Dear friends,
On behalf of the entire Library Foundation team, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us at Verse & Vino last Thursday. The enthusiasm you showed for our Libraries made the evening truly special, and we are so grateful for the support. Gathering as a community to celebrate access to knowledge uplifts our spirits and reaffirms our shared values.
But don’t take our word for it. Our attendees felt the spirit of community and connection in the room, too.
Library advocate Catherine Butler shared “I realized how much joy reading, the book-lover community and our libraries have brought me — particularly when the world around me has felt hard to understand. I’ve turned to books, my book club, sources of community and comfort during the darkest of hours and the highest of highs. Last night [at Verse & Vino], I had the opportunity to bring together so many people who also share a love of literacy, learning and libraries. Thank you to each of you for joining — and for the broader Charlotte community for showing up to raise money and toast to all that libraries stand for in our region — and nation.”
“I am still thinking about that magical night,” reflected featured author Essie Chambers in an email, “I have never experienced anything like it. You all put so much care and creativity into making us feel special. It was such an honor to be there, to connect with so many different kinds of book lovers.”
We are still tallying the generous contributions from supporters like you, so it’s not too late to join other passionate Library advocates with a gift today. Together, we can move one step closer to creating more learning opportunities and community connections. Supporters like you take our Library from good to great.
Your support makes a lasting impact on the Charlotte Mecklenburg community. I look forward to keeping you updated on the final amount raised and how your generosity brings our mission to life.
With warmest gratitude,
Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director
P.S. Keep scrolling! We’ve got new photo galleries from Verse & Vino and EpicFest plus our featured Librarians at Verse & Vino Debra Sharp and Alesha Lackey share their heartfelt remarks from the event. There’s a lot of good news below you don’t want to miss.
Librarians represent at Verse & Vino
EpicFest 2024
We appreciate you!
The Library Foundation hosts a special appreciation event every year for its Carnegie Circle members, a group of 300+ Library supporters whose annual gifts of $1,000 or more create a community where reading, learning and imagination thrive. This year Carnegie Circle members will enjoy an evening featuring New York Times best-selling authors Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson in conversation on April 8, 2025, at the newly renovated Carolina Theatre with a cocktail reception.
Board member Liz Starr recognized for generosity
Association of Fundraising Professionals’ National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the Charlotte nonprofit community and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has on the fabric of our society. Each year the group honors individuals, groups, organizations and businesses. Library Foundation board member Liz Starr was named 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist.
Congratulations, Liz!
The Marvelous Mrs. Beach
Deputy Director Karen Beach, after 30 years of service to the Library, is retiring next month. She is beloved by Library staff, our donors and her peers. In fact, Library CEO and Chief Library Marcellus Turner made her his hero of the year at Staff Day this year. To me and her teammates, she has been a wise mentor, a touchstone, a never-ending wealth of knowledge and, most importantly, a kind friend.
She will be missed beyond measure.
Save the date for Parasols & Petticoats: A Conversation with Julia Quinn
Saturday, February 15, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sandra Levine Theatre in the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement
The Library is thrilled to present a special event with Julia Quinn, the renowned New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series. With over 40 books to her name and a role as executive producer on Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Julia Quinn has earned acclaim for her richly detailed storytelling, vibrant characters, and the immersive worlds she creates within her Regency romances.
Giving Tuesday is December 3
The weekend following Thanksgiving starts with the infamous Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Then comes Giving Tuesday — an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the places and people who strengthen and support our community. Obviously, here at the Library Foundation, we want to shine a spotlight on our libraries and library staff.
