Task Force Targets 9 Libraries For Possible Closure – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — A special task force recommended closing nine Mecklenburg County libraries if the county could not allocate more money to the library system.

The recommendations were unveiled Tuesday night.

The task force's proposal included closing libraries at Steele Creek, Mint Hill, Mountain Island, Matthews, Davidson, Hickory Grove, Plaza Midwood, Myers Park and Cornelius. Library officials would close the branches as funding runs out.

Dwendolyn Garrett said she visits the Plaza Midwood library at least once a week, often with her three young boys. She was disappointed to hear that it was recommended as one of nine for possible closure.

"I think that's not good," Garrett said. "People that need the library, we don't have the resources at home."

The task force said an additional $1.8 million would allow the library system to expand hours at the regional branches and keep all of the branches open.

County Commissioner Harold Cogdell didn't rule out more funding but said it's clear the board will need to make some tough decisions once the county manager makes his recommendations in May.

"We need to be responsible in our deliberations on where we get the best return on our investment with limited resources," he said.

The task force also recommended expanding the hours of the regional branches even if the library system could not secure additional funding. Residents like Garrett weren't impressed with the idea.

"(It's an) inconvenience," she said. "Definitely (an) inconvenience."

Nearly a year ago, library leaders pulled back on a plan to close 12 libraries and instead opted to make cuts in salaries, staffing and hours.

Library officials will meet with county officials on March 21 to present the recommendations.

Previous Stories: October 5, 2010: Library Announces Task Force Members June 24, 2010: Library Board Votes To Cut Back Branches' Hours June 22, 2010: 5 Mecklenburg Towns Pledge To Help Save Libraries June 19, 2010: Budget Cuts Force Charlotte Libraries To Shut Down June 7, 2010: City Council Votes 'Yes' To Library Funding May 27, 2010: City Leaders Butt Heads Over Library Funding May 11, 2010: Library Letter Spells Out Possible Layoffs April 30, 2010: Library Leaders Plan For Looming Budget Cuts April 15, 2010: Library Board Looks At Bleak Scenarios April 7, 2010: Mecklenburg County Commissioners: Library's Financial Troubles Not Our Fault March 29, 2010: 12 Libraries Slated To Close Will Remain Open March 22, 2010: Donations Fall Far Short Of Libraries' Needs March 22, 2010: Donations Pour In To Save Charlotte Libraries March 19, 2010: Library Programs In Limbo After Closure Announcement

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