Whether you're planning a trip for summer, fall, winter or spring,  be sure to use your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card for all your travel needs!

Before You Go:

Every smart traveler knows to pack lightly and plan early.  We always have traditional guidebooks at every location, but here are some digital suggestions to leave room for more souvenirs and help you navigate your travels: 

• Download the Hoopla app to access hundreds of recently published guidebooks, maps included, from well-known publishers Frommer's and Fodor's. 
• Avoid looking like a tourist with The NFT (Not for Tourists) guidebooks, available for major cities in United States.
• The Lonely Planet guides began as backpackers’ guides but are perfect for budget travelers. We recommend How to Pack for Any Trip and Film and TV Locations. 
• Plan a road trip with a route from The Most Scenic Drives in America or National Geographic Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways.  If you’re feeling adventurous, Darryl Sleath’s The Road Trip Book includes famous drives throughout the world.  Be sure to pack an atlas!
• Download Atlas Obscura to learn what oddities await at your next destination. 

• Learn the language of the country you’re visiting by downloading Mango Languages app, free with your library card, to your smartphone. 
• Rent a Wi-Fi Hotspot if you’re not sure about the cost or availability of internet access (only available for use in the continental U.S.). 

Free Entertainment:

Your suitcases are packed, and your reservations are confirmed.  Pass the time on your flight or in the car with these audiobook and magazine suggestions: 

• Compare the television show Game of Thrones with the books by listening to the George R.R. Martin series. 

• Get in the traveling spirit by listening to works by respected travel authors Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux or Peter Mayle. 
• Try something funny with audiobooks by David Sedaris, Nora Ephron or Chelsea Handler.  

• Explore the latest travel issues of National Geographic Traveler and Conde Nast Traveler through our digital resource RBDigital. 

Staycation:

You don’t have to travel far to have a great experience with these free ideas!

• Trade your sunglasses for a pair of VR glasses Thursday, July 25 at our Beatties Ford Road Library for an Armchair Travel program.  Head to exotic locations like Thailand without leaving town! 
• Learn about a new culture, such as Japanese, Chinese, French or Spanish, through Universal Class.
• Escape the brutal Carolina heat by watching Antarctica--A Year On Ice, Meru: Mountain Climbing in the Himalayas, or more than 220 travel videos on our video service, Kanopy. 
• Mark your calendars for a fall travel discussion series at our Morrison Library September 18.

Whether you’re traveling by air, sea or car, take the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with you this summer.

Don’t forget!

Library Week at Carowinds is next week.  And by the way, we’ll have Storytimes too!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library cardholders can get discounted tickets to the Carowinds theme park from July 22, 2019 through July 28, 2019.

To purchase discounted tickets, Library cardholders can click the button below and login with the username CM and password LIBRARY (case sensitive).

Discounted tickets are good Monday, July 22, 2019 through Sunday, July 28, 2019.

PURCHASE CAROWINDS LIBRARY WEEK TICKETS

Storytimes at Carowinds!

During Library Week, the Library will provide three Storytimes each day of the week at the Peanuts in the Camp Theater.  Hang out with all your favorite Peanuts pals and participate in Storytime with some of the library’s best staff!

• Monday, July 22, 2019 – 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 23, 2019 – 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 25, 2019 – 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 26, 2019 – 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Check out what’s going on at the Library!

Summer Break Events

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Feel free to stop by your local library for assistance, give us a call at 704-416-0101 or email us at [email protected].

On July 20, 1969, two American astronauts became the first humans to set foot on the moon. That was 50 years ago.

For nine days in the month of July, 1969, the people of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County followed the Apollo 11 Mission with breathless attention. Like other Americans, they knew this was the culmination of a decade of effort. After the turbulence of the 1960s, many hungered for a story of ingenuity, determination and bravery that all could celebrate together. 

