Why Libraries Matter

The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.
— T.S. Eliot

WHY LIBRARIES MATTER

There are as many library stories as there are people who use libraries—and in Mecklenburg County, that’s two-thirds of the population in the last year.

Diverse voices share why Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is essential in our community:

Branch Enhancement Community Home Page Libraries Matter

Hope is a two-way street

equity, inclusion, locations and resources

“Serving our mission at Library branches is absolutely fantastic and has exceeded all of our expectations.”

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for November 15, 2024

authorevent, Carnegie Circle, Foundation Board, fundraiser, giving, locations and resources, Using Libraries

November 15, 2024 — Gratitude and Good News: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Community Events Fundraiser Home Page Libraries Matter Library Locations

Librarians represent at Verse & Vino

111524, fundraiser, leaders, locations and resources, partnerships, Verse & Vino

Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library branch manager Alesha Lackey and University City Regional Library branch manager Debra Sharp spoke at the 2025 Verse & Vino event

Because of You Branch Enhancement Community Giving Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter

A Horse in the Library

111524, giving, New Main Library, publicart

A stunning sculpture finds a new home at the Library

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for October 25, 2024

equity, fundraiser, giving, inclusion, locations and resources, Using Libraries

October 25, 2024 — Lucky Number 13: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Because of You CommonSpark Community Giving Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter

The Room with a view of the past and the future

102524, commonspark, Dewey-Circle, giving, New Main Library, planned-giving

A librarian’s legacy of historical preservation will live on with new technology for the Carolina Room

Because of You Community Home Page Libraries Matter

Well-groomed and well-read

102524, educational success, equity, inclusion, partnerships, programs

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library outreach team developed barbershop-based reading spaces and increased reading opportunities for boys of color in local communities

Because of You Carnegie Circle CommonSpark Community Giving Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter

The Starrs align for Main Library programming

commonspark, giving, New Main Library, programs

Stephanie and Gary Starr want to get to know you. And they’re creating the perfect reason to do it.

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for October 4, 2024

equity, fundraiser, giving, inclusion, locations and resources, Using Libraries

October 4, 2024 — A Place of Safety: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for September 13, 2024

equity, fundraiser, giving, inclusion, locations and resources, Using Libraries

September 13, 2024 — An Update from our Board Chair: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Libraries Matter

Flight Fund Programs

A Collection of Flight Fund Programs

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for August 23, 2024

around the world, authorevent, fundraiser, giving

August 23, 2024 — If there is a will, there’s a way: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for August 2, 2024

around the world, authorevent, fundraiser, giving

August 2, 2024 — Goodbye and Hello: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for July 12, 2024

around the world, authorevent, fundraiser, giving

July 12, 2024 — What I Am Reading: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Branch Enhancement Community Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter Library Locations Partnerships

Flight Fund: A Home Economics Revival

080224, flightfund, inclusion, partnerships

A story of impact: Fast food restaurants. Convenience foods. Rising food prices. Expensive cooking classes. Enter the Library.

Branch Enhancement Community Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter Library Locations Partnerships

Flight Fund: Just Add Water

flightfund, inclusion, partnerships

A story of impact: The Library serves as a first step toward learning so many new skills — so why not swimming?

Branch Enhancement Community Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter Library Locations Partnerships

Flight Fund: Story Time for All

071224, flightfund, inclusion, partnerships

A story of impact: Jennifer Williams-Cannon created a story time for marginalized children at the Library

Branch Enhancement Community Home Page Innovation Libraries Matter Library Locations Partnerships

Flight Fund: All Things Gardening

flightfund, inclusion, partnerships

A story of impact: Andrea Davis brings her passion for gardening to the Library

Events Home Page Libraries Matter The Update

The Update for June 14, 2024

around the world, authorevent, fundraiser, giving

June 14, 2024 — A Capitol Experience: The Update is a periodic e-newsletter for Foundation supporters

Community Libraries Matter Library Locations

Tia and the Mayor of Midwood

050324, economic opportunity, inclusion, partnerships

A story of impact: “I was about to throw in the towel,” Tia remembers in a particularly overwhelming time in her life. In 2022, Tia joined Roof Above as a nurse and met a familiar face from her days studying at the Library: her old friend James.