This blog written  by Abrar Alkusaimi, Teen Librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Mountain Island Branch is in the Mountain Island Village at NC Highway 16 and Rozzelles Ferry Road at 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. Located in the northwestern part of Mecklenburg County and Charlotte, the Mountain Island neighborhood is a home to many natural recreation areas and lakes. It is approximately 3 miles north of Mount Holly and on the border of Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

Mountain Island neighborhood and branch are named after the local Mountain Island Lake. The name comes from the mountain which sits in the middle of the lake. Located on the southwestern end of the lake, the island is mainly used as an anchor point for recreation, picnicking, and camping. The lake is the smallest of the three man-made lakes that border Mecklenburg County.

The Mountain Island Branch Library was redesigned in early 2019. This redesign created defined spaces for Teens, Tweens, and Families.  Also, a reading space with comfortable seating and a view of the pond behind the branch.  The vision for this project was to create welcoming and preferred spaces for customers of all ages.  These spaces can also be used for programming and special events. The building features one Community Room, two Study Rooms, and a Computer Lab with 17 public PCs, and open space for reading, studying, and collaboration. In addition to its regular collections for all ages, the library hosts a foreign language collection mainly in Spanish for Children, Teens, and Adults.

A great place to eat is found not too far from the branch. La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant is a restaurant that is highly suggested by the Mountain Island Staff. It’s within walking distance from the branch and sits at the other side of the business complex.

The Mountain Island Area is surrounded by amazing outdoor and nature centered attractions such as the Carolina Raptor Center, Latta Nature Preserve Waterfront, the Rozzelles Ferry Nature Preserve, and the Mountain Island Park Trail.

A very popular local attraction is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Activities at the center include whitewater and flatwater paddling, climbing, running, cycling, hiking, fishing, and more. Other attractions easily accessible through highway 485 include North Lake mall, only 15 minutes away.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

RESOURCES:

• Mountain Island Branch Library | 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-416-5600
• Carolina Raptor Center |6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-875-6521
• La Fiesta Grande | 10916 Black Dog Lane, Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-595-3632
• Latta Nature Preserve Waterfront | 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 980-314-7878
• Mountain Island Park Trail | 304 Mountain Island Rd, Mt Holly, NC 28120 |
• Rozzelles Ferry Nature Preserve | 11840 Mountain Island Brook Lane, Charlotte, NC 28214
• U.S. National Whitewater Center | 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-391-3900

This blog written by Hannah P. Simmons, library associate for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

If you find yourself cruising down Holly Crest Lane, you just might discover the North County Regional Library, one of the many facilities proud to be part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system. The North County Regional Library has been serving the populations of Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius since 1997, but it got a major makeover in 2019. Situated close to parks, dining, and entertainment, the North County Regional Library is a hub in the community to not only provide traditional library services, but also host community events. This tri-level building offers a little something for every age. On the main floor, you can pick up your Holds, as well as browse the DVDs, Magazines, and New Fiction. The main floor is also where you can return items in the “Book Drop”, and access both the patio and indoor cafe seating areas.

You can take the stairs or elevator up to the 3rd Floor to browse the Children and Teens collection. The North County multimedia collections gives youth access to Chapter Books, Picture Books, Easy Readers, Wonderbooks, Books on Disc, Playaways, and so much more! While you’re upstairs, you might take part in a Scavenger Hunt, an indoor Story Walk, check out the “I-Spy” Tank, or join in a storytime in the Program Room. Also upstairs, you will find the Makerspace! Our Makerspace houses some of the latest creative technology. Stop by during Open Hours to check out the 3D Printer, Carvey machine, and a Recording Studio, to name a few! You can take part in some self-guided STEAM activities with the In-House kits that let you play around with robotics and circuits.

Be sure to take your Teens up to the Loft where they can browse on the computer and check out the Fiction, Nonfiction, and Graphic Novels collections. They can also take a photo for the Selfie Board, and jump in on other interactive displays. Need some study supplies? The Loft has you covered! We’ve also got “Dry Erase” tables for collaborative study sessions.