In keeping with NASA’s policy of openness about the space program, much of the voyage was shown and analyzed on television. Every moment was fraught with peril. The deaths of the three astronauts of Apollo One, a year and a half prior, confirmed that the risks were real. One local resident, interviewed years later by the Charlotte Observer, recalled “marveling at the minute-by-minute planning and waiting in suspense.” (Ann Doss Helms, “Man on Moon, Wonder in Gaston” Charlotte Observer, July 20, 1989, p.1 of Gaston Observer section.)  

The actual moonwalk lasted from 11:00 p.m. Sunday night to 1:00 a.m. Monday morning. President Nixon informally declared July 21, 1969, “Moonday.” North Carolina state workers got the day off, but others reported to work bleary-eyed. The Observer reported that traffic was light uptown and that the Apollo mission was “all anyone could talk about." (“In Charlotte, N.C., Moon-Struck Relief . . . Sighs,” Charlotte Observer, July 22, 1969, p.9A) 

The Welch family owned a dance studio in Shelby, NC, in 1969. A photograph of their tribute to the Apollo 11 Mission was printed in the Charlotte Observer on July 25, the day after splashdown. 

“’We were together, but separated, like Columbia and Eagle,’ said Welch.”  

Charlotte Observer, July 25, 1969, p.9A 

One local boy turned eleven years old on the weekend of the moon landing. His family created a three-foot high birthday cake in the shape of a Saturn rocket. “When the candles that formed the numerals “11” were touched off, the burn was so intense that the “O” in Apollo was badly scorched.” (“Birthday Blastoff,” Charlotte Observer, July 24, 1969, p.1B)

Fortunately, the real Apollo 11 suffered no such fate, fulfilling the hopes of all who watched. 

Each summer Charlotte Mecklenburg Library encourages people of all ages to participate in our summer learning program, Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore. There are lots of reasons why! We think one of the best parts of Summer Break is hearing from participants about all the wonderful, little, powerful or unexpected ways that the program has impacted their lives. From encouraging participants to further explore the city, to motivating students to read all summer long, we’ve compiled some notable stories. Keep reading for inspiration.  

Summer Break Keeps Kids Reading All Summer Long 

Last year, one family was able to visit Carowinds for the first time, thanks to Summer Break. This year, the kids reminded their mom about the Summer Break program! On the last day of school, they asked if she would bring them to the Library so they could register and get their coupons for a free Jr. Frosty from Wendy's. They have already completed the program, but the kids have promised to continue reading and logging their time each week so that they’ll be eligible to receive a Carowinds ticket again this summer. Way to go super summer readers! We’re glad our partnership with Carowinds is motivating you to read all summer long. 

For details on how you can become eligible for a Carowinds ticket check out our website for details. 

Summer Break Encourages Participants to Explore Their Community 

For one new-to-Charlotte mom and her family, Summer Break provided a great resource to not only get her child to read, but to help her learn about the area. Staff shared information with her about the Mint Museum’s free admission on Wednesday evenings and the four-mile greenway walk that was close by, both activities can count toward completion of Summer Break. The mom was super excited for her family to EXPLORE more of the city with help from our Summer Learning program.  

Look here for even more ways to explore this summer. 

Summer Break Waives Fines So You Can Read More 

A mother and her children visited the Library and discovered that, while they had been checking out a lot of library materials, they had also forgotten to return some books on time which accrued late fees. With Summer Break, the family received fine waivers just for signing up and they used those fine waivers to clear their library accounts. The kids were thrilled about the Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupons and the opportunity to earn more prizes got them excited about reading over the summer. Thanks to the fine waivers, mom was able to let them check out all the books they wanted.  

Has Summer Break Made an Impact on You? 

If you have a story you’d like to share about Summer Break we’d love to hear it!  You can email us at [email protected], fill out the contact us form on our website or tell any staff member next time you visit the library! 

Did you know the Library offers databases on science? Try out one or more of these digital resources for free with your Library card and learn something new! 

