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Looking for an adventure? With everything from family activities to recommended reads, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is a one-stop shop for STEAM education and resources. Read more about how we’re celebrating STEAM this month.

Explore STEAM with your child this October

October 5, 2020

STEAM Month is a monthlong celebration of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics! The Library is proud to host events for children, teens and adults—everything from 3D printing, rookie science, coding, fossil digging and much more! These events spark interest and excitement in STEAM fields that last all year long. National STEAM Day is November 8, but we celebrate STEAM during the month of October to build enthusiasm and get everyone ready to join in on the fun!

Support engagement and learn more about STEAM with your children by exploring the great online resources below:

PebbleGo Science has information for children in grades K-3 on all types of science, engineering and technolog. Features include activities, critical thinking questions and videos with most articles. Also available in Spanish.

Access PebbleGo Science

PowerKnowledge databases are great for kids in third through sixth grade; topics include earth and space science, physical science and life science; these databases are great for science project ideas!

Access PowerKnowledge Physical Science

Access PowerKnowledge Life Science

Access PowerKnowledge Earth and Space Science

We also have the following booklists with additional resources:

You will also want to check out virtual STEAM programming for children this month! Visit our calendar at www.cmlibrary.org/calendar for a full list of STEAM programs for all ages and to register for the programs below. (Facebook Live storytimes do not require registration).

STEAM Storytimes via Facebook Live (Monday-Saturday at 9:30 a.m.)
- Join us virtually for a half hour of engaging stories, songs and music all about STEAM topics! Geared toward children ages 0-5 and featuring information about colors, the human body, math, art, engineering and more.
Davidson Branch Story Explorers STEAM Spooky Science (Monday, October 5 at 4 p.m.)
- Join us virtually as we explore spooky experiments.
University City Branch Creating with Books (Tuesday, October 13 at 11 a.m.)
- Make mini parachutes to launch.
ImaginOn Rookie Science Amazing Colors (Tuesday, October 20 at 2 p.m.)
- Join us virtually as we demonstrate many unique colorful experiments that are as dazzling to the eye as they are easy to do at home.
Mint Hill Puppet Show (Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m.)
- Join us virtually for a special STEAM puppet show.
South Boulevard STEAM Month Magic Bag (Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.)
- Join us virtually to participate in a fun science experiment! Can you push a pencil through a bag filled with water without spilling a drop? To participate in the hands-on portion of this program you will need a plastic baggie and sharp pencils.

We also have 19 STEAM programs for teens during October. View a complete list of teen STEAM programming here.

This blog was written by Jesse Isley of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Libby Copeland explores the mysteries of DNA testing on October 13, 2020 with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Lost Family: Take a dive into DNA testing with Libby Copeland October 13

October 6, 2020

Come one, come all to the greatest discussion on earth! This one is flipping lives upside down.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room (RSCR) invites you to participate in a virtual discussion on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 2 p.m. with author Libby Copeland to explore the culture of genealogy, and the science and business of DNA testing as the topic of her new book, The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are.

The Lost Family traces the journey of one woman, her unusual DNA test results, and a relentless, methodical drive for answers that becomes a modern genetic detective story. Additionally, Copeland’s new book investigates how home DNA testing impacts communities including adoptees, the donor-conceived and those who didn't start out with questions about their families – but now have questions based on their home-testing DNA discoveries. You don’t want to miss out on this exciting conversation!

Called “an entertaining and impressively comprehensive field guide to the rapidly evolving world of genetic testing,” by The Washington Post and “a fascinating account of lives dramatically affected by genetic sleuthing,” by The Wall Street Journal, Copeland’s The Lost Family is sure to be your next favorite read. “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are” event is hosted online through Zoom by RSCR Librarian Shelia Bumgarner and is recommend for everyone ages 16-100.

Click here to register for this event.

How to join an online program
This event takes place on Zoom. Please register by 4 p.m., October 12, which is one day before the event. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting.

New to using Zoom? Check out these resources to help you get started.

Early voting available at select Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations.

Early voting available at limited Library locations

October 7, 2020

Early voting will start October 15, 2020 through October 31, 2020. There are 33 early voting locations, which include these four Libraries:

Allegra Westbrooks Regional (Beatties Ford Road) – 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
Mountain Island Library - 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way, Charlotte, NC 28214
North County Regional Library - 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078
West Boulevard Library - 2157 West Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208

Voting hours will vary. For all 33 early voting locations and voting hours, please click here.

The deadline to register in-person to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020. After the regular voter registration deadline of Friday, October 9, 2020, you can same-day register and vote at any of the early voting locations during the early voting period. This process is known as same-day registration. Same-day registrants must attest to their eligibility and provide proof of residence.

Looking for voting resources? The Library’s Engage 2020 has put together information here.

