May 14, 2020
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.
May 19, 2020
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:
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:
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.
May 20, 2020
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:
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.
May 20, 2020
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
International Authors Book Club for 20-30 Somethings (Virtual) - 4 p.m. LEARN MORE
NO PROGRAMS- MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
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
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
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
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
Poldark Book Club – 6:00 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
Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN More
Finding Home: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER
Nonprofit Services Coffee & Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER
One-on-One Homework Help – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) REGISTER
Favorite Books Book Club – 10:30 a.m. (Adult 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
Spanish Basics (Virtual) – 1 a.m. (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
Teens LIVE - Dorm Room Hacks – 3 p.m. (Teen programming) LEARN MORE
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
Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN More
Learning Circle: The Science of Wellbeing – 9:30 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER
Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) REGISTER
Getting Started Podcasting – 10 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER
Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) REGISTER
Teens LIVE - How to Make Energy Bars – 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
Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 3 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER
May 8, 2019
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, summer time 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, its annual summer learning program that encourages children to read, learn and explore.
This year, the program runs June 1 – August 10 and pre-registration begins Monday, May 20 here.
The Library offers early registration to give students a head-start at signing up before school is out. Participants can create a free online account to track reading time, learning and leisure activities from June 1 to August 10. Summer Break encourages participants of all ages – children, teens and adults – to read 20 minutes per day and engage in additional learning activities such as writing, creating, playing, exploring and giving. As participants track their activities online, they collect virtual badges and incentives.
Summer Break participants complete the program after reading 20 hours OR by reading at least 10 hours and completing 10 learning activities. Participants who complete the program, have a valid library card number listed on their account and log activities or reading time online for 10 out of 10 weeks, will also be eligible to receive one Carowinds ticket. These tickets will be valid at Carowinds through the end of the 2019 season. Tickets can be claimed starting on Saturday, August 10 and are available while supplies last.
Looking to make the most of summer? Visit the official Summer Break website, summerbreak.cmlibrary.org, to discover reading lists and plenty of enriching ideas and activities. The Library also offers thousands of free programs during the summer to engage the community in a wide variety of fun and educational experiences; special kickoff events are listed below. Come to any of these kickoff events, sign up for Summer Break and get a $5 voucher toward library fines and a coupon for a free Jr. Frosty from Wendy's.
Parents of young children (and parents too!) won’t want to miss the interactive summer exhibit hosted through September at ImaginOn: TheJoe & Joan Martin Center - The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD! The exhibit opens May 25 - September 8, 2019 at ImaginOn.
The 2019 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in partnership with Carowinds. Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.
Cick here for all Summer Break Kickoff events