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the July 1969 moon landing by exploring the great digital resources Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has on science. Our databases - for all ages - can help you explore everything from how the moon causes ocean tides,  in-depth history behind NASA’s space program and discover other science topics. 

What can research do? Economists have said that a third to a half of U.S. economic growth has resulted from basic research since World War II. The cars and trains that got you where you are today, your smart phones, the energy that lights your room, the clothes you wear, the food you eat: all of these were developed and improved through research. 

All databases and resources can be accessed using your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library or ONE Access™ card number.  

PebbleGo Science 

PebbleGo Science is a research tool targeted for children grades K-3 that covers key topics in life sciences, physical sciences , Earth and space science, and engineering and technology applications of science.  This online resource contains leveled text, simple navigation, and read-aloud audio accompany articles.  

Click here to explore 

PowerKnowledge Earth and Space Science 

This database is an online Earth & Space science resource specifically designed for learners in grades 3 to 6. Use this online resource to learn more about earth cycles, ecosystems and biomes, rocks, energy and matter, maps, natural disaster, environmental issues, space and more. It offers games and ideas for science fair projects and experiments, and presents information in text and video. 

Click here to explore 

PowerKnowledge Life Science 

This online resource, targeted for learners in grades 3 to 6,  focused on Life Science. Topics include animals, endangered and extinct species, food chains, green living, habitats, the human body, plants and more. The site offers games, brain teasers, ideas for science fair projects and experiments, and presents information in text and video.

Click here to explore  

PowerKnowledge Physical Science 

This is an online Physical Science resource designed for learners in grades 3 to 6. Topics include atoms, molecules, elements and the periodic table, energy and matter, force and motion,  temperature and measurement, and more. The site offers games, brain teasers, ideas for science fair projects and experiments, and presents information in text and video. 

 Click here to explore 

Science in Context 

This database is targeted to adults and provides reference content for many topics of interest A to Z – from 3D printing to fluid dynamics, from bees to metabolism, and from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to zoology. Plus, you’ll also find access to magazines, journals, news sources, experiments, and more. Science In Context covers earth science, life science, space, technology, mathematics, science history, and biography. 

Click here to explore 

Welcome to Week 9 of Summer Break!

Summer Break may be Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s summer learning program, but it wouldn’t be possible without the strong support we receive from our sponsors. We thank these sponsors for their support, which helps the Library improve lives and build a stronger community.

Summer Break got off to a sweet start thanks to Wendy’s! A coupon for a complimentary Junior Frosty provided the perfect sign-up incentive for participants of all ages. Wendy’s has been a long-time sponsor of summer learning programs at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Thank you, Wendy’s, for your support of Summer Break!

For the second year, the Library has been honored to partner with Carowinds. Not only does Carowinds generously donate tickets to encourage our community to read and learn all summer long, but they celebrate literacy during Library Week – where library cardholders receive discounted tickets and enjoy storytimes at the theme park. Thank you, Carowinds!

An important partner in all Library ventures is the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. Their support this year has been crucial in facilitating programs reaching all populations – from infant storytimes and programs for people with special needs to outreach to the elderly. Thank you, Library Foundation, for contributing to the ongoing success of Summer Break!

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Feel free to stop by your local library for assistance, give us a call at 704-416-0101 or email us at [email protected].

Both West Boulevard Library and University City Regional Library are working with local organizations to provide meals to children during the summer months.

West Boulevard Library

 West Boulevard Library is partnering with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to serve as a meal site for the CMS' Summer Food Service Program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the NC Department of Public Instruction.

The Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals at no cost to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school. Through the program, children ages 1-18 receive meals at no cost and all meals meet nutrition standards based on federal guidelines. 

West Boulevard is serving as a site only on Thursdays, with lunch served from 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Library also offers programs for children that begin after lunch ends.

