This blog was written by Serena Guest, library collections associate, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

We made it to summer! Temperatures are already soaring and the kids are out of school for a few months.  If you’re looking for a great library resource children can enjoy while also sharpening their reading skills, Hoopla is it. Hoopla is an amazing service that offers ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music and comics. All you need is a Library card (https://www.cmlibrary.org/getacard) to access a world of exploration.

Once your account is created, make sure to turn on kids mode by clicking the word KIDS onthe top right-hand side to find many kid-friendly titles. Kids Mode is curated content for kids up to age 12. Note: There are different age ranges using this feature and titles available range from G-General Audiences to PG-Parental Guidance Suggested. Parents or guardians are expected to decide whether a specific title is appropriate for their child.

Here are the top five kids titles that were checked out from Hoopla by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library users last month:

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Available in eBook and audiobook.

2. Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins by Lincoln Peirce
Available in comic format.

3. Disney Classic Stories: Encanto*
Available as a Read-Along ebook. *A favorite of my seven-year-old

4. Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
Available in eBook.

5. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Available in eBook and audiobook.

Learn more about Hoopla checkout limits here. 

At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library we aim to have library services extend beyond our physical locations. This year Library staff have attended multiple events around Charlotte to talk about Library services and Summer Break. At any of these events, staff can help you sign up and log your reading and activities for Summer Break!

National Night Out

Multiple branches will be participating in National Night Out this year, a great event to learn about community resources for adults and children. Dates vary, but most of the events will be taking place on August 2, 2022 and it is advised to check with your local branch for details. At each event visitors to the Library’s table can pick up some great swag and learn more about Summer Break

Soccer Game

You may have seen the Library at a recent Charlotte Football Club game against the New York Red Bulls in early June. This year, Charlotte Football Club has partnered with the Library to sponsor Summer Break. Library staff members met with soccer fans and talked about available services and Summer Break.

Heroes Con

Graphic Novel and comic book enthusiast library staff showcased Library services, Summer Break, and even participated in a panel about banned books at Heroes Con in late June. Visitors to the Library’s table had the opportunity to take a photo using the photo booth, spin the prize wheel for various prizes, pick up a graphic novel or two and learn about Summer Break.

If you see the Library around town, come and say hi and ask us about Summer Break.

Comments? Questions?  

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

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

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

Whether you need resources for your small business or just want to stream the newest hit music, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has a vast catalog of digital resources to fit your needs. Check out some of our offerings below and some fun facts about the Queen City's namesake monarch Queen Charlotte.

Did You Know? — Queen Charlotte spoke three language and you can, too. Learn Afrikaans, Tagalog, the language of love, or whatever you like for FREE with Transparent Language and your Library card.

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. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner. 

access Transparent Language now

Did You Know? — Queen Charlotte had serious musical chops! Not only was she versed in the harpsichord and tutored in music by Johann Christian Bach (the son of Johann Sebastian Bach), but she also was a muse to other classical musicians of the time. Enjoy the latest music tracks from all your favorite artists for free from hoopla and Freegal Music through the Library.

• Freegal Music is a free downloadable music service from your Library. Freegal offers download or streaming access to more than 10 million songs, including Sony Music's catalog of legendary artists. Also available are approximately 15,000 music videos to download. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers get 5 free downloads (songs are 1 download and videos are 2) and 5 hours of streaming each week. Once downloaded, the songs or videos are yours to keep! Mobile and tablet customers, download the Freegal app for iOS and Android.   
• hoopla allows customers to instantly borrow e-books, comics, audiobooks, music, movies and television — with no holds, and no waiting! And there's no need to worry about late fees; hoopla features an automated service that returns your item once your time is up. Content can be streamed to computers, tablets or smartphones, and can be downloaded to mobile devices to allow for offline viewing any time.    

          access freegal music now         access hoopla now 

Did You Know? — In addition to being royalty, Queen Charlotte was also a philanthropist who supported small business across the city of London. But you don’t have to be royalty to start your own business. All you need is a Library card to give you access to our vast catalog of free business resources including LinkedIn Learning and Universal Class.

• LinkedIn Learning is an online educational site that 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.  
• Universal Class is an online education experience offering over 540 courses in subjects like Entrepreneurship, Home and Garden Care, Computers and Technology, Health and Medicine, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law and many more.

access LinkedIn Learning now       Access Universal Class Now

This blog was written by Serena Guest, library collections associate, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

In June, Beyoncé released the song "Break My Soul." Over a stirring house beat, she sings about looking for motivation and a new foundation. It's an inspirational song that was much needed for so many of us. If you enjoy this song and you’re looking for your own motivation and new foundation, I've put together a list of suggested titles you might enjoy. You can also listen to "Break My Soul" for free on Freegal  - all you need is your Library card! 



