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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 

 

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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].

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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.

 

 

 

   

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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.  

“Like Spam and Coca-Cola, Chocolate Chip Cookies’ fame was boosted by wartime soldier consumption. Before the war they were a largely East Coast-based fad; after Toll house cookies rivaled apple pie as the most popular dessert recipe in the country.”  -Carolyn Wyman, ‘Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Book’   

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) 

 

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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!

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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!

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They call it “The Huge One.”

Most Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations have a small selection of books for sale year-round. But once a year, Independence Regional Library holds a sale worthy of a special trip. The Big Book Sale began in 2016 and it’s grown exponentially every year since – this year it will take over the Library’s lobby for four days: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 through Saturday, August 24, 2019.

Why buy books where you can borrow them for free? Library staff member Helaine Kranz explains: “People are looking for something special. Some are teachers or parents, building a classroom or home library. Others are collectors, looking for an unexpected treasure. One customer found a vinyl record she’d been searching for, another purchased a signed copy of Jimmy Carter’s autobiography. It’s the Library version of Pawn Stars – you never know what you’ll find!”

 

Library staff collects books, records, CDs, VHS tapes and DVDs for the sale all year – many are donated by patrons or “weeded” from the Library’s collection, and staff put aside antique, signed, or rare books for a special collections table. Most materials will sell for under $1, with specialty items priced accordingly.

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from the Big Book Sale – and all book sales – support the whole Library system. Together with other branch revenue like fines and fees, book sale proceeds support systemwide needs like maintenance, training and travel, marketing and professional development.

Kranz beams as she reflects: “Customers really look forward to this, and it’s so satisfying for us to see people find an item with special meaning for them. The Big Sale brings us all joy.”

And that’s huge.

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Missing your favorite Con?

Don’t worry - Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has you covered with Teen Geek Week happening May 1-7, 2022!

Throughout the week starting on Monday, May 2, check out a variety of online programs including BTS trivia, gaming, comic creations, paper circuits, writing fanfiction and more! Check out the full calendar below or search our online calendar for more details. Don’t miss out on everything else that will be happening on our CMLibrary Teens Instagram @cmlibraryteens that will feature a collection of Marvel-ous activities, gaming, cosplay tutorials and more!

And if you still can't get enough of Teen Geek Week, be sure to download one of the Teen Geek Week Activity Packs or grab one from the teen area in your branch!

Activity Packs

HARRY POTTER  |  ANIME/MANGA  |  STAR WARS  |  GAMING  |  MARVEL VS DC  |  TV/MOVIE  |  DISNEY

 

 VIRTUAL Teen geek week COSPLAY Showcase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to be featured on our CMLibrary Teens Instagram @cmlibraryteens for the Cosplay Showcase? The Teen Geek Week Cosplay Showcase is not a competition, but a way for you to show off your cosplay(s) online that you would like to bring to a con.

Participants must complete this form to enter!

A couple of rules before you submit your costume:

• All cosplays must be appropriate for all ages. Please keep it PG-13.
• Cosplays can be handmade or store-bought.
• Must list full names of everyone in your entry.
• Your video submission must be between 30-60 seconds. Pose, twirl and show off your cosplay.
• Format requirements: 1080px by 1920px (standard size for most smartphones screens) MP4.
• You must have parent/guardian approval to enter. By submitting your application, you are acknowledging you have parent/guardian approval to be featured on our website and social media!

The deadline for submission is Friday, May 6.

Follow us at @cmlibraryteens to stay connected, and never miss out on anything for teens at the Library ever again!

Teen Geek Week Online Programs

Virtual Scavenger Hunt: The adventure awaits! Throughout Mecklenburg County, there are some really cool Art Murals! Take a picture and share it with us for a chance to score one of our Geek Packs! Tag us on Instagram @cmlibraryteens by May 6, 2022, by using the hashtag #cmlibraryteengeekweek, for a chance to win a prize in our Raffle.