For more information, please visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website here.

Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 10/12/20

October 7, 2020

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 10/12/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 10/12

Library Closed- Staff Day

Tuesday 10/13

Family Storytime – 9:30 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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming) register

History's Mysteries: What Time Is It? – 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

The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are – 2 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Nonprofit Services: Intro to Finding Grants – 2 p.m. (Adult programming) register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

SAT vs ACT: Which Test to Take with The Princeton Review – 5 p.m. (Teen programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

True Crime Podcast Discussion Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Wednesday 10/14

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

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 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

Caregiver Class: Comprehension Strategies for Upper Elementary Learners – 2:30 p.m. (Adult programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Teens Live on Instagram: Beeswax Candles for STEAM Month – 5 p.m. (Teen programming) learn more

Planning for College with Johnson & Wales – 6 p.m. (Teen programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Thursday 10/15

Family Storytime – 9:30 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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.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. (Adult programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Caregiver Class: Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 Year old's – 6 p.m. (Adult programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Teens Live on Instagram: Career Conversation – 6 p.m. (Teen programming) learn more

Social Justice Book Club – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Friday 10/16

Family Storytime – 9:30 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 – 12 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Mindful Friday- Meditation for Wellness – 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 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

STEAM 101: How We Got to Now – 3 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Saturday 10/17

ACT Practice Test with The Princeton Review – 9 a.m. (Teen programming) register

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

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

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

Recycle Right – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) register

Bullet Journal Group – 2 p.m. (Adult programming) register

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

Picture of the Correll family who are avid users of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Sometimes you have to pretend to be a librarian

October 9, 2020

When Charlotte Mecklenburg Library reduced its services in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Correll family felt the impact. It is customary for the family, who have been Library customers since 2016, to make weekly visits to their neighborhood branch; North County Regional Library. When in-person programming and browsing temporarily suspended, the family, like others in the Charlotte Mecklenburg community, started to miss the familiar, friendly faces of Library staff as well as participating in their favorite library activities.

But the Correll children seemed to miss interactions with Library staff the most.

Having grown accustomed to working on puzzles before and after storytime, attending storytime and browsing books throughout the years, Sharon Correll noticed her children bringing the Library experience to themselves one August afternoon. After stopping by the branch to pick up book bundles for her three-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, Sharon discovered they placed the freshly borrowed books on display throughout the family’s home just as they would find them at the Library. Next, they busied themselves with reading and, finally, in the sweetest form of imitation, they started to pretend that they were the very librarians they missed.

Now that all Library locations are open for in-person browsing, Sharon sees many more trips to the Library in their future. “We look forward to continuing to browse the awesome selection of children’s books,” says Sharon. “It's easy to social distance and it's one of our favorite things to do each week." she adds.

In addition to in-person materials browsing, the Correll family also enjoys digital resources such as downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks and renting DVDs. "We appreciate [the Library] and thank you for all you do," says Sharon.

Find yourself missing your local Library too? We look forward to seeing you soon! Click here to find more information about our hours of operation, available Library services and to review our multi-phased re-opening plan.

Engage HER on Campus- UNC Charlotte Edition, “49ers Make Good Trouble: From Campus Activism to the Ballot Box”

October 14, 2020

Throughout this crucial election season, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is teaming up with several local universities to get students and the community involved in the political process. Our next event is in conjunction with UNC Charlotte.

UNC Charlotte is a campus with a rich history of social and political activism aimed at pushing for change on both a local and national level. From civil rights protesters of the 1960s, anti-war proponents of the 1970s, LGBTQ activists of the 1980s, and Black Lives Matter organizers of 2020, 49er students and faculty have a rich tradition of taking on injustice and making what Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis would call “good trouble”.

Join us on October 20 at 7 p.m. for a virtual event that will bring together campus activists and local leaders who all made “good trouble” to push for positive change in their communities. City Council Member Braxton Winston will serve as the keynote speaker and will be followed by a panel of student, faculty, and community activists dedicated to achieving justice and equity in Charlotte today. Learn about the legacy of activism from 49ers past, what is driving activism now, and ways we all can advocate and push for the causes nearest to our hearts and communities.

One crucial place to start this election season is at the ballot box. In our own city of Charlotte, John Lewis said, “the right to vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” This event will also provide information on how to register and vote so you can make your own voice heard during Election 2020.

This program is open to all of the UNC Charlotte campus and the Charlotte community and will be live-streamed on the Library’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel. We hope you will tune in for this opportunity to learn, engage, and even enter for a chance to win a few giveaways!

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. To learn more about Engage 2020, click here.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 10/19/20

October 14, 2020

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 10/19/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 10/19

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

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) register

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Parent Lunch & Learn: Mindfulness for Parents – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Mindful Mondays - Guided Relaxation and Meditation – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register