The Hickory Grove Branch Library is located on the Eastside of Charlotte, NC. This vibrant and eclectic neighborhood connects deeply with the immigrant community with everything from diverse restaurants and grocery stores to language immersion schools and of course, the library itself. The Hickory Grove Branch has a large world language collection for all ages with Spanish being the largest number of items represented in the collection. Additionally, ten other languages are represented including Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Japanese and Korean.

Within just a couple of miles from the library, this community has two Spanish language immersion education programs. Charlotte Bilingual Preschool for ages three through five has provided innovative solutions for preparing Spanish-speaking children for success in school by providing superior dual language, multi-cultural early childhood education. And they have been providing this educational service in the Hickory Grove neighborhood for over twenty-two years. In the other direction, located in the old Eastland Mall Parking lot, is the Charlotte East Language Academy for kindergarten through eighth grade.  The school was established in 2018 and is a Title I school.

The Hickory Grove neighborhood has several community organizations dedicated to helping newcomers settle into life here in the Queen City. OurBRIDGE for Kids is a nonprofit organization that supports the immigrant and refugee community in Charlotte by providing afterschool programming and other community-based initiatives. The Latin American Coalition is a community of Latin Americans, immigrants and allies that promotes full and equal participation of all people in the civic, economic, and cultural life of North Carolina through education, celebration and advocacy. Finally, the Simmons YMCA New American Welcome Center is designed to provide a combination of services and strategies to connect and enhance cross-cultural understanding. With a focus on language and education, employment, health and wellbeing, citizenship and civic engagement, and the Y helps empower immigrants to achieve their full potential.

East Charlotte is also home to the Charlotte History Museum. This museum features programs and exhibits that explore important civic themes and how their meaning has evolved over time, including ideals of liberty, freedom, equity, justice, democracy, and citizenship. The museum sits on an eight-acre wooded campus and it is also the site of the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County, the Rock House, which was built circa 1774 for the Hezekiah Alexander household. And if you need to grab a bite after a day at the museum, Antoine James, the Access Services Manager at Hickory Grove, highly recommends our area for its food and restaurants. His favorite? Why Not Pizza located right next door to Hickory Grove Library. They have everything from pizza and pasta, to subs and wings. It is a staff favorite for sure!

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

Resources:

• Hickory Grove Branch Library - 5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-416-4400
• Charlotte Bilingual Preschool - 6300 Highland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-535-8080
• Charlotte History Museum - 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-568-1774
• Charlotte East Language Academy - 6108 Wilora Lake Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212 | 980-343-0380
• Latin American Coalition - 4938 Central Ave #1, Charlotte, NC 28205
• OurBRIDGE for Kids - 3925 Willard Farrow Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 980-272-6022
• Why Not Pizza - 7008 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-536-0891
• YMCA New American Welcome Center - 6824 Democracy Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212 | 704-716-6600

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This blog written by Lonna Vines, children's librarian for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Did you know that November is Native American History Month? Keep reading for a brief history on Native Americans in North Carolina and learn how the tribes made their way to the “Tar Heel” state.

Map of Native American Tribes in North Carolina

Paleoindian Period

The oldest Native American cultural period in North Carolina is the Paleoindian Period. The Paleoindian Period occurred around 10,000 BCE during the Ice Age. Native Americans were nomadic, so they had limited possessions and their access to temporary shelter made travel easy. Since they lived during the Ice Age and many large mammals were close to extinction, Native Americans who lived at the time relied on smaller woodland mammals for food. In order to hunt and gather, spears were created as hunting tools and baskets were made to store food. The oldest spear found is called Clovis, which dates between 9500-8500 BC. It was slender with a long flute to attach the spear. Around 8000 BCE another spear, the Hardaway-Dalton, was created. It did not have a flute, but there were shallow indentations on each side of the spear by the base.

