Kanopy has a vast array of independent films, documentaries, children’s movies and free access to the Great Courses. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library users streamed over seven thousand movies from Kanopy last month. There is something on Kanopy for the whole family.

Learn more about Kanopy and checkout limits here. Need a library card? Sign up here. 

Here are the top five movies streamed on Kanopy by Library users in the last thirty days:

• I Am Not Your Negro (2016) Oscar-nominated documentary narrated by Samuel L Jackson that explores the continued peril America faces from institutionalized racism. Run time: 94 minutes
   
• Lady Bird (2017) Directed by Greta Gerwig and nominated for five Oscars, Lady Bird is a warm, affecting comedy about a high schooler (Saoirse Ronan) who must navigate a loving but turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother (Laurie Metcalf) over the course of her eventful and poignant senior year of high school. Rated R. Run time: 94 minutes
   
• Race – The Power of an Illusion (2003) The first episode in a series that challenges our commonsense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits.  Run time: 58 minutes
   
• Black Orpheus (1959) Camus’ Black Orpheus brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to twentieth-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Run time: 108 minutes
   
• What We Do in the Shadows (2014) Housemates Viago, Deacon and Vladislav are three vampires who are trying to get by in a modern society; from paying rent and doing housework to trying to get invited to nightclubs.  Rated R. Run time: 86minutes

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This blog was written by Serena Guest of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Dr. Thomas Hanchett is serving as the Historian-in-Residence for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. In this role, he has given frequent talks at libraries around the county, until the COVID-19 shutdown put an end to any such gatherings. Tom hasn't let that stop him, though. He will give a talk on "Women Changing Charlotte" live on the Library's Facebook page this Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. 

The talk will focus on women who changed Charlotte, focusing on the 1970s and 80s. In the public as well as the private sector, women seized the opportunity to lead, proving that they belonged, opening the way for women to come, and changing the city of Charlotte. To register for this event, click here.

This discussion is part of the Engage 2020 summer series, which will prepare us for the August 26 centennial of the 19th Amendment. This amendment guaranteed women the right to vote. In this election year, the Library is partnering with the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) offering programs like this one to encourage everyone to look back at what has been accomplished in the past and to move forward with empowerment to make a difference in one's own community. 

Engage 2020 runs from May through November 2020 online and at community locations around Mecklenburg County as allowed by the COVID crisis. Read more about Engage 2020 here.

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 6/22/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 6/22

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Tuesday 6/23              

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  register 

Engage 2020: Learning Circles: Women Have Always Worked (Part 2) – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Active Reading to Read Words: Building Phonemic Awareness  – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Anime Club – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Career Connections: Meet an Online Entrepreneur – 4 p.m.  (Adult, Teen, Children's programming)  register

Spanish Conversation Club – 5 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Engage 2020 Presents Dr. Tom Hanchett: Women Changing Charlotte – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Wednesday 6/24

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register 

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Engage 2020: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Teens LIVE: Tie-Dye for Summer– 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Charlemos Charlotte: Spanish-English Language Exchange – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Thursday 6/25

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register 

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   register

Spanish Conversation Club – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) - 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Book Talk: Children's - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Teens LIVE: DIY Wrapped Headphones – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

Spanish Conversation Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

English Conversation Club - 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Friday 6/26

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)  register 

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  register  

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register 

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Saturday 6/27

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

Learning Circle: The Science of Wellbeing – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)  register 

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Laundry Day – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Spanish Basics – 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Social Justice Book Club – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

In 2014, the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room’s Senior Librarian, Shelia Bumgarner, met Shelagh Childs who visited all the way from Brighton, England. The purpose of Childs’ visit was to research and learn more information about her great aunts, Violet and Daisy Hilton, who were conjoined twins. At that time, Childs had only recently discovered her connection to her famous aunts from a genealogist in England.  

Violet and Daisy Hilton 

Born in 1908 to Ethel Skinner, the twins were raised by the mid-wife who would frequently take the conjoined twins to local bars and charge people to look at them. They weren’t given the surname Hilton until several years after birth. The sisters learned to sing, dance and play musical instruments for public entertainment.  

Violet and Daisy Hilton 

After traveling throughout England, the twins eventually came to America where they performed on vaudeville and appeared a couple of movies. The duo was left stranded in Charlotte by their manager in Charlotte sometime in July 1962 while on a promotional tour at the old Carolina Theater. The twins had visited this same venue in 1945, but the 1962 visit did not result in the same level of success. Despite the best efforts of William Morris, the late owner of Morris Costumes, the twins’ show-business career ended.  

