Jerry Brown's plan may alter how libraries are used

The cuts raise a question that libraries all over the country have been asking: How should they adapt to smaller budgets at a time when iPads and cloud computing are on the rise?

The role of libraries in a pretty lofty sense

"I think of the role of libraries in a pretty lofty sense, as having an impact on an informed citizenry and what it means to have a great democracy," Wolfgram said. "That core business is for all that the heart of what we do."

Mountain View business owner Don Khamapirad posted his support for library programs on the Facebook page that Wolfgram set up. However he said he would stop using libraries if he could cheaply access the expensive legal textbooks that he needs.