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Mountain Island Library Will Close on Nov. 1.
October 2, 2025
Beginning Nov. 1, the Mountain Island branch will temporarily close for renovations and facility maintenance. The Library will replace the roof, update lighting, and service the HVAC and other mechanical systems during the closure. The branch is expected to reopen in January 2026.
Q: Where will my holds go?
A: All customer holds will be sent to Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library beginning November 1. You are able to change your pick-up location to any other CML branch. Allegra Westbrooks Regional, West Boulevard and North County Regional are the nearest Mecklenburg County Library locations. The last date to pick up holds from Mountain Island will be Thursday, October 30th (10/30/25).
Q: While Mountain Island Branch Library is closed, where’s the nearest location to use a computer?
A: Allegra Westbrooks Regional, West Boulevard, and North County Regional are the nearest Mecklenburg County locations and have computers and seating.
Q: While Mountain Island Branch Library is closed, will I still be able to return books here?
A: No, the outside book return will not be available during our closure. You can return items to any other CML location. The book drop will close at 4:30pm on Friday, October 31 (10/31/25).
As we receive more information regarding the closure, we will update this blog accordingly.
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Celebrate International Games Month at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library!
October 23, 2025
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This blog was written by Leah Harvey of the Mountain Island Library branch.
Back for the third year in a row, Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries all across the county are celebrating International Games Month (IGM)! This initiative aims to connect communities to their libraries through the wonderful world of gaming – and there are a TON of different ways to get involved!
Want card games? The Library has programs to teach you how to play Pokémon at ImaginOn or show off your stuff during Duolingo Live at Independence Regional. Looking for your next adventure? Try Dungeons & Dragons or other role-playing games at various branches! Have you been dying to dominate the Monopoly board? Celebrate IGM through different board game programs, like the Mighty Meeple board game night at University City Regional!
There are tons of international games available to try out, too! Are you curious how to play Mahjong? Have you ever wondered what games are commonly played in Africa? Look no further than the variety of international gaming programs taking place this November!
If you’re looking for something more “plugged in”, you’ll find no shortage of video games around the different libraries! Relax at a cozy game cafe or crush your competition in Smash Bros! Create your favorite video game character at Teen Art Club: Pixel Art at the Cornelius Library branch.
New this year, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is collaborating with community organizations to bring an exciting after-hours special event filled with fun games from around the world! Check out the After-Hours International Game Fair at the University City Regional Library on November 21st from 6:00-9:00 pm! Come explore food and games from countries like Mexico, Germany, India, Japan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more. You can even connect to local gaming organizations in the Charlotte, USA area! All participants will receive a “passport” upon entry that they can use to travel around the branch to each country. This is an event you won’t want to miss.
There’s something for everyone during International Games Month, and you don’t want to miss out on the fun! Sign up for a program today at cmlibrary.org/calendar.
Let’s Game On!
Kseniia Test
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Baker & Taylor Shutting Down
October 28, 2025
Earlier this month, several publications reported that the major library book supplier Baker & Taylor is closing its doors. Baker & Taylor is a current supplier of books for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and we are closely monitoring the situation. Although we have not received official communication from Baker & Taylor regarding a closure, we wanted to inform you of our plans moving forward and let you know what to expect in the coming months regarding new and popular titles.
As we learn more about the situation with Baker & Taylor and implement a contingency plan, wait times may increase for new and popular titles. This may also increase the wait times for digital titles.
CML is a nimble organization, and we purchase book titles – physical and digital – from several channels, including major book distribution companies as well as smaller suppliers. We will continue our practice of exploring additional vendors to ensure you can access the books you want to read at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work through this situation. The Library remains committed to providing customers with a vast collection that covers the topics that are important to you.
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Scam Alert: Spoofing Emails
October 29, 2025
Suspicious emails are being sent to Library users by people posing as CML staff. In this imposter scam, a spoofing email appears to be official but originates from external domains, such as gmail.com. The email may also request payment to participate in a program.
Please note that Library electronic communications will come from an email address with the cmlibrary domain. Every Library employee has an organization email address ending with @cmlibrary.org.
Most importantly, CML programs are free. We will not ask any customer or author participating in a program to pay. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is the only organization directly affiliated with the Library that is authorized to fundraise for the Library and may charge for an event. In those instances, it is clear that the event is sponsored by the Foundation, and the event will be posted on the Foundation’s website at foundation.cmlibrary.org.
If you suspect you have received a spoofing email like the description above, please contact us at Contact the Library | Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Also, report gmail.com domain spoofing emails to Google at https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en.
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Winter Break Top 10
December 1, 2025
This blog post was written by Hannah Simmons, Children’s Library Associate at North County Regional Library.
In honor of ONE Access turning 10, we’re thrilled to share our “Winter Break Top 10” list! These 10 book picks are perfect for cozy winter reading, and we’ve also included a handful of related Library programs to help students and families keep exploring and learning over the break.
Books and Programs to Celebrate HANUKKAH (December 14-22nd)
1.) A Dragon For Hanukkah, by Sarah Mlynowski
On the first night of Hanukkah, Hannah's parents give her a dragon! So begins her holiday adventure as she receives eight magical presents -- one for each night. There's a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns, and much more! But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she'll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.
