CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- Libraries in neighborhoods across Charlotte are reeling from budget cuts, slashed hours, and laid-off workers.
Hundreds of library patrons decided to do something unique Saturday morning to keep your local libraries running.
Saturday was the first annual Rock and Run put on by Friends of the Library.
The event was a 5K run or a one mile walk, with all the proceeds going to the Mecklenburg County libraries.
More than 400 runners and walkers lined up at the Scalybark Library location early Saturday morning for the event.
"I really enjoy running and training and it's a great cause coming out and supporting the local libraries," says runner Mike Ryan.
"I'm a school teacher so any money that'll help out some kids and do some good I'm happy about it," says Matt Bauer.
The event is expected to raise about $10,000 for the library system.
While Saturday's event may not allow branches to open on more days, it will help keep some vital programs.
"We're big fans of the public library, we use it a lot. We support the library. We do our share to help out," says runner Charles Buie.
"Despite everything the library has been through over the past six months, the brightest spot in all this is the incredible level of community support," says Charles Brown, Director of the Mecklenburg County Libraries.
