Through the work of the Greensboro Public Library Foundation, which was started in 2002, library customers enjoy new technologies, library facilities enhanced by a public art program, literary festivals, and improved book and materials collections. Very young customers are excited to find interactive learning centers in the library's renovated and new buildings. The Central library in downtown Greensboro and the seven branch libraries all benefit from the Foundation's fundraising, expanding the enhancements throughout the Greensboro community.

Our Accomplishments

Private donations helped make the following possible.

City-wide Literary Festivals

  • Reading at a public eventMore than 3000 people of all ages participate in more than 50 events during the Library's annual celebration of National Poetry Month.
  • "Dia de los Ninos, Dia de los Libros" (Day of the Child, Day of the Book) attracted more than 2000 people to the event in Center City Park.
  • "One City, One Book" - For the past twelve years, the Greensboro Public Library has conducted this community-wide undertaking in which citizens are encouraged to read a single book. In 2015 the book selection is A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. This memoir chronicles Bryson's personal journey as he attempts to rediscover his own country while hiking the Appalachian Trail. The Library and more than a dozen community partners are offering book discussions, hikes, lectures, children's events, and much more. Click here for more information about "One City, One Book"

Programs for Children and Teens

  • Thousands of children improve their literary skills in the Summer Reading Program.
  • The Library has significantly increased programming for teens with a special emphasis on technology and makerspaces.
  • Foundation funds have purchased interactive programjming materials such as 3-D printing plastics, drone technology, electronics kits, chemistry supplies, jewelry-making materials, film and recording studio equipment, a blue screen and more.

Programs for Senior Citizens

  • Seniors meet with area employers at the annual Senior Job Fair.
  • Senior Health Fair offers free screenings and information.

Books and Materials

  • Music fans benefit from an increase in a variety of CDs.
  • Children find more books at all eight Greensboro Public Library locations.

Library Facility Enhancements

  • The children’s area at the Glenn McNairy Branch Library has over 2,640 square feet providing opportunities for parents and children to engage in learning experiences together, including a focal interactive fixture, a pirate ship, to stimulate children’s imaginations and creativity.
  • The Glenn McNairy Branch has a large meeting room which can accommodate over 100 people. There is an “upscale” coffee vending area with a view of the children’s area so adults can keep an eye on their children while relaxing. There is also a Library Living Room for leisure reading.
  • The children's area at the McGirt-Horton Branch library promotes interactive learning for the library's youngest customers. A puppet stage inspires storytelling, as does a display of a quilt that was created by children at the library and tells in fabric a story they wrote.
  • Library customers enjoy public art in all the library facilities.
  • At the McGirt-Horton Branch library, public art includes a large wall mural by Ernest Watson, depicting individuals and events that have shaped the history of Northeast Greensboro. Four sculptures by William Donnan in the Children's Garden, tell the story of Africa's contributions to world civilization.
  • Public art in the Benjamin Branch includes "Fictions" by David Finn and his students at Wake Forest University, which features five mobiles gently swaying above patrons' heads.

Mobiles at Benjamin Branch

Click each to enlarge
Becky Bowers David Finn Kathren Bowman Rachel Fedders Katie Shufford