While Charlotte Mecklenburg Library was temporarily closed or offered limited services during the COVID-19 pandemic, never was it more true that the Library extended far beyond its four walls of a building. This year’s theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021) “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes this idea and that everyone is welcome to use our services. Since March 0f 2020, your Library has gone above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding resources and continuing to meet the needs of customers.

Whether people visit in person or virtually, our Libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content and educational programs. At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, our librarians and staff continue to provide a valuable role by never wavering from our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.

Celebrations during National Library Week include:

• Monday, April 5: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.
• Tuesday, April 6: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
• Wednesday, April 7: National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate Library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their customers where they are; and Library Giving Day (see more below and how to Bookmark The Town).
• Thursday, April 8: Take action for Libraries Day. A day to rally advocates to support libraries.  

See below for more information on fun, games, the 2021 Honorary Chairperson National Portman and more!

Fun and Games here

Download a word search here – English

Download a coloring page here - English

Download a coloring page here - Spanish

This year's theme truly aligns with our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community. It illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise as we move to online and virtual offerings. Libraries also normally provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Libraries are about more than just the services they offer; they are about the people they serve.

Library programs are designed to encourage community members to meet and discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies like digital platforms, online books clubs, and business research databases. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s needs are being met.

My Library Is - Celebrate National Library Week by sharing your Library story. What do you love about your Library? 

We invite our community to follow along, share and comment on social media at twitter.com/cmlibrary, facebook.com/cmlibrary and instagram.com/cmlibrary using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek, #CMLibrary and #mylibraryis

Celebrate National Library Week 2021 by sharing what you love about the resources and services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or our Facebook about an e-book, (e-)audiobook, online storytime or book club, or how your library has made a difference while you've been social distancing at home. Use the hashtag #MyLibraryIs.  (The American Library Association is gathering all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.  The promotion starts Sunday, April 4, 2021 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at noon CT. Don’t forget to tag your library! )

If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in the #MyLibraryIs promotion is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!

Natalie Portman is 2021 Honorary Chair

National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman is lending her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.

Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist whose credits include “Black Swan,” “Jackie,” and the upcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder.” A lifelong fan of books, she shares the books she’s reading on her Instagram feed, as part of Natalie Portman's Book Club, using the hashtag #whatnatreads. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is a graduate of Harvard University, and now lives with her family in Los Angeles. Natalie Portman’s “Fables” is her debut picture book. Find Natalie’s book and more here in our catalog.

MAKE A GIFT TO YOUR LIBRARY

• Wednesday, April 7: And Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. #LibraryGivingDay

• This year, we’re inviting Library users to participate in the Bookmark the Town campaign. With a gift of $15 or more to support your Library, you’ll receive a yard sign with space to recommend a book to your neighbors. We know that opening a book can open a conversation – together, let’s build a stronger community and #bookmarkthetown.

We also invite you to support the Library - not only on April 7 but every day of the year - by donating to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

DONATE NOW

“Welcome to your Library” is a national campaign sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958 and is an annual April observance by the ALA and libraries across the county.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you to come learn with us virtually on April 15, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. about different ways to eat healthy and affordably when cooking at home. Grocery shopping can be a big source of stress when healthy options are expensive, deals change all the time, and ingredients are used up just halfway through the week. During this event, part fof Money Smart Week 2021, Kristin Davis and Augusta Washington with the NC Cooperative Extension will be presenting with Catherine Morba from the Interfaith Food Shuttle to equip us with smart shopping skills, ways to identify whole grains, and to help us make smart choices at the grocery store.

Register

During this hour and a half program, these presenters will host a virtual grocery store tour and use real-world settings to show us what we can do to be healthy at home. For those of us who struggle to choose between healthy and affordable, knowing the right places to look can make all the difference. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and find answers to cooking problems of all kinds.

