The University City Branch is located at 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd next to the Atrium Health University City hospital and its medical offices. The 24,500 square-foot library has several spaces for you to work, use our computers, browse books, DVDs, and magazines while being a part of the vibrant University City community.

It is hard to feel down in our branch while you are surrounded by natural light and cheerful staff. The branch has colorful walls ranging from a trendy periwinkle to a lively chartreuse. Grab a book and lounge at a table to view the greenspace out one of our floor to ceiling windows. You may even spot a family of deer! 

Swing by the Children’s Area to dance on the cool underwater area rug or read a book in our treehouse. University City has a lot of children’s materials including more than fourteen shelves of graphic novels, educational computers, board books for babies and rentable tablets preloaded with educational apps. Teens can hang out and relax in the Teen Zone while adults browse the large print collection or magazines.  University City Regional Library has a diverse collection of books in international languages including Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Gujarati, French, Korean and other languages. We really have something for everyone!

The University City Library even houses a small art collection including community created pieces. Visit the branch to see a special art piece by NC artist, Jon Kuhn. The glass piece “Cubic Harmony” is a unique glass cube in the front of the building by the Circulation Desk. Make sure to visit during daylight to watch the cube sparkle and glimmer from the reflection of the sunlight through our sky lights.

University City Library staff love interacting with our community by taking part in several local festivals including Charlotte Kids Fest. Kids Fest is an annual celebration for the kids of Charlotte with fun and educational activity zones for children of all ages including a create and dance zone. The University City area also hosts the annual Wine Fest. Cresent Communities Wine Fest is a unique cultural event for the area featuring pop-up shops, fun dining experiences, live entertainment, and wine from several regional wineries.

After visiting University City Library, check out the boardwalk area to shop, dine and even ride a paddle boat. The Shoppes at University City Place is a staff favorite place to unwind and read during a lunch break. The boardwalk has benches overlooking the water where you can relax and interact with geese. The walking trail around the water is a wonderful place for a nice stroll while listening to one of the library’s new audiobooks. Visit the University City Partners  for exciting new details about the development in the area.

The University City area is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and more than 20 regional offices for Fortune 500 companies. You can access the library by riding the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail extension and walking a short distance. If you have out of town guests, check them into one of the neighboring hotels around the area. There is plenty to do in University City as it is located close to several highways.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

Resources:

• University City Regional Branch – 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262 | 704-416-7200
• University City Wine Festival – 8929 J M Keynes Dr Ste 315, Charlotte, NC 28262 | 704-549-4811
• Shoppes at University City Place – 8929 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262 | 704-549-4811
• University City Partners – 8801 J M Keynes Dr #450, Charlotte, NC 28262 | 704-688-2483
• LYNX Blue Line Light Rail – Operates from ​I-485 at South Boulevard to UNC Charlotte’s main campus in University City

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This blog written by Leanda Gahegan, children’s librarian for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, with photographs provided by Everett Blackmon, access services manager for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

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.

“A jury of 11 whites and one Black, in the deep South, stood up in the courtroom and said that Black lives do matter,” said Reverend Al Sharpton last November following the conviction of three defendants in the murder trial of Ahmaud Arbery, according to Newsweek magazine.  Sharpton, the civil rights activist and Baptist minister, said this as he, and the national media among others, gathered in southeast Georgia for the announcement of the verdict. 

The nature of Arbery’s death echoed America’s violent, racist past of lynching. While jogging, Arbery was suspected of break-ins by two white men who grabbed their firearms, pursued, and confronted him with his death being the result. The Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson wrote, “The killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man who had the gall to jog through a mostly White neighborhood, was nothing but a classic lynching of the kind that could have happened a century ago.”

A recount of events is in order to explain this national news story. After all, Arbery’s name was chanted with George Floyd and others during the protests for racial justice that spread around parts of the world during the summer of 2020. Arbery was killed on February 23, 2020.

