Whether you’re new to Charlotte or new to the United States, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is excited you’ve chosen the Queen City as your home!

Charlotte is Certified Welcoming, which is a formal designation by Welcoming America for cities and counties that have created policies and programs reflecting their commitment to immigrant inclusion. As of 2023, Charlotte is one of just 18 cities and counties across the United States with this designation. The Library recognizes the important role residents like you play in the vibrancy of our city’s neighborhoods, and we encourage you to get involved and stay connected.

One way we do this is through our WelcomeCLT initiative. The purpose of WelcomeCLT is to provide new residents (with an emphasis on international newcomers) with information and resources about navigating their new community. ​

We have a WelcomeCLT website that contains useful links, videos, information, and resources. But if you need more than what you see, we have additional resources listed on our WelcomeCLT Libguide. In addition to our digital spaces, each library location has world language materials. In total, our library branches have 16 languages represented in our print collections throughout Mecklenburg County. Each branch also has a WelcomeCLT kiosk, a designated place that houses flyers and brochures featuring local resources to help newcomers settle into their new homes.

Welcoming Week on September 8 – 17, 2023

This year the library will be celebrating Welcoming Week on September 8-17, 2023. Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places. Here are some programs you may want to check out!  

PFLAG Charlotte Spanish Speaking LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Series

Saturday, September 9 at 10:00am for Teens, New Adults and Adults (Ages 12 and up)

Join PFLAG Charlotte for a 3-part series about LGBTQIA+ allyship. This workshop is designed for parents, caregivers, and extended family members of LGBTQIA+ individuals, who are interested in supporting their LGBTQIA+ loved ones.

South County - Storytime: All Are Welcome

Wednesday, September 13 at 11:00am for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

Engage your preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development in order to help them grow into successful readers.

University City Regional Library English Conversation Club

Wednesday, September 13 at 11:00am for Adults (Ages 18 and up)

This program provides a relaxed and open environment to practice your English conversation skills. No lectures, just conversations. This program is intended for non-native English learners, and all levels are welcome! We do not follow any curriculum as this is a weekly opportunity to speak English in a non-judgmental conversational setting.

Myers Park - International Taste Test

Wednesday, September 13 at 4:30pm for Preteens and Teens (Ages 9-18)

Are you interested in trying some new snacks? Join us as we try unique treats from around the world and see if you leave with a new favorite!

Virtual – English for Job Seekers

Thursday, September 14 at 6:00pm for New Adults and Adults (Ages 16 and up)

A two-part workshop designed for those who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Part 1 is a virtual group session designed to share resources and prepare participants for job seeking in America. Part 2 is a 1-on-1 mock interview designed to practice interview skills in English and receive helpful feedback to be used in a formal setting. The mock interview will be scheduled at the conclusion of the group session.

The Library regularly hosts programs throughout the year to meet the growing group of newcomers in our area. To register for these programs or find more, visit the Library Events page.

WelcomeCLT Beanstack Challenge on September 1-30, 2023

To take our celebration one step further, our system has a WelcomeCLT Beanstack Challenge throughout the entire month of September. The program will include a sign-up and completion prize.

Whether you just moved to Charlotte or are a long-time resident, there are a series of activities to choose from that will help you contribute to making Charlotte a welcoming place for all. To complete the challenge, a user must complete three activities from their selected track. There are three tracks total, which are defined below.  

• New Americans - New Americans might be immigrants, refugees, or temporary or long-term visitors. Some example activities on this track include visiting the WelcomeCLT kiosk at your local branch and the WelcomeCLT website to find resources useful to New Americans. 
• New to Charlotte - Have you moved to Charlotte, NC in the past few years? Charlotte has so much to offer for newcomers so it’s important to explore. Some example activities on this track include attending a local festival or a WelcomeCLT event to learn more about what Charlotte has to offer. 

• Welcomers - Are you a native Charlottean or someone who moved here a while ago? Then you are part of the welcome wagon! Some example activities on this track include reading a book about a character from another culture or shopping at an international grocery store. It is people like you who make Charlotte a great place to live! 

Once three activities have been completed, the user will be eligible for the completion prize: a WelcomeCLT insulated grocery tote.  All prizes can be picked up at any Charlotte Mecklenburg Library location, while supplies last.   

WelcomeCLT Resource Fair on Friday, September 29, 11am – 2pm

If you are new to Charlotte or new to the SouthPark neighborhood, make sure to end our welcoming festivities with a stop by the WelcomeCLT Resource Fair on Friday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. This event will take place at our SouthPark Regional Library. Community partners will be on hand to bring valuable resources to new arrivals. At the event, you will be able to learn more about the library and visit with your new neighbors!