The Hilton twins at Park-N-Shop 

With the assistance from Charles Reid owner of the Park-N-Shop, Violet and Daisy found work at the produce counter at the Park-N-Shop grocery on Wilkinson Boulevard and became a fixture in Charlotte’s cultural history until their deaths in 1969.  

Shelia arranged for Shelagh and her husband, Bruce, to meet with former Charlotte Observer writer, Mark Washburn. Washburn connected Childs with locals who knew her great aunts so she could learn more about them. After placing flowers on her great-aunts’ grave, Shelagh Childs returned to Brighton where the story piqued the interest of Alf Le Floic, a Sussex historian working with Brighton University. He launched into a research project and began a fundraiser to pay for a historic marker to be placed on house where the twins were born over 100 years ago.  

 

Alf, Shelia and Meghan in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room 

Alf recently reached out to the Carolina Room staff and explained about the project and his plan to come to Charlotte and see what other information he could learn about the twins. He provided copies of some photographs of the twins as infants, as well as some additional historical research. Here is a picture of Alf Le Flohic posing with two NCR staff members, Shelia Bumgarner and Meghan Bowden that was taken during his visit in November 2019. 

When we started our first Summer Break challenge, our initial goal was to read 15 million minutes together. To date, we’ve read 1,450,111​ minutes. Let’s keep READING! 

If you need some inspiration for your next great read, or are just looking for something new and different, our librarians have carefully selected reading lists for all ages.  You certainly don’t have to read the books listed here, but if you do and you find something you like let us know on our Summer Break Story of Impact Form.  We always love to hear what you think! 

Adults Bibliocommons List
 

Teens Bibliocommons List
 

Childrens Bibliocommons List 

Do you need help selecting books for your young student?  Families have faced many challenges over the past few months but increased reading loss for kids this summer doesn’t have to be added to the list. Learn the most effective way to meet YOUR child’s specific reading needs with a #ReadingCheckup! It’s free of charge and for families with rising Kindergarten through 4th grade students. You can also find targeted activities to do with your child, or for them to do on their own, with Read Charlotte’s new resources and activities page. #ReadCLT  

Comments? Questions? 

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2020 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program? Do you have a wonderful story to share about the library and Summer Break? Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback. 

The 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.   

Have you ever had an idea that you couldn’t wrap your head around? Have you ever struggled with how to present yourself confidently in interviews? Or maybe you just needed to talk with someone who could offer objective career development strategies. In the initial stages of any project, idea or career advice opportunity, there are points of confusion or discontentment that lead to frustration. Sometimes, you need a listening ear that will provide sound guidance to help you along or confirm your efforts.

This moment is when most people seek out a coach.

Friends and family have a good ear and offer advice, but what is most needed for someone seeking options for growth and improvement is the assistance of someone who can provide objective insight, helping to identify goals, achieve perspective, supply effective feedback, and furnish support.

Coaching can key into personal potential that leads to maximized performance in career, entrepreneurship, personal, professional and business growth. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers such “talk it out” sessions in the form of Career Development Intensive Coaching. Coaching sessions occur weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This coaching service primarily helps Library customers by assisting with:

• Resume/cover letter/LinkedIn coaching
• Mock interviewing and interview strategies
• Strategizing the job search
• Negotiating salaries
• Career changes and transitioning
• Talking out ideas and projects for entrepreneurs and small businesses

The Library’s Career Development Intensive Coaching is geared towards coaching individuals on personal and professional growth and development, career confidence, small business ideas, resources, business development and enhancing the entrepreneurial mindset. At some point, everyone is looking for growth and improvement in their life and you can talk it out with a coach at your local Library.

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This blog was written by De'Trice Fox of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Over the past few months, the United States has found itself gripped by a wave of emotions, ranging from weariness and frustration to combustible love and empathy. As protests and demonstrations in response to years of police brutality and centuries of racial injustice boil over, the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC) finds themselves wanting to connect with the local community and steer the conversation towards a better tomorrow. They believe there’s no better time than now to inspire change that truly fosters justice for all.

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, the CJC, comprised of a partnership of six major media companies and other local institutions including The Charlotte Observer, La Noticia, Qcitymetro, qnotes, WCNC, WFAE, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and more, will kick off the first event in a two-part, virtual program meant to foster a greater community discussion on the racial iniquities and injustice plaguing the nation. The first event, a watch party for the Vice special Black South Rising, provides a look at Black Americans living in the United States and the centuries-old prejudice many experience within systems that significantly impact their human rights, civil liberties, access to education and healthcare, socio-economic wellbeing and more – with an even sharper focus on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. As the Collaborative continues to report on the affordable housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, a wider lens is necessary to recognize the intersections of racial inequality and to investigate workable solutions. The screening will run from 6-8 p.m.

