Raleigh, N.C. — Wake County leaders have asked their libraries to come up with $1.84 million in potential budget cuts.
Library officials said their proposal includes closing branches at Duraleigh, Southgate, Wendell and Athens Drive High, as well as shutting down the Electronic Information Center in downtown Raleigh and a book mobile.
Hours at branch libraries would be cut, and some staff could be laid off.
Officials say the list is only recommendations for reductions, and there are no immediate indication the cuts will be made.
The proposal comes as libraries across the state see an increase in visitors. According to the State Library, nearly 5 million North Carolinians have library cards – an all time high.
Some counties are also reporting a 45 percent increase in computer use at libraries, primarily by those applying for jobs online.



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January 29, 2009 4:31 p.m.
January 29, 2009 3:57 p.m.
colliedave, I do donate to the library, yearly in fact. And we usually spent a messload at their yearly book sales. :)
January 29, 2009 2:34 p.m.
If libraries are that important, how about puting sime $$$ where your post is?
January 29, 2009 12:23 p.m.
The library is a county government service cut being considered, not municipal (local) gov't services in City Hall. Those service cuts won't be announced until they think that we've forgotten the millions just spent on a 'temporary' police building in North Raleigh.
January 29, 2009 12:08 p.m.