This blog was written by Lonna Vines, branch manager at the Myers Park branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This blog was written by Darrell Anderson, marketing and communications specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and it's the perfect time to get a card of your own. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers millions of resources including books, music, movies, creative materials, digital resources and programs (in-person and online) – all for FREE with a Library card. Signing up for a Library card is easy and anybody can do it. CLICK HERE to sign up for a Library card and download the CMLibrary mobile app on your tablet or smartphone. Use the app to place holds, access resources and much more. Check out just a small sampling of all the Library has to offer:

FREE Digital Resources

The Library is a tremendous one-stop shop, not just for books but for digital resources and so much more. Whether you need resources for your small business or just want to stream the newest hit music, the Library has a vast catalog of digital resources to fit your needs. You can access online tutoring and homework help for children through Tutor.com or find the resources to support a new (or existing) business venture with LinkedIn Learning. Maybe you want to perfect an existing skill - or learn a new one - with Universal Class or learn a new language with Transparent Language. When you have a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card, you can access a multitude of online resources for FREE. 

Do you enjoy watching movies or listening to music? Film and music buffs can benefit from a Library card, too. With the kanopy, OverDrive/Libby, hoopla and Freegal Music apps – again, available for FREE with a Library card, you can stream or download films, documentaries and the newest songs. Stream the latest from Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and classic Pink Floyd? Yep. Rediscover the literary works of Jane Austen, Isabel Allende and John Grisham? Absolutely.

The Library has everything you need. Whether it’s resources for that work project or the latest trending BookTok read, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has exactly what you’re looking for.

ACCESS RESOURCES

Value Like No Other

Are you curious about how much money a Library card can really save you? $100? $300? Even up to $1,000! Subscription services can be pricey and tend to add up over the course of a calendar year, not to mention how much you might spend on books, magazines and music. There’s no need to pay for subscription services ever again. See how much you can save with the Library by using the Library Value Calculator. Input the number of books, magazines, DVDs, music and resources you’ve purchased or used in a year, and you’ll be amazed at how much you could save by switching to the Library. The numbers don’t lie; a Library card is a great value!

Online Programming from the Library

Did you know that you can participate in Library programming even while staying home? The Library is always here to support the community online, 24/7. Join us for a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch. The Library offers a wide range of online programming for children, teens and adults on a daily basis.

See our listing of upcoming programs below.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS CLICK HERE

Get a Card Today

Signing up for a Library card is easy. CLICK HERE to sign up for one and download the CMLibrary mobile app on your smartphone or tablet for immediate access to place holds, access resources and much more.

So, now that you know everything you can do with your Library card, what are you waiting for? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and get your Library card today!

*This blog was compiled and written by Maggie Bean, Library Foundation*

The new Main Library groundbreaking brought a well-deserved spotlight to the innovative and architecturally stunning project led by internationally acclaimed architects Snøhetta:

https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/29/snohetta-breaks-ground-charlotte-library/

Construction Begins for Snøhetta’s Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg in North Carolina, USA | ArchDaily

https://www.archpaper.com/2023/08/construction-charlotte-mecklenburg-library-snohetta-clark-nexsen/

https://archinect.com/news/article/150361112/sn-hetta-s-charlotte-mecklenburg-library-officially-breaks-ground

Situated conveniently off I-85 and Beatties Ford Road, Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library is located in the Lincoln Heights community in Charlotte’s Historic West End.

Formerly Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, Allegra Westbrooks Regional is the only Charlotte Mecklenburg Library named for an individual. Ms. Westbrooks began her career with the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County in 1947. Prior to desegregation, she managed the only library serving African American residents in Charlotte at the time—the Brevard Street Library for Negroes. Ms. Westbrooks was promoted to Supervisor of Branches in 1957, making her the first African American public library supervisor in North Carolina. She served in this role for many years until her retirement in 1984. Ms. Westbrooks passed away in April 2017 at the age of 96.

Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library welcomes customers from many neighborhoods along and around busy Beatties Ford Road serving a diverse community of readers, learners, job seekers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and more. A variety of library programs are offered including multiple book clubs, a multigenerational chess club, technology classes, and Storytime among others. Collections include a diverse selection of materials such as fiction and non-fiction titles in multiple world languages, African-American fiction collection and African-American and religion non-circulating collections.

Located just over a mile away from the Library is Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte’s only   historically Black college/university (HBCU) and West Complex,  “the largest culturally centered placemaking project on the West Side.” Unique community organizations like For the Struggle, Inc.  and Beatties Ford Road Vocational Training Center can also be found just blocks away from Allegra Westbrooks Regional. Well-established eateries like West End Fresh Seafood Market and Original Chicken and Ribs along with newcomer Archive CLT, a local staff favorite.

