How donor support makes a difference
FY26 Impact Report
At a time when many Americans face economic difficulties, the Library continues to be a place that provides essential resources: career guidance, early childhood literacy and senior support just to name a few.
And in tandem the Library also connects us to our inherent humanity. Our stories. Our histories. Our safe spaces in 21 locations throughout Mecklenburg County that bring together neighbors and visitors, students and teachers, children and seniors, our talented staff and our deserving community.
No one knows this more deeply than our Library Foundation donors. With your support we were able to amplify Library offerings, add additional programs and resources, and expand their reach. Thank you for your investment in the work of your public library.
$9 million
was raised in FY26 including a record breaking
$1.8 million
for annual fundraising and
$7.2 million
for the CommonSpark Campaign
Here’s how your support stacked up.
From enriching programming to furthering digital access to getting books into hands and homes, your gifts to the Library helped power our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community this past fiscal year.
Donor help fund Literacy and Learning initiatives like the Spanish Digital Literacy Programming, Active Reading, and Community Read, improving literacy rates and creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
The Library meets the demand for programming for Families and Children with Foundation-funded initiatives like Summer Reading, the ImaginOn Summer Exhibit, CML and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte shared programming, EpicFest, and Puppet Palooza.
The Library doesn’t just operate within its 21 locations. With a dedicated team focused on Community Outreach donor-funded programs like My Next Steps and Learning Together and operational support for MoLi (Mobile Library) and MILa (Mobile Internet Lab) bring critical educational resources to underserved community members.
The Library’s best resource isn’t on the shelf. It’s our ~500 dedicated staff. Our donors funded Staff Support initiatives like Staff Day and Flight Fund, an internal microgrant program to launch staff’s creative programming ideas.
With the New Main Library set to open in spring 2027, CommonSpark donors have funded technology, programming, and ongoing capital support, and the Great Big Story Builders campaign is building a vibrant opening day collection.
BY THE NUMBERS
We're reporting record highs!
Carnegie Circle Members
19.5% growth year over year
Dewey Circle Members
Including five new commitments
Verse & Vino
$700,000
Our annual literary gala on November 6, 2025 featuring New York Times best-selling authors raised the most money in its twelve year history, boasting another sold out event with over 1,400 attendees in the Charlotte Convention Center’s Crown Ballroom celebrating great storytelling and library impact.
Library Giving Day
$108,880
Library Giving Day was held on April 1, 2026, a one-day fundraising event that encourages people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate. It was our most successful to date with over 550 donors.
Notable Gifts
Second gifts from PNC Bank and Fidelity Foundation
Barings
Honeywell Technologies
PwC
Susie and Rick Schnall
Vanguard