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"Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of the NC Room Collection on behalf of D-OGS. The presence of a North Carolina Room that combines history and genealogy is not a new concept in libraries across the state, but one wonders why this one in Hillsborough has had such a tough time, especially in recent years. We have come to speak on behalf of the collection several times now, to help the citizens and the Commissioners to develop an understanding of what a gem has been hiding in the Orange County library. There is more to be done however, and although it seems the collection is not "on the street," it still has a long way to go. On its own, it can speak for itself as it spells out the history of several counties over two centuries, but as a part of a living community it has a special role as well. Woven into the community in various ways the NC Room Collection can both enrich people and bring commerce to a town long known as a major southern historical site. Support given to the NC Room Collection as well as the other agencies that would occupy a Heritage Center can show a return in multiples if planning today provides them the appropriate support. Tourism within the state may slow but it will never dry up because North Carolinians love their history. Towns and counties wise enough to accentuate the positive will enjoy the benefits of day-trippers, long-distance travelers, hobby researchers, and students coming to the library to find their personal and collective history. In a location near the center of a small walkable town these features are an asset and should be treated as such. While it is the job of genealogists and their societies to do the work of reading and researching, organizing and writing, then publishing their findings; it is equally up to the towns and counties in which the resources are located to provide the facilities with the nourishment they need to thrive and grow. Volunteers are important, or we would not be here today talking to you, but equally it is important that communities take responsibility for the precious burden they hold in their books, images, and other ephemera representing the past. It is time to think in terms of generating assets, not simply husbanding them. We all have learned the importance of the role of history in everyday life, but what we are seeing now is the importance of planning for the future. I hope that the NC Room collection can count all of you as its supporters, and that you will have a long and productive future together." She said that she has forwarded to the County Commissioners a summary of the comments from the D-OGS members. Bill Reid said that the library is about one-third the size that was recommended in 2001. He said that when the library moves, the Library Director will put the N.C. collection in the new library, though no room was built for it. He said that it is a good time to think about a Heritage Center. He asked the County Commissioners to please give some consideration to this request. Commissioner Jacobs asked if any employees would like to speak because there was a handout with no signature. He thanked staff for coming to speak for themselves. He said that it is important for the Board to know what staff thinks. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.) 3. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations-NONE