The notable North Carolina senator, educator and philanthropic leader lauds the project for its commitment to access.
The notable North Carolina senator, educator and philanthropic leader lauds the project for its commitment to access.
February 28, 2025 — What we discovered in Miami: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Book Club Madness is entering its third season, and the Foundation is bringing a new recruit to the team.
Week after week, Eat Drink and Be Literary mastered every challenge — proving that literary passion and teamwork can go hand in hand. And the biggest surprise of all? They only have SIX members!
February 7, 2025 — Wrapped up in ribbons: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
2025 Flight Fund grants explore cultures, creativity, and barrier-busting in Library programming.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library released their Impact Report for fiscal year 2024 called “Improving Lives and Building a Stronger Community.”
January 17, 2025 — What is lost in a fire: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Books open us up to new worlds, new ideas, and new people. When you’re reading you are 100% out of your experience and into the one created by the author. What a rare and wonderful thing that is! That’s why we started this series, to introduce you to the experiences of readers and library lovers like yourself.
The Main Library Program Manager is responsible for creating, developing, planning, and implementing innovative and engaging year-round programming for adults ages 18 through seniors at Main Library.
December 6, 2024 — Giving Tuesday Results Inside: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and cultivating the Library Foundation’s individual giving program in accordance with the Library Foundation’s fundraising plan, including a growing annual and major gifts program.
“Serving our mission at Library branches is absolutely fantastic and has exceeded all of our expectations.”
November 15, 2024 — Gratitude and Good News: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
The eleventh annual Verse & Vino brought book and bourbon lovers together for a magical night
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library branch manager Alesha Lackey and University City Regional Library branch manager Debra Sharp spoke at the 2025 Verse & Vino event
A stunning sculpture finds a new home at the Library
October 25, 2024 — Lucky Number 13: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
A librarian’s legacy of historical preservation will live on with new technology for the Carolina Room
EpicFest is an extraordinary, free literary festival that joyfully connects children, teens and families with books and the people who write them through activities that encourage a love of reading and learning.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library outreach team developed barbershop-based reading spaces and increased reading opportunities for boys of color in local communities
Stephanie and Gary Starr want to get to know you. And they’re creating the perfect reason to do it.
October 4, 2024 — A Place of Safety: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
September 13, 2024 — An Update from our Board Chair: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Tickets for the November 7 event presented by PNC Bank are on sale now
The Buzz: “Shattuck channels complex history through the saga of a single family” — Booklist
The Buzz: Lee won the 2019 James Beard Award For Best Book Of Year In Writing
The Buzz: “Truly jaw dropping” —Jessica Knoll, New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women
The Buzz: “A sensational debut” — Paul Beatty, author of Man Booker prizewinner The Sellout
August 23, 2024 — If there is a will, there’s a way: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
August 2, 2024 — Goodbye and Hello: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
July 12, 2024 — What I Am Reading: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Join us at the 14TH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
Join us at the 13TH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
A story of impact: Fast food restaurants. Convenience foods. Rising food prices. Expensive cooking classes. Enter the Library.
A story of impact: The Library serves as a first step toward learning so many new skills — so why not swimming?
A story of impact: Jennifer Williams-Cannon created a story time for marginalized children at the Library
A story of impact: Andrea Davis brings her passion for gardening to the Library
June 14, 2024 — A Capitol Experience: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Rose Zukiewicz (July 10, 1949 – May 20, 2024) was a fun-loving librarian who was adored by many people and who adored many in return.
May 3, 2024 — Put me in, Coach: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Join us for a celebration of summer on the 11th / 12th STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour.
Cincinnati, Ohio-based bank will supercharge the Mobile Library with much-needed upgrades
A story of impact: “I was about to throw in the towel,” Tia remembers in a particularly overwhelming time in her life. In 2022, Tia joined Roof Above as a nurse and met a familiar face from her days studying at the Library: her old friend James.
“Before we get started, there’s something you should know. I’m 51 years old, and I’ve never set foot inside a public library.”
No update on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library growth is complete without a nod to new Main Library.
When your workplace is the neighborhood’s favorite hangout, you meet all the faces of humanity. And library staff see it all … and feel it all.
Programs like Project Outpour and Learn2Earn at the Library help our neighbors build confidence and dignity.
Join us at the NINTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
April 11, 2024 — New Americans: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
This #LibraryGivingDay, a one-day fundraising event on April 3, we make the case for the Library as a great “third place.”
