Deciding what to do after high school is stressful enough, but with everything going on in the world right now, we can’t imagine the additional pressure for teens. The good news is that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has a whole initiative called College & Career Connections to make it a little easier to figure out your next step. We are still here for you! 

Though our libraries are physically closed, we are offering ways for you to map out your journey for after high school – whether you know your path or you’re still figuring things out. Register for one of our Book a Librarian – My Next Step for Teens programs where you can hop on a video call with a Teen Services staff member who can chat with you about making your next move. We’ll help guide you by connecting you with the resources you need to succeed. These 1-on-1 sessions are meant to be conversations, so there’s no pressure whether you have one question or ten! We’ve even increased our availability, adding new days and times to our calendar to better accommodate your schedule. If you haven’t seen our Road Map and Checklist, check it out here.   

Prefer just kicking back and listening? No problem. We have a new podcast series on Career Exploration on our Digital Branch page. The episodes are short, fun and engaging. Interested in giving back to your community and earning some community service hours?  You can find virtual volunteering opportunities here (and also digital escape rooms in case you feel the need to break free).

Also, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed thinking about college testing, we have programs and resources to help ease your mind. We’ve teamed up with The Princeton Review to help you tackle those tests. Programs such as Which Test Should I Take? SAT vs ACT, SAT Strategy Session, ACT Strategy Session, Dream Colleges, Online Practice Tests and Scores Back Sessions will help you prepare for your future. Registration is free, but space is still limited. Be sure to check our online calendar for all the details. The College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is also looking to help answer your financial aid and FAFSA questions, so we’ll let you know once that event is ready to go.        

Though this is all focused on College & Career Connections, the Library is working behind the scenes to start some new programs for you too. In fact, we’ve moved some fun, interactive programs to our ImaginOn Instagram page. Each week, we host Teens LIVE on Instagram Live to give you a place to kick back, relax and meet other students in the community while learning new skills, hobbies, participating in video and music challenges and so much more. We recently held sessions making no-sew masks and delicious, chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies!

We hope you’ll join us for our next live programs. Until then, you can always connect with us on cmlibrary.org. 

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 5/18/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 5/17

International Authors Book Club for 20-30 Somethings (Virtual) - 4 p.m.   LEARN MORE

Monday 5/18

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Traditional Storytelling - 3 p.m.  (Children's programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Teen Technology – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

ACT Strategy Session with The Princeton Review – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 7 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Strange New Worlds Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Tuesday 5/19              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

The Detection Book Club – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)    REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Chapter Three Book Club – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Story Explorers Enrichment – 3 p.m.   (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.  REGISTER

Dream Colleges with The Princeton Review – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

Confident Career Moves with Ericka Spradley (virtual) Session 2 – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 6 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 6 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Graphic Novel Book Club – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Murderino Book Club – 7 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 7 p.m.  (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Wednesday 5/20

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book Ends Book Club – 10:15 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Lunch & Munch Book Club - 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Poetry in Pajamas - 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

The Pocket-Size Book Club - 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Engage 2020: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Teen Technology – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.    REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 7 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Thursday 5/21

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 year olds – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book Talk: Children's - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.  REGISTER

Spanish Conversation Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Urban Book Club – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 7 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

English Conversation Club - 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Friday 5/22

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Nonprofit Services Coffee & Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

Saturday 5/23

SAT Practice Test Online – 9 a.m. (Teen programming)    LEARN MORE

ACT Practice Test Online – 9 a.m. (Teen programming)    LEARN MORE

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)    LEARN MORE

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

SAT Practice Test Online – 11 a.m. (Teen programming)    LEARN MORE

ACT Practice Test Online – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)    LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

English Conversation Club – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Lit Lite – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

SAT Practice Test Online – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)    LEARN MORE

ACT Practice Test Online – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)    LEARN MORE

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has always been regarded as a pillar in the community for children’s programming. If you would have visited the Library prior to March 15, 2020, you would’ve seen and heard children of all ages participating in storytimes, programming for school-age children, librarians helping children find books to enjoy, and children frolicking through Library locations to select books to take home and love. While a very different scene exists at our physical Library locations today, children’s programming has transitioned virtually, and we want you to join us online. There’s something online for every child to enjoy with the Library!

Programs for young children

Tune in to ImaginOn’s Facebook every morning at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for live storytimes with your favorite Library storytellers. Build early literacy habits with tips from our librarians and enjoy listening to new books selected to share with you. Spanish storytimes are available every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and babies can enjoy participating in a special baby storytime on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Again, you can access these live storytimes by visiting and liking the ImaginOn Facebook page.