Then, on July 2, 2020, at 6 p.m., the Collaborative will conclude its Black South Rising program with a virtual community discussion. Participants are encouraged to bring conversation ideas and suggestions to influence anti-racist policy and equitable change forward. Attendees might consider solutions implemented by other cities, states or countries and revisit suggestions Charlotte community members, government and other city institutions have yet to execute.

Do not miss your chance to watch this eye-opening film and participate in important dialogue with members of a community sourced panel including Justin Perry, licensed clinical social worker and community therapist and Tina Marshall, community activist.

Please be sure to register for both events. Links to register are provided below:

• Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Presents: Black South Rising - Watch Party
• Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Presents: Black South Rising Conversation
   

Looking to access Black South Rising before or after the weekend? View the film on Vice’s website here.
Feel free to still join in on the July 2 Black South Rising discussion at 6 p.m. Register here. 

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This blog was written by Asha Ellison of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 6/28/2020* below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

*There will be no programming on 7/3 and 7/4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. 

Sunday 6/28

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Presents: Black South Rising - Watch Party – 6 p.m.  (Adult programming)  learn more

Monday 6/29

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)  register

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Tuesday 6/30              

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Engage 2020: Learning Circles: Women Have Always Worked (Part 3) – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Teen Anime Club – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Wednesday 7/1

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Learn more

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Teens LIVE: Wonder Woman Diadem Cosplay – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Charlemos Charlotte: Spanish-English Language Exchange – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Thursday 7/2

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Presents: Black South Rising Conversation – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  learn more

Friday 7/3

LIBRARY CLOSED – NO PROGRAMMING 

Saturday 7/4

LIBRARY CLOSED – NO PROGRAMMING

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH TITLES

ADULT NONFICTION:

The Only Plane in the Sky, by Garrett Graff
Winner of Audiobook of the Year

Award-winning journalist and author Graff paints a comprehensive, minute-by-minute account of the September 11 attacks, told in the words of those who experienced that dramatic and tragic day. From the firefighters who streamed into the smoke-filled stairwells of the Twin Towers to the fighter pilots scrambled from air bases with orders to shoot down any hijacked commercial aircraft; from the teachers who held their fear at bay while evacuating terrified children from nearby schools; to the stricken family members trapped helplessly on the ground, Graff weaves together the unforgettable testimonies of men and women caught in an unprecedented human drama.

The judging panel praised this unique production: “The Only Plane in the Sky is an extraordinary achievement that takes a gut-wrenching and almost unimaginable text and re-injects its humanness. Graff has created a historical document with the deftness of a poet and this production only builds on it, adding a narrative propulsion that never seems exploitative and an emotional depth that's never overwrought.”

Grace will Lead us Home, by Jennifer Hawes
Winner, Nonfiction

On June 17, 2015, 12 members of the historically black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina welcomed a young white man to their evening Bible study. He arrived with a pistol, 88 bullets, and hopes of starting a race war. Dylann Roof’s massacre of nine innocents horrified the nation. Two days later, some relatives of the dead stood at Roof’s hearing and said, “I forgive you.” That grace offered the country a hopeful ending to an awful story. But for the survivors and victims’ families, the journey had just begun.

“This audiobook achieves an exceptional performance of an important work on a difficult subject - mass murder and its aftermath.”—AudioFile magazine
 

ADULT FICTION:

Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alex E. Harrow
Winner, Fantasy

In the early 1900s, in a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place. Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure, and danger.

“January LaVoy's breathtaking narration shines in a fantasy in which Doors offer infinite possibilities for adventure.”—AudioFile magazine
 

CHILDREN:

Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
Winner, Middle Grades

Brought to life by Meryl Streep and a full cast, this beloved book by E. B. White is a classic of children's literature that is “just about perfect” (New York Times). Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.

