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 9/14/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 9/13

Engage 2020: Community Conversations - Local Voices Matter  register

Monday 9/14

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Mindful Mondays - Guided Relaxation and Meditation  –  12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Stronger Together: Support for your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Tuesday 9/15         

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Getting Started with Microsoft Powerpoint – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  register

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Intro to Proposal Writing – 2 p.m. (Adult programming) 

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Creating Resumes with the Job Help Center – 6:30 p.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Wednesday 9/16

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Active Reading Comprehension Strategies for Upper Elementary Learners  – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Learning Circle: The 1619 Project – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)

Thursday 9/17

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Cuentos en 2 idiomas: inglés y español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

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

Learning Circle: American Sign Language – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Learning Circle: Foundations of Mindfulness – 3 p.m. (Adult programming) 

Story Explorer’s Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Teens Live on Instagram: Bullet Journaling – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Remote Learning 101: Using Library Resources to Enhance Your Child's Learning – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Friday 9/18

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  register

Engage 2020: Ted Talks Discussion: The Importance of Seeking The Whole Story – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) 

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Mindful Friday- Meditation for Wellness – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Learning Circle: How to Be an LGBT+ Ally – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 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 Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Saturday 9/19

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

2020 is really something. Kobe Bryant’s sudden death in January brought a feeling of mortality that I cannot shake to this day. One doesn’t need to be a basketball fan to recognize the name of a man who influenced nearly every Black teen’s jump shot for the past 20 years. Kobe’s legacy lives on. Now, with Chadwick Boseman’s death in August, we honor a similar legacy.

In his most prolific role, Chadwick Boseman was much more than just the sovereign T’Challa of the fictional Wakanda. It’s his legacy as the Black Panther who gave young Black children in communities all over the world a hero who looked like them. 

Chadwick and Black Panther movie director Ryan Coogler were able to turn a somewhat obscure Marvel character into a mainstay while creating a cultural phenomenon. I saw Black Panther four times the month it came out. Inspired by the significance of the plot and my own personal role influencing children in the community, I decided to don the Black Panther persona in the Library, hoping to accomplish a fraction of what Chadwick managed to do in his role onscreen. Black men are significantly underrepresented in libraries and education, so as the outlier I could show the real importance of that representation.

Even my roleplaying of this character only scratches the surface of what this fine actor accomplished. Long before Black Panther or his rise to superstardom, Boseman played other notable Black heroes like Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and James Brown. In his personal life, Chadwick was often acknowledged for his kindness, humility and strength of character. He continued to be a hero despite his cancer diagnosis. That is another reason why his death is surreal to me. It is especially devastating when the good die young.

2020 was supposed to be our year, a year full of potential, the start to a shiny new decade that would leave behind the uncertainty of years past and bring hope to a new generation. What we got in return was a far cry from our expectations, and so broad in its effect there isn’t enough room on this page to recount it all. (SPOILER ALERT) Much like the end of the movie Avengers: Infinity War, we have been left blindsided by the sheer amount of loss. If there was one thing I was not prepared for when watching that movie for the first time, it was for the heroes to fall short, lose their battle and perish. Among the fallen was King T’Challa/Black Panther himself, who disintegrated amid the chaos of war. The Marvel Universe can easily correct any adversity with a second movie but, sadly, there are no do-overs in the real world and we mourn the loss of Chadwick Boseman. A king has fallen but the kingdom lives on. Wakanda Forever.

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This blog was written by Darius Smalls at the ImaginOn branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

James Baldwin once said, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time...”

Although Baldwin was quoted saying this in 1961, his words still resonate in 2020 concerning America’s state of affairs. Imagine being Black and waking up nearly every day to a new case of police brutality against Black people, with protests erupting from supporters of Black lives lost and brutalized and still having to go on with your regular routine.

Work. It is that place where we spend most of our time and forge formidable relationships that we sustain throughout life--or at least until we move on to the next job. Work is the routine we must keep up in these trying times. We have lifestyles to maintain, which depends on whether you are earning a livable wage.

