Gift is part of The CommonSpark campaign to improve lives and strengthen community
Charlotte, NC – October 14, 2020 – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is pleased to recognize the generosity of home improvement retailer Lowe’s, headquartered in Mooresville, N.C. Lowe’s has committed $1 million to The CommonSpark, a $135 million public-private campaign to ignite change within Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. The investment will help build a new Main Library in uptown Charlotte, and a technology center for education and exploration within the new library will be named Lowe’s Technology Lab in recognition of the gift.
Lowe’s operates or services more than 2,200 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, and the company believes strongly in supporting communities in which they do business. Construction of a new Lowe’s Technology Hub in Charlotte is underway, meant to be the epicenter of the company’s modernization and expansion of digital retail experiences. This investment in innovative, accessible technology at the Library closely aligns with Lowe’s efforts to develop and increase the pipeline of local tech talent.
“We are committed to making homes better for all, and our definition of home extends beyond four walls and into our neighborhoods and communities, especially right here in our hometown of Charlotte,” said Janice Dupré Little, executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Our donation is more than just funds, we’re building futures for families and students by helping to provide access to technology and the most powerful tool of all: knowledge.”
The gift announcement comes only weeks before the Library Foundation’s signature annual fundraising event, Verse & Vino, for which Lowe’s is also a sponsor. “The Library has enjoyed a partnership with Lowe’s since 2016, and they’ve invested in our community through branch enhancements, event sponsorships, and a dynamic makerspace at the recently renovated North County Regional Library location,” shares Library Foundation executive director Jenni Gaisbauer. “Lowe’s has been with us from the early planning stages for the new Main Library so it’s especially exciting to announce this inspiring investment in the next generation. We are forever grateful.”
The CommonSpark campaign addresses an integrated set of needs: construction of a new Main Library; renovation of a Support Services Center; technology, innovation and programming throughout Charlotte Mecklenburg Library; an endowment for future needs and annual Library operating support. The new Main Library will serve as a hub of community programming developed with three primary impact areas: to strengthen public engagement, support economic opportunity, and connect community resources.
Campaign co-chair and Bank of America market president Charles Bowman recognizes the connection between corporations and community. “A literate, engaged and informed community is an attractive environment in which to do business, recruit and develop talent. Our Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is the foundation to achieve that – it’s right in our mission, to improve lives and build a stronger community. It’s inspiring that our corporate community recognizes an investment in the Library is an investment in our shared future success.”
The Library Foundation strives to partner with individuals, foundations and companies throughout the community whose missions and values align with those of the Library. To learn more about The CommonSpark, visit foundation.cmlibrary.org.
About Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation exists to help the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library improve lives and build a stronger community. Created as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in September 2012 in partnership with Foundation For The Carolinas and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, the Foundation supports Library services, expands the Library’s collection of print and digital materials, enhances programming for all ages, invests in innovative initiatives and strives to grow its endowment for future generations. For more, visit foundation.cmlibrary.org.
About Lowe’s
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 18 million customers a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2019 sales of $72.1 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ approximately 300,000 associates. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports its hometown Charlotte region and all communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
About The CommonSpark
The CommonSpark is a public-private partnership to infuse $135 million into improving lives and building a stronger community. The campaign addresses an integrated set of needs: construction of a new Main Library; renovation of a Support Services Center; technology, innovation and programming throughout Charlotte Mecklenburg Library; an endowment for the future and annual Library operating support. For more, visit foundation.cmlibrary.org/commonspark
About Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is one of America’s leading urban public libraries, serving a community of more than one million citizens in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Through 20 locations, targeted outreach and online, the Library delivers exceptional services and programs, with a mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. For more, visit cmlibrary.org.
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Media Contact: Melanie Baron
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation
(704) 416-0804
Email: mbaron@cmlibrary.org
