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Facts about Library funding
Where does library funding come from?
The Library receives most of its operational funding from Mecklenburg County (approx.93%). Other funding sources, such as the State of North Carolina, the City of Charlotte, and the Mecklenburg ABC Board, make up a small portion of the Library’s operational funding. Additionally, the Library receives private contributions throughout the year and applies for grants to help support library services for all ages and provide resource enhancements.
*Mecklenburg County provides upwards of 90% of funding for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, with peak funding in FY2009 of almost $35 million.
What’s the relationship between the Charlotte Mecklenburg library and Mecklenburg County government?
The delivery of Library service is the result of a partnership between the Library and Mecklenburg County. The Library is the managing partner that delivers services, and the County is the funding partner that provides the funding for those services. Each partner serves their specific function; but when issues arise that significantly impact both the delivery of service and the cost of delivering service, both partners need to be consulted.
Is Mecklenburg County government mandated to fund libraries?
No. County funding for libraries is not State mandated. Therefore, County funding for libraries can be reduced by any amount, at any time, by decision of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners.
When does the County’s budget process begin?
Mecklenburg County begins budget preparations in February through a series of planning sessions. The preliminary budget is presented in mid-May, and the final budget is voted on by County Commissioners in June.
Who administers the library’s budget? What is their role?
The Library’s Board of Trustees administers the Library’s approved budget, based on recommendations from the Library Director and staff. They are responsible for decisions that affect staffing, locations, and books and materials. However, the Library’s Board of Trustees does not have the ability to tax, cannot borrow money, cannot charge residents a fee for basic services like library cards, and cannot carry over County funding from previous fiscal years.
Who appoints the library board?
As established by the State of North Carolina, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board is composed of eleven members, of whom ten are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and one by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. Appointees are selected from public applicants.
How is the Library planning for the future?
The past year has been a time of transition and planning for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, but we believe we are now well positioned to build a sustainable future for the Library, as guided by the adopted recommendations of the Future of the Library Task Force and a strengthened relationship with Mecklenburg County.
Our current strategic imperitive in serving our community and planning for the future is the implementation of the Task Force recommendations. Under the leadership of CEO Vick Phillips and Library Director David Singleton, we have made significant progress toward these goals.
The Library`s budgetary planning process has also been refined. To aid in future budgetary decision-making, the Library Board has adopted a clear set of general guiding principles for budget planning, and now utilizes new financial modeling tools.
Community support is still an essential component of our future success, and we`re working diligently to communicate the value of library service to our citizens. If there’s one thing that continues to be true, it’s that our community values and appreciates the impact libraries make each and every day. Together we have created a library that goes to work for all people. It is a living investment in our community’s future.
What is the current funding situation for the Library?
In June 2011, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a final FY2012 budget for Mecklenburg County, which included $24 million for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. This amount included $2 million in additional funding to allow the Library to expand hours at the regional libraries in fall 2011, as recommended by the Future of the Library Task Force (see below), without closing any other branches. This did not restore hours at regional locations to pre-recession levels of 71 per week, but it did represent a 46% increase from the 37 hours per week in FY2010. Hours at Main, ImaginOn, and the smaller community locations remains the same. Read more in a news release Library funding for FY2012 gets final approval from Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
Library officials credit the strengthened relationship with Mecklenburg County, the historic FY2011 contributions from the City of Charlotte and five towns in Mecklenburg County, the contributions of donors and volunteers, the commitment of the Future of the Library Task Force, the advocacy of community groups such as the Friends of the Library, and the efforts of many others for helping the Library get to this point.
Tell me about the Future of the Library Task Force. What were they responsible for?
The Future of the Library Task Force was a seventeen member, community-led group charged with gathering information, consulting with residents, and reporting ideas and recommendations for the sustainable future of the Library. The Task Force`s recommendations were presented to the the County Commissioners and the Board of Trustees on March 21, 2011. The recommendations were examined by a County/Library workgroup, and on May 3, the County and Library approved the Future of the Library Task Force recommendations with minor changes. You can read more in an article from the Library`s May newsletter, "County and Library approve Future of the Library Task Force recommendations with minor changes." The Task Force was primarily funded by a $150,000 grant from the Foundation For The Carolinas Catalyst Fund. Additional funding totaling $75,000, as well as in-kind services, have been provided by Mecklenburg County and the Library.
Additional Ways To Show Support
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Learn what support groups, like the Friends of the Library, are doing to help libraries.
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Get the facts and start the conversation.
Help spread awareness, Stay informed about the risks to library funding, and share the facts on this page
with friends, neighbors, and
groups in which you are involved.
Contact funding decision-makers.
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Write, call, email or use social media to contact
decision-makers.
See the right column
on this page to find out who you can talk to and what
you can say.
- Give a financial gift. All financial gifts are critically important, especially during these challenging times. Invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to support the Library. All gifts will be used in the areas of greatest need including the purchase of new books and materials, educational programs for youth, and/or other areas where the Library has been a lifeline for the community.
- Join our team of volunteers. Share your skills and experiences with your community by becoming a library volunteer. Our web site has information on current volunteer opportunities and how to apply.
- Sign up for e-mail updates at cmlibrary.org.
- Follow the Library on Facebook or Twitter.
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For every $1 invested in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library from all sources, the community receives between $3.15 and $4.57 in direct benefits. Explore this information and more from the Return of Investment report from UNCC`s Urban Institute.
Mecklenburg County citizens are using their public library more than ever before, but overall funding is down. In fact, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library`s usage has increased steadily in recent years, peaking at almost 7 million in 2010 (see graph). Meanwhile, many libraries have been forced to cut hours, programs and staff, and even close their doors indefinitely.
You can make a positive difference in your community by getting the facts, and starting the conversation.
Q. If I decide to call or write the library board, what can I say?
Library staff and trustees need your input. We know the need in our community is great, and we want to continue serving the community to the best of our ability. In the midst of these challenges, the most helpful things citizens can share are support and a willingness to work together to find solutions.
Information about contacting the Library is available at www.cmlibrary.org, or you can email Library Trustees directly at libraryboard@cmlibrary.org.
Q. If I decide to call or write my commissioner, what can I say?
Any citizen may contact their County district and at-large commissioner. Information on contacting commissioners is available at www.charmeck.org. Here are some ideas to get you started, but feel free to say why libraries are important to YOU.
• “Thank you for moving the Library up in your priority levels – I too value library services.”
• “The Library is an important partner in improving literacy in our community.”
• “The Library is an important resource for those seeking employment and professional opportunity.”
• “A healthy library system improves quality of life and enhances economic opportunities.”
Q. Who else can I talk to about libraries?
Many people are affected when library services are cut. You can talk about libraries to:
• State government representatives/officials (including the governor, members of the state legislatures and congress, state department heads)
• Federal government representatives /officials (including your members of the Senate and House of Representatives.)
• Neighbors and co-workers
• Business owners and business leaders
• Friends of the Library or other support groups
• The Chamber of Commerce
• Community leadership organization
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