The New York Times provides a timeline of the case here including Gregory and Travis McMichael’s altercation with Arbery, the changing of prosecutors which finally led to criminal charges, and the release of a video of the incident. A neighbor of the McMichael’s, William Bryan, was later added and charged in Arbery’s death.

The newspaper timeline also details family and community support to identify Arbery as a crime victim. The state’s criminal justice process was evaluated during the process as one prosecutor faces criminal charges. That occurred because of her actions leading her to recuse herself from the case. The case’s attention also led to lawmakers weakening the state’s citizen’s arrest law.

In February, the McMichaels and Bryan will face federal charges of committing hate crimes in this case. Why those charges are necessary is spelled out by Robinson as he writes “the Arbery case was potentially more explosive because it was so specifically about race — and because it had such specific historical resonance.” To read books about trials in America’s past of a similar nature, explore the booklist titled "Notable Trials of African Americans".

 Notable Trials of African Americans booklist

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This blog was written by Lawrence Turner, adult services librarian at South County Regional Library.

The Plaza Midwood Branch Library is located on the East side of Charlotte, just minutes from Uptown, and serves as a connector for both residents and businesses within its community. Those immigrating to the neighborhood will find beautiful parks, cultural centers, and delicious international cuisine nearby. Located in the heart of Plaza Midwood, the library offers computers with internet access and lots of natural light with adjacent seating where customers can enjoy reading one of its many books or magazines.

International House is a huge asset to Plaza Midwood’s international community. It offers programs that support immigrants seeking pathways to citizenship, cultural programs (like book clubs and Young Professionals), a Citizen Diplomacy Program, and English language acquisition programs. If English is a second language for you, you may be interested in the Plaza Midwood library’s vast collection of world language materials, primarily in Spanish, but in ten other languages as well, such as Chinese, French, Russian, and Korean.

After visiting the library, why not grab a bite at one of the many unique restaurants nearby? Plaza Midwood encompasses Mexican, Ethiopian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Bosnian cuisines within its borders. Or spend some time outdoors at one of its neighborhood parks. Veterans Park covers 19 acres off Central Avenue; it features baseball fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, playground, trails, and a sprayground for kids. Midwood Park also features sports facilities and a playground, but it also offers an amphitheater and a community garden on its six acres; it is also the spot for many of the neighborhood’s annual festivals.

Neighborhood festivals are another great way to interact with the community. The Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association kicks off its festivities each year in May with Midwood Maynia at Midwood Park where there will be live music, food, beer from a local brewery, a parade, great local merchants and fun activities for the kids. While the weather’s still warm, the neighborhood holds Movies in Midwood Park where residents can watch movies under the stars and enjoy free popcorn. On the last Saturday in October, the PMNA holds its annual Fall Crawl. The day begins with a costume parade and Trunk or Treat for kids, followed by a full day of beer, food trucks, live music, local merchants, and tons of activities for the kids in Midwood Park. Check out PMNA’s events calendar for more activities throughout the year.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

Resources:

• Plaza Midwood Branch Library - 1623 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-416-6200
• International House - 1817 Central Ave., Suite 215, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 704-333-8099
• Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec - 2435 Cumberland Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28215 | 980-314-1002
• Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association - PO Box 9394, Charlotte, NC 28215

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This blog was written by Lauren Mullins, adult services librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Come meet MoLi, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new Mobile Library on Saturday, January 29 at the Eastway Regional Recreational Center (3150 Eastway Park Drive, 28213) from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. There will be giveaways, tours, live storytimes, a puppet show and more! Click here to read more about MoLi.

Did you receive a new device this holiday season? You've probably been busy adding apps and e-books and music to it from the moment you unboxed it. Well we have great news for you! Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers many resources to fill up your new device - for free!

If you have a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or ONE Access account, you have access to all of this and more.

E-books and e-audiobooks

The Library offers several resources that provide access to e-books and e-audiobooks - including today's bestsellers and graphic novels. Some are even available instantly. And the best part is, there are no fees! Titles automatically return when the loan period ends.

