Hello ,

The end of summer is bittersweet. As attention turns to the coming fall elections, your Library’s Engage 2020 program series is gearing up. The series celebrates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, and looks at the stories of women who have stood up for civil and social rights throughout history and today. In recent weeks, our city lost two such women – Sarah Belk Gambrell and Sarah Bryant. Both were strong, forward-thinking leaders and supporters of the Library and organizations throughout our region, and both will have a lasting impact on our community. Mrs. Gambrell and her daughter Sally Bridgford were among the first to invest in The CommonSpark campaign through The Gambrell Foundation, and we are forever grateful for their generosity, confidence and belief in the power of libraries.

For many, this week was all about the start of school. The annual rituals look and feel very different this year, as students, families and teachers navigate the unknowns of virtual or “hybrid” schooling.

Educational success has always been a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library priority, and your Library is working closely with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as well as charter, private and homeschool groups to align resources with the specific needs of this academic year. Keep your Library card (or ONE Access student ID number) with your school supplies, because with it students and teachers can easily access a world of study aids, curriculum materials, tutoring, enrichment programs and more. A good place to start is with this virtual workshop - Remote Learning 101: Using Library Resources to Enhance Learning.

With your unrestricted support, your Library can continue to respond quickly to changing needs with flexibility and an unwavering commitment to improve lives and build a stronger community. Please consider making a gift today.

Wishing everyone a smooth start to the school year,

Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director