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If the needs of Orange County require that the Central Library be relocated to a suburban site, <br />establishing a Neighborhood Library and Heritage Center would both ease the loss to our <br />community and assure that providing for Orange County's continued growth does not end up <br />imperiling the town where it all began. <br />Sincerely, <br />Thomas J. Campanella <br />John Delconte <br />Mary Ann Peter <br />Holly Reid <br />Rachel Royce <br />Cathleen Turner <br />John Delconte said that he came across Hillsborough in the late-90's and was <br />immediately attracted to its centrality, cohesiveness, and compactness. He felt that this <br />community was such a jewel that he has worked on several committees and boards to <br />preserve, and if possible, to improve its vitality. For example, he currently serves on an <br />economic development task force to improve the quality of life in the County. One of the <br />priorities is to work to improve urban vitality by keeping a full functioning library in the center of <br />the highest population center in the northern part of the County. He said that the current <br />library is a downtown meeting space that serves as the soul of the County, a centralized full <br />functioning library space, and an urban center where all walks of life can come together. He <br />said that moving the library to an affluent suburb would result in a net decrease in services to <br />the people that need it most. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked staff to run cost figures for the recommendations of the <br />task force and the potential sources of revenue. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis suggested putting this on the upcoming agenda for the <br />discussion of space needs. He agrees with the recommended size of a central library. He <br />said that they have known for a long time that they do not pay as much attention to delivery of <br />library services in Orange County as they should. He also thinks the County should have <br />discussions with the Town of Hillsborough about contributions to the library. He thinks the <br />report is right on the money. He agrees that there should be a presence in downtown, but this <br />space is inadequate. He is embarrassed at the level of services provided, in comparison with <br />other counties that are not as resourceful as Orange County. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he appreciates that the first recommendation is a long- <br />range plan. He thanked the task force. <br />Commissioner Brown said that one group that has put the need for libraries in Orange <br />County always in the forefront is the Friends of the Carrboro Library. When she read the <br />report she thought about what the vision is of the Board of County Commissioners. She has <br />always felt that the County should increase the contribution to the Chapel Hill Library. She <br />would like for Chapel Hill to see it as a collaborative effort with the County. She would also like <br />the school systems to be more collaborative. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that it was fair to say that the County Commissioners are <br />committed to quality of life issues, and the library is one of those. The Board will take the <br />recommendations very seriously. <br />Chair Jacobs said that there has been a lot of collaboration. He noted that Carrboro, <br />who in the past has been rather stingy in its contributions, has stepped up wonderfully with the <br />Cybrary and has been a complete partner in funding. He agrees that Hillsborough needs to <br />