A trip down to the 1st Floor will bring you to our Adult Fiction and Nonfiction shelves, Audio Books, Graphic Novels, as well as Audio Books. You can also access our Community Rooms for Adult Programming, and several cozy spaces to set up with a book or your laptop. We also have Computers and Study Rooms. Computers can be accessed with a Library Card or Guest Pass, and Study Rooms can be reserved for some private study or work time. Just head to the Circulation Desk, or call ahead that day to reserve your space!

A short distance from the library, you can access shopping, dining, parks, and Downtown Huntersville! Birkdale Village is a short drive up Sam Furr Road, and provides access to many excellent local businesses. At Birkdale, you can see a movie, shop for some clothing or home decor, and grab a bite to eat! In the mood for some amazing pub food? Check out Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar! They not only have a vast selection of signature burgers, but if you’re feeling creative, you can build your own. Feeling a little more adventurous? Head over to Kung Foo Noodle for some of the best Asian-fusion the Charlotte area has to offer. Sushi, pho, banh mi, bubble teas, and more, Kung Foo Noodle delivers amazing flavor along with a bold and colorful interior that makes for an epic dining experience. The NorthCross Shopping Center sits across Sam Furr Road from the Library, which offers several popular lunch and coffee spots, trendy stores to browse, and stores where you can purchase essentials.

Whether you want indoor or outdoor fun, we have the place for you. The North Meck Regional Recreation Center is your go-to place for amazing indoor activities. Swimming, basketball, and volleyball are just a few of the fun things to do inside. Also, North Mecklenburg Park is also only 2 miles away from the library. This park has multiple playgrounds, walking and biking trails, as well as outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields!

Last but not least, you can hop over to Downtown Huntersville for even more family fun! So are you ready to explore and have some fun in Huntersville? We will be waiting to see you at the North County Regional Library.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

RESOURCES:

• North County Regional Library - 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville NC 28078 | 704-416-6000
• Birkdale Village - Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville NC 28078
• Bad Daddy’s - 8625 Lindholm Dr A, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-237-4055
• Downtown Huntersville - 105 S Old Statesville Road, Huntersville NC 28078
• Kung Foo Noodle  - 8625C Lindholm Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-997-8132
• Northcross Shopping Center - 9751 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
• Northern Regional Recreation Center - 18121 Old Statesville Rd, Cornelius NC 28031 | 980-314-6772
• North Mecklenburg Park - 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville NC 28078

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

Did you know there is a new Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch located in the heart of Pineville? Well, now you do!

Located at 505 Main Street in the heart of Pineville, this 18,000 square foot community branch is home to a vast collection of print and digital materials. The building is unique in that it shares space with Pineville's Town Hall which is located on the upper level with the Library utilizing the lower half of the building, making it a true community space. Inside you'll find the same friendly staff and great programming and resource options the Library is known for.

Join us for our grand opening celebration on Saturday, December 10 from 11a.m.-3 p.m. with a day of fun for the entire family. Enjoy programs, games, entertainment and more as we invite the entire community to visit the new Pineville Branch. We hope to see you there!

Check out our schedule of events below:

• Family Storytime 11-11:45 a.m. | Program Room 
• Paw To Read 12-1 p.m. | Program Room
• Face Painting/Henna 12-2 p.m. | Face Painting in Children's area (public floor) | Henna in Teen area (public floor)
• Photo Booth 12-3 p.m. | Vending area
• B-Rad Magician  1-1:45 p.m. | Community Room
• Self-Guided Tour all-day | Goody bag handout after tour is complete at front desk
• Activities (craft) for kids 11-3 p.m. | Program Room & Foyer

Consider helping us stock the shelves at Pineville through a donation to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. A gift of $25 puts a new book on the shelf and will include a bookplate personalized with your name and, if you like, a tribute to a friend or family member.

donate here

This blog post was written by Elyse Berrier, library program coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  

National Family Literacy month is recognized each November, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library plans to celebrate with a systemwide, in-person, “Out of this World” Family Literacy Night on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. Families are invited to visit any Library location (no registration necessary) to participate in self-directed family literacy activities that the whole family will enjoy and be invited to take home. Play literacy games, check out books, read and write together, and learn more about why family literacy is extremely important! Every Library location will also be hosting a giveaway drawing and other fun surprises that you are not going to want to miss!  