March 22, 2024 — Home, work and… the Library?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Reading buddies come in all shapes and sizes… furry friends, special bookmarks, favorite mugs, comfiest spots in the house, and of course, book club friends! See the gallery.
Join us at the NINTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
March 1, 2024 — Library Opportunities and Challenges: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
February 9, 2024 — Who wrote the book of love?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
January 19, 2024 — Just for the JOY of it: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Established in 2023, the Flight Fund awards Library staff with financial support up to $2,500 for creating and expanding community activities that align with Library programming and equity priorities.
Join us at the EIGHTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
Join us at the SEVENTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
December 29, 2023 — Our Favorite Things 2023: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
As we bid farewell to another year, it’s time to unveil what our customers checked out the most in 2023.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library During Uncertain Times
December 8, 2023 — The End?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Queen City Nerve, Charlotte’s alternative newspaper, published their winners for this year’s “Best in the Nest” competition on November 29, 2023.
We encourage people to contribute to our libraries and library staff on #GivingTuesday as they create educational, safe and inspiring spaces year-round for everyone in Mecklenburg County.
November 17, 2023 — I’m thankful for…: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
The tenth annual Verse & Vino brought together seasoned attendees, newcomers, library advocates and great authors in one room!
Join us at the SIXTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
October 20, 2023 — It’s a sellout: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Grant builds on PNC Foundation’s longstanding commitment to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.
As we reach a decade of bringing nationally acclaimed authors to Charlotte, we thought it fitting to share some of the secrets of our special sauce.
Join us at the FIFTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
The Tenth annual Verse & Vino — an evening celebrating great writers, great wine and library supporters featuring New York Times bestselling authors Melanie Benjamin, Roxane Gay, Sadeqa Johnson, Etaf Rum, and Brad Taylor.
The Buzz: Bad Feminist author shares “A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business”
Join us at the FOURTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
The Buzz: “Once deemed the heir apparent to W.E.B. Griffin, Taylor is now laying claim to being the American John Le Carre.” —Providence Journal
The Buzz: Time magazine chose Evil Eye as one of the most anticipated books of the year.
The Buzz: “Amazing…I was completely surprised by the ending of this beautifully told and written book.” —Reese Witherspoon
The Buzz: “Melanie Benjamin pairs the surf culture of the Beach Boys with the sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll of Daisy Jones & the Six. . . . Benjamin’s novel is a portrait of three women beset by shifting cultural tides and a shimmering rendering of the promises and heartbreak of Southern California.” —Entertainment Weekly
The new Main Library groundbreaking brought a well-deserved spotlight to the innovative and architecturally-stunning project led by internationally-acclaimed architects Snøhetta.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is featuring Shaun “Shef” Williams at the next event at Mint Hill Library on Saturday, September 16. He will be doing cooking demonstrations — specifically for those with little time to cook or meal plan.
CML Associate Director Tony Talent shares how the Library is working diligently to make art and artful experiences more accessible to all our communities.
Principal® Foundation, a global nonprofit committed to helping people and communities build financially secure futures, is launching Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative, using the power of storytelling to help destigmatize and encourage conversations about money and personal finances.
August 18, 2023 — Walls are tumbling down: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Marcellus Turner shares news about the progress of new Main Library and the current redevelopment challenges.
July 21, 2023 — Remembering Rolfe: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Rolfe, best known for being the publisher of The Charlotte Observer, passed away this past weekend at 90. He was dedicated to reporting the truth and upholding intellectual freedom. Naturally, being a steadfast Library supporter wasn’t a big leap.
June 30, 2023 — An Intentional Summer: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Join us at the THIRD STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
June 9, 2023 — Welcome New Board Members!: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Join us at the SECOND STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
Loft Leaders Academy is an innovative new teen program offered at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library that received a grant through the Flight Fund to make the program fly.
May 19, 2023 — Let’s get creative: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
“MoLi rolled past 10,000 on our odometer this week! I believe we were just under 1,800 miles on delivery of MoLi in November 2021.”
April 21, 2023 — Library Giving Day results and more: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
A relatively new investor in the Charlotte region, their gift will be used as a challenge to the entire Charlotte Mecklenburg Library community during Around the World in 21 Branches, a traveling festival promoting the campaign.
North County Regional Library is the FIRST STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour. Learn more about the traveling festival here.
