The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) will implement new summer hours starting July 5 and ending September 6. During this time all 24 libraries in Mecklenburg County will be closed on Sundays. This change will affect the hours at seven libraries which are normally open on Sundays: Main Library, ImaginOn, Independence, Morrison, South County, University City and North County. Barring any other changes to the economy, Sunday hours at these locations will resume on September 13.

The move comes as part of a four-pronged approach to whittle the Library’s operating budget by 10 percent as requested by Mecklenburg County. PLCMC receives 90 percent of its funding from Mecklenburg County. Director of Libraries Charles Brown said coming to a decision about exactly how to implement the 10 percent cuts wasn’t easy. “Our charge from the Library Board of Trustees was to make cuts that would have the smallest impact on library services and collections and to save as many library jobs as possible.”

While the decision wasn’t easy, Brown feels that reduced hours during the summer would have the least impact on customers, especially students. “We’re talking about closing for about 10 Sundays this summer, while school is out of session.”

The cuts, totaling approximately $3.6 million also include:
• 28 percent reduction in the books and materials budget
• 10 percent reduction in the personnel budget to include furlough days for staff, leaving vacant positions open and other benefits reductions
• 10 percent reduction in the supplies budget

Some library services will continue to be available around-the-clock, including the library’s 24-hour book drops, online account access and catalog searching at www.plcmc.org, and the library’s automated telephone renewal line at 704.416.7363.

The library hopes that the shortened summer hours will only be needed this year to weather current economic conditions, but it is too early to say what Mecklenburg County’s budget will look like next year, and whether library funding will return to levels that will allow for year-round Sunday hours.

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC has been recognized as a “Five Star” library in a national index of public library service from Library Journal and was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.4 million volumes, 79,000 DVDs, CDs and audiobooks, and a vast selection of titles available to download from the library’s web site, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.