Join us at the NINTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
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Home, Work and … Library?
This #LibraryGivingDay, a one-day fundraising event on April 3, we make the case for the Library as a great “third place.”
The Update for March 22, 2024
March 22, 2024 — Home, work and… the Library?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Reading Mascots get turn in the spotlight during Book Club Madness
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.
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the NINTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
The Update for March 1, 2024
March 1, 2024 — Library Opportunities and Challenges: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Activate your birthday with the Library
Your birthday is on the horizon, and everyone is asking you what you want. If you’re a Library lover, the…
The Update for February 9, 2024
February 9, 2024 — Who wrote the book of love?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
The Update for January 19, 2024
January 19, 2024 — Just for the JOY of it: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Flight Fund grant recipients cleared for takeoff
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.
Plaza Midwood’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the EIGHTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
Sugar Creek Library’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the SEVENTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
The Update for December 29, 2023
December 29, 2023 — Our Favorite Things 2023: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Top Titles at the Library in 2023
As we bid farewell to another year, it’s time to unveil what our customers checked out the most in 2023.
A Message from Library CEO Marcellus Turner
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library During Uncertain Times
The Update for December 8, 2023
December 8, 2023 — The End?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
The new Main Library project takes top honors with Nerve readers
Queen City Nerve, Charlotte’s alternative newspaper, published their winners for this year’s “Best in the Nest” competition on November 29, 2023.
Giving Tuesday 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.
The Update for November 17, 2023
November 17, 2023 — I’m thankful for…: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Verse & Vino’s tenth anniversary celebration
The tenth annual Verse & Vino brought together seasoned attendees, newcomers, library advocates and great authors in one room!
Independence Regional’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the SIXTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
The Update for October 23, 2023
October 20, 2023 — It’s a sellout: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
PNC Foundation awards $500,000 grant to bolster early literacy support for local children
Grant builds on PNC Foundation’s longstanding commitment to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.
Behind the Scenes at Verse & Vino
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.
Matthews’ Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the FIFTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
2023 Verse & Vino celebrates a decade of literature and libraries with five New York Times best-selling authors including Roxane Gay
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.
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Roxane Gay
The Buzz: Bad Feminist author shares “A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business”
Mint Hill Library’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the FOURTH STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Brad Taylor
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
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Etaf Rum
The Buzz: Time magazine chose Evil Eye as one of the most anticipated books of the year.
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Sadeqa Johnson
The Buzz: “Amazing…I was completely surprised by the ending of this beautifully told and written book.” —Reese Witherspoon
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Melanie Benjamin
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
Construction of new Main Library makes national design news
The new Main Library groundbreaking brought a well-deserved spotlight to the innovative and architecturally-stunning project led by internationally-acclaimed architects Snøhetta.
What’s Cooking with Shef Shaun?
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.
Bringing Public Art to the Library
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 harnesses the power of storytelling
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.
The Update for August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023 — Walls are tumbling down: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
A Message from the Library’s CEO and Chief Librarian
Marcellus Turner shares news about the progress of new Main Library and the current redevelopment challenges.
The Update for July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023 — Remembering Rolfe: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Remembering Rolfe
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.
The Update for June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023 — An Intentional Summer: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Hickory Grove Library’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the THIRD STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
The Update for June 9, 2023
June 9, 2023 — Welcome New Board Members!: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
University City Regional Library’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
Join us at the SECOND STOP on the Around the World in 21 Branches Festival Tour!
Equipping the Next Generation of Leaders
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.
The Update for May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023 — Let’s get creative: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
MoLi and Saul: Report from the Road
“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.”
The Update for April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023 — Library Giving Day results and more: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Principal Foundation Invests $500K in Charlotte’s New Main Library
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’s Around the World in 21 Branches Event
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.
Carnegie Circle Event featuring NoViolet Bulawayo
“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.
The Update for March 31, 2023
March 31, 2023 — There’s more to the Story: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
There’s more to the story at your Library
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.
The Update for March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023 — Who Runs the World?: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
New ARPA funding accelerates and amplifies digital literacy for those who need it most
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.”
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Teach For America North Carolina join forces to bolster equitable educational success
The two esteemed organizations strive to close the region’s opportunity gap via strategic collaboration
First in Flight Fund: First-round grant recipients get their wings
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.
The Update for January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023 — Gaining Momentum: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Amazon stops “Smile”-ing: Turn incremental gifts into local impact with this easy (and better) alternative
An email from Amazon went out to AmazonSmile users about the discontinuation of their charity-donation program in February 2023, citing…
CommonSpark leadership’s 2023 update highlights another successful year
The CommonSpark campaign leadership is so thankful for your support and encouragement as we continued to guide and fuel this…
Nucor Corporation Invests $1M In Charlotte’s New Main Library
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.
The Update for December 30, 2022
December 30, 2022 — What a Year: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters
Circulation Superstars
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?
MoLi Meets a Milestone
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s mobile unit MoLi is coming up on its one year anniversary. And what a year it’s been!
Giving Tuesday 2022
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.
What is Caroleen Burroughs reading?
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.
Verse & Vino 2022
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.
What is Caton Morris reading?
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!
The Leon Levine Foundation Invests $1M In Charlotte’s New Main Library
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.
A Conversation with Gene Cochrane
Executive Director Jenni Gaisbauer chatted with Board Chair Gene Cochrane to learn more about his passion for the Library.
Brick & Mortar & Beyond: UNC Charlotte Partnership
Last fall the Library’s first Masters of Social Work intern Miosha Johnson blazed a much-needed trail — developing a program…
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Megan Giddings
The Buzz: A fan of Margaret Atwood, Shirley Jackson, and Octavia Butler? Then we’ve found your new favorite.
Verse & Vino is back with New York Times bestselling authors David Baldacci, Adriana Trigiani and more
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.
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: David Baldacci
The Buzz: Hop on for another spine-tingling ride with a mystery-writing maestro
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Sarah McCoy
The Buzz: A 1970s sun-kissed romp on a star-studded private island (with cameos from a Rolling Stone and a British Royal)
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Adriana Trigiani
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
VERSE & VINO Spotlight: Javier Zamora
The Buzz: a highly anticipated debut from the acclaimed poet has been hailed as “the mythic journey of our era” (Sandra Cisneros)
What is Alan Michael Parker reading?
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.
8 Reasons Why Your Book Club is the Best
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.
Kathy Reichs: A Look Back
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 Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announce $1 million investment, community well-being partnership
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.
Keeping a Language Alive
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.
What is Sonyah Spencer reading?
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.
A treasure unearthed Uptown: the oldest known map of Charlotte
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.
Learning Loss and the Library
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.
Volunteer Betty Verner’s Big Surprise
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 and the Most Literate City in America
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.
Are virtual events losing popularity?
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.
What is Alicia D. Williams reading?
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.
Digital Innovation Meets Equity at the Library
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.
New Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library Receives $10 Million Gift From Tepper Foundations
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.