Featuring Janet Evanovich, Bryant Terry, Heather Morris, Alka Joshi, Alex Michaelides and bonus author Wanda M. Morris
Posts by Melanie Baron
A Simple Way to Triple Your Gift
Library supporter Caroleen Burroughs leveraged her birthday party and an employer matching program to triple her investment in the Library
Bank of America Commits $1 Million to New Main Library in Uptown Charlotte
Bank of America New Resident Center to Provide Space, Resources and Classes for Newcomers
What’s Dr. Monique Perry-Graves Reading?
The new statewide Executive Director for Teach for America NC shares a few books and podcasts on leadership.
At Home? At Town? You Decide!
Celebrate at home, at Town Brewing Co, or anywhere you’re comfortable – but get your tickets today! Buy ticketsVerse &…
What’s Weston Andress Reading?
With Verse & Vino approaching, we asked the PNC Regional President to share a few meaningful titles
Vanguard/Campaign for Grade Level Reading invests in Parents Succeeding
Parents can be their children’s first and best teachers – but they need the tools.
What’s Erique Berry Reading?
A reading list from a Charlotte food blogger and social media personality
A Tool for Equity
This fall, a new vehicle hits the road – with a Library inside!
It’s Time to Plan Your Celebration!
It’s time for booklovers to plan their Verse & Vino celebration – Date Nite? Viewing Party at Town Brewing Co?…
A New Online Home for the Living Archives
NC Humanities grant funds website to house archive
Todd’s Verse & Vino Party Tips 2
Verse & Vino event planner Todd Murphy shares more tips for party hosts – let us keep the food and…
THANK YOU to Verse & Vino Sponsors
Verse & Vino is possible because of the generosity of corporate, foundation and individual sponsors. Thank you. Verse & Vino…
Join the Party – at Town Brewing Co!
Join the party – at Town Brewing Co! More about Verse & VinoMore about the AuthorsBuy tickets
Todd’s Verse & Vino Party Tips!
Verse & Vino event planner Todd Murphy shares some party tips – starting with the guest list! – for Verse…
The Authors are IN!
Five New York Times best-sellers will be there – will you? More about the AuthorsMore about Verse & VinoBuy tickets
What’s Anne Madden Reading?
A reading list from a busy Honeywell executive and Foundation board member.
What’s Jennifer Bennett Reading?
This Foundation board member’s reading habits were changed by the pandemic.
Getting to Know MT
We spoke with the Library’s new CEO and Chief Librarian about libraries, really good burgers, and his vision for the future.
What’s MT Reading?
The Library’s new CEO and Chief Librarian reads – and listens! – to escape and learn.
Main Library: A Place of New Beginnings
“Libraries hold the tools and support to make dreams come true.”
Springsteen Foundation Gift Gives Back to Community
Gift carries on a family legacy of philanthropy
Equity Impact Circles Focus on Understanding
Partnership with Community Building Initiative facilitates dialogue across difference
Stonewall Sports Charlotte celebrates Pride Month with donation of LGBTQ children’s books
Titles will augment Library collection
What Are We All Reading? Most Popular Recommendations
A peek at what’s on signs around town
Private Support Extends a Digital Lifeline
Merancas Foundation investment reduces MeckTech waiting list by 25%
$1 Million Honeywell Gift Propels CommonSpark Campaign Over $100 Million Mark
Honeywell Data Visualization Lab to Promote Innovation, Access and Opportunity
Honeywell Pushes Campaign Past Major Milestone
Honeywell’s investment in Data Visualization Lab represents commitment to STEM education and community
What’s Charles Thomas Reading?
We asked this tireless Charlotte – and Library! – advocate to share his list
Norsan Media Supports Translation of Summer Break Materials
Gift eliminates language barrier to expand access
Inclusion
“Until everyone has these tools, we have a lot of work to do.”
What’s Ted Williams Reading?
The Axios Local GM reads for himself, with his son, and unsurprisingly – he reads local!