• Harry Potter Teen Trivia

• Teen Board Games
• Anime Art Basics
• STEAM 101: Paper Circuits Star Wars (South Boulevard)

• Wordle Wednesday
• Tween Trivia Throwdown: Star Wars
• Teen Reading Rants (Graphic Novels and Comics)
• Learn, Connect, Play: Among Us (South Boulevard)
• Star Wars Day Trivia
• Cosplay 101 with Hayley & Michael (Teens Live on Instagram)

• Anime Art Coloring
• THROH Pokémon Bingo
• Let's Write Fanfiction!
• Manga vs Anime
• Dungeons and Dragons For Tweens!
• Manga Mania Teen Comic Book Club (South Boulevard)

• Fan - Art Friday
• Free Comic Book Day (North County Regional Library)
• Free Comic Book Day (Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library)
• Teen Geek Club: Annual Superhero Assembly Mystery (South Boulevard)

 

• Free Comic Book Day North County
• Free Comic Book Day Allegra Westbrooks
• Free Comic Book Day Steele Creek
• Teen Geek Club: Superhero Assembly South Boulevard

ESCAPE ROOMS:

RESCUE BABY YODA ESCAPE ROOM  |  HARRY POTTER ESCAPE ROOM  |  HAMILTON ESCAPE ROOM 

HUNGER GAMES ESCAPE ROOM  |  RIVERDALE ESCAPE ROOM

RESOURCES

Comics

• CMLIbrary Comics
• Hoopla Digital
• Overdrive Teen Collection
• Comic Con at Home
• UNCC Special Collections
• Library of Congress Webcomics Archive
• Pixton
• Image Comics
• VIZ Media
• Tokyopop
• Webtoons
• Manga 101

Cosplay:

• Cosplay Bibliocommons List

Cosplay Tutorial Guides:

• Universal Class
• Cosplay.com
• Certified Comics
• Geek Gals
• KamuiCosplay
• CosplayCentral

Videos Playlists:

• Mango Serene
• Michael & Hayley
• MakeLovelyCosplay
• KamuiCosplay

Role Playing Games:

• Dewey & Dragons Book List
• Beginner Guides for Dungeons & Dragons
• Free Weekly Dungeons & Dragons Material
• Magic the Gathering Rules
• Accessibility and Inclusion Resources for RPGs
• How to Virtually Play RPGs
• Slaying Real Monsters & Building Communities Through Role Playing Games

Teen Geek Week Discord Server

Can’t get enough of Teen Geek Week? Join our discord, our virtual hangout space to share, socialize and make new friends. It’s open to anyone in grades 6-12.

While participating in Teen Geek Week Discord Server, moderators will hold participants to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library guidelines as well as the Discord Guidelines in order to create an affirming environment for all participants.

Users will have to agree to the Server guidelines when they join before they can join the discussion. Violation of Center or Discord guidelines can result in removal from the server.

JOIN OUR DISCORD

 *Note: You may be subject to screening to confirm your identity before being granted full server access.

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Thsi blog was written bu Kiara Garrett, teen service specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

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Are you looking to jumpstart a new career but don't know where to begin? Maybe you're wanting to move up in a current role or try something new altogether. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to help by offering access to a variety of great online resources to help you on your way. Continue reading to learn about some of the wonderful free resources available to you with your Library card.

LinkedIn Learning - LinkedIn Learning is an online educational site that includes over 3,000 courses (and over 130,000 videos) in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business.  

Ferguson's Career Guidance Center - Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center is a comprehensive resource for career exploration and planning that allows users to quickly find the valuable career information they need, whether it’s industry and professions articles, school planning resources, or skills and career advice.

Learning Express - Suite of highly-acclaimed eLearning solutions which provide interactive tutorials, practice tests, e-books, flashcards and articles for academic skill-building, standardized test preparation, career development and more.