New residents may find support through the Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Integration , Refugee Health – Mecklenburg County Public Health, and Refugee Support Services. Are you new to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

Resources:

• Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library – 2412 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216 | 704-416-3000
• Archive CLT – 2023 Beatties Ford Rd Suite D Charlotte, NC 28216 | 980-349-5595
• Beatties Ford Road Vocational Training Center –  1406 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216 | 980-349-4067
• For the Struggle, Inc – 1420 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216 | 704-800-6628
• Johnson C. Smith University – 100 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216 | 704-378-1000
• Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Inclusion – 600 E. Trade St Charlotte, NC 28202 | 704-336-1264
• Original Chicken and Ribs – 1100 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, N 28216 | 704-3322902
• Refugee Health – Mecklenburg Count Public Health – 2845 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216 | 980-314-9470
• Refugee Support Services – 3925 Willard Farrow Dr Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-458-3245
• West End Fresh Seafood Market – 2206 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216 | 704-398-9001

This blog post was written by Alesha Lackey, regional manager for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

*This blog was compiled with information from charlottemuseum.org*

Censorship of information in public libraries and schools has become a hot topic for debate in recent months. While we haven’t yet had to implement these ‘book bans’ here in Charlotte, we are certainly witnessing a significant moment in our country’s history as lengthy lists of accredited authors and titles are prohibited from public and educational spaces. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Charlotte Museum of History have partnered to bring these beloved and incredibly important stories to readers of all levels in the Charlotte community: introducing Banned Book Story Time!

Join us for one “banned” title a month and share in the magic of storytelling. Learn about key moments in our history, expose your young readers to new perspectives, encourage creativity and imagination, and excite their love of reading!

Each program will differ in theme so there is always something new and exciting to look forward to. All programs will include an interactive ‘banned book’ storytime session with a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library representative, and a supplementary activity to reinforce that month’s theme. Let’s put an end to censorship by celebrating the many stories, people, cultures, and perspectives that make up our diverse Charlotte community (and beyond!).

All storytimes are free and located at the Charlotte Museum of History. The following dates are the scheduled storytimes (click the links to register): 

• 9/19 – Elementary-school focus, led by Duany Morrison
• 10/3 (Banned Books Week) – Elementary-school focus, led by Becca Worthington
• 11/14 – Pre-K focus, led by Duany Morrison
• 12/12 – Elementary focus, led by Becca Worthington
• 1/9 – Elementary focus, led by Duany Morrison
• 2/6 – Pre-K focus, led by Brittani Forbes
• 4/2 – Elementary focus, led by Annemarie Chaussard
• 5/14 – Open to all – Mobile Library reserved, led by TBD

The Charlotte Museum of History saves and shares the Charlotte region’s history, connecting the past to current issues and opportunities. We believe a shared understanding of the past can enrich the community’s future, and we work to tell the stories of all parts of our community and all those who have inhabited our area.

The museum sits on an eight-acre wooded campus in fast-changing East Charlotte. It’s the site of the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County, the Rock House built circa 1774 for the Hezekiah Alexander household. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a designated local landmark, the house is Charlotte’s only remaining structure from the days of the Revolutionary period. Nearby are a relocated barn dating to the era, a reproduction log kitchen, and a reconstructed two-story springhouse. Tours of the site and museum programs highlight how people lived during that era and tell of the many cultures that came together to build Charlotte, including the stories of Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities.

Find more at Charlotte Museum of History Events. 

This blog was updated September 5, 2023 to reflect current Census data.

This blog was written by Darrell Anderson, marketing and communications specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Did you know that Hispanic Americans make up the largest immigrant group in the United States? In Mecklenburg County, an estimated 14% of the population, or 157,118 residents, is Hispanic.

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library joins in the national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, but we believe in celebrating el ritmo (the rhythm) of Hispanic culture yearlong! We honor the contributions of American citizens from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, according to the Library of Congress’ official website. Need resources or looking for ways to celebrate Hispanic culture and the Latinx community? We provide a few resources below.

Curious to learn about the rich, cultural presence and contributions of Hispanic people in the Queen City? Click here to read Con A de Arte: A history of Hispanic Presence in Charlotte which takes a closer look our culturally rich neighbors.

Looking for a great book that explores Hispanic culture? Click here to dive into curated book lists that cover topics for children, teens and adults – including detective and mystery fiction, Young Adult (YA) books with Latinx Voices and other Spanish-English bilingual reads.

In collaboration with Cine Casual (www.cinecasual.com), a Charlotte-based site that specializes in Ibero-American cinema, you can find a curated a list of books and films that tell the struggles of being Hispanic/Latinx in the United States, while also highlighting and celebrating the pride and accomplishments of the community.

