Community Read FAQs
Have questions about Community Read? We've got answers! Check out our FAQs below or reach out to Meryle Leonard at [email protected]
Consideration for Selecting a Community Read Book
Interested in recommending a book or being considered the Community Read signature author? Please review the following criteria and submit your selection to the link below.
Selecting the Community Read book is a library staff and community process. Due to the program's popularity, a succinct selection process is necessary to support year-round planning as well as meet program deadlines.
The “Community” part of the Community Read does not refer to the author or the topics of the book. It is a program that engages all members of the community. Local authors or themes do not have priority in the selection process.
Each year, the Library leadership team picks a theme. The Community Read team members select several books to support the theme. (See below for the criteria.) A survey is shared with the public and staff. They vote on the suggested books and recommend additional books based on the theme. The Community Read team selects a book based on the information received in the survey as well as the following:
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Criteria: Well-known author to encourage broad participation
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Fiction vs. Non-fiction
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Classic or Contemporary
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Reading level
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Support diversity, equity, and inclusion
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In print and have available quantity to order for the collection and give to the community
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Readily available in translation
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Available in paperback edition
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Author availability and affordability
Companion titles are chosen by the Community Read Team.
4 ways to enjoy Community Read in March
Be part of a big, exciting, community-wide book club, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s annual Community Read. We’ve selected books for every age group, and there are plenty of ways to participate.
1. Join the biggest book club in town
We’re more than a great community. We’re a book club. And with a book selection for every age group, everyone is invited to join in the fun. As we focus on creating community dialogue around, “Art Is…” This year, the signature title, Portrait of A Thief by Grace D. Li, includes a Community Read After Hours Affair at the Mint Museum on Randolph Road on March 12, 2025.
Our 2025 Community Read titles include:
- Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
- From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon
- Art Club by Rashad Doucet
- The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
2. Join a conversation or two
There are also a lot of conversations taking place around Portrait of a Thief and its relevant themes. Join a conversation, use your voice, and help change the narrative of our community.
3. Be a partner
Host your own Community Read program. Start a book club, family story time program, be a guest speaker, or volunteer at your local school. More importantly, what type of impact can you make in our community? How can your voice be heard? Share your work by using our Community Read Partner Event form.
4. Spend time with your neighbors at a local program
Community Read is so much more than reading the books – we hope you will visit your local branch to participate in a program too. With Community Read-themed story times, book discussions, and programs, there is sure to be something your whole family can experience! More so, the Library welcomes all of our community members to use the Community Read program as an opportunity to come together to discuss issues, seek understanding and create innovative solutions to community challenges beyond the program!
Check out the calendar for all Community Read programs and events.
Read together. Share together. Be part of your community.
Invite your friends and family to participate. Make new friends. Join book club discussions hosted around our community. Visit cmlibrary.org to learn more.