Still, the most prominent obstacle in keeping up with the day-to-day is dealing with how Black people are treated in America and how current events affect Black people in the workplace. We become mad, sad, numb, sometimes desensitized, and a whole host of other feelings. Black people are constantly working to cope with what’s happening to them in the streets. We consider taking time to embrace the care needed surrounding being Black in America and seeking support from other Black people­-–specifically family and close friends. But how do we perceive and receive support from the place where we spend most of our time: the workplace?

Navigating the workplace as a Black employee is trying during times of civil unrest. Many organizations have become hyper-aware of these circumstances and are taking steps to address the issues to support Black people. The workplace’s response to what’s happening in America with Black people is crucial in maintaining a healthy space where we can feel safe with our thoughts, feelings and actions. We spend much of our life in the workplace, and emotional safety is becoming something that we need more and more of because Black people are emotionally drained. The support of leaders and coworkers is essential to the productivity and deliverables expected of our time spent at work.

Here are some ways you can support your Black employees and coworkers:

• Allow space. Be empathetic to the needs of Black people and their need to take a break and be silent. We don’t always want to talk about it.
• Recognize your privilege. Don’t be so comfortable in your privilege that you alienate the people with whom you work closely.
• Get educated. Don’t expect Black people to educate you on what’s going on with the state of Black people in America. Educate yourself beyond what you see in the news and on social media.
• Broadcast your support. Be an ally and an anti-racist. Call people out when they say or do racist things because your silence is complicit.

Now let’s revisit the quote by James Baldwin, but this time in full: “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost, almost all of the time — and in one’s work. And part of the rage is this: It isn’t only what is happening to you. But it’s what’s happening all around you and all of the time in the face of the most extraordinary and criminal indifference, indifference of most white people in this country, and their ignorance. Now, since this is so, it’s a great temptation to simplify the issues under the illusion that if you simplify them enough, people will recognize them. I think this illusion is very dangerous because, in fact, it isn’t the way it works. A complex thing can’t be made simple. You simply have to try to deal with it in all its complexity and hope to get that complexity across.”

Now, let’s sit with that, welcome these suggestions, and make impactful change in the world.

This blog written by De’Trice Fox at the Job Help Center at Main Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 

As a teen librarian, I was hesitant about developing and facilitating my first virtual program during the summer of 2020. The weight of current events made it difficult for me as I found myself unmotivated to promote my regular programs. In many of the outreach programs I facilitate, transparency is a common theme. Being transparent allows me to build authentic trust and form healthy relationships with the teens I serve. So, I knew if I facilitated a program that did not address current events, I would be doing my participants, the community and myself a disservice. As a teen librarian, my ultimate goal is to ensure that my department is viewed as a learning center for young adults. If we’re honest with ourselves, we learn the most when we’re uncomfortable and while having tough but important conversations.

Navigating how to have a conversation about race with teens was tricky. I knew a structured program would feel forced and disingenuous. While we’re all getting used to virtual meetings, an open dialogue might not be productive because the online space is a difficult place to exhibit vulnerability. Establishing the trust necessary to have an open discussion about race takes time and a lot of trial and error. 

I began developing my program knowing that for the first session engagement would mostly likely be minimal and so I shifted my measurement of success. To me, this program would be successful if even only one participant felt safe enough to share his or her experiences. I also invited panelists to be a part of the program. Collaborating with people who are dedicated to social change helped me build confidence while providing important suggestions as I developed the program. Ultimately, the program was a success. The panelists offered great insight, and the program participants were actively engaged.

As we navigate the necessary conversations about race and other issues in our community, we need to shift our focus. This is especially true when having these conversations with youth. We shouldn’t shy away from tough conversations because, ultimately, they foster healthy dialogue and true growth. They allow us to connect and build trust with the people who matter most to us. As we collaborate with trusted community members and organizations, we do our part to build a stronger community.

