Who We Are
Our mission is to transform the way readers engage with books with dynamic and interactive events that go beyond the traditional arts and lecture format. We aim to deepen community connections and to make the Charlotte literary scene vibrant, accessible, and relevant to the next generation of readers, authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts alike.
What We Stand For
Empowering the next generation of readers and writers, Charlotte Arts and Lectures envisions a vibrant, inclusive literary community that connects, inspires, and amplifies diverse voices. We strive to foster a love for storytelling across all genres, creating innovative programs and events that engage all kinds of readers bridging the gap between classic literature and modern narratives. By championing local authors, curating interactive experiences, and promoting social impact through the written word, we aim to shape a dynamic literary culture that reflects the energy, creativity, and perspectives of today’s young readers and future storytellers.
Our Values
Community – Building connections and strengthening relationships through shared literary experiences.
Accessibility – Ensuring that literature and learning opportunities are available to everyone.
Integrity – Upholding transparency, accountability, and honesty in all of our actions.
Innovation – Exploring new ideas and approaches to inspire a love for literature and the arts.
Joy - We cherish the personal joy that reading and writing bring, as well as the powerful sense of connection and community that grows from sharing stories with others.
Our Founders
Whitney Berger
Whitney is a lifelong bibliophile who has worked in the book industry for over 14 years. She started her career at The King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, then spent 5 years in Seattle working for the regional publisher, Sasquatch Books and is now back at The King’s English managing social media and other marketing initiatives. Whitney reads widely but will usually pick fiction over nonfiction, though she does love an entertaining memoir. She has two children so is well versed in board and picture books.
Alison Sheridan
An avid reader, who fell in love with books at an early age, Alison has worked in multiple facets of the book industry. First in IT, Marketing and Operations at University Book Store in Seattle, then in publishing in Marketing and Social Media for Sasquatch Books, and currently back on the bookselling side as the owner of Cleary’s Bookstore, an indie located in Mount Holly, NC. Alison is a fan of literary fiction (especially weird girl fiction), mystery & thrillers, historical fiction, horror, and social sciences.
