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Top 10 Ways Library Can Support Teachers and Students

August 12, 2025

This blog was written by Lisa Wright and Elyse Farmer, program coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

 

Since 2015 the ONE Access program, short for “One Number Equals Access,” makes it easier than ever for students and staff to connect with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library resources. By using their school identification number (or NC EdCloud/employee ID for staff) instead of a separate library card, participants can instantly access a wealth of materials and tools. From research databases to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music, and video, ONE Access provides digital learning opportunities as well as the option to borrow up to 10 print or audiobooks with no overdue fines. This partnership between the Library and area schools supports literacy, learning, and educational success throughout the community. In 2025, we’re marking 10 amazing years of ONE Access, and we’ll be celebrating all year long with “Top 10” lists you won’t want to miss!

 

 
Top 10 Ways Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Can Support Teachers & Students

 

1. Library accounts for all CMS teachers and students. By using either employee ID numbers (teachers) or student ID numbers (students), everyone in CMS can check out physical books and access eBooks and more through the library website.

 

2. Active Reading & Read Together Workshops. Active Reading is an interactive approach that helps children build early literacy skills by asking questions, building vocabulary, and making connections while reading a story. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers outreach workshops to schools, and resources and tips for families, caregivers, and educators to make reading aloud more engaging and effective.

 

3. Free computer use, wi-fi, and study spaces at our branches. All 20 library locations have computers and Wi-Fi that students can use for FREE with a library card or ONE Access account, as well as space to study.

 

4. Free homework help. Weekly Homework Help programming is available at all library locations. Trained Homework Help volunteers provide a welcoming and supportive environment where young learners can: get help completing assignments, practice important foundational skills (such as math facts or reading), and get connected to important Library resources including Tutor.com, a free professional virtual tutoring service that provides 15 free tutoring sessions in any subject each week with a ONE Access account.  Visit the Homework Help website for library locations and hours when the program is provided.

 

5. Reading Buddies program. The Reading Buddies program is a free program that brings together children and volunteers to read in thirty-minute appointments one time a week at all Library locations. Children select their own books to read, and trained volunteers provide support and encouragement to help children practice and foster a love of reading! Visit the Reading Buddies website for library locations and hours, and how to register for a weekly appointment slot.

 

6. College and Career Connections. College and Career Connections is a suite of free programs and workshops offered by community experts and organizations such as the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) and The Princeton Review. Topics range from resources to pay for college, admissions essays, test prep, and online practice tests to help teens plan and prepare for their future after high school and beyond. Visit the College and Career Connections page for more information, including how to take the Road Map to Success Challenge.

 

7. Schools paired with library branches. Each CMS school is paired with a library branch close to the school location. These pairings are a resource for educators to find a nearby library best able to assist them with library resources and services. View the menu on the ONE Access Guide for Schools for a list of possible programs library staff can provide.  

 

8. FREE access to local and regional history. The collection is also expanded with online resources at CMStory.org. (Lots of cool images and exhibits!) Supplement and enhance curriculum in the classroom with artifacts and primary source documents from our community.  

 

9. Community events including Summer Reading, Epic Fest, and Community Read. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library host author visits, book talks, and storytelling sessions that connect students with the people behind the books they read. These events can bring literature to life, inspire reluctant readers, and provide opportunities for students to ask questions and learn about the writing process. 
 

10. Trusted Library staff to support teachers and families. Librarians and library associates enjoy collaborating with teachers, caregivers, and students to recommend age-appropriate high quality materials that spark student interest and align with curriculum goals. They provide guidance on research skills, technology use, and literacy strategies to help students succeed in the classroom and at home.  

 

Ten years of ONE Access means ten years of empowering teachers, students, and families, and we’re just getting started. We look forward to an incredible school year and many more years of learning and connection ahead!

 

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Find "Comunidad" at the Library during Hispanic Heritage Month

September 11, 2024

    Español

    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.? Tan solo en el condado de Mecklenburg, se calcula que un 15 % de la población, es decir, 169,922 residentes, se identifican como hispanos.


    Desde el 15 de septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre, las comunidades de todos los Estados Unidos honran sus historias, culturas y contribuciones ricas de hispanos y latinoamericanos durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana (Hispanic Heritage Month). Este año, la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg adhiere a este momento especial con una serie de eventos y programas participativos que demuestran la diversidad y la vivacidad de nuestra comunidad hispana.

     

    Un mes para celebrar la herencia y la cultura


    La biblioteca es mucho más que un lugar para pedir libros prestados: es un centro de conexión comunitaria y enriquecimiento cultural. Invitamos a la comunidad hispana a “encontrar la comunidad” (o “find community”), y les recordamos que todos son bienvenidos en nuestro lugar. La biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg asume el compromiso de servir a todos los miembros de la comunidad, lo que se pone de manifiesto con su personal bilingüe y que habla español. Conozca a algunos de ellos y compruebe por qué la comunidad es tan importante en su trabajo.

    Andrew Meyer
    Asistente de Biblioteca, Biblioteca Plaza Midwood:


    “Para mí, la comunidad significa ‘familia’. En la comunidad, tenemos un sentido de pertenencia y no nos sentimos juzgados por quiénes somos o por lo que hemos hecho en el pasado. Es una oportunidad de crecer y alcanzar todo nuestro potencial”.