While we are celebrating with this “stellar” event on November 30th, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library always strives to provide opportunities and education around families learning together every day all throughout the year. Here are five ways we encourage families to improve literacy together: 

1. READ OFTEN AND ALOUD AS A FAMILY:  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who are read to have better language skills, have more interest in reading, and have better nurturing relationships with their parental figures (AAP, 2014).  Make it a habit to read as often as you can as a family. Visit our physical Library locations to check out books, or read books electronically together! Browse one of our digital book resources, and spend time reading together as a family.  

1. WRITE FREQUENTLY: The practice of writing aids in fine motor skills, self-expression, and language development. There are many ways to practice writing as a family at home. Start a family journal, where family members write back and forth to one another, or simply send notes and letters to each other! Seek inspiration from our storytellers at the Library to write your own story together as a family. Drawing counts too!  Feel free to write a book review as well together as a family and add it to our catalog for others to enjoy! 

1. TALK TOGETHER: Talking about books and what is going on in your child’s life will help to improve your child’s language and vocabulary skills. Cognitive scientists from MIT found that conversation between an adult and a child can actually change and enhance a child’s brain physiology (Association of American Universities, 2018)! Active Reading, or the practice of reading aloud a children’s picture book by asking questions, building vocabulary, and making connections to the child’s world and experiences, is a wonderful way to talk together as a family. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library provides Active Reading Family Workshops and Active Reading Training programs to help you and your family have meaningful conversations about books together.  

1. LEARN AS A FAMILY: There are many ways to learn together as a family at the Library. Programs are available daily that you can attend together as a family including storytimes, story explorer programs, puppet shows, and more! Check out books and discuss what you learn together as a family and share it with others. Books with step-by-step instructions can teach your family a new recipe, craft, or activity to enjoy, while improving literacy skills.  

1. SPREAD THE JOY OF LITERACY: According to the Handbook of Family Literacy, family literacy refers to the spoken and written communication within a family, as well as the family’s efforts to improve and support a child’s literacy and language development (Van Horn, 2012). When parents, caregivers, and adults in a child’s life share their enthusiasm for literacy, a child’s attitude and perception about literacy improves as well. Allow the children around you to see adults reading, writing, talking, and learning, and they will follow suit!  

We look forward to your family making great use of all that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has to offer! Read often and aloud as a family, write frequently, talk together, learn as a family, and spread the joy of literacy.   

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

The blog was written by Lawrence Turner, an adult services librarian at South County Regional Library.

An anonymous quote about marriage says: Marriage stands the test of times when both you and your spouse work towards making things better. And we are tested the most when we face adversities. If you can sail through the adversities as one, as a team, then you have won half the battle.

In the United States, that quote is put to the test with the legality of certain marriages.

The Respect for Marriage Act is in its final stages of passing in Congress as ends its session this year. Legislators sponsored the measure to preserve same-sex marriage, as a defense to guarantee it against a possible Supreme Court challenge. Interracial marriages were roped into the legislation proposal for the same reason.

Whereas same-sex marriages received Supreme Court support for legalization nationwide in 2015, and garnered public approval at a new high at 71% according to a May 2022 Gallup poll, interracial marriage is a much older social custom.  In 1967 the Supreme Court validated interracial marriages in the Loving v. Virginia case.  Last year, the Gallop Poll found the public approved interracial marriage at a new high of 94 percent. When the question was first polled in 1958, approval was at four percent.

