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:

Community Giving Home Page Libraries Matter

Keeping a Language Alive

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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.

Community Giving Home Page Libraries Matter

A treasure unearthed Uptown: the oldest known map of Charlotte

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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.

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Learning Loss and the Library

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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.

Community Giving Home Page Libraries Matter Library Locations

Volunteer Betty Verner’s Big Surprise

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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.

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Charles Bowman and the Most Literate City in America

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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.

Community Giving Libraries Matter Library Locations

From Seattle to Charlotte: Library Giving Day is coming to your neighborhood

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#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.

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Digital Innovation Meets Equity at the Library

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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.