Cincinnati, Ohio-based bank will supercharge the Mobile Library with much-needed upgrades
Fifth Third Bank has pledged $100,000 over the next 2.5 years to sponsor MoLi, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Mobile Library, through the CommonSpark campaign.
The mobile unit hit the streets in January 2022 and hasn’t stopped since. In its first year alone, MoLi traveled 10,000 miles, visited 512 sites, and impacted 25 different zip codes, visiting everything from senior centers, Title 1 schools, Roof Above locations, festivals, parks and more. In 2023 MoLi circulation continued to increase, and new sites were added to the roster including Nations Ford Elementary Summer Nutrition Program, Southminster Senior Living, and Pineville Lake Park.
The well-loved branch on wheels needed to expand its offerings to meet with customer requests, and Fifth Third Bank was more than happy to be a part of the Library’s vision of access for all.
“The importance of the Mobile Library cannot be understated and we are thrilled to support this service provided by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. We believe that reducing barriers to access is crucial to meet the needs of our communities,” said Lee Fite, President, Fifth Third Bank, Carolinas Region. “In recent years, we were reminded of the importance of meeting people where they are with resources like financial education, medical services or the treasure found in books. I know it will be a point of pride for our employees to see the Fifth Third logo on the Mobile Library in our Charlotte neighborhoods.”
The sponsorship will help MoLi grow its permanent collection including the addition of junior graphic novels, large print urban fiction, circulating e-readers/iPads, and Spanish-language and urban fiction Playaways (preloaded audio devices). Many visually impaired customers have taken advantage of the Playaways, some reading everything MoLi has to offer. The funding will give them more access and variety.
In addition to the expanded collection, Fifth Third Bank’s generous gift will enable customers to check out circulating WiFi hotspots, receive care kits if experiencing housing insecurity, and take free vegetable seeds and free classes in areas with food insecurity.