While interracial unions are accepted to a large degree in the U.S., its early history can stand a brief peek in the spotlight. A genuine timeline of attitudes to interracial marriage should go back to the nation’s founding as it started as colonies. In 1968, the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service reported in a story that contempt for intermarriage grew as the population and influence of white women increased in settlements which previously had very large white male numbers. Herbert Moller, a sociologist, said, “…Through their enhanced influence on family and community life, women became more or less unintentionally the foremost agents in the establishment of racial barriers.”     

As to be expected, laws followed to enforce these attitudes.  In Sheryll Cashin’s book, Loving: Interracial Intimacy in America and the Threat to White Supremacy, she writes Virginia’s first comprehensive slave code in 1705 made that point. Enslaved Africans during that year lost rights they had previously enjoyed equal to white indented servants.  As a result, the white servants—i.e., white individuals—gained new privileges to bond closer to slaveholders. The code “included penalties against interracial marriage” while not doing the same for “master/slave sex, which would become the dominant form of interracial sex in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.”  

Neighboring state North Carolina would follow the model from Virginia as other states Cashin writes. Although in a modest dissention, the North Carolina Digital Collections, a web-based Charlotte Mecklenburg Library resource, shows a documented interracial marriage in a colonial record of a “mulatto” (mixed African and European ancestry—an outdated and offensive term) man and white woman in 1725.  The couple came from Virginia.    

Fast forward several hundred years to the present-day United States and consider the changes. Laws and social norms have made tremendous strides to make formerly enslaved African descendants’ full American citizen in legal standing. What may come next is the question: have those deep-seated attitudes about racial separation in marriage changed too?  On the surface, it appears so. Despite brash voices or newsworthy incidents of racial hate, today there is a bottom line for many to be accepting, or at least tolerant, of individuals of different races marrying.

Returning to the earlier mentioned Gallup poll article, it said: Opposition to interracial marriage still exists, but it is quite small. Future measures will indicate whether 94% is the ceiling for approval, or if there is still room for growth in acceptance.

Find stories about real-life interracial couples, the Loving v. Virginia case and more in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, click to access them here.     

This blog was written by Ed McDonald, librarian at SouthPark Regional Library.

2022 is over so let's take a look at which books were most popular with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library readers this year. We pulled circulation data for our adult fiction (both print and digital), adult nonfiction, young adult fiction and graphic novels.

A few listings stood out this year:

• There were a few returns to the top fiction lists this year. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave was a contender last year and this year her novel was #1 on both the print and digital lists. 
• Digital usage dominated again this year.  The top print novel’s circulation number wouldn’t even have made the digital list. The top print nonfiction book would have been #7 on the digital list.
• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb returns to the top of the digital nonfiction list this year. This is the fourth year the book has appeared on this list and the second year in a row where it was #1.
• For the second year in a row Sisters by Raina Telgemeier was the most popular graphic novel.

We hope you enjoy going through this year’s lists and be sure visit your local library branch and our webpage and get started on reading the books for this year’s list.

Print Adult Fiction

• The Last thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
• The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
• Judges List by John Grisham
• The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• The Maid by Nita Prose
• Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
• Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
• Verity by Colleen Hoover
• Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Digital Adult Fiction

1. The Last thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
2. Verity by Colleen Hoover
3. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
4. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
5. The Maid by Nita Prose
6. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Reid Jenkins
7. The People we Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
8. The Book Lovers by Emily Henry
9. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
10. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab

Print Adult Nonfiction

1. Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
2. Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
3. These Precious Days: Essays by Ann Patchett
4. Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel A. Van derkolk
5. 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
6. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown
7. Guinness World Records 2022
8. Finding Me by Viola Davis
9. Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life by Delia Ephron
10. Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper

Digital Adult Nonfiction

1. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
2. Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
3. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown
4. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
5. Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
6. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
7. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
8. The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor – The Truth and the Turmoil by Tina Brown
9. Finding me: A Memoir by Viola Davis
10. Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper

