Hello, Library supporters,

Spring is one of my favorite times of year in Charlotte. The trees are green and gorgeous, and the days are stretching longer. This season is all about fresh beginnings and meaningful transitions.

As many of you read, the Library’s CEO and Chief Librarian Marcellus “MT” Turner resigned last week due to personal reasons. While we are sad to see him go, we are deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and joy he brought to our Library and Foundation teams.

MT has a genuine love for our Library, especially for its incredible programming including our Foundation events. He was especially fond of Verse & Vino, our annual gala and fundraiser featuring New York Times bestselling authors and great food, wine and company.

I’ll never forget what he said to me after attending the event in person in 2023 after two years of virtual events. “I had no idea this event was this big!” He was in awe of the volume of supporters that make up our impressive and enthusiastic donor community.

We wish MT all the best as he begins his next chapter.

We look forward to working with interim Library CEO Angie Myers. She is no stranger to the work of the Foundation and has always been a big champion of our team. We welcome her calm intelligence, warm demeanor and steady leadership during this transition.

During this season of new beginnings, I’m thrilled to introduce Jess Schauble, the Library’s new Programming Manager for the new Main Library. Thanks to the generosity of the Gambrell Foundation, Jess will lead the development of adult signature programming for our flagship location. Her creativity and passion for community engagement make her the ideal candidate to spark innovative programs in new Main.

As always, your support makes this progress possible. Thank you for believing in the transformative power of public libraries.

I hope your spring be filled with great books (I’m reading Melinda French Gates’ newest book The Next Day), lively conversations, and perhaps even a visit to your favorite Library branch.

With gratitude,

Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director

P.S. Learn how your legacy can help write the next great chapter for the Library by joining us on May 14 for a free planned giving webinar featuring Robinson Spangler Carolina Room genealogy librarian Danielle Pritchett. She’ll be sharing the myriad benefits of discovering new branches on your family tree.