The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.
— T.S. Eliot
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:
Davidson College’s Douglas Houchens Professor of English Alan Michael Parker is a man of many talents. While he is an accomplished novelist, poet, critic and scholar, Alan Michael is also getting attention for his avant-garde cartoons.
Take a look at some of his creations along with some recommendations you don’t want to miss.
During the pandemic, book clubs have been a lifeline. Those literary-focused, often-virtual social events were a welcome distraction from the upheaval in work, school, families, children, and life. Even now when the new normal is starting to become the “normal” normal, our book clubs reignite the joy of friendship and help us rediscover the magic in books.
There is a reason why Tamil is thought to be the oldest language in the world. Charlotte Tamil Library Volunteer Group (a.k.a. Charlotte Tamil Noolaga Kuzhu) have devoted time and gifts to bring 150 Tamil books to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library patrons — and they don’t plan on stopping. Their limitless energy and dedication to learning and language enriches our entire community.
There are countless treasures hidden in attics, basements, garages… and even Uptown Charlotte office buildings. A recent law firm’s relocation unearthed a rare map and launched a Carolina Room investigation.
As we begin to survey the landscape the pandemic has left behind, our focus has been pulled to the impact made on our national education system. Nationally, children returned to the classroom with at least six to eight months of learning and educational development lost to time. The great pivot from in-person to online revealed how ill-prepared U.S. education systems were for such a massive shift in teaching and learning.
But it also uncovered a well of resilience.
Currently a volunteer at the Matthews branch, Betty Verner can’t remember a time when the library wasn’t part of her life. She was moved to tears by a thoughtful birthday gift from her son Ritch and daughter-in-law Susan. See what they gave her.
Charles Bowman believes, “Libraries are the land of opportunities. Places where people come together.” Today we celebrate Charles’ retirement of a celebrated career with Bank of America and the many ways he has helped make our community a better place for families. Charles can be described in many ways: attorney, community leader, friend and advocate but our favorite way is library champion.
#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event on April 6th, with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to donate.
Connecting people with the information and tools they need to thrive is what libraries do. In May we shared Miranda’s story, a new resident who was unemployed and supporting five children. She was able to get a refurbished laptop through the MeckTech program and start building a better life for her family.
“Libraries hold the tools and support to make dreams come true.”
Partnership with Community Building Initiative facilitates dialogue across difference
Titles will augment Library collection
Merancas Foundation investment reduces MeckTech waiting list by 25%
With funding from Google Fiber, new partnership brings Wi-Fi to neighbors experiencing homelessness
“an important resource as we work toward a more equitable future”
Library Director Caitlin Moen reflects on her new role and what lies ahead
Regionally, nationally and internationally, research has proven the economic, educational and social value of libraries.
David Brancaccio, Chris Farrell, Erika Soderstrom, and Daniel Shin
Marketplace
Ashley Fahey
Charlotte Business Journal
Opinion by Katrina vanden Heuvel
The Washington Post
Amy Hawn Nelson and Ricky Woods
The Charlotte Observer
Deborah Fallows
The Atlantic
C. Rogers
Urban Libraries Council
Eric Klinenberg
The Guardian
Vanessa Infanzon
SouthPark Magazine
Tommy Tomlinson
WFAE
Mark Glaser
Medium
Jen Tota McGivney
Charlotte magazine
Christine Schmidt
NeimanLab
Eli Portillo
UNC Charlotte Urban Institute
Gemma Correll
The Lily
Eric Klinenberg
Literary Hub
Alyson Krueger
The New York Times
Daniela Petrova
Literary Hub
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Eric Klinenberg
The New York Times
Tiffany King
Read it Forward
Constance Grady
Vox
Brian Koberlein
Forbes
John Palfrey
The Charlotte Observer
Katrina vanden Heuvel
The Nation