Today, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and do something to spark real change in your conversation. Whether it’s attending one of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Black Lives Matter programs or having a tough conversation of your own, just know taking one step today can positively impact your community tomorrow.

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This blog was written by Cearra Harris at the West Boulevard Library branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Attention genealogists, historians, and other interested parties: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has recently added Fold3 Library Edition to its impressive list of online resources!

Fold3, a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, is an online database which provides access to US military records, including service and pension records for several significant historic wars. Some non-military records, such as census records, city directories, and naturalization records, are made available as well. Customers can also share stories and photographs or create online memorial pages for individual soldiers (Note: You may need to create a free Fold3 account to take advantage of all the features). Many of the military documents are offered exclusively via Fold3, making it a valuable research supplement to Ancestry.com.

For access, visit the Resources: A - Z List page on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library website. Scroll down to Fold3 Library Edition, click “Access now,” and enter your library card number or Student ID when prompted. This will bring you to the Fold3 home page with a prominent search bar. Customers can search by name, date, place, conflict/war, and more. It is advisable to begin with a simple name or keyword search, then narrow the results using the filters provided on the left-hand side of the page. More in-depth tutorials for using Fold3 can be found online at the Fold3 Training Center.

If you have additional questions about accessing or using Fold3 Library Edition, feel free to contact the librarians in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room. They can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (704) 416-0150.

Don’t have a library card?  Sign up for one now!

We hope you will enjoy this new offering from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library!

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This blog was written by Meghan Bowden a librarian in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This blog was updated September 9, 2021 to reflect current data.

Did you know that Hispanic Americans make up the largest immigrant group in the United States? In Mecklenburg County, an estimated 14% of the population, or 152,925 residents, is Hispanic.

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library joins in the national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, but we believe in celebrating el ritmo (the rhythm) of Hispanic culture yearlong! We honor the contributions of American citizens from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, according to the Library of Congress’ official website.  Need resources or looking for ways to celebrate Hispanic culture and the Latinx community? We provide a few resources below.

Curious to learn about the rich, cultural presence and contributions of Hispanic people in the Queen City? Click here to read Con A de Arte: A history of Hispanic Presence in Charlotte which takes a closer look our culturally rich neighbors.

Looking for a great book that explores Hispanic culture? Click here to dive into curated book lists that cover topics for children, teens and adults – including detective and mystery fiction, Young Adult (YA) books with Latinx Voices and other Spanish-English bilingual reads.

In collaboration with Cine Casual (www.cinecasual.com), a Charlotte-based site that specializes in Ibero-American cinema, you can find a curated a list of books and films that tell the struggles of being Hispanic/Latinx in the United States, while also highlighting and celebrating the pride and accomplishments of the community.

As always, you can explore our calendar of events to see what programs and activities are coming up in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Need a place to start? Consider the upcoming virtual Plaza Midwood Book Club Crawl event taking place October 21, 2021 at 8 a.m.

Looking for events around town? Check out the Latin American Coalition's 31st Festival Latinoamericano on September 18-19, 2021. in Charlotte's east side and the 9th annual Hola Charlotte Festival hosted by Norsan Media in Uptown Charlotte on October 9, 2021.

We look forward to celebrating with you this month. Visit cmlibrary.org for more events, news and updates.

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 9/21/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 9/20

Engage 2020: Community Conversations - Local Voices Matter  register

Monday 9/21

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

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

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Mindful Mondays - Guided Relaxation and Meditation  –  12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Stronger Together: Support for your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Teen Advisory Council: Your Voice Matters – 5 p.m. (Teen programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Do I Need an Editor?: Exploring the Different Types of Editing – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Sustainable September: Reducing Your Waste – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Planning for College with UNCC: College and Career Connections – 6 p.m.  (Teen programming)  register

Tuesday 9/22         

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

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

Getting Started with Microsoft Powerpoint – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 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 Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Planning for College: Queens University of Charlotte – 6 p.m.  (Teen programming)  register

Adult Fanfiction Writing Group – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Creating Resumes with the Job Help Center – 6:30 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Wednesday 9/23