Shared Investment Multiplies Impact
With funding from Google Fiber, new partnership brings Wi-Fi to neighbors experiencing homelessness
A New Generation
“Our generation is ready and willing to participate, to step into the very large shoes of people who have long given so generously”
Library Announces Next CEO
Marcellus “MT” Turner joins Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as next CEO
An Investment in Opportunity
Vanguard invests in opportunity through a new job help center at West Boulevard Library.
Living Archive will Document Local Impact of Covid-19 on Under-Represented Communities
“an important resource as we work toward a more equitable future”
Thank You, and Happy Holidays!
A message as we wrap 2020.
(Re)Discovering the Library’s Importance in our Community
from Library trustee Charles Thomas
We Can, We Do, We Will
Reflections from Lee Keesler, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library CEO
Connecting Community
Together we can provide information and opportunities to engage
Libraries for All
Commitment to a more equitable community
What’s Hannah Terrell Reading?
A reading list for leaders adapting to challenge and change
Verse & Vino 2020
Featuring Megan Miranda, Alice Randall, India Hicks, Christopher Paolini and Christina Baker Kline
Home Improvement Retailer Lowe’s Invests $1 Million in New Main Library
“Home extends beyond four walls and into our neighborhoods and communities”
Protected: Carnegie Circle 2020
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Best-Selling Author Lineup for 7th Annual Verse & Vino Fundraiser
Five best-selling authors headline an all-new digital platform
What’s Amy Hawn Nelson Reading?
For Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s newest trustee, reading is a family affair.
New Digital Format for 7th Annual Verse & Vino
Innovative new format makes Verse & Vino more inclusive than ever.
What’s Florence Kim Reading?
Our newest board member is revisiting what she started long ago.
Q&A with Caitlin Moen, Chief Customer Officer and Library Director
Library Director Caitlin Moen reflects on her new role and what lies ahead
A statement from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
On equity, access, diversity, inclusion and democracy
Verse & Vino 2020 Goes Virtual!
Completely reimagined, the city’s biggest book club can be even bigger!
What’s Abby Healy Reading?
What’s the Babe behind @BookBabesCLT reading while she stays home?
What’s Tracy Curtis Reading?
This local author is using quarantine reading to inform her writing.
The CARES Act and Charitable Giving Incentives
Changing opportunities to maximize tax benefits
What’s Ray Jones Reading?
A few key characters helped him switch preferred genres from history to mystery!
(Re)-Named in Honor
Beatties Ford Road Library renamed for Allegra Westbrooks, tireless advocate, mentor and inspiration.
A Librarian on Giving, in Every Form
Gift in honor from family of volunteer means everything.
At Home with Nicholas Graham and Cecelia Moore
April 21, 2020 on Facebook Live
For the Love of Libraries
Libraries are a recurring character in the lives of readers and writers.
Show Support on Library Giving Day
Celebration includes live chat with NYT best-seller Karin Slaughter
“Book a Librarian” Helps Small Business Owners Plan Next Chapter
Librarians find the right information for any situation.
From My Home to Yours, 4/13/2020
A video update from the LIbrary Foundation’s executive director
Comfort Through Connection
Library card connects and comforts across generations.
From My Home to Yours, 3/30/2020
A video update from the LIbrary Foundation’s executive director
Mask by Mask, Together
Library 3D printers support community effort amid COVID-19
Reflections on the Knight Library and New Media Conference
from Library Foundation board member Gene Cochrane
Why I Invest: The Gambrell Foundation
“I don’t think there’s anything more democratic than a public library”
Verse & Vino 2014
Featuring Kathy Reichs, Lauren Oliver, Hampton Sides, Debbie Macomber, Ron Rash
Verse & Vino 2015
Featuring Chris Bohjalian, T.J. English, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Gregory Maguire, Karin Slaughter
Verse & Vino 2017
Featuring Kate White, Jamie Ford, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, Nikki Giovanni, Wiley Cash
Verse & Vino 2018
Featuring Paula McLain, Casey Gerald, Lou Berney, Elliot Ackerman, Julia Reed
Verse & Vino 2019
Featuring Karen Abbott, Ross Gay, Alice Hoffman and Kevin Wilson
EpicFest is for Teens, Too!