Interested in learning more about healthy and frugal cooking? Want to get some ideas together before the event? Take a look at the booklist below to see some of the great cookbooks the Library has to offer:

Healthy, Affordable Cooking Booklist

Money Smart Week 2021,  the annual financial literacy week sponsored by the American Library Association and the Federal Reserve, like much of our world, looks different this year. The national MSW21 planning group has created a series of national events to highlight various aspects of financial literacy each day during Money Smart Week 2021, taking place April 10, 2021 through April 17, 2021. 

Virtual Money Smart Week 2021 events include budgeting, navigating student loans, tax fraud and identity theft, housing resources, managing finances during COVID-19, and many more. The full listing of nationally sponsored virtual Money Smart Week 2021 programs includes:

Day 1 – Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Talking Cents presented by The University of Chicago Financial Education Initiative

Learn more

Day 2 – Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 11 a.m.

Savings: A Little Can Make a Big Difference  presented by FINRA Investor Education Foundation

Learn  more

Day 3 – Monday, April 12, 2021 at 1 p.m.

Bank on It: Finding Safe + Affordable Bank Accounts presented by Economic Awareness Council

Learn more

Day 4 – Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Understanding the Basics of Federal Student Loans presented by U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

Learn more

Day 5 – Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Tax-Related Fraud + Identity Theft presented by Internal Revenue Service

Learn more

Day 6 – Thursday April 15, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Managing Personal Finances During Covid-19 presented by Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center

Learn more

Day 7 – Friday, April 16, 2021 at 1 p.m.

Housing Protections + Resources presented by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Learn more

Day 8 – Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.

Tips for Managing Money Ups & Downs presented by The University of Wisconsin – Madison, Division of Extension

Learn more

Did you know that financial literacy isn’t just for adults, but children as well? Start the conversation about smart savings with your child today through a selection of print and digital resources from the Library.

Children's Financial Literacy Booklist

Children's Counting Booklist

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This blog was written by David Sniffin, librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Are you looking for ways to grow your knowledge bank with a new skill? Or maybe you’re ready to dive into that quarantine passion project and just don’t know where to start. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn something new, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to help by offering access to a variety of great online resources to help you on your way. Continue reading to learn about some of the wonderful free resources available to you with your Library card.

Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

LinkedIn Learning offers courses that can help you navigate your new at-home work environment. This online educational site includes over 3,000 courses (and over 130,000 videos) in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business.  

Learn more

Universal Class

Universal Class provides 540 self-paced courses and offers learners the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as well as certificates of completion. It’s a wonderful asset if you want to further your education or need to brush up on work skills, but you might be surprised to learn that there’s much more to Universal Class than that. There are great classes in pet and animal care, cooking, photography and much more.

Learn more

Transparent Language (replaces Mango Languages)

Transparent Language provides a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. Combining extensive courses and supplemental resources for over 100 languages, including English, Transparent Language Online is the most complete language-learning system.

Learn more

Chilton Library

Chilton Library supplies repair, maintenance, recalls, specification tables on thousands of domestic and imported models of cars, trucks, vans and SUVs from 1940 onward. The library also includes ASE test prep.

Learn more

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

The Libby app you use to access e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines has been updated!  Read about the changes and how they can make your reading life easier.

Body of Blog:

Libby is one of the apps that Library customers use to access our OverDrive collection of e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines.  OverDrive recently updated the app, and the changes are significant.  I’m here to walk you through the changes and how they can make your reading life easier.

Design updates

• OverDrive made several updates to Libby’s look and feel
• Catalog guides now appear on the home screen for quick  discovery and access.
• Filters for what’s new, what’s popular, what’s available, and subject listings now appear at the top of the homescreen for easier browsing.
• The footer navigation is updated:
  • Spyglass icon: Run a search
  • Library card icon: Go to Library home screen (click this whenever you want to go “home” or start over)
  • Libby menu: Manage libraries and get help with Libby
  • Bookstack: Go to Shelf (loans, holds, and tags)
  • Clock: Open your activity timeline

Catalog guides are special collections of materials.  We have five at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  Kids guide and Teens guide filters the collection and will only show those e-books and audiobooks that are categorized as being appropriate for kids or teens.  We have two subject guides: Business and Romance.  The newest guide is for Magazines.