 Arrowheads



Archaic Period

Native Americans who lived during the Archaic Period used similar tools as the people in the Paleoindian Period did, but changes in diet and hunting were made. The archaic period lasted from 8000 BC-1000 BC, when groups of 25-100 native peoples came to North Carolina. These groups moved during each season and lived near the floodplains. Native peoples living during this time hunted deer, aquatic animals and other small game. The invention of the atlatl, or spear, allowed them to launch it forcibly and far to hunt. Plants were used for medicinal purposes. Stone tools were made to use as jewelry, decorative pins, grooved axes, balancing weights called balance stones for atlatls, fishhooks and awls. Later, they started weaving baskets.

Catawba potter coiling

 

Woodland Period

The Woodland period brought changes in shelter, weaponry,and interaction with other tribes from different states. Archeologists debate how long this period lasted. Many believe that the Woodland Period started in 1000 BC and ended when the Europeans came around AD 600. This period brought the manufacture of clay pots, semi-permanent villages, gardens and settlements occupied by people for several months a year. Styles of pots are adopted from contact with other places such as Ohio and Tennessee. Populations began to increase and wild animals were still hunted as the main sources of food. Pottery styles started to spread through North Carolina with designs that allowed the pottery to also be used for cooking. As for weaponry, the bow and arrow replaced the atlatl, which enabled hunters to hunt more effectively and efficiently. When burying loved ones, members commonly began to include personal artifacts with the body.

Catawba map

Mississippian or Late Woodland

Religious and ceremonial practices, a new diet, and hierarchies were brought into the Mississippian or Late Woodland Period. This period took place largely in the Piedmont and mountain areas of the Carolinas. It takes place in 8000-1000 BCE. Native Americans in this time ate more corn, squash, and beans as opposed to meat. More modern and permanent homes were built in squares and rectangles. In the Piedmont region houses were oval. Many platform mounds (earthen mounds on top of burned remains of ceremonial lodges) were used for religious and political purposes. Complex pottery styles with intricate designs were used to hold and cook food, as well as for urns. Organization of the social hierarchy also took place during this period.

The village of Pomeioc, North Carolina, 1585

Courtesy of the National Archives Records Administration, 535753

Battles

Due to conflicts, changes in weather and diseases; populations began to decline, and battles broke out between North and South Carolina tribes. The Catawba tribe, one of the most well-known tribes in North and South Carolina, fought with European settlers against the French, Spanish and British loyalists. Enemy tribes who fought with the French were the Iroquois, Cherokee, Shawnee and Algonquin. These battles led to expansion issues, decline of populations and slavery. The Tuscarora and Yamasee Wars resulted in the most devastating circumstance for many tribes. With colonial settlements close to the tribes, many Catawbas became captured by British and sold as slaves. The smallpox epidemic, weather, destruction of towns and the influx of refugees caused a population decrease.

Group of Catawba in Rock Hill, South Carolina

Reservations

The Catawba Nation has a rocky history in the Carolinas. In 1759, the Catawba negotiated with the South Carolina government for a reservation in Rock Hill, SC. In 1760, 20 absorbed parts of tribes were in the area. In 1775, the Catawba fought against Cherokee and Lord Charles Cornwallis. Five years later in 1780, the English captured Charlestowne and the Catawba fled to North Carolina. By 1881, the Catawba returned to see their village destroyed. With a fear of their population soon to be extinct, the Catawba signed a treaty at Nation Ford to sell land to South Carolina, but this violated state laws. They went to North Carolina with a promise of land, but then the state refused to give them the promised land. The Catawbas then returned to South Carolina. In 1850 a 630-acre tract was selected on the west bank of the Catawba river in their old reservation. Catawba finally became a federally recognized tribe in 1973. In 2000, Over 2,200 Native Americans still live in Rock Hill.

Map of Catawba Indian Reservation

 

Federally Recognized Tribes

In order to become recognized as a tribe in North and South Carolina, there are rules and responsibilities required by the government. Federally recognized tribes are an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe entity that is recognized as a government-to-government relationship with the United States, with the with the responsibilities, powers, limitations, and obligations attached to that designation, and is eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Treaties, acts passed by Congress, and presidential orders allow tribes to reach this status.

Native Americans have made countless sacrifices in their history. It is vital to recognize and respect their culture and celebrate its lasting beauty.

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This blog was written by Julia Zwetolitz, marketing and communications intern with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

All photos are courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room unless otherwise specified.

The Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade has been bringing a mile of smiles to Charlotteans and worldwide viewers since 1947.  The one-mile long parade that runs down 9th Street to Stonewall has gained a reputation of becoming the fourth largest parade in the country attracting over 110,000 live spectators and 1.5 million TV viewers. Elaborately decorated floats, performances, celebrities, marching bands, and the carousel princesses are the reason why people continue to look forward to and enjoy the spectacle each year.  

John M. Belk., the former chairman and CEO of Belk, Inc., started the Carousel Parade and scholarship program to attract more shoppers to Belk. Carolinas’ Carousel, a charitable organization, recognizes high school students and marching bands who achieve academic excellence. In 2013, the parade’s legacy almost came to a close until Novant Health stepped up to become the parade’s new sponsor.  

Part of the scholarship program are the Carousel Princesses, who represent various North and South Carolina towns. Princesses ride in the parade and participate in two full days of activities similar to a debutante ball. Activities include a mayor’s luncheon, a special tour and reception at Queens College, a Coronation Ball of the Royal Society of the Knights of Carousel where a new king is appointed, a dinner at Radio Center and a football game. There is also a post-parade reception and dance called the “Queens Buffet,” where the new queen is appointed. Historically, princesses were presented with a variety of cash prizes and gifts, but the queen got to choose a beautiful evening dress valued at $100. 

Be sure to come out or watch the parade this Thanksgiving on November 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. to see why this has been a favorite tradition for several decades! 

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This blog was written by Julia Zwetolitz, marketing and communications intern with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Citations: 
https://www.charlottecentercity.org/belk-carolinas-carrousel-parade-is-back/ 
http://novanthealththanksgivingparade.com/ 
https://cmlibrary.org/blog/library-links-woman-pageant-past 

In the aftermath of World War I, a number of volunteers from American agencies went overseas to help with the return to peacetime and to assist the military with other projects. Annie Lee Hoffman was one of these volunteers, serving on behalf of the YMCA.

The early life of Annie Hoffman

Annie was born on August 9, 1887 in Morganton, North Carolina to Julius and Martha Hoffman. She attended Oxford Seminary in Oxford, NC where she studied office administration.  Later, she moved to Rocky Mount, NC where she was employed as a private stenographer. At the time Annie volunteered overseas, she was the Nash County Court Stenographer. 

Annie joins the YMCA

The mission of the YMCA is to operate as a Christian service to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.  It was established in London, England in June 1844 in response to “unhealthy social conditions” resulting from the Industrial Revolution in large cities. In 1914, the YMCA turned its attention to providing support and wholesome pursuits for troops fighting for Britain and her empire. Examples of services provided include supplying men with writing paper, film showings, libraries, religious services, concert parties, folk dancing and educational lectures.     



The YMCA opened its doors for women in July 1917.  Prior to this, Americans did not believe that women could hold up to the physical and mental strain of war work. Women certainly proved these ideas wrong by serving as nurses, surgeons, chaplains, chaplain's assistants, distributors of medical supplies and distributors of food and clothing. Some women also served on the battlefield with horse drawn canteens that had built and staffed a kitchen, hotel and a hospital. Women volunteers also provided male soldiers with free meals and taught men to read and write.

(Left): This movement order allowed Annie to serve with the French YMCA. At this time, she was not doing front line work and was advised to sightsee. (Right): Annie and other women serving as YMCA volunteers.

By 1918, over 300 YMCA centers existed in France. There were approximately 1,700 volunteers in French YMCAs, mostly women. Each center offered a canteen, chapel, concert hall, library, game room and classroom.

 

Annie leaves the YMCA

Throughout her travels, Annie kept a detailed account of foreign lands laying in ruins during the war. Her papers, held in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, contain extensive letters that she wrote to her mother and sisters in the form of a diary.



After she was honorably discharged from her volunteer service in 1919, she returned to Rocky Mount. She later died at age of 97 in her hometown on October 9,1984.

 (Left): Annie’s discharge papers, which allowed her to serve on the front line. All volunteers had to complete a medical and physical examination in order to determine where they can serve. (Right): Honorable discharge papers with record of service.

