The History of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC

When the name Billy Graham is mentioned, what comes into the mind of people is a famous evangelist. He was brought up in North Carolina from a prosperous dairy farming family. The idea of building a library to be named after him was good, but Graham was against it.

Graham wanted to concentrate on the message of the true gospel. He later agreed with the idea of the library after he was convinced it was a “crusade” that would continue to future generations. When he was told that it would bring many souls to Christ, he changed his mind.

The Billy Graham Library is known to many as a public museum and library with history and the life ministry of evangelist Graham. The 40,000 square-foot complex is located on the grounds of the international headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, NC. The city is popular with the thriving of local businesses due to its conducive environment.

The library complex has included Billy’s childhood home. His home was built in 1927 on their dairy farm which is just a few kilometres from the library. It was repaired and decorated with family pictures and other important materials of Billy Graham.

The plans for the library were hatched in April 2005 at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters. Furthermore, the groundbreaking ceremony took place in August the same year. The library was dedicated in May 2007 and the ceremony was attended by Billy Graham, former United States presidents Carter, Clinton and Bush.

Moreover, the library portrays several themes which Billy Graham emphasized. The themes spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the globe. It shows the leap of faith Graham took when he was a young farm boy and committed his life to Jesus Christ. He grew in faith until Billy became the popular evangelist of the globe.

The amazing entrance of the library is cross-shaped; reminding visitors it is only the cross of Christ humankind is connected with God. Visitors are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made to die on the cross for the sake of their sins. The cross acts as a bridge that connects Christian with their Lord.

Billy Graham Library was established to serve the purpose of spreading the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is designed like a ministry of administering the word of God to visitors who flock there every year. When touring the library one experiences the Journey of Faith tour.

Inside the Billy Graham Library, there is Ruth’s Attic Bookstore. You may ask yourself who is Ruth? Ruth was a wife to Graham and she was known as Ruth Bell Graham. The bookstore has Bibles, Christian materials, and books written by family members of Graham.

Additionally, Ruth Graham was fond of literature and her devotion to God was strongly tied together. She encouraged her family with books filled with inspirations and deep wells of faith. The bookstore has rare special editions which were authored by Billy and Ruth Graham. Inside the bookstore, you will also find inspiring sermons on DVD, worship music CDs, and custom library apparel.

During the year 2020, the library was temporarily closed for renovations and face lifting. At this time the quality of the sound was improved in various areas of the tour. Graham’s library was also put up during this time and also installation of a custom mural took place.

The library is opened from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday it remains closed. Entry to the library is free, but those who are willing to support the library can make their donations and contributions inside the boxes placed in the lobby.

Billy Graham’s library has attracted visitors to Charlotte, NC and has made the city to be popular. Moreover, local businesses have experienced exponential growth due to the visitors touring this area.

The library will remain to be a historical site for the gospel of Jesus Christ and home of spiritual nourishment even to future generations.