Programs for school-age children

We’ve got numerous exciting and engaging programs for your school-age child as well. Our Library staff has been busy creating enrichment programs and book talks for you to enjoy by accessing our Digital Branch online here. Learn to animate by making a Flip-o-Rama, hear Library staff share books from countries around the world, learn about cool genres to begin reading, and much more. New programs are added weekly. These programs are available anytime from the convenience of your home.

School-age support

Need help furthering your child’s learning? The Library is committed to improving reading proficiency for all children and provides educational support online too. One-on-one appointments are available every day for homework help and Reading Buddies. Our Library staff will join your child on a Zoom call to help with their classwork assignments and homework. Library staff are also available to be your child’s reading buddy to share some of our digital e-books (Spanish reading buddy support is available on Mondays). Sign up by visiting the online calendar and searching for these programs here.

While we miss having you at our physical locations, we continue to be here for you virtually. Take advantage of online programming for children with the Library today.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library encourages reading and learning all year long. The summer months, when students take a break from school, are critical to expanded learning. In fact, summertime poses the most academic risk because students without access to summer learning opportunities can fall behind their peers, creating an achievement gap that is hard to close.

To keep kids on track with important matters such as literacy and physical activity, the Library offers Summer Break, annual summer learning program that encourages children to read, learn and explore.

With library locations currently closed due to the state’s stay-at-home order, the Library has made some changes to the Summer Break program this year. This year, the program runs June 1 – August 8 with registration beginning on June 1. There will also be two separate—yet related—challenges:

• Summer Break: At Home (June 1-30) – All participants – babies, children, teens and adults – are challenged to stay at home and read 15 million minutes as a community while working towards earning virtual badges.
• Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere (July 1-August 8) - The community is challenged to read another 20 million minutes and, in addition to more virtual badges, participants can earn prizes.

Participants can sign up for Summer Break: At Home beginning June 1, and once signed up, will be automatically added to the second challenge. Participants can also pre-register for Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere on June 15. 

Also new this year, there is a mobile app called “Beanstack Tracker” where participants can create a free online account to track reading time, learning and leisure activities throughout the program. It’s easy to use:

• Download the app through your App store by searching “Beanstack Tracker,” made by Zoobean and downloading it to your phone or other device
• Create an account with your email address for just you, or your whole family, and search for “Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.” Then, select the challenge Summer Break: At Home
• Track activities online to collect virtual badges

Summer Break participants complete the program after achieving 600 points either through reading, or with a combination of reading and learning activities. During Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere (July 1 – August 8) participants can earn a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupon at sign up and a prize at completion. Prizes may be available after July 1, pending library operations. Prizes are available while supplies last. 

Sign up for Summer Break

The 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

Many are currently searching for employment, perhaps more people than ever before in our lifetime. Whether you have changed jobs recently and feel comfortable navigating an online environment or are dusting off a resumé that hasn’t been touched in years, this is a vulnerable place to be. Our full attention may be on the very real need to get an income stream flowing. It can be desperate at times and incredibly discouraging to send out emails or applications without knowing when or if we will hear back.

In this time of seeking, we may forget about our own physical, mental and emotional needs, which may be different in a time of increased stress. It is important to periodically take a break from the intensity of a job search/application process and check in with ourselves to see what is needed.

A few questions to consider:

• How am I feeling (physically, mentally, emotionally)?
• When was the last time I completely relaxed?
• Am I eating foods that support my health needs?
• Am I getting enough physical activity to feel strong and vibrant?
• How am I talking to myself? Is it in alignment with my goals? Is it kind?
• What am I passionate about? Have I allowed myself time to pursue that?
• Is the media I am consuming contributing to a positive outlook?
• Am I connecting daily to the natural world?
• Am I connecting to people who are supportive of me and my goals?
• Am I exploring other outlets for education or support in my job search?

Then, most importantly, if you find areas where you have neglected yourself, take a moment to shift the day’s plan and allow for rest, nutrition or a phone call to a special friend. The ways we care for ourselves each day allow us to be the very best version of ourselves when we interact with the world. When you’re well rested, have eaten a healthy meal and taken a moment to reflect on what is needed, you are likely to feel more confident.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the many free resources the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers to support your job search. The Library offers a resume review service, job coaching, daily job postings and a multitude of online resources and workshops to help position you for success in your next job. Click here to see the full schedule of job and career programs available to you.