Teresa Cain, children’s librarian at West Boulevard participated in a similar program at a Virginia library. Last summer, she took branch leader LaJuan Pringle and fellow librarian Abrar Alkusaimi to see the program in action at Social Services. After seeing the impact of the program, Pringle knew this would be a great fit for the community West Boulevard serves. Cain then worked with CMS Summer Food Services to offer it at West Boulevard. 2019 is the first year Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is participating in this program.

Cain says, “Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Summer Food Services is  eager to work with libraries. All their other locations serve meals every weekday. When I told them that we only had staffing to handle a once a week program, they made a special exception for us. They're hoping to include more Library locations next year.”

The Library has quite a few families who attend every single lunch program which, according to the experts, indicates that they are seriously in need of help.

Cain adds, “As soon as we started promoting the Free Lunch programs, our customers, even those who don't have children were so excited. They felt we really understood the needs of the community we are serving, needs that go outside the boundaries of typical library services. Even people who did not stand to benefit from the program really appreciated that we were offering it.” 

So what are people saying about the impact of the program at West Boulevard?

Jose, the CMS driver/server, said, he “…loves coming to our location. Every single one of our kids said "thank you" when given a meal. This almost never happens at other locations.” Jose wants to come back again next year.

“The Library offers program after the lunch, and most of the families stay, even the families who have never been to a library program before. It's been a great way to build relationships with new customers in the community and to introduce them to all the possibilities that are available for free at the library. Says Cain, “We see many customers who originally just came for free lunches take advantage of other programs and using computers or free Wi-Fi.”

Working with CMS and offering the free lunch program is just the tip of what the Library can do with community partners.

The lunch program began at West Boulevard Library on June 13, 2019 and ended August 1, 2019. The branch plans to participate next year. 

University City Regional Library

Kids Eat Free at Atrium Health University City is a service the hospital provides for all kids ages 18 and younger. They provide two free healthy meals (breakfast and lunch) daily Monday through Friday.  University City Regional Library, in its third years with the program, works with Atrium Health and Sodexo to educate and entertain children partaking in the free meals.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, University City Regional Library sets up an information table and interactive activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the children who come to the hospital for a meal.  They also take books for kids to read as well.   

Jonita Edmonds, University City Regional Library’s branch leader, shared this story from one of the library’s visits at the hospital: “One day our librarians brought LEGOs and Alpha-Bots to a table at Kids Eat Free. Several groups of kids walked past, excited to see the LEGOs, and with one group, the leader told the kids they needed to eat before joining the activity. After eating, the group hurried back to interact at the table. One of the doctors came out and asked them friendly questions while playing. With each group of children, we were able to share library programs and resources, and parents were excited to know that we had LEGOs and other activities at the library. Some families said they would head to the library after eating for entertainment.”

The Kids Eat Free program kicked off on June 10 and ends on August 22, 2019.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (originally known as “Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies”) were invented by Ruth Wakefield circa 1938. Aside from being recognized as the creator of this delicious treat, Wakefield is also known for running the Toll House Restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts from 1938-1967 with her husband, Kenneth.  

The reason for the esteemed cookie’s creation varies. Some believe that Wakefield ran out of nuts and substituted small pieces baker’s chocolate, and others think an industrial mixer bumped a shelf with chocolate, while being moved, and caused chocolate to fall into the cookie dough. Perhaps the more realistic story is that Wakefield created the Chocolate Chip Cookie “by dint of training, talent, and hard work”, knowing that the combination of these ingredients would live on as an American classic.   

In 1939, Wakefield sold Nestlé the rights to reprint her cookie recipe on their packages for $1. Story has it that she got free chocolate for life -- not a bad deal in our opinion.  

Interestingly enough, Wakefield’s Chocolate Chip Cookies also served a patriotic purpose. The dawning of World War II made these cookies more popular with wives, mothers, aunts, nieces, sisters and girlfriends baking and sending them to American soldiers overseas. The Toll House Restaurant sent thousands of Chocolate Chip Cookies for wartime consumption.  

