Contact: Jeremy Blume, 770-813-0000, 404-538-8589 cell; Press Kit & Photos

CHARLOTTE, May 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- Family, friends, and three former presidents will be among the guests joining Billy Graham in Charlotte next week for a private ceremony to help dedicate the new Billy Graham Library. President George H.W. Bush will deliver the keynote address. Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter will also take part in the ceremony.

When: Thursday, May 31 at 2 p.m.

Where: The Billy Graham Library located on the grounds of the international headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201

The 40,000-square-foot Library depicts the life of evangelist Billy Graham and rather than simply serving as a memorial, is designed to inspire visitors as part of the ongoing outreach of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The Library offers visitors a look at Graham's historic evangelistic events, his innovative use of radio, television, and films to reach out to millions of people around the world, meetings with presidents and world leaders, his work for racial equality and religious freedom, and a glimpse into his personal life.

Visitors can also see an exhibit on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association today—reflecting the ongoing global work and expansion of the ministry. The high-tech, family-friendly Billy Graham Library includes a restaurant, bookstore, and a tour of the original Graham Family Homeplace where Billy Graham lived when he was a teenager. The Library will also be the repository for Graham's personal papers, including his correspondence and sermon manuscripts.

The Billy Graham Library is expected to open to the public June 5. Admission will be free.

MEDIA TOUR: A tour for media of the Billy Graham Library will be led by Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association at 9 a.m. May 31. This will be the only opportunity for media to tour the Library on Thursday, May 31.

MEDIA PARKING: Media parking for this event is located at the nearby old Charlotte Coliseum (100 Paul Buck Blvd. 28217). Shuttle buses will provide transportation to and from the Billy Graham Library. There is no parking available on the property of the Billy Graham Library (with the exception of a limited number of parking spaces for live microwave and satellite trucks). Media covering the dedication ceremony should arrive at the Charlotte Coliseum before 1:15 p.m.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS: Only working media will be considered for credentials. Media must bring company-issued identification and be prepared to show photo identification. Credentials will be issued on May 31 at a designated tent in the media parking lot beginning at 7:00 a.m.

For additional information, including high-resolution photos, please visit www.DeMossNewsPond.com/BGEA.