Preferences is listed below the Catalog guides.  Preferences is where you can limit your searches or content to specific formats, language, audience, and availability.  Pro tip: Are you only interested in Kindle titles?  Expand the Preferences menu, click Anything alongside Supports.  Select Kindle from the list of options in Supports.  You may have to scroll up to see Kindle.

Wish list syncing, Notify me, and other tag enhancements

• Wish list syncing: This enhancement was a popular request from Library staff and customers!  Before, wish lists or tags were device specific.  Libby now supports wish list syncing with the OverDrive app and the Library’s OverDrive site.  If you have an active wish list, you will be notified in-app and prompted to sync your wish list into a single tag.

• Notify Me: Another highly requested feature!  This tag sends push or email notifications when the next issue of a magazine is available.  When you check out a magazine next time, Libby will ask if you want to add this tag.  Currently, Notify Me is only available for magazines but future updates may include other content of interest. 
• Automatic tag syncing across devices.
• Automatic tagging of borrowed or sampled titles.

This video is very helpful at explaining wish list syncing and tags in more detail.

Search improvements for customers with multiple library cards

Customers can now tap the library card icon next to a title in their search results to see if it’s available at other libraries you have added to your Libby account.  For example, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers have access to the NC Kids Digital Library OverDrive collection.  In the past you would have to toggle between libraries within Libby to search the collections individually.  Now you can check the title in both libraries at the same time!

If you have any questions, OverDrive created a tutorial for these updates.  Access it here.  Help can also be found at Libby Help.  Library staff are also available to answer questions by email, chat (click on Ask Us below), and phone.  Don’t have a library card?  Sign up here!

Happy Reading!

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This blog was written by Amy Richard, digital collections coordinator at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

After a busy March full of programs, giveaways, reading, film and book clubs, lectures, and author talks, the 2021 Community Read has come to an end. But, for some community partners, like the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, the conversation is not over.

Every Thursday evening, at 6 p.m., a group of high school students, known as the Y Achievers, gather virtually to discuss the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library‘s signature Community Read book, I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal. The book club is led by YMCA site coordinator for teen programming, Angelica Johnson. The plan was to meet every Thursday evening in March. Some of the teens attended every session, while others could make it only to a few of the meetings; while juggling studying, sports, after-school jobs, and other obligations. But each week offers a consistent place for teens to have honest, meaningful, and insightful conversations.

In their own words, here are some comments that the teens shared about the book:

“This book is amazing. It’s truly a quick read. The very first day I got it I read part 1 in one sitting. The story is so real, raw, and relatable. The very first thing I noticed was the cover page which is absolutely a great depiction of the story itself and the contract of the characters. I can relate to Lena and Campbell so much. Being the girl who’s caught up in the guy and being the girl who just wants to keep her head down. During the story it was so frustrating at points seeing Lena and Campbell in tough situations. I died of laughter the first time Lena called Campbell, “Campbell Soup.” I was triggered when they mentioned black face and Confederate flags. The authors did a great job conveying real experiences from their perspectives. One of my favorite parts of the book was the back and forth between the chapters because it allowed us to know that characters better and connect with them more.”- Ariana.

“The entire book was a moment that I needed to realize as a person. I really think that it was a really good book especially being able to see two different races get through the same thing together and come out stronger than what they could have ever done. I also think that I learned the importance of friendship in between because I was able to realize that when you are down who is going to be there for you when you are not doing well.  – Taylor.

“I’m Not Dying with You Tonight” was a great book. It conveyed a very important message in such an intriguing way, and I couldn’t put the book down. The characters each had such striking personalities in their own unique ways, and it was interesting to see how their interactions with each other would unfold.” – Anusha.

