Demolition speakers included US Rep. Alma Adams and Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio

Aug. 16. What do you do when you’re going to demolish a library? You celebrate, according to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

“We wanted to celebrate this demolition to mark the start of a new beginning in Uptown Charlotte,” library CEO Marcellus Turner said.

The demolition of the Main Library in Uptown Charlotte will be methodical, with no explosives or wrecking balls. Crews will slowly take the building down to preserve materials, while also being conscious of nearby buildings and pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

In its place come Spring 2026: A new, $137 million building with free resources on five floors, each designed for specific purposes.

There will also be a cafe where people can grab a cup of coffee during the day and a glass of wine in the evening.