OverDrive has an extensive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks and read-alongs, with kid- and teen-friendly content in special reading rooms. You can check out up to 10 items per month with a 21-day loan period, and can download titles to your computer, tablet (including Kindle!) or mobile device. Or you can read or listen to them online.  Check out OverDrive's Libby app. OverDrive also powers NC Kids Digital Library, which offers e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming videos and read-alongs specifically designed for youth in pre-K through fourth grade.

Movies, TV shows and music

Binge watch a TV series before the new season comes out or find a flick for your family movie night. You can even download individual songs or whole albums to your device - and keep them forever!

hoopla allows you to instantly borrow e-audiobooks, e-books, comic books, movies, TV series and music - no holds, no waiting! You can check out up to six items each month. If you are adding the hoopla app to your child's device, be sure to change it to Kids Mode to replicate the experience of browsing the children's section at the Library.

​Freegal Music offers download or streaming access to more than 10 million songs and nearly 15,000 music videos. Get five free downloads and 3 hours of streaming each week. Once downloaded, the songs and videos are yours to keep!

Kanopy provides you with six downloads each month for the latest independent films, documentaries and hard-to-find movies. It also features free access to the Great Courses. 

Download the new CMLibrary Mobile app

Bring the joy of browsing the shelves to your phone with the Library’s new and improved mobile app. With new titles, staff lists and programs featured on the homepage, the new mobile app will provide a discovery every time you log in.  Access Charlotte Mecklenburg Library from your Android and Apple iOS phone or tablet anywhere 24/7. Search for "CMLibrary" or "Charlotte Mecklenburg Library" to download!

Learn more

Need help with your new device?

If you need help using your new device, we have you covered. Library staff are always willing and ready to help you learn a new device, and gain access to all of the amazing resources the Library offers. Check out Technology Tutor sessions offered at any of our locations for one-on-one help with computer basics or downloading digital resources.

Don't have a library card yet?

If you live in Mecklenburg County, get your library card for free - simply apply below. 

If you are a CMS student, you automatically have a ONE Access account, which allows you to use your student ID as your library card.

If you live outside of Mecklenburg County, you can still access everything above with a non-resident card, which is $45 per year. Simply apply below. If you need to renew a non-resident card, please call 704-416-0101.

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

The 2022 Community Read program is designed to help our community, “find common ground” by promoting a community of readers, learners and creating a platform for discussion. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities, the Library is able to give away a limited number of books at our branch locations. Beginning February 14, 2022 customers can request a free copy of one of the six Community Read titles to keep.

Book pick up will continue while supplies last. Call or visit your local branch location for more information. Each of the six Community Read titles are available for checkout in our collection as well with a Library card.

Everyone in the community can participate in Community Read: read a book, share perspectives, attend a program, engage on social media and build a stronger community together.

Visit the Community Read page for additional information, to register for programs take join the Community Read challenge today.

When faced with injustice, Rosa Parks refused to move and ignited a movement. On Rosa Parks Day, February 4, (date can vary by state location), we remind ourselves that the path to equality and racial justice is long and winding, but we must never give up.

To celebrate, we've put together a list of books for adults, YA and children as well as books about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. And while you're reading, get inspired by a curated playlist on Freegal Music.

Adult Books

At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance: A New History of the Civil Rights Movement, From Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power by Danielle L McGuire

Rosa Parks in Her Own Words by Susan Reyburn

Seven Women and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas

Our Auntie Rosa The Family of Rosa Parks Remembers Her Life and Lessons by Sheila McCauley Keys

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks with A New Introduction by Jeanne Theoharis

Rosa Parks a Penguin Life by Douglas Brinkley

The Girl at the Back of The Bus by Suzette D. Harrison

The Rosa Parks Story (DVD)

YA Books

Rosa Parks – My Story by Rosa Parks

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks for Young Readers by Jeanne Theoharis

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Connie Colwell Miller *             

The Story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Photographs by David Aretha

