Hello!

I am handing the reigns of my letter over to the Library Foundation board and staff. They shared with me their favorite things in 2023, Library edition — a book, a branch, a service, an event, a program, or a person — whatever made the year a little bit better, brighter, or happier. Here’s what they told me…

“The first thing that popped into my mind was Around the World in 21 Branches. I attended four of the events and promoting the Library made my year a little bit brighter. It was inspiring to hear how much our community loves the library and to be able to share in the excitement about the new Main Library. I’m looking forward to celebrating Around the World in 21 Branches in 2024.”

—Debra Sharp
Board Member and Branch Manager, University City Regional Library

“My favorites include the opportunity to introduce NoViolet Bulawayo, author of Glory, at the Carnegie Circle Appreciation Event and moderate a lively discussion with Charlotte’s Inaugural Poet Laureate Jay Ward on his book, Composition.”

—Helen Hope Kimbrough
Vice Chair

“A few of my favorite things were observing a storytime at ImaginOn with 30 little ones eager to read and hear stories from our entertaining librarians; witnessing the demolition of the old Main Library each day as the sunrises during my walk to work this past fall and imagining the future New Main; and getting a tour of MoLi, seeing the multilingual collection, and using one of the translation machines to speak Vietnamese.”

—Charles Thomas
Chair, Library Board of Trustees

“Verse & Vino was just an exceptional event this year!  So entertaining and engaging!”

—Barb Ellis

“I loved volunteering at every Around the World event! It was so fun exploring the other branches and especially hula hooping in the parking lot!”

—Caroleen Towery

“My favorite book this year was The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese.”

—Selena Giovannelli
Second Vice Chair

“I love visiting Library branches that are new to me. I especially enjoyed attending the Foundation Board meeting this year at the branch in South End. So much fun for me as I think about how our Library system has grown since I first joined the Board in the early 1980s.”

—Sally Robinson
Chair, Honorary Advisory Council

“Verse & Vino is a favorite year after year, but this year our family especially enjoyed EpicFest. My daughter loved getting to meet ‘real life’ authors!”

—Caton Morris

“My 85-year-old mother moved to Charlotte during the pandemic. She is a frequent user of the library, and she favors the SouthPark Regional Branch. I have enjoyed going with her and seeing the pleasure and community fostered there for her.  I also converted her from absentee ballot to early voter, by incorporating voting into one of our visits.  Sharing library love with my mother offers treasured experiences.”

—Jennifer Bennett

“For me, it was the speaker [NoViolet Bulawayo] at the Carnegie Circle Appreciation Event, well, her and the dynamics with the interviewer from Davidson College Alan Michael Parker.  Or could I say working with the Foundation staff!”

—Gene Cochran
Board Chair

“Likewise, Gene.”

—The Foundation Staff

Thanks to everyone who made 2023 another banner year at the Library.

Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director

P.S. If you have not made your 2023 gift yet, it’s not too late. Click the link below and give online.