Print Young Adult Fiction

1. Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
2. Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman
3. A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
5. One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
6. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
7. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
8. Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
9. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
10. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Digital Young Adult Fiction

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
4. Heartstopper, Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
5. It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
6. Heartstopper, Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
7. Heartstopper, Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
8. A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
9. We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
10. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Fiction & Nonfiction Audio Books (Digital and Physical)

1. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
3. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
5. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
6. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
7. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
8. 101 Essays that will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
9. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
10. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Reid Jenkins

#1 African American Novel

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

#1 Graphic Novel

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

#1 Mystery Novel

The Maid by Nita Prose

#1 Science Fiction Novel

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

• Aspects of the University City community that should be reflected in the branch
• Design aesthetics
• Meeting and study spaces
• Technology capabilities
• Type of print and digital collections offered
• Expectations regarding the overall customer experience at the new location

This blog was written by Jasmine McNeil, outreach specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Black Entrepreneur Series (BE Series) highlights Black Businesses and business owners in the Charlotte area. Find out how these entrepreneurs got their start, by joining us every week for the month of February for in-depth interviews and Q&A.

WEEK 1 (2/1-2/4)

BE Series 2023: Simply Skin Face & Body Spa - Dr. Nicole Calhoun, owner of a well-known spa in South Charlotte. Find out how she got her start, some challenges along the way and her goals for the future.

WEEK 2 (2/6-2/11)

BE Series 2023: McNeil Pressure Washing LLC - Meet the owner/operator of a local family-owned business, Malcom McNeil. Find out what sets his company apart from similar businesses in the area, and how he got his start into entrepreneurship.

BE Series 2023: The Real Estate Butterfly Firm - Christy Mercer Forbes is the Owner/Broker of The Real Estate Butterfly Firm. Find out more about her business, and the moves she’s making to be successful.

WEEK 3: (2/13-2/17)

BE Series 2023: Monument Real Estate Partners - Meet Johnny Walker, a commercial Real Estate Broker. Find out about his road to success and get some great advice about how to become a successful business owner.

WEEK 4: (2/20-2/25)

BE Series 2023: Agape Therapeutic Wellness - Charday Graham discusses how she became the owner of her own mental health practice, and her journey to how she got to where she is now.

BE Series 2023: Royal Oils Grooming Company - Owner of Royal Oils Grooming Company, Andre Russell shares his beginning to entrepreneurship. Learn about his journey and his products.

View the entire BE Interview Series Playlist here

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

The stock market can be intimidating. Getting help with financial planning and investments can be costly. Who do you trust, how much do you invest, when is the right time, how much do you need to start? Even DIY investing can be costly because of the fees associated with research sites. But, you can get started today with FREE resources available at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. All you need is your library card.

Access online investment resources for FREE

With your library card, you have access to several online resources to help you get started with smart investing.

Marketscope Advisor (CFRA) provides independent, differentiated and actionable analysis to help you make better investment and business decisions. Includes S&P Global’s Equity and Fund Research business, a leading provider of independent research and commentary with offerings focused on stocks, ETFs and mutual funds as well as sectors and industries.

Mergent Online is an electronic database that is easy to use and has global business and financial data for companies worldwide.

Morningstar Investment Research Center offers real-time investment research; access to financial information about publicly traded companies, company contact information, company profiles and analyst reports; and industry peer comparisons.

Value Line Investment Survey offers advice on which stocks to buy, hold and sell. Access investment advice on stocks, industries, mutual funds, options and convertibles.

Check out some useful reading materials

In addition to the online resources and programs, the Library offers FREE investment e-magazines, magazines, periodicals and books. Access The Economist, Forbes and Entrepreneur in magazine or e-magazine formats. Check out books like The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias and The Handy Investing Answer Book by Paul Tucci for expert tips and tricks to make the best of your personal finances. Find these and more investment titles in our catalog.