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 5/25/2020* below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

*As a reminder, there will be no virtual programming on Monday 5/25 in observance of Memorial Day

Sunday 5/24

International Authors Book Club for 20-30 Somethings (Virtual) - 4 p.m.   LEARN MORE

Monday 5/25

NO PROGRAMS- MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY 

Tuesday 5/26              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN More

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Navigating Financial Aid and Paying for College with CFNC – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12:30 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Story Explorers Enrichment – 3 p.m.   (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

ACT Scores Back Session – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

Confident Career Moves with Ericka Spradley (virtual) Session 3 – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 6 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 6 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Southern Voices Book Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Graphic Novel Book Club – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Murderino Book Club – 7 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 7 p.m.  (Teen programming) REGISTER

Wednesday 5/27

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN More

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER   

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

History and Historical Fiction - 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Lunch & Munch Book Club - 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Murder by the Book – 12:15 p.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12:30 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Engage 2020: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Teen Technology – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

SAT Scores Back Session – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.    REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 7 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Thursday 5/28

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN More

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Non Profit Services: Intro to Proposal Writing – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12:30 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER    

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 year olds – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) - 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

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Friday 5/29

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN More

Finding Home: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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Saturday 5/30

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming) LEARN More

Learning Circle: The Science of Wellbeing – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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Written by Kristi Madron, children’s librarian at SouthPark Regional Library

Summer is in swing, and for most parents, that means leaving behind all the pressures of school until the fall. But these last couple of years have had an outsized impact on some kids. Reading proficiency scores, which determine how well a child will do in school overall, have completely dropped significantly. Only a small percentage of kids are now reading on grade level. If your child is one of those kids who needs some help to level up, the library and some amazing volunteers have a couple programs to help kids in kindergarten through fifth grade improve their literacy this summer.

Paws to Read is an in-person program where volunteers with licensed therapy dogs help children practice reading skills. Studies show that time spent reading and an environment of enjoyment around reading has a measurable impact on a child’s reading abilities. Therapy dogs provide an uncritical ear and reduce stress hormones and anxiety. Kids will get one on one attention and an experience of reading that isn’t high-pressure.

Currently, six libraries are offering regular and on-going Paws to Read therapy dog sessions: Matthews, Mountain Island, North County, South County, SouthPark and Steele Creek. Schedule a session here

Reading Buddies is available in-person this summer in select locations. Children set up a regular weekly appointment to read 30 minutes with a specific volunteer. The summer sessions begin on June 21st and last until July 30th, for a total of six weeks. A responsible adult should remain in the library during the session, and attendees should arrive a few minutes before their session is to begin so they can select a book and get signed in. Adult volunteers will use Active Reading practices to ask questions, build vocabulary and connect to the child’s world.

This program is available this summer at four locations: Matthews, North County, SouthPark, and University City. You’ll need to contact the children’s department by phone or in-person to schedule your child for their weekly slot. See cmlibrary.org/branches for phone numbers and addresses of these locations. There are also virtual Reading Buddy appointments. To set up a virtual regular appointment, click here

Masks are currently required for all one-on-one sessions. All adult volunteers have passed a background check and have received training for these programs.

These programs could make a big difference for how your child approaches reading this fall. If they are all full, however, please stop by the children’s desk at your favorite location and ask for recommendations, it’s one of the best part of the job!

Summer means school is out, family is on vacation and there’s plenty of time to read or enjoy other educational activities. Take your summer learning to the next level with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Summer Break 2022 Challenge. Our Summer Break 2022 programs can be found online and IN-PERSON! This summer, the Library is hosting some wonderful programs online. Check out the available online programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar.   

Thursdays at 11 a.m., the Library will host fun presenters on the ImaginOn Facebook page such as Center for Puppetry Arts, Charlotte Mecklenburg Frontline Puppeteers, Japanese Folktales & Origami and Will Parker and the Make Believe Band. Here is a full listing of events in the Summer of Stories series. 

Wanting to join the Library for some in person programs? We have that too! Check out the available in person programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar. Some branches are having in person storytimes for little ones as well as fun STEAM programs! There are a variety of gaming programs offered if you want to explore chess, board games, or video games. 

 Reading, Fun Activities  and an App  

Visit our website or download the app, Beanstack Tracker to track your reading time and learning activities to collect  virtual badges and prizes. This summer we challenge everyone to log 1200 points. At least 600 of those points must be earned through reading (equal to 10 hours of reading). Each activity is worth 20 points and may be used to supplement a program. Continuing to read throughout the summer will help us reach our goal of reading 10 million minutes as a community. 

Comments? Questions?  

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2022 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program?  Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected]  for help or feedback.  

The 2022 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Charlotte Football Club's Greater Goals and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. 

Did you know hoopla Digital and Freegal Music have a vast array of music you can borrow and listen to? Everything from alternative to world music is at your reach. They even have fun categories to discover music like Groove Thing: House Music Anthems and The Sounds Of Stranger Things.

Discover new artists and reconnect with your favorites!  All you need to join in the fun is your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or One Access ID number!

Learn more about hoopla and checkout limits here.  Need a library card?  Sign up here.

Access hoopla here                 Access Freegal Music here

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