Since Marcellus “MT” Turner took over as CEO and chief librarian of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in 2021, the library system has undergone significant transformation — and it’s not over yet.

The library system, which currently has 21 locations, has ambitious plans to expand to 31 branches to better meet the needs of the city’s growing population. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wants to bring branches to "library deserts," where residents lack easy access to library resources, as well as modernizing existing facilities to provide more meeting spaces, technology access and interactive learning opportunities.

A major highlight of the system’s growth is the new Main Library coming in 2026, which will replace the previous structure at its long-standing Tryon Street location. Slated to be a state-of-the-art facility, the six-story building will feature expanded public spaces, a café, a makerspace and an immersive theater, with no administrative offices taking up space.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, recorded in front of an audience at The Sharon at South Park retirement community in March 2025, Turner talks about the role of libraries in Charlotte, how it’s shifted over the past few decades, and what we can expect to see in the future.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

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