“I felt like I was sitting in the living room with my two most interesting author friends. That’s what good storytelling looks like — you become engrossed in the conversation and forget where you are.” Board member Caroleen Burroughs shares her thoughts on the Carnegie Circle event.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation welcomes Barbara Johnson to the Final Draught stage on Monday, July 17 at 6:00 pm at Town Brewing Company. The debut author will be sharing her latest work, A Head of Cabbage: A Memoir.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation welcomes Joy Callaway, Erika Montgomery and Kim Wright to the Final Draught stage on Monday, June 19 at 6:00 pm at Town Brewing Company. The three novelists will be sharing their latest works, Callaway’s All the Pretty Faces, Montgomery’s Our Place on the Island and Wright’s The Longest Day of the Year.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation welcomes Lee Smith to the Final Draught virtual stage on Wednesday, May 17 at 4:00 pm. The New York Times best-selling author will be sharing her latest work, Silver Alert.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation welcomes Junious “Jay” Ward to the Final Draught stage on Monday, May 1 at 6:00 pm at Town Brewing Company. The nationally award-winning poet and Charlotte’s inaugural Poet Laureate will be sharing his latest work, Composition.
March 31, 2023 — There’s more to the Story: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
One could argue that any day spent at the library is a very good day. But on April 4 the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is celebrating an extra special day — National Library Giving Day.
March 10, 2023 — Who Runs the World?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Mecklenburg County opened a second window of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, accepting proposals to move the County’s COVID-19 Strategic Recovery Plan forward. In that plan, the Library is tasked to “invest more resources in closing the digital divide in our community faster through efforts in place now.”
The two esteemed organizations strive to close the region’s opportunity gap via strategic collaboration
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation created a new opportunity and special fund this year to support Library staff’s programming efforts and ideas. The Flight Fund is a new grant opportunity created to provide programming support to Library staff to either expand current programs and/or create new ones.
January 27, 2023 — Gaining Momentum: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
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.
December 30, 2022 — What a Year: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Our social media post on The Brooklyn Public Library’s most requested books of all time got a lot of attention, so we thought you’d enjoy a peek at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s most requested books of 2022. Are your favorites on the list? Are there books that will be added to your TBR list? Any surprises?
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s mobile unit MoLi is coming up on its one year anniversary. And what a year it’s been!
December 2, 2022 — Good News Friday: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
As the caboose of the weekend following Thanksgiving (starting with the infamous Black Friday, then Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday) Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the places and people who strengthen and support our community. Obviously, here at the Library Foundation, we want to shine a spotlight on our libraries and library staff.
Foundation Board member Caroleen Burroughs is back with an inspiring new list of 2022 favorites and how she turned her birthday into a philanthropic celebration. (And she thinks you should do it, too!) Learn more in her latest blog for the Foundation.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation was back at the Charlotte Convention Center at Verse & Vino this year. We are thrilled to announce that we had 1,100 people in attendance and raised over $475,000… with donations still coming in. If there is a group of people more dedicated, enthusiastic and committed to improving and strengthening an organization like the Library, it’s our Verse & Vino guests. They’re the reason why we are one of America’s leading urban public libraries.
This year we were joined once again by our emcee Sheri Lynch and five outstanding New York Times bestselling authors: David Baldacci, Sarah McCoy, Javier Zamora, Megan Giddings, and Adriana Trigiani.
Caton and her husband Charlie are dedicated supporters of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. She has enjoyed volunteering as a member of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s annual Verse & Vino planning committee since 2017, and recently joined the Foundation’s Board. Prior to taking time to focus on raising her three young children, Caton was a public and investor relations consultant for 13 years in the biotechnology industry. Check out her spooky-themed picks, just in time for Halloween!
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.
Executive Director Jenni Gaisbauer chatted with Board Chair Gene Cochrane to learn more about his passion for the Library.
The Buzz: A fan of Margaret Atwood, Shirley Jackson, and Octavia Butler? Then we’ve found your new favorite.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation announces the ninth annual Verse & Vino — an evening of great writers, great wine and library supporters. The evening will feature New York Times bestselling authors David Baldacci, Adriana Trigiani, Megan Giddings and Sarah McCoy plus newcomer Javier Zamora.
The Buzz: Hop on for another spine-tingling ride with a mystery-writing maestro
The Buzz: A 1970s sun-kissed romp on a star-studded private island (with cameos from a Rolling Stone and a British Royal)
The Buzz: “A comedy writer with a heart of gold” (New York Times) weaves 21st century Italian family dynamics with long buried secrets in her latest novel
The Buzz: a highly anticipated debut from the acclaimed poet has been hailed as “the mythic journey of our era” (Sandra Cisneros)
Davidson College’s Douglas Houchens Professor of English Alan Michael Parker is a man of many talents. While he is an accomplished novelist, poet, critic and scholar, Alan Michael is also getting attention for his avant-garde cartoons.