After the war ended, Pillsbury and Nestlé both popularized refrigerated cookie dough while Nabisco, Famous Amos, Mrs. Fields and David’s Cookies eventually sold pre-made cookies in grocery stores in the 1950s.  

“This compulsory school education seems to be failing a large percentage of these children. It’s not coming through on its promise to educate. We’re at the library showing we can create a learning environment in which children can have a good feeling about reading, and we found that they responded in a remarkable way.” - Dennis Martin, Public Librarian 

In 1979, a Los Angeles public librarian named Dennis Martin used Wakefield’s cookie to incentivize children to learn how to read. Martin founded the “Super Reader” program, which rewarded children with Chocolate Chip Cookies for reading library books.  

The results of the three-month program revealed that circulation of children’s books at one of the suburban branches increased by 86 percent, with over 500 children earning cookies. This was particularly exciting news given that, at that time, most children in LA schools did not read at their grade level.  

Although there was controversy over incentivizing reading in this way, Martin’s library program gained the support of public school teachers and helped to change the trend of children’s literacy programs. Reading Clinic Director at CSU-LA, Delwyn Schubert, explained, “I do feel extrinsic rewards have their place... [Youngsters] have to be primed a bit. In Mr. Martin’s case, the cookie is like the primer. Then once the youngster gets reading, maybe he will read for his own sake and the reward will be intrinsic.” 

Martin did clarify saying that the reward program would not fix the root of the reading problem, but that it was a sweet way to start trying.  

Want to bake some your own version of Chocolate Chip Cookies? Try out some of these recipes created by local Charlotteans. Recipe books are housed in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room on the third floor of Main Library. 

Recipe #1

Recipe #2

Recipe #3

Recipe #4

Citations: 

Associated Press. “He Used Cookie Bribes to get Kids to Read.” Charlotte Observer. (Charlotte, NC), May 3, 1979. Accessed July 2019. 

Michaud, Jon. “Sweet Morsels: A History of the Chocolate Chip Cookie.” Culture Desk. The New Yorker. December 19, 2013. Accessed July 2019.  

Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County. Public Librarians Cook Marvelous Creations: Now you can cook like a librarian! Charlotte, NC: Staff Organization of PLCMC, 2002. (NCR 641.59756 P976) 

Roberts, Sam. “Overlooked No More: Ruth Wakefield, Who Invented the Chocolate Chip Cookie.” New York Times. (New York, New York), March 22, 2018. Accessed July 2019. 

The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum. Recipes & Reminiscences: Celebrating 50 Years. (Kearney, NE: Morris Press Cookbooks, 2011. (NCR 641.59756 R297) 

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. Charlotte Cooks Again. Charlotte, NC: The Junior League of Charlotte, North Carolina, 1981. (NCR 641.59756 M43c J95ca 1999) 

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. Dining By Fireflies: Unexpected Pleasures of the New South. Charlotte, NC: The Junior League of Charlotte, North Carolina, 1994. (NCR 641.59756 Dining OVERSIZE) 

National Night Out is a nationwide event that promotes community awareness and builds police-community relationships. This annual event began in 1984 and is held in more than 20,000 communities and neighborhoods across the United States and Canada. 

More than 70 events are being held around Mecklenburg County this year; find an event near you here, or check with your neighborhood association’s social media. Check the social media app NextDoor for events, alerts and news unique to your neighborhood. It’s also a great way to find events hosted by your local library! 

Here are some ways the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches will participate this year:

The Matthews Library will participate in the town of Matthew’s National Night Out event on the Town Green--right outside the library. Community organizations, including the Matthews Police Department’s K-9 unit, will be on hand to share information about keeping your neighborhood safe. Stop by the library tent or head inside the library to say hello to your neighbors and staff, learn about upcoming library programs and escape the summer heat!  