Want to learn more about Annie Lee Hoffman’s service overseas during World War I? Visit the Carolina Room on the third floor of Main Library!

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This blog was written by Julia Zwetolitz, marketing and communications intern, of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

References:

Annie Lee Hoffman Papers, 1909-1926. Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

"Our History- A Brief History of the YMCA Movement.” YMCA. Accessed November 2019. http://www.mfldymca.org/about_us/history_national.php.

By now, you’ve probably seen images of Queen Charlotte plastered across Charlotte Mecklenburg Library social media accounts. The Queen, who arrived in her city-namesake in September 2019, has been on the move since she got here. While her presence has taken the city by storm, it’s also left many residents and visitors asking the question: Why is the Queen here?

Because she never made it to Charlotte during her lifetime, that’s why.

Most importantly, Queen Charlotte, who has been immortalized in cardboard thanks to our friends at the Mint Museum and our own Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, is meant to bring awareness to the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room as a treasure trove of historical and geneaological resources. She is also meant to be a fun, unifying, educational, conversational and engaging addition to the Charlotte community. The Queen will tour "Crown Town" for approximately one year – learning about the city and the way Charlotteans live life. She will also educate and liaise with the community along the way.

Queen Charlotte was initially prompted to visit Charlotte when she received news from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Historian-in-Residence, Tom Hanchett, that the iconic Dairy Queen on Central Avenue in Plaza-Midwood was due to close this fall. She was devastated yet intrigued.

The Queen reported that she previously heard news of a rapidly expanding and changing Charlotte. It alarmed her that she could miss out on discovering the essence of what makes the Queen City regal. So, she challenged herself to visit as many historical landmarks in the city as she can– with plans to meet residents and have fun along the way.

And the Queen is having fun, indeed! Since her September arrival, the Queen has:

• Said her goodbyes to the Dairy Queen on Central Avenue
• Signed up for a Library card during Library Card Sign-Up Month
• Had tea and pastries with Marie Antoinette and our friends at the Amelie’s French Café & Bakery flagship location (setting the record straight regarding their upcoming one-mile move deeper into NoDa)
• Participated in a StoryWalk with award-winning author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi
• Accompanied Library staff for their annual Staff Day event to Carowinds (she even rode the Carolina Skytower!)
• Attended the Fall Fest and Grand Re-Opening of North County Regional Library (where she got to meet North Carolina State Librarian, Timothy Owens!)
• Participated in early voting during the Mecklenburg County 2019 election
• Made new friends at EpicFest 2019
• Visited the popular Portal Interactive Gathering Rooms and had a little too much fun in the Benjamin Franklin room, promoting the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s CommonSpark Campaign.

The Queen has been busy, but she’s not done enjoying herself.

All friends of the Library are encouraged to follow the Library on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to keep up with the Queen. And, if you see her around town, don’t be shy. Take a photo with her instead.

Be sure to post your photos on social media with the hashtag #QueentakestheQueen so that the Library and all the Queens people can follow her adventures. Using the hashtag will also help the Queen look back fondly on her time spent in Charlotte when she returns to the past in September of 2020.

Afraid you won’t get a chance to meet the Queen? No worries! Starting on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, Library visitors can find Queen Charlotte (and snap a photo or two) in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room on the third floor of Main Library where she will begin residential hours.

The Queen looks forward to meeting you soon!

Have ideas of places Queen Charlotte should visit around the city or neighboring towns? Send suggestions or invitations with the subject "QueentakestheQueen" to [email protected].

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This blog was written by Asha Ellison, marketing & communications specialist at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

A new Christmas tradition in Charlotte, you say? Bah, humbug!

Take a break from shopping and come sip some cider with us and celebrate the true spirit of the holidays. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (www.cmlibrary.org), Charlotte Center for Literary Arts (www.charlottelit.org), Charlotte Film Society (www.charlottefilmsociety.com), and Children's Theatre of Charlotte (www.ctcharlotte.org) are partnering on a terrific event again this year: our 2nd annual marathon read-aloud of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, paired with a film screening of the book's adaptation by Jim Henson, The Muppet Christmas Carol.