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

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

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Teens Live on Instagram: Animal Crossing Perler Bead Art – 5 p.m.  (Teen programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Planning for College: Johnson C. Smith University – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Thursday 9/24

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

Cuentos en 2 idiomas: inglés y español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Learning Circle: American Sign Language – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Teens Live on Instagram: Create Your Identity Map – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Remote Learning 101: Using Library Resources to Enhance Your Child's Learning – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Friday 9/25

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

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Mindful Friday- Meditation for Wellness – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 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 Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Saturday 9/26

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

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

Writing Your Life: Turning Personal Stories into Universal Narratives – 10 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

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

As an avid reader and self-professed “library nerd,” Nicole Reynolds knows that knowledge is power, and a world of possibilities can be found with a library card. While serving as the technology director of Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, a public, nonprofit K-8 charter school serving the special needs of highly gifted children here in Charlotte, Nicole understands the importance of her students having access to digital resources and technology during this time. As is the case with school systems across the country, the staff and students at Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy found themselves leveraging quality digital resources to further support the needs of their highly gifted students for the 2020-2021 school year.

Upon learning she could get every student and staff member in her school access to Library resources for FREE through ONE Access, Nicole contacted Martha Yesowitch, community partnerships leader for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, to get her students registered. ONE Access, or “One Number Equals Access,” uses students' school identification numbers as library cards to access Library research databases, borrow digital and print materials and much more. The program initially kicked off in 2015 when all Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students and teachers were enrolled. Since that time, the program has expanded to included universities, colleges, and charter and nonprofit schools.

“As a public, nonprofit K-8 charter school serving the special needs of highly gifted children in Charlotte, our partnership with ONE Access and the Library card program for students and teachers extends a deeper connection with quality resources for research and engagement that heightens their educational experience,” Nicole says. “Through this program, students, teachers, and families have access to resources that help create enriched digital learning experiences beyond the classroom setting.”

While Library locations are currently operating with limited in-person services, access to its vast catalogue of digital resources remains available online 24/7. It is a relief for both parents and students who now find themselves working outside of a “normal” classroom schedule. 

Nicole cites access to resources such as Tutor.com, the PowerKnowledge learning suite and the Library’s virtual one-on-one educational support programs as some of the most exciting benefits of getting her scholars library cards through ONE Access. Additionally, staff can now utilize various professional development and reference resources available through apps like NC Live, Universal Class and lynda.com through their ONE Access logins.

“The variety and depth of the ONE Access program helps to ensure our students can easily get what they need as part of their overall education and helps our teachers create more meaningful educational experiences,” she says. “On behalf of our entire school community, thank you Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for supporting local schools!”

If you’re a student or educator, check with your school to see if you already have a ONE Access account. If you are a parent or caregiver without a Library card, or know someone who doesn’t have one, join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and “get carded” today!

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This blog was written by Darrell Anderson of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Spanish Influenza ravaged the world just as World War I began to wind down, replacing deaths caused by other humans with deaths caused by disease. Despite what its name may suggest, the virus did not originate in Spain. Its origin was never pinpointed, but scientists believe it may have begun in Britain, France, China or the United States. Because Spain was neutral during the war, news was not censored (in countries that were participating in the war, news was censored as to not affect morale) and thus reporters were able to fully report on the virus and its effects, leading citizens of other countries to believe that Spain was ground-zero for the flu.

The virus’s initial symptoms included fatigue, headaches and scalp tenderness, followed by a loss of appetite, a dry cough, fever, excessive sweating and pneumonia if the disease was not treated. Worldwide, 500 million people became infected with the flu and at least 50 million people succumbed to the virus, with about 675,000 of those deaths coming from the United States.

Today, with COVID-19 sweeping the country and prompting stay-at-home orders and social distancing practices, significant parallels are noticeable between the response to the Spanish Flu and the response to this new virus.