As always, you can explore our calendar of events to see what programs and activities are coming up in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Looking for events around town? Check out the Latin American Coalition's 33nd Festival Latinoamericano on September 23, 2023 in Charlotte's east side and the 11th annual Hola Charlotte Festival hosted by Norsan Media in Uptown Charlotte on October 7, 2023.

We look forward to celebrating with you this month. Visit cmlibrary.org for more events, news and updates.

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 Este blog se actualizó el 5 de septiembre de 2023 para reflejar los datos actuales del censo.

Este blog fue escrito por Darrell Anderson, especialista en marketing y comunicaciones de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.

¿Sabía que los hispanoamericanos conforman el grupo de inmigrantes más grande de los EE. UU.? En el condado de Mecklenburg, se calcula que un 14 % de la población, es decir, 157,118 residentes, son hispanos.

Cada año, desde el 15 de septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre, la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg se une a la celebración nacional del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, pero ¡creemos en celebrar el ritmo de la cultura hispana todo el año! Rendimos homenaje a los aportes de ciudadanos americanos de México, América Central, América del Sur y el Caribe, según se indica en el sitio web oficial de la Biblioteca del Congreso. ¿Necesita recursos o busca maneras de celebrar la cultura hispana y la comunidad latina? A continuación, encontrará algunos recursos.

¿Siente curiosidad por aprender acerca de la rica presencia cultural y los aportes de los hispanos en Queen City? Haga clic aquí para leer Con A de Arte: A history of Hispanic Presence in Charlotte (Con A de Arte: la historia de la presencia hispana en Charlotte) que analiza en detalle a nuestros vecinos rebosantes de cultura.

¿Busca un buen libro para descubrir la cultura hispana? Haga clic aquí para descubrir listas de libros seleccionados que cubren temas para niños, adolescentes y adultos, incluso ficción detectivesca y de misterio, libros para jóvenes adultos con voces latinas y otras lecturas bilingües en español y en inglés.

En colaboración con Cine Casual (www.cinecasual.com), un sitio con sede en Charlotte que se especializa en cine iberoamericano, podrá encontrar una lista de libros y películas seleccionados que detallan las dificultades de ser hispano o latino en los Estados Unidos, al mismo tiempo que destaca y celebra el orgullo y los logros de la comunidad.

Como siempre, puede explorar nuestro calendario de eventos para ver qué programas y actividades habrá para celebrar el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. 

¿En busca de eventos en la ciudad? Visite el 33.º Festival Latinoamericano de la Coalición Latinoamericana el 23 de septiembre de 2023 en el área este de Charlotte y el 11.º Hola Charlotte Festival anual organizado por Norsan Media en Uptown Charlotte el 7 de octubre de 2023.

Esperamos celebrar este mes juntos. Visite cmlibrary.org para descubrir más eventos, novedades y actualizaciones.

​

South County Regional Library celebrates its 25-year anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 1-4 p.m. The Library, located at 5801 Rea Road, at the intersection of Rea Road and Pineville-Matthews Road, opened its doors to the public on September 20, 1998.    

Since then, some things have changed. There are no aquariums on the second floor anymore, but there is a makerspace with 3D printers, a vinyl cutter, and a laser cutter. The water sculpture hanging above the stairs and the enormous teal eel have gone, but public art, created by North Carolina artist and sculptor Jim Gallucci, Open Book, Open Mind was installed during the 2021 renovation.   

Customers and community members are invited on Sunday to celebrate the Library and its presence in the community. Visit MoLi (CML’s mobile library) or the Detour Coffee truck, stop to watch a demonstration of the Bob Ross style of art, walk along the photo gallery of South County’s history, or look for the newly displayed artwork provided through a new partnership with the Charlotte Art League.  

There’s a bit of something for everyone this Sunday at South County Regional! Learn more at https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/64cbd4a9c102fe4100a2455f.

*Written by David Sniffin, Library Program Manager - Workforce Development*

Beginning in February of 2023, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, in partnership with Charlotte Works/NC Works, started hosting hiring events with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools at targeted regional locations. So far, hiring events have been hosted at Independence Regional Library, North County Regional Library, and South County Regional Library. 

These are not traditional job fairs but are designed and marketed as hiring events where job seekers can earn employment on the spot. These hiring events are the first time that CMS has offered joint instructional and non-instructional hiring opportunities to fill existing needs across multiple schools and departments. The Library looks forward to continuing this partnership as it continues to offer hiring events throughout 2023 and into late 2024.  

Hiring events will take place at the following locations through 2024:

• Allegra Westbrooks Regional on April 24
• Independence Regional on May 15
• Allegra Westbrooks Regional on June 25
• South County Regional on July 31