Transformations, Spring 2025: This blog is excerpted from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s newsletter. To join our mailing list and receive the newsletter by mail, click here to enter your information. Physical copies of the newsletter are available at all Library locations. Digital versions of all issues can be found here.
Hobbs Family Expands Children’s Reading Area at Plaza Midwood Library in Memory of Jenner Wood
In his four short years, Jenner Wood was captivated by the world around him and adored sharing all the new things he learned with his little brother Howell. From songbirds to fire trucks, he was a child that delighted in experiences of all types. His soul was deep, and his curiosity knew no bounds.
The Jenner V Foundation was established in September 2023 by his family in his memory to support causes that reflect his inquisitive spirit and his natural ability to educate.
Dexter Hobbs, a close friend of the Wood family, felt strongly that the gift he and his family made recognized the special, loving child Jenner was.
“Jenner’s parents Jenner and Emily, and my wife Laura and I were close friends at UNC-Chapel Hill, and now we are next-door neighbors in Plaza Midwood,” shared Dexter, “our oldest children were born the same years, Jenner and Trip then Howell and Clark.”
Dexter and Laura’s son Trip and Jenner were best friends. Laura and Emily would joke about being “sister moms” because their children were always together.
“The Wood children are the closest children I have behind my own three kids,” said Dexter. “I wanted to honor his memory while also supporting the community he is a part of.”
With this in mind, the Hobbs Family made a heartfelt gift to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation to expand the Plaza Midwood Library children’s reading area in his memory. The gift will help create an enriching space for young readers at the popular neighborhood Library and ensure that Jenner’s love for learning and discovery continues to inspire children for generations to come.
“It’s our neighborhood branch that we walk and ride bikes to,” said Dexter, “and while there’s been a children’s area in the branch, it wasn’t nearly as engaging as some of the others. It’s important to introduce the benefits of a library to children at a young age, even before they can read. An interactive children’s area fosters excitement, appreciation, and love for the library.”
The creation of a designated children’s area will feature interactive learning tools and cozy kid-sized furniture designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading. The Wood family were extremely honored for this gift to be in Jenner’s memory and are excited to visit Jenner’s new children’s area with Howell and their new son John.
Plaza Midwood Library is under renovations at the time of this publication. We look forward to sharing this new space with the Hobbs and Wood families and hope that it truly reflects the kind, thoughtful and insightful boy Jenner was. Through this gift, the Hobbs family not only honors a dear friends’ child but also highlights the power of discovery and literacy to transform lives.
Image above
Jenner (right) was born on January 29, 2019, the Wood’s first-born son. He loved sharing his books and toys, especially with his best friend Trip Hobbs (left).
Jenner (left), seen here with Trip, was especially fascinated by dinosaurs, Spiderman, construction sites, and sirens of all sorts. Red firetrucks were his favorite.
