This month, our community lost someone who embodied our Library's mission of improving lives and building a stronger community.

Leland Park was known to many as the longtime director of the E.H. Little Library at Davidson College. He also served on the staff of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and was a trustee from 2012 to 2016.

He was a kind, humble, generous, caring man who loved books, learning and people. And he loved to bring those things together. Community Read 2019 would have made Leland proud. One of his many gifts was making introductions and connecting generations of stories and experiences. The notion of our Library working with over 30 partner organizations to discuss issues important to us all would have made him giddy with excitement. This, he understood, is the power of libraries.

To me, Leland was a dear friend and advisor and he has left an imprint on my life.

Both the Library and the Foundation deeply appreciate Leland's friendship, leadership and longtime support. He continues to inspire us, and he will be deeply missed.

In gratitude,

Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director

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