Hello, friends,
Sometimes you’ve got to shoot your shot.
That’s exactly how I felt when I had the opportunity to connect with Theresa Johnson, mother of Charlotte Hornets player Grant Williams and a former NASA engineer (yes, you read that right).
When Betsy Mack from the Hornets Foundation and I approached her with the idea of partnering on the Library’s summer reading program, she didn’t hesitate. Her response was immediate and wholehearted. She shared how much education and reading have meant to her and her sons, and how thrilled she was to help other children access the same joy and opportunity through books.
We are beyond grateful to Theresa, Grant, and the Grant Williams Foundation and the Charlotte Hornets for stepping up in such a meaningful way. What a gift it is for our city to have a native son not only play for our hometown team, but use that platform to give back, uplift, and inspire.
They join our stalwart Summer Reading partners Carowinds, Wendy’s and Charlotte FC. We hope your family will block out time to read AND to be a supporter of the Library. You can read more about these valuable partnerships here or head over to the Library website to learn more and join in.
As we close the books on our fiscal year, we’re reflecting on what your Library has been able to do thanks to generous partners and donors like you. From expanding access to programs like summer reading to delivering tech and training to underserved communities, your support fuels it all.
If you haven’t yet made a gift, now is a wonderful time. Every gift helps us reach more people, strengthen literacy, and create a more connected Charlotte.
Thank you, as always, being a champion for your public library.
With gratitude,
Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director
P.S. Remember those set-it-and-forget-it infomercials? (Am I aging myself?) That’s the slogan that comes to mind when I consider the ease of a monthly donation to the Library. Our recurring donors are the bread and butter of a strong giving culture. Click here to book your monthly gift to the Library.
The gift that keeps giving
Book a date every month to support the Library with an easy recurring online gift. Monthly donors are the backbone of our donor community, delivering reliable support that ensures the Library stays vital and strong.
A taxing season
Tax season at the Library is no small feat, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of volunteers and staff. From handing out forms to helping customers navigate the process, the Library makes a stressful time a little easier and a lot more successful. Branches distributed over 13,700 forms, and with partners like Community Link/VITA, Ada Jenkins, and AARP, over 1,800 tax returns were prepared resulting in nearly $1.7 million in refunds back to our community… proving once again that the Library is essential.
Juneteenth conversation
Entering its third year as an official federal holiday, the ways to honor Juneteenth are evolving especially in light of recent challenges. Bring your questions and viewpoints to the round table on June 18 at 6 pm.
Everything is in Play with Summer Reading at the Library
How to Plug In
