Community Read
Community Read is Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s annual, community-wide book club—an invitation to connect through a shared story. Each year’s book selection inspires programs, community conversations, and events that explore timely and meaningful themes.
Community Read 2026
For 2026, we are excited to announce that the signature title will be The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune— an affirming novel about found family, belonging, and self-acceptance. It includes a rich variety of characters and themes that will inspire meaningful programs and discussions.
Save the Date: TJ Klune is coming to Charlotte! On February 25th, 2026, we will kick off Community Read with the event Magic in the Margins: An Author Talk with TJ Klune. Registration for this event is currently full. To see waitlist options, follow the link above.
Get a copy of the book: You can pick up a free copy of the book at library locations, while supplies last. Ebook and eaudio copies are also available via Libby — with no wait times — beginning February 2026.
Discuss the book: Download The House in the Cerulean Sea discussion guide, created by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library librarians! Find meaningful quotes, character bios, discussion questions and more. Reading the sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea? We have a discussion guide for that too!
Join the Community Read Challenge on Storygraph! This year, you can join us on storygraph! Beginning January 1, 2026, you can participate in the Community Read challenge as we read. Storygraph is a social media site for tracking your reading, and is an independent alternative to Goodreads. Find our challenge here.
Our 2026 Community Read Sponsors
Our 2026 Community Partners
Charlotte Lit • City of Charlotte • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • Central Piedmont Community College • Humane Society of Charlotte • Johnson C. Smith University • Johnson & Wales University • The Mint Museum • One Voice Chorus • ReadDavidson • Trinity Episcopal School • Troubadour Booksellers • University of North Carolina at Charlotte