CHAPEL HILL – In April, the Chapel Hill Public Library opened its newly expanded facility at 100 Library Drive. One month ago, Susan Brown took over as director of the library and says she has a vision for the modern space.

Currently the library is only operating 54 hours a week, but with the 2013-14 budget, the hours will be extended to 64—still four short of where they were before the expansion. Brown says she and the library’s staff have a two-phase plan to strategically increase the hours based on what the people want.

“So we’re hearing from council and from our constituents and stake holders that weekend hours are super important” Brown said.

***Listen to the Full Interview***

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The first phase will most likely increase the weekend, but the second phase will not be for a couple of months so that the library staff put adequate time into planning that next step.

With the new facility that more than doubled the old library space, it has received praise for how it looks; but while Brown says she loves it, she says it’s about more than just what you see.

“The building is in some ways the least important piece of it, its more about who’s using us and what we are doing and the impact that we’re making” said Susan Brown.

The Chapel Hill Library has been adjusting to the new facility and staffing.  However, Brown says the transition to the space isn’t complete.

“I think we’re still in that sort of, figuring it all out and tweaking some workflows and procedures” Brown said.

The Chapel Hill Public Library is currently in its summer reading session, and Brown says the staff is glad to help anyone find what they are looking for, while also offering computers and digital media labs.

For more information on the Chapel Hill Public Library you can click here or call at 919-968-2777.

Related Stories
‹
CHPD Seeks CHPL Larceny Suspect
The Chapel Hill Police Department needs your help finding the suspect of a larceny from a person last week at the Chapel Hill Public Library.
Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County
Across the country on Friday, Black Americans and communities will celebrate Juneteenth — the national recognition of when the final slaves were freed in the 19th century and of African-American culture. As a holiday, government services around the Orange County community will be affected on June 19 and the surrounding days. Here’s what residents can […]
Last-Ditch Effort to Trim Tax Increase Splits Orange County Commissioners; Budget Passes with Higher Rate
Orange County approved its budget plan for Fiscal Year 2027-28 with a 4.22-cent tax increase. But its approval wasn't without some bumps.
Chapel Hill Approves FY27 Budget with No Tax Increases; Will Revisit Library Funding, Greenways in Fall
The unanimous vote approved the Town of Chapel Hill to operate on a $170 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a slight increase.
Local Government Meetings: June 8-12, 2026
This week in local government: final budget votes in Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham County.
Following Budget Talks, Orange County Commissioners Prepare to Raise Taxes for More School Funding
Voicing a desire to better fund its public school systems, the Orange County Board of Commissioners is poised to further raise taxes in FY27.
Facing Pressures In All Directions, Orange County Commissioners Near Budget Decision
Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing on next year's budget Thursday, May 28, with major decisions yet to be made.
As Chapel Hill Library Weighs Options Amid Possible Funding Cut, Supporters Speak Up to County
After receiving more than $620,000 annually from the Orange County government, the Chapel Hill Public Library may soon lose that funding.
No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget
Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.
Orange County Recommends Tax Increases for FY27 Budget; Chatham County Could Keep Rate Flat
Both Orange County and Chatham County revealed their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year this week. Here are the highlights.
›