If you find yourself upset or concerned about the possible closing of the Carrboro branch library, take note, there are plans for a Southwest Orange Library and funds have all ready been approved.

Orange County Library Director Lucinda Munger says the idea for a Southwest Orange Library is nothing new.

Munger says that once a Southwest Regional Library site has been identified and the county can move forward with it, then the regional branch would be a combination of services currently offered at the Carrboro Branch at the McDougal Middle School and the downtown Carrboro Cybrary.

The reasons, Munger says, the county manager has recommended to shut down the McDougle and Cedar Grove branches are to close the county’s budget deficit and to avoid the expense of hiring additional library staff for the opening of the Hillsborough library.

Orange County Commissioner Steve Yuhasz says the money has indeed been allocated for a South West Library in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan but no money has been earmarked in the budget and therefore no concrete plans.

The County Commissioners will meet tonight in the Central Orange Senior Center at 7pm for public comments on this issue.