News Summary
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (CML) is set to launch its 2025 Community Read campaign, focusing on art through literature. Residents of all ages can engage in discussions and events centered around the signature book ‘Portrait of A Thief’ by Grace D. Li. The library will also celebrate the grand opening of the new University City branch on February 8, 2025, enhancing educational resources and community connections.
Exciting Literary Adventures Await in Charlotte!
Charlotte residents, rejoice! The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (CML) is gearing up to launch its fantastic 2025 Community Read campaign, and this year’s theme is all about exploring the world of art through literature. With a lineup that aims to engage everyone from children to adults, it’s a wonderful opportunity to dive into discussions about creativity and expression!
Community Connection Through Art
The main goal of this engaging campaign is to bring together people of all ages to read and discuss a single book. This initiative emphasizes how art can forge connections within the community. A sense of unity and shared experience fosters conversations that can enlighten the heart and mind. It’s a fantastic way to bond over stories while participating in exciting events throughout Charlotte.
This Year’s Signature Read
The signature book chosen for this year is “Portrait of A Thief” by Grace D. Li. This captivating narrative will take readers on a journey exploring themes of identity and cultural expression, perfectly aligning with the campaign’s artistic focus. To kick things off, CML has teamed up with the Mint Museum-Randolph for a special event on March 12, running from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This free event designed for adults will feature live performances, an interactive art project, games, and food, promising a delightful evening for all involved!
Fun in the Community
Not only can attendees immerse themselves in discussions about the highlighted book, but there are also guided tours slated for March and June. These tours, which correspond with the themes of the signature title, will offer free admission to the Mint Museum on specific Wednesday evenings. This immersive experience further enriches the understanding of art and its relation to culture.
Families can get in on the fun as well! Companion titles for teens and children include “From Twinkle with Love” by Sandhya Menon, “Art Club” by Rashad Doucet, and “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. All four titles are available at no charge from CML locations or for digital download while supplies last.
Proudly Opening a New Branch
But wait, there’s more! Mark your calendars for February 8, 2025, as this date will witness the grand opening of the new University City branch of the library! This impressive 38,000 square feet facility will serve as the second-largest regional library in Mecklenburg County. The County invested a whopping $39.6 million into this project, demonstrating the commitment to enhancing educational resources within the area.
To celebrate the opening, exciting festivities are planned, including puppet shows, face painting, live music, and a host of activities to make the day unforgettable for all. The new branch is designed with inclusivity in mind and will cater to the diverse needs of the community. The state-of-the-art structure is 13,500 square feet larger than the former University City library, providing two spacious floors dedicated to exploring the world of books and beyond.
A Hub for the Community
Among its many features, a large community room will not only host events but also serve as a polling place on Election Day—talk about multifunctional! The second floor offers additional conference rooms, making it a prime location for meetings and gatherings. Public art lovers will appreciate the inclusion of a stunning life-size horse sculpture named “Stella Terra” by artist Anne Lemanski, providing a unique focal point for visitors.
To stay current with technological advancements, the new library will boast computers for all ages, a self-checkout system, and special amenities like Book Club Kits, which contain multiple copies of popular titles along with discussion guides. The children’s area is designed with eye-level shelving to encourage young readers to explore vibrant book spines and participate in dedicated programming spaces.
In the spirit of fostering creativity, exciting library programs will roll out throughout March, all centered around the Community Read theme. This initiative represents a commitment to uplifting the local arts scene while acknowledging the diverse and growing community, including students from nearby UNC Charlotte.
As if that wasn’t enough to make your heart sing, the City Council has voted to create a new governance system aimed at distributing arts grants alongside the Mecklenburg County and the Foundation for the Carolinas. This collaborative effort aims to address equitable arts funding that supports local artists and cultural projects, showcasing a collective response to the challenges faced by the arts sector since the pandemic.
So, get ready to immerse yourselves in the world of literature and art, Charlotte! Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for a fun outing with the family, the upcoming Community Read campaign and the new University City library promise to be an exciting chapter in the vibrant life of this city.
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Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer: Local News
- River Journal Online
- Charlotte Magazine
- V101.9: Mint Museum
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte
- Google Scholar: Community Read Programs
- Google News: Charlotte Community Art Events
