Since 1971, the Friends of the Library (FOL) has brought together book lovers, curious minds, and community members who believe in the power of libraries. What began as a small group of citizens committed to supporting Everett Library has grown into a vibrant part of campus and community life at Queens.
Today, FOL connects Queens University and the greater Charlotte community through author talks, book clubs, cultural gatherings, and social events — all in support of Everett Library. Whether you’re coming for a lively discussion, a chance to meet a favorite writer, or simply to be part of a community that loves books as much as you do, there’s a place for you here.
Every membership helps Everett Library grow by funding new acquisitions, special collections, student programs, and the events that bring our community together. When you join Friends of the Library, you’re not just supporting a library; you’re investing in the intellectual and cultural life of Queens University and Charlotte.
Membership is open to anyone who loves books, ideas, and community — alumni, students, faculty, and friends from across the city. As a member, you’ll enjoy invitations to author events and members-only gatherings, discounts at library sales, and the satisfaction of knowing your support makes a lasting difference.
Membership runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Fall Into Reading: John Kenney
October 13
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Queens Hall, Queens University of Charlotte
Holiday Books and Coffee: Laurie Frankel
November 20
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Queens Hall, Queens University of Charlotte
Winter Words – Ron Rindo
Tuesday, January 19 – 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Queens Hall & Terrace
Patrons Party
Date TBD – 6:30-8 p.m.
Location TBD
B&A Conversations with the Authors – Kathryn Stockett
Monday, March 15 – 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Gambrell Center
Spring Books & Coffee
Friday, April 9 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Queens Hall & Terrace
Final Chapter
Tuesday, May 11 – 6:30-8 p.m.
Location TBD
An Informal History by Kathryn Preyer
The idea of forming a support group for Everett Library came from Kathryn Preyer’s participation on the board of the Friends Group at UNC Greensboro and seeing, firsthand, what community support was engendered due to the interesting programs and library privileges that were offered to members. The librarian of Queens, Rose Anderson, was enthusiastic about the idea, as was Miss Thelma Albright, faculty member and former dean of students, and Dr. John Smiley, college president.
A group of friends, some Queens alumni and some not, were also interested, so an organizing meeting was held in April 1971 in what is now the Special Collections Room in Everett Library. Some one hundred people attended to hear short talks by the president, librarian, etc. to have coffee and cookies, and to sign up as Charter Members. Their enthusiasm was so exciting.
The purpose in forming the Friends was, as explained to the original group, to focus attention on the Library as the center of learning on campus, to strengthen ties between Queens College and the Charlotte community by planning events that would contribute to the cultural life of the city and bring people on campus, and to make useful gifts to the Library whenever possible, the “icing on the cake”.
Officers were appointed by Dr. Smiley with Helen Bouldin Jones president. A strong Board was picked, also, and plans were made for the first Book and Author Luncheon followed by the Annual Meeting in the Spring. Both events were successful and succeeded in attracting many members. By the tenth anniversary dinner, with Charles Kuralt as speaker, the membership was over nine hundred! The highest point was over one thousand in 1992.
In 2001, Friends of the Library had a capital campaign to raise money for an endowment to help with the expenses of the authors for the Book and Author event. Over $110,000 was raised for the Book and Author Endowment and Beverly Clark Book and Author Endowment.
The Ministrare Leadership Society recognized Friends of the Library in the fall of 2017 for its gifts of over $1,000,000 to Everett Library.
2026-2027 Officers
President – Tonya Flippin
Vice President – Julie Walton
Secretary – Rachel Feldman
Treasurer – Cookie Parnell
2026-2027 Executive Committee
Author Search – Phyllis Mahoney, Julie Walton, Meg Hollingsworth
Book & Author – Beth Livingston, Laura Whitlock
Membership – Stephanie Safrit, Sherard Anne Gates, Sylvia Wood
Sponsor Relations – Janice Elder, Phyllis Harper
Marketing – Meg Hollingsworth
Moderating Facilitator – Selena Giovannelli
Past President / Nominating – Amy Colaco
Long Range Planning – Jennie Cook-Harper
If you would like more information about Friends of the Library, please contact us at fol@queens.edu. You can also connect with FOL on Facebook or Instagram.
Becky Cathcart
Assistant Director, Strategic Partnerships and Events
980-890-7771
cathcartb@queens.edu
Allison Meyer-Tucker
Director, Strategic Partnerships and Events
704-337-2435
meyer-tuckera@queens.edu
Andrea Stanfield
Library Director
704-337-2400
stanfielda@queens.edu