“I think the book was an emotional ride. There were many unexpected decisions made by both Lena and Campbell, and I want to [be] clear and say they were unexpected to me, I wouldn’t have done some of the things that the girls did. But at the same time, I have not experienced anything quite like the situation they were in. So even through aspects of their personalities were relatable, their situations and decisions were not.  Overall, I enjoyed the book, but would love to know more about Lena and Campbell’s personal lives and the aftermath of their experience. How does Campbell’s father react to all this? Does Lena break up with Black? Why did she not listen to her grandfather and really get to know him? How does she really feel about Black? Is something forcing her to stay with him? Will Campbell have to move again?”- Ananya.

“This book has been a great reading experience for me. Throughout the story I felt as if I was in the situation. It has brought light to many issues that most are afraid to address.  While addressing these issues they gave you two or more sides which will open your eyes. This book has made me fall back in love with reading and I highly recommend.” – Naomi.

As the end of March neared, the participants knew that the conversations were far from over.  So, the group unanimously decided to continue meeting to talk about the book in April!  Candidly and openly, these teens are talking about issues that we should all be discussing. 

What are your reflections as you think back on the past month of Community Read events at the Library and in the Charlotte Mecklenburg community? We want to hear your Community Read stories. Kindly take a brief survey here (LINK). And, just like these inspirational young adults are doing, continue the meaningful conversations!

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This blog was written by Tara Kehoe, children’s librarian at SouthPark Regional Library

What is Northstar Digital Literacy?

Northstar Digital Literacy is an assessment and learning tool designed to assess the skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas: Essential Computer Skills, Essential Software Skills, and Using Technology to Accomplish Tasks.

How do I get started?

Step One: Start by requesting your Northstar Learner Account to unlock your access! Requests will be completed within 3 days of receipt. Click here to request your FREE account.

Step Two: Log in to your learner account at the www.digitalliteracyassessment.org website from anywhere.

Step Three: Click on any of the topics to take an assessment.

Step Four: When you feel you have mastered a particular skill set, sign up for a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library virtual proctored assessment session. During this session, you can present your ID online to formally take the assessment and obtain your official Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment (NDLA) Certification. To sign up for Northstar virtual session, click here. 

What topics are available for the assessment?

Essential Computer Skills: 

• Basic Computer Skills (Practice lessons also available)
• Internet Basics (Practice lessons also available)
• Using Email (Practice lessons also available)
• Windows and Mac OS

Essential Software Skills:

• Microsoft Word (Practice lessons also available)
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Docs

Using Technology in Daily Life:

• Social Media
• Information Literacy
• Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
• Career Search Skills (Practice lessons also available)
• Your Digital Footprint

Looking to introduce more mindfulness and overall peace into your life? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for a Serenity Walk at Matthews Library. Learn more information below:

Downtown Matthews
The Matthews Library offers a unique experience to participate in a mindful stroll around a ½ mile loop in the downtown area. The Serenity Walk incorporates activities along the way that allows you to replace the noise as you breath in a more peaceful state of mind.

Where do I start?
To begin the walk, stop by the Matthews Library and pick up a map that provides the directions and activities to assist you on your journey. The guide provides you with specific information, points of reference and instructions to enhance your experience. You will also find a QR code that will enable you to access additional resources through the Library to further assist you on your quest to natural serenity.

What should I bring?
The Serenity Walk is a personal experience. Many Library staff have enjoyed keeping a journal to jot down reflections while taking the walk and some enjoy the company of their beloved animal companions. Others have remarked on the sensory nature of the walk and have appreciated the opportunity to indulge in the fragrant offerings of coffee, bakery goods, and other treats along the way.

Are you ready to begin your journey to serenity and mindfulness? Contact the Matthews Library at 704-416-5000 or find us on the Library's Branches page.

