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New Main Library

 


 

What is the new Main Library?

A place for gathering. For learning. For community. 

 

The new Main Library will be a major destination in Uptown Charlotte; a free, open, and accessible information hub for Mecklenburg County long timers, newcomers, and those just stopping through. As Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s flagship location, it will be an architecturally distinctive, state-of-the-art, technologically advanced knowledge center, where everyone in the community can access the resources of a 21st century library. All will be welcome. 

 

Main Library Update Video: Drone footage of Main Library building progress

 

Where will the new Main Library be located?

New destination. Same location. 

 

The new Main Library will be built on the same site as the current main library: the 300 block of North Tryon Street, also known as the corner of 6th & N. Tryon Streets.  It is the same site where the original Carnegie Library – the first free library in Mecklenburg County – stood in 1903.  

 

New Main will continue to be an inviting place to learn, grow, and engage with others in the community. 

 

Learn more about the Seventh & Tryon Development. 

 

What will be inside of the new Main Library?

Exploration. Opportunity. Knowledge.

 

 

Level One - Community 

  • Knight Hall – The dynamic grand lobby 

  • Open air courtyard 

  • Forum for new, innovative programming 

  • Popular collection showcase including NYT bestsellers and latest releases   

  • Immersive theater area for live performances with digital integration 

  • Café 

 

 

Level Two - Opportunity and Innovation

  • Opportunity and career center  

  • Innovation lab supports the conception and development of new ideas 

  • Technology hub

  • Digital visualization lab provides resources and support for discovering, analyzing, and visualizing information  

  • New resident welcome center  

  • Outdoor terrace 

 

Level Three - Reference and Research

  • Collections  

  • Study carrels 

  • Multi-purpose classroom

  • Reference hub  

  • Community “living room” for open, salon-style conversations 

 

Level Four - History and Genealogy

  • Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room