2.) Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric Kimmel
On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives, not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. But can one man alone stand up to the goblins, save Hanukkah, and live to tell the tale?
Hanukkah Dreidel Party, North County Regional Library (all ages)
December 15th, 4:00-5:00 pm
Celebrate the hope and light of Hanukkah with us at the library! For this Hanukkah party, we will read “This is the Dreidel” and decorate our own dreidels to take home! All craft supplies will be provided, and all families will receive a Hanukkah Picture Book to keep.
Learn about LAS POSADAS (December 16th-24th)
3.) The Night of Las Posadas, by Tomie DePaola
Everyone is excited to celebrate Las Posadas, the tradition in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter at the inn on Christmas Eve. This year, Sister Angie, who is always in charge of the celebration, has to stay home with the flu, and Lupe and Roberto, who are to play Mary and Joseph, get caught in a snowstorm. But a Christmas miracle takes place when a man and woman no one knows arrive in time to take their place in the procession, and then mysteriously disappear.
Books and Programs highlighting SOLSTICE/YULE (December 21st)
4.) A Winter Solstice Wish, by Kate Allen Fox
On the shortest day of the year, when daylight slips by like sand through one's fingers, people savor the light. As night falls, a community gathers on a beach and builds a bonfire of hope. Winter Solstice Wish is an ode to the winter solstice, human connectedness, and the hope of renewal. This story combines scientific concepts with the intangible longing for connection and togetherness that people all over the world reach for on the shortest day.
5.) Old Mother Frost, by Jennifer Hartman
Old Mother Frost is a Yuletide story of an ancient Norse goddess who sleeps all year long, waking only to make sure children are happy, healthy, and festive during the longest and coldest nights of the year, the 12 days of Yuletide.
ImaginOn Winterfest, ImaginOn Library (birth-5yrs)
December 10th, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Join us for a seasonal Storytime at 10:30 am, followed by crafts and activities themed around winter! Cut paper snowflakes, decorate a snowman, explore ice tables, and more!
Celebrate NOCHEBUENA (December 24th)
6.) Countdown for Nochebuena, by Adriana Bergstrom
Children will count holiday elements like clock chimes, plates of delicious food, and tired musicians from midnight, when Christmas Eve turns to Christmas and presents are opened, to one. In this story, family members, young and old, gather in their best festive clothes to celebrate Nochebuena, a Christmas Eve celebration for Latine people around the world!
Toddler Storytime: Nochebuena, North County Regional (19-36 months)
December 3rd, 11:00 am
Join us for this bilingual storytime celebrating the Latine holiday of Nochebuena (Happy Night). These Spanish and English picture books will highlight how Christmas is observed in Hispanic communities. We will be reading "Countdown to Nochebuena" by Adriana Hernandez, and "N is for Navidad" by Susan Elya.
Books and Programs Highlighting CHRISTMAS EVE (December 24th) & CHRISTMAS (December 25th)
7.) The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Moore
Enjoy the beautiful illustration of Jan Brett paired with the timeless Christmas story of a family who receives a special visit from St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve
Community Christmas Celebration, Allegra Westbrooks Regional (all ages)
Join us for an afternoon full of fun, fellowship, and winter festivity! We’ll have delicious holiday treats, a special appearance from Santa Claus, and more as we partner with Beatties Ford Road and West Side community businesses and resources! This event is free, open to the public, and geared to all ages. If you plan on taking Santa pictures, please register!
Christmas Tree Decorating, West Boulevard (2-12yrs)
December 1-22nd
West Blvd Library needs your help! Our Christmas "Tree" needs decorations before Santa comes. Visit the children's area and color an ornament to help complete our tree, and learn about the origins of ornaments.
Crafternoon: GRINCHMAS!, South County Regional Library (5-11 yrs)
Have yourself a merry little GRINCHMAS! Create crafts and play games with the Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou Who!
8.) Humphrey’s First Christmas, by Carol Heyer
You may have heard the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But have you heard of Humphrey the camel, who carried them? Join Humphrey on his long journey to Bethlehem as he discovers what the true treasure of Christmas is.
Books and Programs to celebrate KWANZAA (December 26th-January 1st)
9.) My First Kwanzaa, by Karen Katz
During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in! Author and illustrator Karen Katz's wonderful series of picture books for the very young offers a simple and fun way to get familiar with the traditions of holiday celebrations from different cultures.
10.) Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story, by Angela Medearis
In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community.
Kwanzaa Charlotte Family Workshop, Allegra Westbrooks Regional (all ages)
December 6th, 12:00-2:00 pm
Join us for this special workshop designed for families wanting to learn the origins, fundamental activities, seven essential values, and basic symbols of this time-honored celebration of family, community, and culture. Enjoy crafts with Mother Minter. ASL Interpretation provided.
As you enjoy Winter Break, we hope you’ll visit your local Library to join the celebration, explore new interests, and keep learning all season long. Explore all Winter Break programs by visiting our online calendar. There’s something for every reader waiting for you!