There’s an epic component reserved for teens – and that’s by design.
Redefining Charlotte’s Food Scene
June 8, 2017 at 7th Street Public Market
Art is Hard: Surviving and Thriving as an Artist in Charlotte
November 15, 2019 at Elder Gallery
The Tao of Bill Murray with Gavin Edwards
August 13, 2019 at Town Brewing Company
Janis Joplin: Her Life and Music with Holly George-Warren
January 15, 2020 at Town Brewing Company
What’s Caroleen Burroughs Reading?
The Library friend and supporter read 137 books last year!
Gambrell Foundation Invests $3 Million in New Main Library’s Innovation Lab
“The imaginations of many will be inspired to change the future.”
What’s Ed Williams Reading?
Longtime Library trustee and WFAE’s inaugural First Amendment Award winner shares his reading list.
Beyond Books: The Transformation of Charlotte’s Main Library, with $10M from Knight
Knight’s largest commitment to date in Charlotte.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Unveils Designs for New Main Library
“an architecturally-distinctive, state-of-the-art, technologically-advanced knowledge center”
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation Announces The CommonSpark Campaign, Unveils New Library Design
Mecklenburg County, Knight Foundation kick off funding
Why I Invest: Ailen Arreaza
“a place for gathering and community and that just makes my heart sing”
What’s Bill Tome Doing at the Library?
“I find it relaxing and motivating to see people pursuing their interests”
Unlocking the Vault: Investing in Greater Access
Digitization for preservation and access
Change through Media
Library commits to generating, archiving, and distributing quality community media.
Do We Still Need Libraries to Learn?
Libraries are those special places you can go to get exactly what you need and come out with so much more.
Libraries Connect
NBC Charlotte reports on a Library program changing a neighborhood.
What are Middle Schoolers Reading?
We hope the kids in your lives have been reading all summer!
Is Reading Relevant?
What are kids not doing if they are on devices a good part of the day?
What’s Gavin Edwards Reading?
Charlottean, NYT best-seller and Final Draught guest shares his list
A Gift to Settle Into
The latest gift to South County Regional Library blends in so naturally you may have sat on it!
The Thrill of Reading all Summer
Summer learning opportunities help students avoid an academic “summer slide.”
Community Read Reaches Beyond Books
Community Read 2019 is over – but the conversations and relationships it sparked continue. And that was the point.
What’s Natalie Ridley Reading?
The producer of Charlotte Today on WCNC and Library superfan shared her bookshelf
Angie Thomas: Author, Activist, Inspiration
“If you change the world around you, you will find yourself changing the world.”
Google Fiber Invests in Digital Makerspace at ImaginOn
The Library’s “playground for literacy” just added high-tech equipment.
What’s Patrice Gopo Reading?
The library advocate and author – and her daughters! – share a list.
Hero Stories
Your Library is helping incarcerated teens recast themselves as heroes. And reading is the key.
Devices on Demand
Imagine if picking up a laptop on the go were as easy as grabbing a snack. Thanks to an investment from Vanguard, it is!
What’s Glenn Burkins Reading?
The editor and publisher of Qcitymetro shared a literary travelogue.
Authenticity, Literacy and Community
President Bill Clinton and James Patterson shared their love of books and literacy.
Bringing History to You
Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room’s outreach programs inspire curiosity.
What’s Dana Eure Reading?
Dana’s spent her career in our libraries and others across North Carolina.
Books, Beer…and Connection
Audiences come for the beer, the books, the topics…and increasingly, the networking.
A Magical Setting for EpicFest
“The perfect convergence of setting and experience,” by Mark I. West
Reflections on a Summer with the Library Foundation
“Our Library touches issues young people are passionate about.”
