend programs in their meeting room. The library is bustling every day of the week!

Our family uses the library for preschool storytime, STEM/STEAM activities, checking out books for family read aloud at home, a fun place to go in jot or cold or rainy weather to enjoy picking our new stories. We also check out dvds and learning kits.

Our daughter loves the library! We’ve spent her childhood there and are so grateful for all of the staff. It’s so important to have public places where children can learn and connect with one another.

The library is one of the only places that's free to everyone and is an essential part of our community! We need this resource to be open to our students, our new parents, our rambunctious toddlers, and those who are seeking social medicine.

I love going to the Orange County library branch in Hillsborough to learn about community events and interact with my neighbors. I went to a craft event at the Southern branch in Carrboro that was extremely wonderful, and I would be sad if these events are no longer possible with current budget cuts

I am a shut in and rely on the kindness of neighbors to pick up my books. Closing for 2 additional days will cause problems with receiving my books. Books are my life line to the world.

Some of my fondest memories are of my local library. Its always been one of my favorite places! Now my kids are able to enjoy our local library and it's programs as much as I do.

I use the library as a source for books magazines and newspapers. It also provides space for meetings. Lectures on interesting topics are frequently available.

"The Friends’ support provides nourishment to turn our librarians’ bright ideas into flourishing resources for the community. The value of service and volunteer help by the Friends contributes to the thriving growth of the Orange County Main Library."

My children absolutely adore the public library.The time spent there is special to our family and these cuts are incredibly impactful to their development and at a high detriment. Please don’t do this

The Hillsborough library was a great place I took my children to look & checkout books for years. Now it’s a great meeting spot for my spinning guild to meet in one of the reserved rooms each month.

I love our libraries! Do not cut their funding! They are such important community hubs!

I grew up in Hillsborough and have been to this library countless times, not only for the books but for the community that gathers there. Losing this would be extremely disappointing.

The library means so much to us and the community. It is one of the few, truly free and inclusive places to go with endless resources for all. It would be a huge disservice to the community to close the library for any amount of time, or to limit resources available to all.

The library KNOWS what Hillsboro fiction lovers want and need. All the best and plenty of it regardless of quirky genre!!! Never fails.

The library is a necessary resource for our communities. Across all ages and social classes the library brings people together.

This is outrageous. Perhaps cuts in the sheriff's department . Not the library. Perhaps lower the gasoline use of all Orange county vehicles.

The library enriches both my children’s lives with books and programs to add education and exposure to a wide variety of new things. It’s been a blessing to us

As a homeschooling parent the library is integral to our learning. It also gives us ample “3rd space” to explore and enjoy.

This library is the space where I can go read a book and unplug from a hectic day, take a moment for myself, meditate. It is a pure and necessary self care moment.

My son and his friends love going to the library on remote learning days then walk to a local restaurant for lunch. It gives these teens a sense of freedom and responsibility.

Please please do not cut finding for our libraries.
The fact that this is even in the table is so scary to me.
We NEED to keep our libraries open

I read about 3 books a week. Don't know what I would do if the budget is cut.

The library is always been home for me, the doors were always open and the temperature was always just right. I was able to find information and knowledge that I needed at that time and without it I'd be lost.

Libraries help our citizens to be educated which is what a democracy depends upon. I believe limiting our library resources is detrimental to the health of our democracy.

The librarians. Specifically the ones who work in the children’s section and put together those fun activity bags!

I am completely opposed to this ill conceived and short sighted plan. The library is one of the primary public services the county should provide for its residents.

My daughter uses the library for cap many manga books, while I read hundreds of audiobooks through Libby a year!

Pretty amazing that our property taxes are what they are and we are so short sighted as to cut something as essential for now and future generations as library services.

Orange County libraries have helped us raise our children in a bilingual household by providing a large selection of books in Spanish

We go weekly, and value the library very greatly. Say no to cutting their budget.

Great selection. Perfect staff. Wonderful events.

I am school teacher in Orange County who frequents the Orange County Library for students in my classroom, regularly.

They still have a great selection of books on CD, the Mebane library CD section is pretty much gone. And they are very nice and helpful.

We like to meet new friends, make meaningful connections, and imagine and learn from all the books and opportunities the library provides!

The librarians are so welcoming and helpful. Love the easy pickup for reserved books! The art displays are always fun

The library is always a good resource for all, a place you take your children too and teach them like school open Mon- Friday so should libraries.

The library is one of the best, free options for a rainy day inside with our kids!

Accessing audiobooks through the library is a lesser-known but wonderful resource!

Bring back Interlibrary Loan, both Chpael Hill and OCPL + Music.