Take a look at some of his creations along with some recommendations you don’t want to miss.
During the pandemic, book clubs have been a lifeline. Those literary-focused, often-virtual social events were a welcome distraction from the upheaval in work, school, families, children, and life. Even now when the new normal is starting to become the “normal” normal, our book clubs reignite the joy of friendship and help us rediscover the magic in books.
How fortunate we are to call New York Times best-selling author and acclaimed forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs neighbor, friend and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library supporter.
To a crowd of almost 200 Kathy entertained with tales of her real-life adventures dealing in mind-boggling murders and macabre mysteries with a delightful dose of humor.
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.
There is a reason why Tamil is thought to be the oldest language in the world. Charlotte Tamil Library Volunteer Group (a.k.a. Charlotte Tamil Noolaga Kuzhu) have devoted time and gifts to bring 150 Tamil books to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library patrons — and they don’t plan on stopping. Their limitless energy and dedication to learning and language enriches our entire community.
Sonyah Spencer owns and operates The Urban Reader, an independent bookstore in the University City area. A native of Fairborn, Ohio, she opened her store in 2019 with over 3,000 books for all ages and interests, written exclusively by Black authors. See Sonyah’s latest favorites for kids, tweens and adults with a sneak peek gallery of her charming store.
There are countless treasures hidden in attics, basements, garages… and even Uptown Charlotte office buildings. A recent law firm’s relocation unearthed a rare map and launched a Carolina Room investigation.
As we begin to survey the landscape the pandemic has left behind, our focus has been pulled to the impact made on our national education system. Nationally, children returned to the classroom with at least six to eight months of learning and educational development lost to time. The great pivot from in-person to online revealed how ill-prepared U.S. education systems were for such a massive shift in teaching and learning.
But it also uncovered a well of resilience.
Currently a volunteer at the Matthews branch, Betty Verner can’t remember a time when the library wasn’t part of her life. She was moved to tears by a thoughtful birthday gift from her son Ritch and daughter-in-law Susan. See what they gave her.
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.
If our March 30 event “Conversation with New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict” is any indicator, the answer is no. With almost 200 people registered for the event, it’s clear that virtual events are here to stay at the Library Foundation, even as our in-person events begin again.
#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event on April 6th, with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to donate.
Rarely does Alicia D. Williams get to read for the simple pleasure of enjoying beautiful sentences or being pulled into lush worlds. But trust her, every single book is savored like a southern meal. She writes children’s and young adult literature, yet she reads a diverse genre of books.
Join us for a live conversation on March 30th with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Marie Benedict about her latest novel Her Hidden Genius. Benedict’s powerful new work shines a light on a woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA, a woman whose world-changing contributions were hidden by the men around her but whose relentless drive advanced our understanding of humankind. Join the author on Wednesday, March 30th at noon to learn more about the inspiration behind her latest real-life heroine, Rosalind Franklin.
Adah Fitzgerald knows a few things about a good read – she’s the owner of Main Street Books, Davidson’s local bookstore right on (you guessed it!) Main Street. Next time you’re in Davidson be sure to visit Adah and her staff for even more well-informed recommendations… then check out the Library right across the street.
Connecting people with the information and tools they need to thrive is what libraries do. In May we shared Miranda’s story, a new resident who was unemployed and supporting five children. She was able to get a refurbished laptop through the MeckTech program and start building a better life for her family.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is pleased to announce a generous investment of $10 million to The CommonSpark campaign from both The Tepper Foundation and the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation. The Teppers are the owners of the NFL Carolina Panthers and MLS Charlotte Football Club.
“We are excited about being involved in the Library project, which is an investment in opportunity and access for all,” said David Tepper.
The Library’s month-long event — Community Read — inspires an active dialogue through discussions, book clubs and events hosted with community partners. This year’s spokespeople Library CEO and Chief Librarian Marcellus “MT” Turner and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles will help amplify the importance of this year’s event theme and join a goal of 10,000 participants. That’s 10% of Mecklenburg County!
An Evening with Annette Gordon-Reed
Moderated by Carol Quillen
Featuring “On Juneteenth”