Life in the Queen City

Newspapers served as the main source of communication for Charlotte’s 46,338 citizens during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and largely impacted the attitudes surrounding quarantine. An article in the Charlotte Observer titled “Spanish ‘Flu’ Rapidly Spreads in Charlotte” described the city’s approach to quarantine as being resistant. A quote from the article read, “As the state health laws do not require a quarantine in cases of this disease, none will be attempted.”

Similarly, in an article reported by the Charlotte News and Evening Chronicle on September 23, 1918, the city health department superintendent Dr. C.C. Hudson remarked that he did not think “that quarantine would be necessary because of the ‘generalness’ of the disease and its ability to spread in spite of regulation, laws and health rules,” and that the influenza was “mild and will not hurt the victim unless complications develop.”

Charlotte’s resistance to quarantine continued into October, despite a quickly growing number of cases. The Charlotte News reported 50 confirmed cases in the city on October 2, which jumped to 175 on October 3. During this period, Dr. Hudson met with the Commissioner of Public Safety to discuss a possible quarantine, which resulted in an agreement that no quarantine was necessary. The justification given for this decision was that avoiding quarantine was very “gratifying to everybody interested in the operation of amusement places in Charlotte of which there are a dozen or more,” indicating that the superintendent and the commissioner had placed the interests of businesses over the interests of the public’s health, a trend that would become common in the city as the influenza raged on. The first official influenza death in the city was reported as being Rosa Stegall, who died on October 3.

Charlotte hesitantly put itself under quarantine on October 5, 1918. The City of Charlotte ordered theaters, schools, businesses, churches, and other “amusement places” to close to prevent the virus from spreading, as well as prohibited all indoor gatherings. After quarantine began at 6 o’clock on the evening of October 5, F.R. McNinch, the mayor of Charlotte in 1918, released a statement about the proclamation:

“We greatly regret the necessity for putting on a strict quarantine against public gathering and crowds indoors in the city, as we fully appreciate the loss in a commercial way and the great inconvenience to the people which such a quarantine means. (…) One of the most serious effects of the quarantine and one which gives us great concern is the serious interference with the plans of the liberty loan committee for public meetings… (...) Our liberty bond quota must be taken at all hazards, as we must not think only of protecting ourselves against disease, but it is our imperative duty to protect our army from both disease and death by providing the money necessary for the proper conduct of war. Let everybody buy at once just as many bonds as he possibly can and thereby help quarantine against the Hun [Germany].”

Once again, the city’s concerns rested not on the health of its citizens, but on commercial losses and liberty bond quotas. Liberty bonds were war bonds sold during World War I to support the Allied cause and were a way for citizens to essentially fund the war effort from their own pockets. McNinch’s focus on liberty bonds in his statement indicated that his priority was the city’s image, which later played a large role in the city’s handling of the outbreak.

 

South Tryon Street, Charlotte NC

 

Camp Greene

Camp Greene, a massive military facility constructed in 1917 in Charlotte to train Army soldiers for battle in World War I, began to see the rising number of influenza cases in the city and the city’s refusal to quarantine. Camp leaders had been closely watching the influenza’s spread across the east coast since its discovery, paying particular attention to the effects of the virus in other military camps. As a preventative measure, Camp Greene put itself under quarantine on October 3, 1918 in order to protect the soldiers in the camp from any exposure to flu cases in the city.

Section of Base Hospital at Camp Greene, c1918

Camp Greene released a statement about quarantine which read, “The quarantine regulations forbid any soldier to leave the camp or to enter the city except upon important business, and these cases will be few. Visits of civilians to the camp will also be discouraged.” The virus took hold of the camp swiftly. Death certificates in Mecklenburg County for males between the ages of 18 and 38, the ages of soldiers in the facility, show the first recorded flu death in this age bracket as being October 11, 1918. Despite their best efforts, within 2 weeks, the number of fatalities skyrocketed. Reports from the camp painted a grim picture of the influenza’s impact. So many soldiers had died of influenza that soldiers’ coffins kept at the camp’s railroad station were stacked from floor to ceiling.

