Tickets for the November 7 event presented by PNC Bank are on sale now

CHARLOTTE, NC – Sept. 6, 2024 –

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation announces its highly anticipated 11th annual Verse & Vino event — where  avid readers, library lovers and local neighbors alike gather to celebrate  talented writers, sample an array of delicious wine and support the library’s influential work in the community. . On Nov. 7, 2024, guests will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear from New York Times bestselling authors Emiko Jean, Edward Lee and Jessica Shattuck, as well as Oscar-shortlisted producer and debut author Essie Chambers. 

Presented by PNC Bank and emceed by radio legend Sheri Lynch, the signature evening program will showcase the shared joy that stems from reading and writing – and the importance of libraries and literacy in our community.  The more than 1,300 expected attendees will experience a true sense of fellowship and spirit during the celebratory fundraising event at the Charlotte Convention Center. 

This year’s Verse & Vino welcomes the following authors and their latest books, including: 

• Emiko Jean with The Return of Ellie Black: A suspenseful page-turner that made horror legend Stephen King call it “a page-turning suspense novel, a shrewd character study, and a captivating mystery, all at the same time. The last fifty pages are magnetic. I couldn’t put it down until I’d experienced every last twist and turn.”
• Edward Lee with Bourbon Land: An ode to his old Kentucky whiskey; celebrated chef  and PBS personality Vivian Howard said “If you think Kentucky whiskey only makes sense in a glass, let Chef Edward Lee’s unmatched prose show you how bourbon eats as good as it drinks.”
• Essie Chambers with Swift River: The debut novel is a Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club pick and was recently longlisted for The Center for Fiction 2024 First Novel Prize.
• Jessica Shattuck with Last House: New York Times called it “a richly detailed, slow-burning family saga distinguished by incisive psychological insight and masterful research.”

New this year, guests will have access to more than authors (Verse) and wine (Vino). Kentucky distillery Heaven Hill has graciously offered to sponsor a limited-edition bourbon cocktail, which will be showcased in Edward Lee’s author vignette and served at his book signing table.

Verse & Vino is an annual fundraiser for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, which supports the CommonSpark campaign, including building a new Main Library; programs, services, digital and print collections; and a growing endowment for the future needs of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. The event is presented by PNC Bank, and sponsored by Honeywell, American Airlines, Southminster, Lowe’s, Rodgers Builders and many other companies and private individuals.

“PNC is excited to continue our longstanding support of Verse & Vino as it recognizes the Library’s important role in improving lives and building a stronger community in Charlotte,” said Weston Andress, PNC regional president for Western Carolinas. “This has become one of our region’s most anticipated events, and all of us at PNC are proud to support it.”

This year, the Library Foundation hopes to raise $600,000 to support the Library’s mission to create a community of readers and empower individuals with free access to information and the universe of ideas.

More information about Verse & Vino and this year’s featured authors is available at foundation.cmlibrary.org/events/verse-vino, and tickets can be purchased online or by calling Teleia White (704) 416-0803.

###

About PNC Bank

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

About Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation exists to help the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library improve lives and build a stronger community. Created as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in September 2012 in partnership with Foundation For The Carolinas and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, the Foundation supports Library services, expands the Library’s collection of print and digital materials, enhances programming for all ages, invests in innovative initiatives and strives to grow its endowment for future generations. For more, visit foundation.cmlibrary.org.

About Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is one of America’s leading urban public libraries, serving a community of more than one million citizens in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Through 20 locations, targeted outreach and online, the Library delivers exceptional services and programs, with a mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. For more, visit cmlibrary.org.