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—a 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 opens January 15th at 9 a.m.
Get a copy of the book: Starting in early 2026, you can pick up a free copy of the book at library locations, while supplies last. Ebook and eaudio copies will also be available via Libby--with no wait times--beginning in Febrary 2026. Stay tuned for more updates!
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 2025 Community Partners
Belle Johnston Community Center • Blumenthal Performing Arts Center • CBI • Center City Partners • Charlotte Bilingual Preschool • Charlotte History Museum • Charlotte Lit • Child Care Resources, Inc. • City of Charlotte Community Engagement • City of Charlotte • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • Communities in Schools • Community Link • Cornelius Police Department • Central Piedmont Community College • Davidson Police Department • Discovery Place • GenerationNation • Hope Street Food Pantry • The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture • Humane Society of Charlotte • Huntersville Police Department • International House • Johnson C. Smith University • Johnson & Wales University • Levine Museum of the New South • MCBCC • Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office • Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation • Mint Hill Police Department • Mint Museum • Our Bridge • Our Daily Bread Foundation • Pass the Peace Feast • PBS • Pineville Police Department • Promise Youth Development • Queens University of Charlotte • ReadDavidson • Read Your Heart Out • The Relatives • Refugee Support Services • Teen Health Connection • Time Out Youth • Trinity Episcopal School • University of North Carolina at Charlotte • University City Partners • VisART Video • YMCA of Greater Charlotte • YWCA Central Carolinas