What’s Cristina Wilson Reading?
The COO of the Charlotte Agenda reads when she isn’t writing, working or taking care of her toddler.
What’s Dannye Romine Powell Reading?
If you’re looking for a good read, ask a book reviewer!
Inspired Support
An investment from The Cannon Foundation inspired additional giving in Mint Hill.
What’s Brendan Reichs Reading?
The New York Times best-selling author, Charlotte native and EpicFest favorite reads a lot.
Books, Wine and So Much More
“We’re all Library users. Finding a way for our book club to support the Library was a natural fit.”
University City Wine Fest Serves Up Wine, Community, and Library Support
“Our libraries play an important role in the area’s vibrancy.”
Library Welcomes Carowinds as Partner for Summer Break™ Program
Summer reading and learning is even more fun.
What’s Matt Olin Reading?
Charlotte’s “champion of creativity” reads for a jolt of inspiration.
2018: Denise Kiernan Speaks of History and Legacy
“I literally can’t do what I do without libraries.”
What’s Brittney Johnson Reading?
The WSOC reporter shares the Library’s impact in the community.
An Uncommon Public Commons
International architectural firm Snøhetta will design new Main Library.
Honoring Elizabeth S. Randolph
There were more people than chairs in the large community room at Beatties Ford Road Library on Sunday, February 18.…
What’s Barb Ellis Reading?
Since retirement, she’s swapped technical journals for biographies and thrillers.
Diligence and Discovery
Service impresses international researcher Jane Johnson, Manager of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, received the letter below from Charles…
A New Chapter
The doors swung open as Library board chair Jennifer Appleby exclaimed, “Welcome home!” Morrison Regional Library features a public makerspace…
What’s Meredith Heimburger Reading?
She juggles parenting, work and civic commitments – and reading genres.
What’s Jennifer Green Reading?
Board member and 2018 Dancing with the Stars superstar makes time to read.
Protected: Paws to Thank You!
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One Person at a Time
Tech Talent South offers scholarship in celebration of Giving Tuesday 2017
Lost Memories, Found
Treasured scrapbook preserved in Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room
Talking Draughts at Final Draught
A scientist, a designer, a banker, and an organic farmer walked into a bar.
Get Ready With Words Graduates
Funding from PNC supports multidisciplinary vocabulary-building program.
Belk Foundation Invests in Efforts to Double 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency
Active Reading empowers caregivers to support young readers.
What’s Joan Zimmerman Reading?
The Southern Shows, Inc founder recently switched to e-books!
Final Draught is a Hot Ticket!
Food from home, long days, maxed-out credit cards, and turning dreams into opportunity.
Matthews Boy Shares Love of Reading with Donation of 332 Books
Donation is first foray into community service.
What’s Tommy Tomlinson Reading?
We asked a writer a question and he answered with a few stories.
In Libraries we Trust
Sorting fact from fiction in an information-filled world In our information-filled world, it’s tricky to sort fact from fiction or…
Knight Foundation Invests in Innovation
Thanks to an investment of $250,000, we can seize this moment to push the boundaries of innovation.
What’s Sally Brewster Reading?
The owner of Park Road Books reads books before they hit the shelves.
2017: A Delicious Evening with Vivian Howard
Featuring universal connections between place, people, food and stories.
Incubating Ideas
A Library patron works on a sewing project in Main Library’s Idea Box makerspace When Main Library’s “Idea Box” makerspace…
What’s Chuck Barger Reading?
The owner of Common Market takes a literary stroll down memory lane.
Truth or Fiction? Your Library can help!
David Singleton was the Director of Libraries for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library from 2008-2019. He is currently serving as the Executive…
Hornets Day of Service Kicks off Yearlong Literacy Initiative
Hornets Foundation funds community libraries.
Lowe’s Gives $75,000 Grant to Update Three Charlotte Libraries
Gift will create community gathering spaces
Bissell Donates Transformative Gift
Underutilized patio becomes an interactive learning space and community garden.