    Patty Lyons
    Bibliotecaria, Biblioteca Mint Hill:


    “Para mí, la comunidad es un grupo de personas que viven en el mismo vecindario o que se rodean de quienes les dan un sentido de pertenencia. Aunque vivo en Cornelius, trabajo en la biblioteca de Mint Hill y creo que formo parte de la comunidad a la que sirvo”.

    Yuleyska Barron
    Gerente de Servicios de Acceso, Biblioteca Regional Independence:


    “Para mí, la comunidad implica un entorno en el que pueda crecer, adaptarme y compartir mi vida y mis intereses. Creo que la biblioteca es una parte importante de este proyecto porque somos la fuente de confianza para ofrecer todo tipo de recursos que pueden ayudar a las personas a mejorar su vida”.

    Cómo conectarse


    Si es un residente que habla español o conoce a alguien que podría beneficiarse de los servicios de biblioteca bilingüe, aquí se detalla cómo puede aprovechar al máximo lo que la CML tiene para ofrecer:


    • Visite la biblioteca: Visite cualquier sede de la biblioteca y pregunte por los miembros del personal que lo pueden ayudar en español. Contamos con varios miembros bilingües en todo el sistema, así como tabletas con traducción digital disponibles en todos los centros bibliotecarios para ofrecer una asistencia más personalizada. Nuestro amable personal está aquí para hacerlo sentir cómodo y bienvenido en nuestras sedes, sin importar qué idioma hable. Encuentre una sede cerca de usted aquí.


    • Asista a programas bilingües: Esté atento al calendario de eventos de la biblioteca para descubrir narraciones de cuentos, talleres y eventos culturales. Estos programas están diseñados para ser inclusivos e interesantes para las familias que hablan español. Consulte nuestros programas aquí.


    • Utilice los recursos en línea: Esta biblioteca ofrece muchos más materiales en español que otras (casi 22,000 libros impresos solamente) para satisfacer las necesidades de la comunidad. Explore los recursos digitales de la biblioteca, que incluyen libros, libros electrónicos y otros materiales en español. OverDrive/Libby, una de las plataformas digitales de la biblioteca, tiene una colección en español que se actualiza con frecuencia con nuevos títulos. Puede acceder aquí.


    Mientras nos reunimos a celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, honremos el pasado, abracemos el presente y miremos hacia un futuro enriquecido con las diversas voces e historias de nuestra comunidad. ¡Acompáñenos en la biblioteca y sea parte de esta celebración trascendental!

    English

     

     

    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 alone, an estimated 15% of the population, or 169,922 residents, identify as Hispanic according to recent census data.


    From September 15 to October 15, communities across the United States honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month. This year, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is embracing this special time with a series of engaging events and programs that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of our Hispanic community.


    A Month-Long Celebration of Heritage and Culture


    The Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it's a hub for community connection and cultural enrichment. We invite the Hispanic community to “encontrar comunidad” or “find community” and know that all are welcome within our doors. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has a commitment to serving all community members which is exemplified through its bilingual and Spanish-speaking staff. Meet just a few of them and learn why community is so important to their work:

    Andrew Meyer
    Library Assistant, Plaza Midwood Library:


    “For me, community means ‘family.’ Community is a place where you have a sense of belonging and don't feel judged for who you are or the things you have done in the past. It is an opportunity to grow and reach your full potential.”

    Patty Lyons
    Librarian, Mint Hill Library:


    “For me, community is a group of people who live in the same neighborhood or who are surrounded by those who give them a sense of belonging. Although I live in Cornelius, I work at the Mint Hill Library and feel like I am actually part of the same community I serve.”

    Yuleyska Barron
    Access Services Manager, Independence Regional Library:


    ‘For me, community means an environment where I can grow, adapt, and share my life and interests. I think the Library is an important part of this project because we are the go-to source for providing all of these resources that can help our clients improve their lives.”

    How to Connect


    If you’re a Spanish-speaking resident or know someone who would benefit from bilingual library services, here’s how you can make the most of what CML offers:

     

    Visit the Library: Drop by any Library branch and inquire about staff members who can assist you in Spanish. We have several bilingual staff members across the system as well as digital translation tablets available at all Library locations for more individualized assistance. Our friendly staff is here to make you feel comfortable and welcomed into our branches no matter what language you speak. Find a branch near you HERE.

     

    Attend Bilingual Programs: Keep an eye on the Library’s events calendar for upcoming bilingual storytimes, workshops, and cultural events. These programs are designed to be inclusive and engaging for Spanish-speaking families. View our programs HERE.

     

    Utilize Online Resources: By far, the Library offers more Spanish materials than others (nearly 22,000 print books alone) to match the community’s needs. Explore the library’s digital resources, which include Spanish-language books, e-books, and other materials. OverDrive/Libby, one of the Library’s digital platforms, has a Spanish collection that is frequently updated with new titles.
     

    As we come together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future enriched by the diverse voices and stories of our community. Join us at the Library and be a part of this meaningful celebration!