 

The perfect booklist for Beyoncé fans:

• Fat, Crazy, & Tired by Van Lathan Jr. 
• The Power of Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins
• Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
• Self-care for Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo 
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD 
• Atomic Habits by James Clear 

Oh, where has the time gone?

It’s a wrap for Summer Break 2022.  Thank you to all of those who participated in the 2022 Summer Break Challenge. Queen Charlotte collected her earned prizes. Have you? Please collect any earned prizes by August 20, 2022, at your local branch location. Charlotte Football Club winners will be selected from completers by a drawing via Beanstack on August 15, 2022 and will be contacted via email.

A total of 9.1 million minutes were logged for reading. 

Over 70,080 badges earned.

More than 45,000 activities completed.

The Summer Beak Team hopes you enjoyed reading more and participating in different activities. 

We put forth a challenge to the community to beat this year’s numbers for 2023. Do you have it in you?

Top Five Books Read   

Here are the top 5 books read all summer by our Summer Break readers! Are they what you expected? What were your favorite summer reads?

1. Holy Bible
2. Richard Scarry's Bedtime Stories
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Prison of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
5. Dogman by Dav Pilkey

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

Have you thought about learning a new language? Do you want to improve your language skills? Maybe you haven’t practiced your Spanish in years, or you hope to visit France some day and want to learn basic French before you go. August is English as a Second Language (ESL) Month at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and we have several resources to help you reach your goals from home – or wherever your internet connection takes you. All of these are free with a Library card. 

Access Video for Kids

The Just for Kids Collection gives children — and their parents — a thoroughly kid-safe, advertisement-free media platform they can freely explore and enjoy. Just for Kids has the educational videos children want to watch, plus songs, games, and other interactives that are sure to entertain, educate, and inspire young patrons. Plus, this streaming collection is ideal for librarians hosting a video storytelling hour activities for preschoolers and early learners, an after-school or ESL/ELL program, homework help, or resources for homeschoolers that they can access anywhere, anytime. 

Access

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. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner. Transparent Language Online combines robust courses, supplemental vocabulary, extensive grammar resources, and mobile apps for a complete language-learning experience.

Access

International Newsstream

New content from more than 600 of the world's top newspapers in a variety of languages.

Access

Kanopy 

An award-winning video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films ─  titles of unique social and cultural value from The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Media Education Foundation, and thousands of independent filmmakers. Enjoy their selections of titles in various world languages as well.

Access

The Library’s resources are free to use with your Library card or ONE Access ID. If you don’t have a card, you can apply for one here. So, what are you waiting for? ¡Si puedo comenzar hoy! - that means I can get started today! 

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

Summer is a season for many things - catching up on rest, chasing adventure through local, national or international travel, trying refreshing recipes in the kitchen and so much more. One of our favorite ways to pass the time is to read a good book (or two, or three, or ten…you get the point), and binge a good TV show or movie. If the show or movie is adapted from a book, we try our best to read the book first. Is anyone else this way?

If, like us, you prefer to dive into a book before diving into its corresponding movie, we have the perfect list for you to explore.

The best summer reading and movie nights are ahead. Check out the following titles:

Adult Fiction
The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

It is 1960. When Jennifer Stirling wakes up in the hospital, she can remember nothing-not the tragic car accident that put her there, not her husband, not even who she is. She feels like a stranger in her own life until she stumbles upon an impassioned letter, signed simply "B", asking her to leave her husband.

Years later, in 2003, a journalist named Ellie discovers the same enigmatic letter in a forgotten file in her newspaper's archives. She becomes obsessed by the story and hopeful that it can resurrect her faltering career. Perhaps if these lovers had a happy ending, she would find one to her own complicated love life, too. Ellie's search will rewrite history and help her see the truth about her own modern romance.

Adult Non-Fiction
The House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden

On March 27, 1995, Maurizio Gucci, heir to the fabulous fashion dynasty, was slain by an unknown gunman as he approached his Milan office. In 1998, his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani Martinelli--nicknamed "The Black Widow" by the press--was sentenced to 29 years in prison, for arranging his murder. 

