By Bob Holt - NJ NEWSROOM - August 9, 2010

The Camden libraries saga took another turn Monday. Officials in New Jersey have apparently found a way to save Camden's public library system in whole or at least part. Mayor Dana Redd said Monday that city officials will look to join the county library system.

Mayor Redd has announced her plan to save the city's libraries from closing for good Monday at a news conference in Camden.

"In the coming days my administration, working along with city council and the county, will take the appropriate steps needed to begin this process," said Redd.

The city's library board says it must close all three of its libraries by the end of the year because funding has been slashed so drastically that it can't afford to keep operating.

If Mayor Redd's plan is not approved, the plan would be to shut down one library branch next month, then another in October and the entire system would close on December 31st. The books would be sold, donated or possibly destroyed.

NPR.org reports that the City Council must approve the libraries joining the county system.

County freeholder director Louis Cappelli, though, told kyw.cbslocal.com he could not say this move would save all three city branches:

"At this point, we're still looking at what will happen. The plan is still being put together. We can't guarantee that all three will remain open."

City Library Board member Frank Fulbrook says he would oppose the plan, saying the mayor created the mess:

"When the crisis reached a fever pitch, she steps in to ‘rescue' the situation. I think it was all a cynical ploy."

Redd also told myfoxphilly.com that she's in discussions to get residents access to Rutgers University's Camden campus library.

Camden's Free Public library draws nearly 150,000 visits a year. 26 other municipalities already participate in the Camden County Library System.

Budget cuts all across the country have caused officials to close library branches, reduce hours and spend less money on books, computers and other materials. But according to NorthJersey.com, officials at the American Library Association believe Camden's library system would have been first in the U.S. with multiple branches to close out entirely.

Abc.localgo.org reports that Mayor Redd was joined at Monday's news conference by county and local officials. Interestingly, abc.local.go.com reports that no one was there representing the leadership of the city's library system.