Camp Greene funeral procession, c1918



 

Several types of businesses in Charlotte were considered essential and were allowed to stay open, such as grocery stores and the Charlotte Public Library. Annie Pierce, the head librarian at the Charlotte Public Library in 1918, told the Charlotte Observer that the library would stay open every day throughout quarantine, with the exception of Sundays. Camp Greene’s quarantine measures prevented soldiers from coming into town for books and magazines, something they typically did on Sundays, so library staff decided that Sundays would be the best days for closure.

 

Carnegie Free Library, 1909









 

During COVID-19, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library physically closed its doors on March 17, 2020 at 5 p.m. The Library remained closed for over two months before resuming limited services to the public on June 1. The Library continued to serve its community digitally, offering virtual programs, reference assistance and increased access to digital resources.

 

Productivity in Quarantine

Graduating class of Red Cross nurses, 1919



 

While schools were closed, city officials and reporters in Charlotte newspapers began to recommend ways for teachers and students to make themselves useful. One writer of the Charlotte News and Evening Chronicle reported that the city health department was calling for teachers who were “unemployed” due to the influenza outbreak to complete a census of Charlotte’s flu victims, asking teachers “to make a house to house canvas of the city and ascertain the number of people who are sick.” In addition, teachers were urged to volunteer as nurses at local hospitals. This report indicated that the insistence for teachers, in particular, to work on the frontlines was that they had “plenty of time on their hands” since schools were closed. These calls for teacher volunteers did not go unanswered, with at least five teachers from Charlotte reporting to volunteer as nurses at Presbyterian Hospital.

Myers Street School, c1940











 

Children were also targeted as possible helping hands during the crisis, with the “Junior Observer” column in the Charlotte Observer suggesting that idle school children report to local farms to help pick cotton. The columnist wrote, “It’s clean, pleasant work, and it appears to me that many of the pupils of the schools, both girls and boys, would be glad of the opportunity to keep busy, and at the same time earn quite a sum during this ‘vacation.’” The same column also took an aim at teachers, recommending that they accompany their students to the cotton fields. These suggestions came with no acknowledgement of health officials’ urging of the public to avoid gathering, however.

Voting

Political anxieties concerning elections plagued North Carolina politicians, who worried low voter turnout would harm their chances at being elected in the November 5, 1918 election. State officials had been urging citizens to avoid crowds and self-isolate for weeks, which exacerbated fears. To remedy the situation and encourage voters to turn up at the polls, the State Board of Health released a statement on November 1, 1918, urging eligible voters to vote despite its previous guidance to stay home. The Charlotte Observer summarized the Board’s statement in a report:

“The State Board of Health has advised the people of North Carolina that there is no need for staying away from the polls on account of influenza. It is set forth that this is a “crowd disease,” and no danger will be incurred in going out to vote. There should be no congregation of crowds around the polling places, and if the voters will go there, deposit their ballots and go their separate ways, the influenza will have no sort of a show to get in its work. One may go to the polls and cast his ballot with the same assurance of safety that he may go about any other errand. In giving out this advice, the State Board of Health has done a sensible thing, and one which is calculated to allay many of the silly fears that have swayed the people in recent weeks.”

This statement not only came after weeks of caution suggesting the opposite approach, but it also came a week after 2,410 North Carolinians had succumbed to the virus, many coming from Charlotte.

Controversial Decisions

Crowds in the street on Armistice Day, November 1918

 

Beginning in late October, city leaders, namely Mayor McNinch and prominent health officials, began calling for a lift of the quarantine, citing concerns about businesses and economic losses. The quarantine was lifted on November 11 on Armistice Day, the official end of World War I, which led to celebrations with massive crowds despite the influenza outbreak showing no signs of slowing. Shortly afterward, the virus roared back into the city, leading to hundreds more deaths and a second wave of quarantines in schools. Businesses and “amusement places” remained open because it was “easier to overcome the liabilities of a quarantine in this sphere [school] than in any other,” indicating that businesses were so strongly opposed to another city-wide quarantine that city officials believed one would significantly damage their political standings.

