How donor support makes a difference

2025-26 Impact Report

Discover the powerful difference your generosity is making, transforming the lives of Charlotte Mecklenburg residents and beyond through literacy, lifelong learning, and access to vital resources.

This year, the Library Foundation was asked to do more, and thanks to you, we delivered.

Our generous capital donors closed the gap with more than $4 million raised toward the $165 million CommonSpark goal, a comprehensive campaign driven by the need for a new flagship library in Uptown, a dedicated centralized facility for Library operations, systemwide technology upgrades, an endowment for future needs, and operating support

NOTABLE GIFTS

Dr. Joyce Davis Waddell

C. D. Spangler Foundation (second gift)

Chris and Elizabeth Daly

“When I toured the new Main Library for the first time and looked up through the five-story atrium to the skylight above, I cried tears of joy.

Now, when I take donors and partners on hard hat tours, I see the same sense of accomplishment and anticipation in their faces… the realization of what this Library will mean to our community.

We are building Charlotte’s public commons, where everyone is welcomed and opportunities abound. I can hardly wait to cut the ribbon with you.”

—Jenni Gaisbauer, executive director, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation

donors

46% growth over the past five years

Carnegie Circle Members

73% growth over the past five years

recurring gift donors

113% growth over the past five years

MORE Joy

Donor support powers events all year long — including EpicFest, Community Read, Puppetpalooza, Parasols & Petticoats with Bridgerton author Julia Quinn, and the “Get Curious” summer exhibit — that activate minds, attract families, build community, spark conversation, and expand understanding.

MORE Leadership

With funding from the Knight Foundation, the Library mapped a thoughtful strategic direction that will guide our work and shape our offerings for the next three years. To see the full plan, click here.

MORE Access

Donor dollars helped secure a new technology consultant to ensure new Main Library is future-ready when the doors open. And MoLi* is serving style and books in neighborhoods across the county with its new vehicle wrap compliments of sponsor Fifth Third Bank.

*Short for Mobile Library.

MORE Visitors

visits to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in fiscal year 2025

people attended the Library's 26,000 free programs

MORE Programs

The Flight Fund continues to tap into the creativity and talents of Library staff by funding their innovative ideas for new Library’s programming including cultural explorations through international cuisines, “welcoming week” author event, and even an introduction to Mahjong. To learn more about our latest round of 100% donor-funded microgrants, click here.

MORE Kindness

During a challenging season for her family, Charlotte mom Eleanor Shell found unexpected comfort and connection through the Davidson branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

While she was away receiving treatment, her five-year-old son Jake became a “library kid” — welcomed by name, fueled by curiosity, and supported by caring librarians who turned the Library into a place of joy, learning, and belonging.

Eleanor credits the Library’s staff, system, and supporters with creating a safe and inspiring haven for her son when her family needed it most, and she looks forward to giving back to the cause that gave them so much.

"Jake knew exactly where to find his favorite books. which ones he could read aloud, how to play the computer games, and how to check out books — all by himself"

— Eleanor Shell