Cool Globe Art Finds Permanent Home at South Boulevard Library

The South Boulevard Library branch is now the permanent home to the public art “Reading is Green” Cool Globe by artist Nancy Schon and available for an exceptional photo opportunity. The Cool Globe features children’s books and is located outside the rear entrance, right next to the Children's area.

Through a donation from Bank of America, the globe was relocated from Bank of America’s headquarter plaza to the South Boulevard Library, located at 4429 South Boulevard, Charlotte.

The “Reading is Green” Cool Globe centers around children and reading. The artist statement reads, “Words are the building blocks of life, and reading powers the minds of our future leaders. Reading proficiency at third grade is a critical predictor of school, career, and life success. Today's children will play a vital role in addressing climate change, and their worlds will open up to opportunities and solutions through reading. Take a book outside and start imaging the possibilities. Reading is the best renewable energy we have.”

“We’re excited to make South Boulevard Library the permanent home for the “Reading is Green” Cool Globe. As one Library location without a public art installment, this unique piece is sure to generate attention as well as spark community conversations around reading, literacy and global warming,” said Kevin Bittle, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library deputy branch channel leader. “We’re thankful to Bank of America for donating this art to our Library and keeping it accessible to the community.”

“The subject matter of the “Reading is Green” Cool Globe made it a natural fit to donate to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system, where promoting the joy of reading and learning is a priority,” said Charles Bowman, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President.  “Its new home will allow our residents to learn about and enjoy this art for years to come.”

The Cool Globes public art exhibit was on display in Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte-Douglas Airport from June 2020 through March 2021. Each of the 35 globes featured messages about global warming. The Cool Globe at South Boulevard Library is now a permanent installation.