The Myers Park Library will join Grier Park apartments for their 36^th Annual National Night-Out Celebration event on Tuesday, August 6 from 5-8 p.m. The Library will table the event, providing literacy activities, giveaways, registering attendees for Summer Break and for Library cards.

The Davidson Library will attend the town of Davidson’s National Night Out. The Library will table this event, providing Library information and an activity for kids.  This event is from 5-7 p.m. and the town will provide FREE food!

Sugar Creek Library will participate in Hidden Valley National Night Out from 4-8 p.m., University City Regional Library will join the Hammond Lake Community on Rubin Lura Court from 6-8 p.m. and the West Boulevard Library will participate in National Night Out festivities at the Arbor Glen Outreach Center.

You can also participate by leaving your porch light on from 7-10 p.m. This symbol of awareness serves as a welcoming and friendly signal to your neighbors. 

Check out these community-building ideas and resources—all free with your library card:

• Hold a backyard Movie Night with family-friendly movies from Hoopla!  We recommend Swiss Family Robinson or The Shaggy Dog.   
• Get to know your neighbors on your street by throwing a progressive dinner; every household makes a different course of the meal.  Try The Southern Living Party Cookbook for menus and inspiration.
• Host a block party with recipes from Nancy Vienneau’s Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook or Ashley English’s Handmade Gatherings. 
• Meet your friendly neighborhood firefighters from Station 24 at South County Regional Library Monday, August 19 at 10 a.m.
• August is a great time for an ice cream social! If you don’t have an ice cream machine, make more than 100 frozen treats with Leslie Bilderback’s No-churn Ice Cream.
• Start a neighborhood book club with a free book club kit available for checkout! See a full list of titles here. 
• Attend a lecture by our Historian-in-Residence Tom Hanchett. He’ll be at our Steele Creek, Morrison and Myers Park libraries this fall speaking about the history of various Charlotte neighborhoods. 
• Enhance your neighborhood or community by attending workshops provided by the City of Charlotte. Attend a pre-registration workshop or learn more about the program here. 
• Support your local small businesses by starting your own business! Learn how to get started by attending SCORE workshops at various library branches throughout the year or Aspire Community Capital workshop at our West Boulevard Library.

Build a safer, stronger neighborhood with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library!

It’s been 30 years since “Do the Right Thing,” a Spike Lee Joint, hit the big screen.

If ever there were a time to relive the hype, the time is now. Considered controversial at the time of its release in 1989, “Do the Right Thing” is a film that dives deep into issues centered on race, politics and what it means to “fight the power” of the establishment. Viewers of the film get to explore rich, cultural themes and experience hot-button issues from gentrification to socioeconomic nuances that are still relevant in today’s world.

The film, centered in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, tells the story of the hottest day of the year, when hatred, bigotry and tempers boil over into physical violence. This film, the first in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's "View the Right Thing" film and discussion series, stars Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, Samuel L. Jackson and more.

During the film series, attendees will have the opportunity to explore both the work of Spike Lee and other filmmakers inspired by his work.

Please note that all screenings will take place at Beatties Ford Road Regional Library except for the first and final movies of the series which will be shown at Hickory Grove Library and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture respectively. The complete schedule for the series can be found here or as follows:

1. Saturday, August 17, 2019

“Do the Right Thing” at 1 p.m. at Hickory Grove Library

2. Saturday, September 21, 2019

“Get on the Bus” at 1 p.m.

3. Saturday, October 19, 2019

“School Daze” at 1 p.m.

4. Saturday, November 16, 2019

“Higher Learning” 1 p.m.

5. Saturday, December 21, 2019

“Boyz n the Hood” at 1 p.m.

6. Saturday, January 18, 2020

“Eve’s Bayou” at 1 p.m.

7. Saturday, February 15, 2020

"Malcolm X" at 1 p.m. at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

All films in the series will be followed by discussion. Courteous and respectful dialogue is encouraged.

We look forward to “Viewing the Right Thing” with you!