LibGuide: Careers - LibGuides are a subject guide that pulls together all types of information about a particular subject or topic.  Charlotte Mecklenburg Library LibGuides contain information about our Library's resources (books, databases, etc.) and web sites that are relevant to the subject or topic.  

Tutor.com - Adult learners can get help in English and Spanish. Tutors are available for career help, including resume review, job searching and interview preparation. Tutors can also help with GED and Citizenship preparation, and essay review. Additionally, tutors can help adult learners with back to school needs.

 

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SouthPark Regional Library can be found on the corner of Colony Rd and Carnegie Blvd. With over 26,000 square feet, there are spaces for studying, working, and browsing the collection. When you walk in, you will find our expanded Children’s Area, Community Room, and Café seating area. The upper floor houses our Computer Lab, makerspace, Teen Area and study rooms. Also on the second floor, the world language collection includes Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, as well as Chinese, French, German and Spanish titles for children.

The SouthPark Mall is considered a staple of the SouthPark area. It is home to a variety of stores and restaurants. Whether you are looking to shop, grab a bite to eat, or just take a walk, SouthPark Mall is the place. Beside the SouthPark Mall stands Symphony Park, a large grassy lawn that holds many concerts and events throughout the year. Beginning in June, Symphony Park hosts the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops series, featuring a variety of music from popular cinematic soundtracks to opera performances.

If you are looking to go outdoors, check out nearby Park Road Park. The 72-acre park holds baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court and a playground. Scenic walking trails surround a centrally located lake with piers. The area is also home to nearby Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway, beginning at Tyvola Rd, runs for 4.8 miles. The greenway accommodates walkers, runners and bikers alike. It even includes a bridge connecting over to Park Road Park.

The Levine Jewish Community Center is a diverse, inclusive, multi-cultural community center, open to everyone of all faiths. The Levine JCC has a fitness center with indoor basketball courts, racquetball courts, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. The facilities host sports programs for youth and adults, summer camps, and cultural arts activities. The surrounding Shalom Park holds the Jewish Federation for Greater Charlotte, Jewish Family Services, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, the Foundation of Shalom Park, the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, the Charlotte Jewish Day School, and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, as well as the Center for Jewish Education, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, the Foundation of Shalom Park, the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, the Charlotte Jewish Day School, the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, and the Center for Jewish Education and the Center for Jewish Education.

The Mint Museum Randolph, located around 15 minutes away, has galleries with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, and European and African art, among other collections. Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum. Additional areas of interest within the museum include a reference library, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum store. Visit on Wednesday evenings from 5-9 p.m. for free admission!

With a variety of restaurant options available around the area, it is no surprise that the SouthPark staff have a few favorites. Renaissance Patisserie is a local café that offers French pastries, traditional baguettes, and the home of Charlotte's only Kouign "Queen" Amann. Another favorite is Milk Cha Cha, a boba tea shop providing a unique experience by using fresh fruits, fresh dairy and premium loose-leaf teas. The area is also home to Café Monte, a French Bistro serving classic Provence-style dishes and pastries made using local ingredients.

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

 

Resources:

• SouthPark Regional Library - 7015 Carnegie Blvd Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704-416-5400
• Café Monte - 6700 Fairview Rd Charlotte, NC 28210 | 704-552-1116
• Levine Jewish Community Center - 5007 Providence Rd Charlotte, NC 28226 | 704-366-5007
• Little Sugar Creek Greenway
• Milk Cha Cha - 4620 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 170A Charlotte, NC 28210 | 980-298-6226
• Mint Museum Randolph - 2730 Randolph Rd Charlotte, NC 28207 | 704-337-2000
• Park Road Park - 6220 Park Rd Charlotte, NC 28210
• Renaissance Patisserie - 6401 Carnegie Blvd #4A Charlotte, NC 28211 | 980-819-8771
• SouthPark Mall - 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704-364-4411
• Summer Pops - 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

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This blog post was written by Kristin Wilkins, library assistant for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.