CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's grassroots campaign to raise $2 million by April saw a steady increase in donations over the weekend.
By Sunday afternoon, the campaign had netted close to $70,000 to help save 12 libraries on the brink of closure.
On Saturday, the campaign received a single gift of $5,000.
Library leaders expect to have a new total for online donations by Monday morning, but told Eyewitness News that it will take longer to have a total count of all the money raised so far.
On Saturday, dozens of people lined the street outside the Independence Regional Library in east Charlotte, holding signs and asking people to donate money.
Danielle Pack organized the rally. She is especially worried about the Independence Regional Library closing because she said a lot of people in that area will suffer.
"There's a lot of poverty around this area and a lot of these families don't have computers," Pack said.
A few miles away, 150 people crammed into a tiny room for a public meeting at Hickory Grove Library, which is also slated to close.
IMAGES: Charlotte Residents Rally To Save Local Libraries
"I don't mean to sound dramatic, but it was almost like a death occurred," area resident Matthew Tringali said.
Tringali said he's particularly upset because if the recently-opened Hickory Grove branch closes, the next-nearest library will be dozens of miles away.
"If you look at the map of where the 12 libraries are to close, there's a big gap on the east side. They're absolutely right," said Jennifer Roberts, chair of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners.
Roberts said slumping sales taxes has created a $95 million hole in the county budget, leaving leaders with few good options.
This particular option has created an uproar among Charlotte residents.
"If the libraries are closed, then you're closing the minds to the future of our children. We can't afford that," resident Sandra Clory said.
Library officials at the other 10 branches slated to close said dozens of people have dropped off donations in an effort to help.
Click the blue bullets to see library branch locations.
View Library Branch Locations in a larger map
Branches to be closed:
• Mint Hill • Independence Regional • Morrison Regional • Scaleybark • Carmel • Belmont • Sugar Creek • Myers Park • Hickory Grove • Cornelius • Beatties Ford • Checkit Outlet
Previous Stories: March 19, 2010: Library Programs In Limbo After Closure Announcement
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