The marathon book reading will take place at ImaginOn on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 12-4 p.m.in the StoryJar area. Join us for group caroling starting at 12:15, and the reading itself will begin at 1 p.m., featuring 30 local Charlotte performers and authors reading the book from start to finish. Bring the family or come by yourself. Pop in and out, or stay for the whole thing! And it's a Super Saturday, so the Holiday Harps will be in the building for additional ambiance!

Then join us for a screening of one of A Christmas Carol’s most famous film adaptations on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn.

The library is providing hot cider and ginger snaps for both events. Tacky holiday sweaters are encouraged. All who come are welcome. We hope you join us for this fantastic free weekend!

Today’s smartphones can record amazing videos in 4K, capture the action in slow motion and have a variety of apps that make editing video easier than ever. But what if you could take your creative vision even further? 

Check out our brand-new Cellphone Video Kits. These kits include everything you need to record professional audio, smoothly pan and record video and get the perfect shot. Whether you’re recording a vlog, capturing an event, or shooting a documentary, these kits contain all the essentials for solo projects and small teams. 

You can borrow a kit with your Library card for free and place a request through the online catalog. Don’t have a Library card? Stop into your nearest branch or register online! 

Sign up for a library card 

What’s Included 

Inside the kit you’ll have a variety of professional tools that make recording a breeze.  

Kits include: 

• DJI Osmo 2 gimble 

• Shotgun microphone 

• Boom pole, handgrip and shock mount 

• Zoom H6 Handy Recorder (and recording capsules) 

• Assortment of cables for connecting microphones and smartphones 

• Wall charger and more 

For solo projects, you’ll find the included DJI Osmo 2 gimble, Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun microphone and included shock mount and handgrip to be perfect. Cables are included for your iPhone or Android smartphone. 

Small teams can make great use of the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder and Auray boom pole. As someone films the action another can keep audio levels in check while staying out of the scene. The boom pole is also great for field recording when compiling scenic sounds and effects. A windshield is also included to minimize wind noise when recording under less than ideal conditions. 

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder also includes two capsules for capturing sound that's in front of you or from around the room. Multiple channels make it easy to record multiple audio sources for dynamic sound. 

A quick start guide, manuals and cables are provided to help you get started quickly. 

Reserve a Video Kit

Learning with Online Resources 

Lynda - DJI Osmo and Osmo Mobile: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques: This Lynda course walks you through the basics of using a handheld gimbal to record professional looking videos with proper technique. https://www.lynda.com/Photography-tutorials/DJI-Osmo-Osmo-Mobile-Tips-Tricks-Techniques/576705-2.html 

Films on Demand - Recorders, Roll Sound, Now What?: Learn techniques to properly navigate, set up, and begin recording with your handy recorder. This video also covers the basics of the recording process so you’ll be prepared on set. https://fod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=168418 

Films on Demand - Intermediate Audio: Digital Cinema Training: With three different microphones in the video kit featuring a combination of pickup patterns, this video includes lots of information about using the right tool for the right job. Learn how to operate and use audio equipment as it relates to working in the field. https://fod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=115052 

Check out our online resources 

Digital tools 

iMovie: If you’re recording on an iPhone or own a Mac, iMovie is free to download from the App Store. It paves the way to using more advanced tools like Final Cut Pro. https://www.apple.com/imovie/ 

Davinci Resolve: The maker of this software is from the hardware savants from Blackmagic Design. It’s one of the industry standards and free to download. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/ 

Adobe Premiere Rush: Relatively new in the world of Adobe, this editing software aims to bring editing prowess to everyone. You can use it on your desktop, phone, or tablet for $9.99 a month. https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-rush.html 

DJI Go: No matter what device you have, you’ll need DJI Go to operate the Osmo 2 gimble. Make sure to create a free account on your phone so you can activate the gimble when you pick it up! https://www.dji.com/goapp 

Share your stories with us! 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library would love if you’d share your amazing creations with us. Be sure to tag us using hashtag #CMLVideoKit and #CMLibrary on social media. 

Get out there and start recording!