Did Patrizia murder her ex-husband because his spending was wildly out of control? Did she do it because her glamorous ex was preparing to marry his mistress, Paola Franchi? Or is there a possibility she didn't do it at all?

The Gucci story is one of glitz, glamour, intrigue, the rise, near fall and subsequent resurgence of a fashion dynasty. Beautifully written, impeccably researched, and widely acclaimed, The House of Gucci will captivate readers with its page-turning account of high fashion, high finance, and heart-rending personal tragedy

Teen
Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder. A Harlem drugstore owner was shot and killed in his store, and the word is that Steve served as the lookout.

Guilty or innocent, Steve becomes a pawn in the hands of "the system," cluttered with cynical authority figures and unscrupulous inmates, who will turn in anyone to shorten their own sentences. For the first time, Steve is forced to think about who he is as he faces prison, where he may spend all the tomorrows of his life.

As a way of coping with the horrific events that entangle him, Steve, an amateur filmmaker, decides to transcribe his trial into a script, just like in the movies. He writes it all down, scene by scene, the story of how his whole life was turned around in an instant. But, despite his efforts, reality is blurred and his vision obscured until he can no longer tell who he is or what is the truth. This compelling novel is Walter Dean Myers's writing at its best.

Children
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When mommy does Zuri’s hair, she feels like a superhero. But when mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to step in! And even though daddy has a lot to learn, he LOVES his Zuri. And he’ll do anything to make her—and her hair—happy.

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

Summer is coming to an end and students across our area are gearing up to return to school! Whether you are sending your child off to school for the first time, preparing for college admissions, or somewhere in between, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to support all your student’s back-to-school needs.

Virtual Learning Opportunities

Did you know that the Library provides a multitude of virtual learning programs to enrich your child’s academic and social skills? The calendar is filled weekly with school-age programming you can enjoy from anywhere! After registering, you will receive a Zoom link to participate in the program. If your child can’t make the live programs, you’re invited to participate at your convenience by viewing pre-recorded programs on our Digital Branch. Our specialized content is designed to elevate and extend your student’s learning. Virtual programming is not limited to children in elementary school, it’s available for all age groups. Teens can join in writing groups, book clubs, trivia sessions and gaming sessions such as Dungeons and Dragons. While you get into your back-to-school routine, be sure to join a group and meet new friends.

ONE Access and Curated Lists by Grade Level

Every child in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system can use their student ID number as their Library card number – this is called a ONE Access ID number (the pin number is your child’s month and birthday combined in MMDD format). Yes, you heard that right! It’s called ONE Access, or One Number Equals Access, and it makes it very convenient for your child to place books on hold or check out digital resources. Our Library staff have even created curated lists for students to read by grade level. Check them out here: Elementary, Middle and High School. Your child’s ONE Access ID number doesn’t just limit them to books. There are many e-resources to utilize such as Tutor.com (up to 10 free, live homework tutoring sessions each week), Transparent Language (learn a new language) and Freegal music (for when your dance party breaks!). The possibilities are endless with free learning resources offered through your Library.

Educational Support

The Library is committed to improving lives and building a stronger community – a lofty goal as evidenced by our commitment to programming and helping your child prepare for their next step beyond high school. Library branches offer one-on-one weekly virtual appointments with teens to discuss how to successfully plan for the future. Library staff members can connect your high schooler with resources to plan for a potential job or college process, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities. One-on-one virtual appointments are available daily for elementary schoolers as well for Reading Buddies, tutoring, and enrichment. Feel back-to-school ready knowing your local Library will support your child’s learning beyond the classroom.

Parent and Teacher Learning Opportunities

Getting ready for the start of a new school year is not limited to children. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can get back-to-school ready by learning something new too. Parent Lunch and Learn programs are available every month virtually for adults to learn something new and connect with other parents. Active Reading programs are offered as well to learn how to read WITH your child, and improve your child’s language, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Build your confidence and meet other caregivers just like you- we're all in this together! If you’re unavailable for live programs, find other resources to kickstart your school year on our Supporting Student Success page.

Every new school year presents new challenges and opportunities. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is fully equipped and ready to provide you and your school-age child with an opportunity to learn and grow. Take advantage of the opportunities that await you and your children this school year!  

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This blog was written by Elyse Berrier, active reading training coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

¡El verano se termina y los estudiantes de nuestra área se preparan para el regreso a clases! Ya sea que su hijo esté empezando la escuela por primera vez, preparando la admisión universitaria o alguna instancia intermedia, la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg está aquí para ayudar a los estudiantes con todas sus necesidades para el regreso a clases.