“Every portrayal of every character, major and minor, bursts with personality.”—AudioFile magazine
 

New Kid, by Jerry Craft
Finalist

Riverdale Academy Day School is every parent's dream for their child: it has a beautiful sprawling campus, a rigorous academic curriculum, and ample extracurricular activities. It's also distinctly lacking in diversity. African-American new kid Jordan Banks would rather go to art school, but his parents have enrolled him, so he dutifully commutes to the Bronx from his home in Washington Heights, Manhattan. When he's not being confused with the few other students of color, he is being spoken to in slang, is receiving looks when financial aid is mentioned, or is forced to navigate many more micro-aggressions. Artwork by Craft interweaves the story with

Jordan's sketchbook drawings, which convey the tension of existing in two markedly different places. The sketches show him being called "angry" for his observations, feeling minuscule in a cafeteria, and traveling by public transportation across different socioeconomic and racially segregated neighborhoods, changing his outfit and demeanor to fit in. This engaging story offers an authentic secondary cast and captures the high jinks of middle schoolers and the tensions that come with being a person of color in a traditionally white space. Ages 8-12.
 

YOUNG ADULT:

Hey, Kiddo, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Winner

In this profoundly moving memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, Krosoczka describes his youth. His mom was an addict, in and out of rehab; his father was a mystery; and Jarrett lived with his grandparents - two very loud, loving, opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.

“A full cast of more than 40 performers brings this powerful graphic novel memoir vividly to life. Narrator pros Jeanne Birdsall, Richard Ferrone, and Jenna Lamia take the roles of the grandparents and the author's birth mother. His father voices himself, reliving the painful memories of their family history. Young Jarrett and his friend Pat are portrayed by Jarrett's and Pat's children, and Jarrett's aunts deliver their own parts as well, making every interaction incredibly authentic.”—AudioFile magazine

June is almost over and that means it’s time for the second half of our double challenge, Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere!  From July 1 to August 8 we are challenging the community to read 20 million minutes. If you participated in our first challenge, you are automatically enrolled. If not sign up today at summerbreak.cmlibrary.org! In June we read 2,265,939 minutes and we know we can beat that during these dog days of summer.

Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere challenges our community to read 20 million minutes together. Log your reading time to be eligible for the following prizes:

• Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupon when you sign up
• Babies and children earn a new book upon completion of the challenge
• Teens earn either a new book or a fun doodle notebook upon completion of the challenge
• Adults earn a library tote bag upon completion of the challenge

Summer Break prize distribution is not available during current library operations and procedures. Keep checking our website for details on when library operations permit prizes to be claimed.

*All prizes will be available while supplies last.

Complete Summer Break during each challenge by reaching 600 points. These points can be obtained by:

Logging at least 10 hours of reading time (600 points)

OR

Logging any combination of reading and learning activities with at least 5 hours of reading for a total of 600 points.

Please note that you can only earn 300 points for doing learning activities, and we encourage you to read all summer long!

Children’s Learning Activities for Summer Break

This summer discover the learning moments all around us. The Library is here to help you get your child ready to read with simple activities every day.

Read:

• Try a new book from one of our Book Talks for children.
• Choose a book from one of our suggested children’s reading lists for Summer Break.

Explore:

• Use the Library resource PowerKnowledge to learn about the animals in your backyard.
• Attend an online concert or play.

Create:

• Save old items to create sensory games and boards
• Try a science experiment with one of these library resources.

Play:

• Create puppets, then use them to act out a play.
• Play a board game.

Give:

• Write a letter to a senior at a nursing home or assisted living facility.
• Draw something encouraging on your driveway or sidewalk.

Write:

• Play "restaurant" and take your family's orders on a notepad.
• Write a new ending to your favorite book or story.

Innovative and Educational Programs for Children

Though our Summer Break 2020 program can be completed entirely online, our libraries are hosting some wonderful virtual programs this summer for kids. 

Read: Book Talks: Children’s (Thursdays at 3 p.m. on YouTube)

Want to know what to read next? Each week librarians recommend new titles for all ages! We’ve got book recommendations for all interests: interactive mysteries, magical creatures, family read-alouds, and more!

learn more

Explore: Story Explorers Enrichment (Tuesdays at 2 p.m. on YouTube)

Learn about a new topic each week with a fun activity you can do with items at home! Discover whirlygigs, fireworks in a glass, and more in these videos!

learn more

Play: Listen and Move Storytimes (M/W at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook Live)

Move your body and discover new stories in this energetic storytime focused on lots of dancing and movement

learn more

Write: StoryWalks at local parks

Need inspiration for writing your own story? Try visiting a local park to enjoy a StoryWalk! All 5 parks have had new stories installed, and it’s great time to get some fresh air, connect with fun stories, and be inspired! If you visit a StoryWalk, please let us know what you think by completing the survey at the end of each StoryWalk.

Learn more

Visit our calendar for even more upcoming virtual programs that you can access from home!  Choose “Select tag(s)” on the right to narrow down by age.

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2020 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program? Do you have a wonderful story to share about the Library and Summer Break? Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.

The 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.