According to official reports, only 800 Charlotteans (about 1% of the city’s population) succumbed to the virus, which was attributed to city officials’ swift action to curb infection rates. Compared to the rest of the state, which suffered 13,000 deaths, Charlotte appeared incredibly fortunate. However, we may never know how many Charlotteans actually died as a result of the virus. According to a recent Charlotte Observer article, death certificates show that city leaders underreported the total number of fatalities by half. During the height of the pandemic, when Charlotteans were dying at a rate of 10 per week, leaders underreported fatalities by two-thirds. Because fatality numbers had been underreported to the public, McNinch and other city leaders were successfully able to convince the city that the virus was under control and no longer a danger to the citizenry, leading to the early lift of quarantine, which caused more deaths that also went underreported.

Now, more than ever, it is important to look to the past and learn from its mistakes. In 1918, Charlotte city leaders put profits and image above the health of its citizens. In 2020, it is imperative we stay vigilant to prevent a pandemic from happening again, or at the very least understand how to mitigate the socio-economic and health effects on our community.

History may have a habit of repeating itself, but it’s up to us to decide whether the bad or the good is what’s repeated.



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This blog was written by Taylor Marks of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).

 

Sources:

Belton, Tom. “WWI: North Carolina and Influenza.” NCPedia. (Accessed April 2020) https://www.ncpedia.org/north-carolina-and-influenza

Cockrell, David L. ""A Blessing in Disguise": The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and North Carolina's Medical and Public Health Communities." The North Carolina Historical Review 73, no. 3 (1996): 309-27. Accessed May 15, 2020. www.jstor.org/stable/23521395.

Lauren A. Austin, “‘Afraid to Breathe’: Understanding North Carolina’s Experience of the 1918-1919 Influenza Pandemic at the State, Local, and Individual Levels” (ProQuest LLC 2018).

McKown, Harry. "October 1918 -- North Carolina and the 'Blue Death'," NCPedia. October 2008. https://www.ncpedia.org/anchor/north-carolina-and-blue

Mecia, Tony. “Charlotte’s other big pandemic.” Charlotte Ledger Business Journal. April 11, 2020. (Accessed April 2020) https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/charlottes-other-big-pandemic

Steinmetz, Jesse. “Charlotte Talks: This Is Not Our First Pandemic.” WFAE 90.7. April 21, 2020. (Accessed April 2020). https://www.wfae.org/post/charlotte-talks-not-our-first-pandemic#stream/0

Washburn, Mark. “THE BIG LIE: 102 years ago, Charlotte leaders downplayed devastation of Spanish flu.” The Charlotte Observer. April 12, 2020. (Accessed April 2020) https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article241812591.html?fbclid=IwAR3YnVu2Edy-fMaMdgxyOD68dsEZgW-eiWY5LfGBNs9AGu7JLWyVJR_BLI0

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 9/28/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 9/27

Engage 2020: Community Conversations - Local Voices Matter   register

Monday 9/28

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students  –  12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Mindful Mondays - Guided Relaxation and Meditation  –  12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Stronger Together: Support for your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Tuesday 9/29         

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Getting Started with Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 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 Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Planning for College: Central Piedmont Community College – 6 p.m.  (Teen programming)  register

Creating Resumes with the Job Help Center – 6:30 p.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Wednesday 9/30

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

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

Active Reading to Read Words: Building Phonemic Awareness – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Teens Live on Instagram: Pancake Art – 5 p.m.  (Teen programming)   learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Thursday 10/1

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Cuentos en 2 idiomas: inglés y español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Learning Circle: American Sign Language – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Story Explorer’s Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Friday 10/2

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Ted Talks Discussion Group: The Power of Protest – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Mindful Friday- Meditation for Wellness – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 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 Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Saturday 10/3

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Creating Your Own Children's Book – 10 a.m.  (Adult programming)    register

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