Common Spark

Since 1903, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has been a trusted community anchor, with a mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.

Now, your Library is planning for the next generation. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will open a knowledge center for the future on the site of today’s uptown branch.

The new Main Library will be an innovative combination of resources, collaborative spaces, technology and cultural experiences that is open to all and that enlightens all. By igniting discussion, activating imaginations and exposing opportunity, the new Main Library will be the flame to which progress is drawn. With Main Library as the programmatic flagship, changes will be felt throughout the Library system.

The CommonSpark addresses an integrated set of needs: a new Main Library uptown; a Support Services Center for back office operations; systemwide technology, innovation and programming; an endowment for the future and annual Library operating support.

A Library sparks a lot of things. We invite you to join us in lighting The CommonSpark, igniting change within the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system.

Media Package

“Libraries are noble, sacred spaces.”

Lee Keesler
Former Charlotte Mecklenburg Library CEO

“A game-changer for the community.”

Dena Diorio & Commissioner George Dunlap
Mecklenburg County

“What we need for the 21^st century.”

Alberto Ibargüen
Knight Foundation

The CommonSpark News

CommonSpark Community Home Page Partnerships

CommonSpark leadership’s 2023 update highlights another successful year

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The CommonSpark campaign leadership is so thankful for your support and encouragement as we continued to guide and fuel this…

CommonSpark Community Home Page

Nucor Corporation Invests $1M In Charlotte’s New Main Library

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation takes great pleasure in announcing a $1 million investment from Nucor Corporation to The CommonSpark Campaign. The Charlotte-based corporation is one of North America’s most sustainable steel companies, already meeting the emission benchmarks set by the 2030 Paris Climate Agreement.

CommonSpark Community Home Page

The Leon Levine Foundation Invests $1M In Charlotte’s New Main Library

commonspark, economic opportunity, giving

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is delighted to announce the generous investment of $1 million from The Leon Levine Foundation to The CommonSpark campaign. A longtime Library supporter and early Library Foundation investor, The Leon Levine Foundation’s values of leadership and opportunity align with the Library’s position as a cornerstone of the community, a place that is open to all.

CommonSpark Community Home Page Innovation Partnerships

Novant Health and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announce $1 million investment, community well-being partnership

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Novant Health and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library are excited to announce a strategic partnership to address social determinants of health, advance health equity and create sustainable impact across our communities. Novant Health will make a $1 million investment which includes a cash gift of $500,000 to the CommonSpark campaign and $500,000 in in-kind support for program and service delivery over the next five years.

CommonSpark Community Giving Home Page Libraries Matter

Charles Bowman and the Most Literate City in America

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Charles Bowman believes, “Libraries are the land of opportunities. Places where people come together.” Today we celebrate Charles’ retirement of a celebrated career with Bank of America and the many ways he has helped make our community a better place for families. Charles can be described in many ways: attorney, community leader, friend and advocate but our favorite way is library champion.

CommonSpark Community Giving Home Page Partnerships

Howard R. Levine $1M Donation to support Opportunity Center in new Main Library

commonspark, economic opportunity, giving, inclusion, leaders, partnerships

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is excited to announce a generous investment of $1 million from the Howard R. Levine Foundation to The CommonSpark Campaign. This gift will support the Howard R. Levine Opportunity Center in the new Main Library, slated to open in late 2025.