Mecklenburg County Plans Library Cuts

Mecklenburg County library leaders have approved a budget that includes $3.6 million in cuts, including 29 percent for books, DVDs and computers.

The cuts were forced by a proposed 10 percent reduction in library funding in the new Mecklenburg County budget.

Eyewitness News reporter Jason Stoogenke was with the leaders as they decided what to cut next year. Along with the books, DVDs and computers, there will be hiring freezes, furloughs and fewer employee benefits.

There are also plans to close all libraries on Sundays for the summer.

Library Director Charles Brown said, “Initially, it was almost like a death in the family, and now we’re just trying to get used to that. But it was very, very hard at first.”

Mecklenburg County votes on its budget Tuesday. If commissioners give the library less than expected, the cuts could change.