Oportunidades de aprendizaje virtual

¿Sabía que la biblioteca ofrece varios programas de aprendizaje virtual para enriquecer las habilidades académicas y sociales de su hijo? El calendario se completa todas las semanas con la planificación para niños y adolescentes en edad escolar, y se puede disfrutar desde cualquier lugar. Luego de la inscripción, recibirá un enlace de Zoom para participar en el programa. Si su hijo no puede participar en los programas en vivo, lo invitamos a ver los programas pregrabados cuando le sea conveniente en nuestra sucursal virtual. Nuestro contenido especializado está diseñado para elevar y ampliar el aprendizaje del estudiante. La planificación virtual no se limita a niños de primaria, está disponible para todos los grupos etarios. Los adolescentes pueden unirse a grupos de escritura, clubs de lectura, sesiones de trivia y juegos, como Calabozos y Dragones. Mientras vuelven a su rutina escolar, tienen la oportunidad de unirse a un grupo y conocer nuevos amigos.

ONE Access y listas catalogadas por grado

Todos los estudiantes que estén en el sistema escolar de Charlotte Mecklenburg pueden usar su número de identificación de estudiante como número de tarjeta de la biblioteca. Este número se denomina número de identificación ONE Access (el número PIN es el día y el mes de cumpleaños de su hijo combinados en formato MMDD). ¡Sí, escuchó bien! Se denomina ONE Access o One Number Equals Access (un número equivale al acceso), y le sirve a su hijo para ubicar libros en espera o utilizar recursos digitales. El personal de la biblioteca ha creado listas catalogadas para que los estudiantes lean según el nivel del grado al que asisten. Pueden consultarlas aquí: escuela primaria, escuela media y escuela secundaria. El número de identificación ONE Access de su hijo no solo le sirve para obtener libros. Hay muchos recursos electrónicos que puede utilizar, como Tutor.com (hasta diez sesiones gratuitas de tutoría en vivo para hacer las tareas cada semana), Transparent Language (para aprender un idioma nuevo) y Freegal music (¡para cuando comience la fiesta!). Las posibilidades son infinitas con los recursos de aprendizaje gratuitos que ofrece nuestra biblioteca.

Apoyo educativo

La biblioteca procura mejorar las vidas de la comunidad y hacerla más fuerte; un objetivo ambicioso que se pone de manifiesto en nuestro compromiso con la planificación y el apoyo para preparar a su hijo para el camino luego de la secundaria. Las sucursales de la biblioteca ofrecen encuentros virtuales semanales e individuales con los adolescentes para analizar un plan exitoso para su futuro. El personal de la biblioteca puede conectar al estudiante de escuela secundaria con recursos para planificar un posible proceso laboral o universitario, lo que incluye las oportunidades de becas o asistencia financiera. Los encuentros virtuales individuales están disponibles de forma diaria para los estudiantes de primaria, así como también los compañeros de lectura, las tutorías y el enriquecimiento. Esté listo para el regreso a clases sabiendo que su biblioteca local apoyará el aprendizaje de su hijo más allá del aula.

Oportunidades de aprendizaje para padres y maestros

Prepararse para el comienzo de un nuevo año escolar no es algo que hacen solo los niños. Los padres, las madres, los cuidadores y los maestros pueden prepararse para el regreso a clases al aprender también algo nuevo. Los programas de Almuerzo y Aprendizaje para Padres están disponibles todos los meses de manera virtual para que los adultos puedan aprender algo nuevo y conectarse con otros padres y madres. También se ofrecen programas de Lectura Activa para que aprenda cómo leer CON su hijo y pueda mejorar el lenguaje, el vocabulario y las habilidades de comprensión de su hijo. ¡Anímese y conozca a otros cuidadores como usted! ¡Estamos juntos en esto! Si no puede asistir a los programas en vivo, encuentre otros recursos para comenzar el año escolar en nuestra página de Apoyo al éxito estudiantil.

Cada año escolar nuevo presenta nuevos desafíos y oportunidades. La biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg está completamente equipada y lista para ofrecerles a usted y a su hijo estudiante la oportunidad de aprender y crecer. ¡Aproveche las oportunidades que usted y su hijo tienen este año escolar!  

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Este blog fue escrito por Elyse Berrier, coordinadora de las capacitaciones en lectura activa de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.