Excerpt and photo from State Port Pilot article (date of the meeting corrected).
Supporters of the Southport and Oak Island libraries asked Brunswick County commissioners for help dealing with what they say is increased usage of their branches.
Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island President Cindy Phillips spoke to commissioners during the public comment section of the regular January meeting on Jan. 20, and said the success of recent holiday events at both the Oak Island (Oak Island had more than 400 participants) and Southport branches of the library indicates there is a need for more space and resources.
“Some people say libraries are irrelevant, but these numbers show that is not true here. Our work is not done,” Phillips said. “We still rank behind similar libraries in our state. Spaces are no longer large enough to hold the people we have coming.”
She said she is confident help is on the way from commissioners.
“I thank you in advance for helping us keep up with the growing needs of our community,” Phillips said.
She noted several areas where the commissioners have already helped the library system, including additional funds which have allowed for more book purchases, more meeting space, additional staff members and other resources.
“You have helped us achieve the vision we have and I think you have,” Phillips said.