Hello, friends,
Oh, how I love Fall!
I am sure a lot parents say that at the end of every summer. Like many, my family’s summer was full of camps, swimming, popsicles, bike riding, museums, movies, and more. While it was so fun making memories with my daughter, I was counting the hours until the first day of school because … exhausted.
It’s my favorite time of the year by far. College football, warm coffee drinks, sweater weather, and the beginning of Library Foundation’s busiest season.
Starting with Verse & Vino. We have another stellar line-up for you at this year’s literary event, and tickets are moving quickly. We’re welcoming New York Times bestselling authors Nathan Harris, Rachel Hawkins, Diana Kochilas and Jason Mott to the stage on November 6. Currently I am catching up on Mott’s backlist, enjoying his 2021 National Book Award winner Hell of a Book.
The season also brings new members to our board. Help me welcome Mark Caldwell, Aarti Sura, Connie Carlson and Susie Orman Schnall. Our board will be exploring the question “what is the Foundation’s role in the Library’s future after CommonSpark?” at our September retreat. It’s a big and important question, and my team and I are excited to work with this group of smart, committed and engaged leaders to ensure a strong and relevant Foundation for the Library for years to come.
Fall = a new cohort of interns from UNC Charlotte’s Social Work program!Mike Lynch and Jackson Baschnagel will be providing Community Navigator services at Plaza Midwood Library, Sugar Creek Library, and additional rotating locations. Caroline Weatherford is supporting The Loft team at ImaginOn infuse SEL (social emotional learning) into teen programming. Finally, Cliff Winefordner is a distance learning student supporting data projects and supplemental training opportunities.
Plus, it’s perfect weather for cozy reading. If you need an author fix before Verse & Vino, join us for our next Final Draught event on September 15 featuring local bestselling author Joy Callaway.
As always, thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing you soon —
Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director
Library advocates receive prestigious awards
Gene and Jean Cochrane and Kat Belk will be recognized for their outstanding philanthropic service to our community at the Association of Fundraising Professional Charlotte Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day event on November 13.
“Will the new tax laws affect my Library donation?”
H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law on July 4, 2025. This legislation introduces sweeping changes, including several that directly affect charitable donors. Foundation For The Carolinas published an excellent article explaining these impacts on charitable giving.
