"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."
- Oprah Winfrey

As we reflect on the year that is ending, I couldn’t be more proud. In 2017 your Library directly addressed the challenge of third grade reading proficiency by dramatically expanding Active Reading workshops to reach more families, educators and volunteers - and over 90% of participants report that they've changed their reading habits as a result of the workshops. Your Library Foundation launched a quickly growing new discussion series, Final Draught. This week, the Morrison Regional location will reopen with a new, user-centric approach to customer service and technology integration.

Much of our work at the Library Foundation is about setting the stage for the future. With funding from the Knight Foundation, this year we completed a series of intensive visioning workshops, program prototypes, and benchmarking research trips to better articulate a vision for the future of Main Library. All of this led to the concept of Main Library as a public commons…a dynamic hub of activity and ideas, where people connect with each other to form a stronger community together.

Looking ahead, our architectural team is already working to turn the public commons concept into reality. Last week over 100 people shared their ideas at a Main Library Town Hall, and going forward there will be more opportunities to hear updates and provide feedback. We invite you to stay engaged in the process and invested in our shared future.

Thank you for all you do to support this community and your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. Happy holidays, and here's to a New Year filled with good health and much joy. 


Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director