CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Mecklenburg County Library Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to cut salaries and lay off 84 people instead of closing 12 library branches.
The board discussed three options at a special meeting Wednesday to make up a $2 million budget shortfall.
One option included closing 12 of the county's 24 libraries. The board decided last week that would be the best option, but public outcry forced the board to reconsider.
"The community response to the library's plight has been nothing short of overwhelming," said library director Charles Brown.
"The people have spoken and clearly and loudly they have said the library is a very valued institution," said board member Robin Bransterom.
On Wednesday, the board voted to implement a 5 to 20 percent cut in staff salaries and lay off between 82 and 84 people. All county libraries will remain open, but they will only be open five days a week, eight hours a day.
The board said it will drastically cut classes for jobseekers, computer classes, book clubs and other services.
"Unless we can raise this money," said a library donor.
The public has already donated about $200,000 to the libraries. That money has saved some jobs, but the library is hoping to raise $2 million.
"We still need donations from the public, so they can be used to go toward salaries and they can help to minimize layoffs," said library board member Darrel Williams.
Raising $2 million would keep all employees on board until July 1 when a new budget is issued and more possible cuts loom.
(Reporter Michelle Boudin contributed to this report.)
Click here for a detailed look at the library's budget plan.
