http://66.225.205.104/LM20100607.mp3
Once again Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries have scaled back their hours. Beginning yesterday all branches except the main library and Imaginon uptown will be open only four days a week. The new hours caught many people off guard as they went to check out books and movies and use the computers at the University City branch. A sign that read "closed due to budget cuts" was met with puzzled looks and disappointment. One man even cursed under his breath. Sam Brown just shrugged. He was hoping the books would entertain his kids while he got some work done. "I have three kids who want to go to the library today," said Brown. "We enjoy the library. It gives me time to do my schoolwork while they're playing and reading books. Basically I may have to go home because I have to do some schoolwork." Barbara Peacock was fed-up. She wanted to check out a few books before she went into surgery this week. "They're closed all the days I get off," said Peacock. "So now Tuesday I came over on my lunch hour and they're closed again. It's really frustrating." To make things more confusing, not all libraries are closed on the same days. Library officials hope that will give people more options. Details are posted here. The changes are expected to last for at least the next year, but Mecklenburg County officials warn the budget could be even tighter then.