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This blog was written by Cynthia McDonald, librarian at Matthews Library.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) recognizes ordinary people who improve our neighborhoods and our community every day – volunteers. At the Library, we celebrate the enormous contributions of volunteers April 18-24, 2021 – which is fittingly also National Library Week.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented us from working closely with volunteers this year, we look forward to seeing and working with them again as soon as it is safe to do so. Still, we celebrate our volunteers who continue to support the Library as customers, advocates and by providing virtual service hours through online programs such as Paws to Read.

Volunteers are an essential part of the Library’s efforts to create a more educated and literate community. Last year, 1,241 volunteers donated 38,496 hours of service to our Libraries. We couldn’t be more grateful!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library thanks all our volunteers for their dedication and support. We are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm they bring to so many roles: Reading Buddies, Technology Tutors, Circulation Helpers, Homework Helpers and our Paws to Read dogs.

We asked a few volunteers why they give so generously of their time and talent. Surabhi Kaushik has led writing programs and helped at events for about four years – in that time, she’s logged well over 400 hours of service. Kaushik shared “Volunteering at the Library has been an enjoyable learning experience for me because it has given me a space to showcase my talents, meet new people and be part of a welcoming community. The writing group has given me a sense of belonging which was important to me as a newbie immigrant.”

In November 2020, Surabhi was awarded the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service.

VolunTeen David Clinkscales has been volunteering at University City Regional Library since he was just thirteen years old. “My favorite part of volunteering at the Library is participating in storytime. Seeing the children follow the dances, run around smiling and interacting makes me always want to come back.” Clinkscales explains, “Libraries are important because the library is where most children first learn and develop the literacy, math and social skills necessary for school. The Library helps the surrounding community, and volunteering allows me to be a part of that improvement.”

We are forever grateful to Library volunteers and all volunteers who dedicate themselves to improving lives and building a stronger community. We look forward to working with our volunteers, new and current, in the future.

Questions about volunteering? Email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].

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

Every so often, I like to remind myself and others that Black lives still matter. I don't use this to fall in line with current trends, but it is very much a fact. Since the beginning of time, the lives of all people have mattered. Still, there have been incidents in the history of America where the criminal justice system has tried to prove otherwise when we see a lack of accountability around justice for Black people. Hence, I've got to be specific — Black lives matter. They mattered when our ancestors were brought to this country as slaves 400 years ago. They mattered in the Jim Crow South. They mattered during the Civil Rights movement, when Dr. King was assassinated, and they matter to the families and friends of the many Black individuals that have been killed at the hands of those who don't value Black lives. The rallying cry moved from "we shall overcome" to "Black lives matter," and today and every day I declare, and we declare, that Black lives matter.

It has been almost one year since George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, and the trial for his death is currently underway. The trauma of his killing is real. Amid last year’s rallying cries for justice for Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed at the hands of someone paid to protect and serve. There is a long list of Black people that have suffered this same fate at the hands of police, and it's sad to say, but justice has not been yielded in any instance involving Black lives.

Now, the world is eagerly watching to see if justice will be served the same way we watched the viral video of George Floyd’s death. In his final moments George Floyd called out that he "can't breathe" the same way in which Eric Garner did seven years prior. However, instead of being choked by an officer like Garner, he had the weight of an adult human on his neck. The compassion that should have been shown for Floyd in the final moments of his life was absent, and in the coming days and weeks as the trial for the man who killed him continues, I hope that justice is finally served.

George Floyd's life mattered — no matter what he did, it mattered. As in many other incidents involving unarmed Black people and the police, there is a video which shows the officer's lack of compassion for George Floyd’s life. However this time there is a trial, and while Derek Chauvin's defense attorney grasps for straws to free him, I hope that the jury uses their eyes and their heart to serve justice to the family of George Floyd and the many other Black lives that have faced the same circumstances. Because Black lives still matter.

Learn more about social justice, mass incarceration, antiracism and more with this Library curated booklist:

Social Justice Book Club Booklist

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This blog was written by De’Trice Fox, adult services librarian in the Job Help Center at Main Library.