Our Vision
Your Investment
FAQs
Our Vision
A library for our future.
Southwest Regional Library will go beyond books and digital content – it will be a place to discover, to grow, and to gather. A place that establishes a common ground where people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic means embrace the joys of learning and discovering new worlds. A place where people can find the resources and the support they need to succeed.
“Due to the challenges of the pandemic, perhaps like never before, libraries have become an essential workplace both physically and virtually.”
– Union County Library Foundation Leadership
Your Investment
Be a part of our story.
The Our Library, Our Future campaign will allow us to create spaces in our new library that are as inspiring as the learning taking place inside them. Your investment in any amount will help us fund the amenities resources needed for the many spaces in our community, including:
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Children’s storytime area, programming space, and reading nooks
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Teen lounge
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STEAM Lab
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Community rooms
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Outdoor reflection area
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And so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new library located?
The new library follows the regional library concept for Union County Libraries (UCL) as adopted in 1999 and is the fourth regional library built in the County. Already a Union County government property, the setting is near the Cuthbertson School Campus and within 15 minutes from each town center of the five towns located in the southwest region of Union County. The site was selected for its unique, wooded setting with spaces for quiet reflection and outdoor learning experiences for all ages. There are also future plans for an amphitheater for community activities. In addition, about $3 million was saved in bond funding by using a Union County-owned property rather than investing in an additional property.
Why is it important to have a library in the southwest part of Union County?
Currently, the only physical library in the southwest part of Union County is the well-loved and bustling Waxhaw Library in historic downtown Waxhaw. With just 2,900 sq. ft. and a maximum building occupancy of 50, not enough space exists for the large array of library services to adequately occur. The Waxhaw library does not have ample parking or usable outdoor areas to comfortably and safely accommodate our growing number of patrons. While the Waxhaw staff does a wonderful job creatively utilizing existing space, they are drastically limited by such a small building which does not allow for multi-age programming, community gathering areas, or an enhanced collection. The new 19,000 sq. ft. Southwest Regional Library will incorporate the Waxhaw Library and expand access to services in one of the most rapidly growing regions of North Carolina.
Why is the Union County Library Foundation (UCLF) tasked with raising money for the new library?
As the new library project has been delayed since the bond was passed in 2016, we knew we didn’t have enough funds to build the intended 35,000 sq. ft. library envisioned. The County and the UCL decided to build the largest library they could and the Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy and support mechanism for UCL, agreed to launch a $1.5 million Capital Campaign to enhance the amenities in the Southwest Regional Library. Therefore, the bond covers the physical building, and the money raised by the Foundation will enhance interior furnishings, enhance the basic print and nonprint collections, and enhance interior and exterior programming spaces making this library an exceptional place of learning and opportunity for our community.
What types of donations can the Foundation accept?
At this time the Foundation is accepting credit card, debit card, and e-check donations through this website. Bank check donations can be mailed to:
The Union County Library Foundation
316 East Windsor Street
Monroe, NC 28112
We welcome matching corporate gift requests as well as inquiries regarding planned gifts and gifts of stock, securities, or property. Reach out to info@UCLibraryFoundation.org for additional information on such giving opportunities.
Do I need to pay my campaign pledge all at once?
We are accepting multi-year campaign pledges.
Are there naming opportunities?
Yes, there are various naming opportunities for Southwest Regional Library. Email info@UCLibraryFoundation.org to explore the different naming opportunities available or click here to see the full list.
What are other ways for me to get involved with Union County Libraries and the Union County Library Foundation (UCLF)?
If you are interested in volunteering at one of our libraries, participating in this fundraising campaign, joining the Friends of the Library, or becoming a Board Director for the Union County Library Foundation, contact us via email at info@UCLibraryFoundation.org. We will ensure that your email is directed to the appropriate personnel.
What role will the UCLF serve after the library is built?
After the Capital Campaign is completed, the UCLF (a nonprofit established in 1988) will continue to uphold its charter as the capital fundraising support for UCL. Recently, UCLF has committed its resources to building an infrastructure in partnership with UCL to continue its advocacy and support role believing significant investments in libraries translate to a more informed, literate constituency.
Supporting our new, innovative library will not only benefit your own family in pursuit of lifelong learning – you’ll also support access to free resources and services for ALL citizens of our community. Thank you for investing in the future of Union County!