Charlotte Mecklenburg Library says it has passed the $100 million mark in its $135 million fundraising campaign for a new Main Library and technology upgrades across the library system.
The latest gift is a $1 million donation from Charlotte-based Honeywell International Inc. for a data visualization lab in the Main Library.
“We’re thrilled that Honeywell has helped us reach this major milestone," said Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation Executive Director Jenni Gaisbauer.
"Their philanthropic leadership, together with investments from others in the corporate community, reaffirm our belief that a strong library system makes our community an attractive place to do business. The new library’s program priorities include strengthening public engagement, supporting economic opportunity and connecting community resources.”
Gaisbauer said Thursday that demolition of the current Main Library on North Tryon Street uptown is planned by the end of this year. The $100 million new building is expected to open to the public in early 2025.
As part of the money raised so far, Mecklenburg County is paying to overhaul the library's Support Services Center, which houses all the library's back-office operations. It's moving into a county-owned building at Eastway Drive and North Tryon Street.
The library still needs to raise $35 million, which will help pay for the new Main Library, technology and programming throughout the system, funding the library endowment, and annual operating support.