The Town of Garner and its residents are ready for a fight. The Council signed a letter tonight to show support for keeping the Southeast Regional Library open.

"There is a great deal of anguish, angst, incredulity, astonishment, shock and bewilderment amongst the citizens of Greater Garner due to this terrible proposal," the letter reads.

The letter highlights the importance of the library in the Garner community and directs Commissioners to an online petition, which nearly 1,000 people have signed, and a Facebook page, with more than 1,200 fans, to save Southeast Regional. A paper copy of the petition is already circulating for those without access to a computer.

"We're not happy about it. You're not happy about it. Citizens are not happy about it," Town Manager Hardin Watkins said to the Council.

The audience grew during the meeting and the work session became a pubic hearing for more than 10 residents to share their concerns.

Greenbrier resident Wanda Nicholson said she is happy to see so many people rallying for the library.

"For once, we're all united on an issue," she said.

The Council has received a large response from the community - more than issues like solid waste or the recent discovery of more than $300,000 missing from the Garner Volunteer Fire-Rescue Deptartment's budget.

Still, the struggle won't be easy for Garner's readers.

"This is not a short-term fight; this is a long-term battle," Councilman Buck Kennedy said. "We will fight as long as it takes."