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Lydia Bjornlund

Rosa Parks and Civil Disobedience by Alison Morretta

Children’s Books

Cake Pops with Rosa Parks by Kyla Steinkraus

Little People Big Dreams: Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing by Rachel Ruiz

I Am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer

I am Strong: A Little Book about Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer

Who Was Rosa Parks? By Yona Zeldis McDonough

The Extraordinary Life of Rosa Parks by Sheila Kanani

A Girl Named Rosa: The True Story of Rosa Parks by Denise Lewis Patrick

If A Bus Could Talk – The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired A Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds

Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?: Rosa Parks: A Who HQ Graphic Novel by Insha Fitzpatrick

The Bus Ride by William Miller

Books about the Montgomery Bus Boycott:

Pies From Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito

March by John Lewis

The Montgomery Bus Boycott by Allison Crotzer Kimmel

Stride Toward Freedom the Montgomery Story by Martin Luther King Jr

Walk to Freedom: Montgomery Bus Boycott by Virginia Loh-Hagan

12 Incredible Facts About The Montgomery Bus Boycott by Lois Sephaban

The Thunder of Angels the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the People Who Broke the Back of Jim Crow by Donnie Williams

Freedom Walkers the Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Russell Freedman

Claudette Colvin Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose

Claudette Colvin Refuses to Move Courageous Kid of the Civil Rights Movement by Ebony Wilkins

Daughter of the Boycott Carrying on a Montgomery Family's Civil Rights Legacy by Karen Gray Houston

Freegal Music Links

Oh Freedom - The Golden Gospel Singers

Lift Ev’ry Voice – Kurt Carr

We Shall Overcome - Mahalia Jackson

A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead

O-o-h Child - The Five Stairsteps

BLACK PARADE - Beyoncé

Freedom - Beyoncé

Everything Is Everything Ms. Lauryn Hill

Rosa Parks - Jessica J Williams

Rosa Parks - SUMRRÁ

Towards Freedom - Oswando Jazz Quartet

A Movement for Rosa

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This book and music list was compiled by Kiara Garrett, teen librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Public libraries in the United States are free and open to everyone. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has long been a safe and trusted place for those looking for support and services – offering English conversation classes, citizenship preparation, computer literacy programs and more. We never turn anyone away or ask about immigration status. Our Library staff can help you find information on many topics and can give you a library card that allows you to borrow items, such as books and other resources, free of charge. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches have computers and free Wi-Fi that you can use to access the internet.

The Library also offers classes, online assessments and handouts to strengthen your digital skills. We want to help you become a more confident technology user. We are currently offering our Basic Skills and Workplace Tools classes, which feature popular Microsoft Office software and Google services. We continue to add more online classes, so please check our calendar frequently for the most up-to-date class availability. All classes are held virtually via Zoom. New to using Zoom? Check out this helpful video to get you started.

If you already have a Library card you can access many digital resources for learning and exploring. If you are new to Charlotte, visit your nearest library branch with a photo ID and proof of Mecklenburg County residency to receive a physical card. If you cannot get to a branch, consider a virtual card. It all has the same benefits as a physical card, and you can print it or add it to your mobile device using our app. 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is proud to partner with Mecklenburg County Public Health to offer at-home COVID-19 test kits via curbside service at Library locations. Though any community member can obtain test kits through this program, tests are especially intended for community members who are:

• Unable to obtain testing through other methods
• Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or believe they may have been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19.

NOTE: No personal identification (ID) or insurance is needed to obtain test kits through this program. The tests are for personal at-home use. Prescriptions or clinical supervision are not necessary to obtain or administer these tests.

To obtain an at-home test kit through this program, visit one of the locations listed below, on or after February 7, during the following scheduled days and hours:
 

Locations and hours for COVID-19 at-home test kit pickup:

Mint Hill: Every Wednesday with Public Health Staff On-Site

North County Regional: Every Thursday with Public Health Staff On-Site

Hickory Grove and West Blvd: Alternating Wednesdays with Public Health Staff On-Site

All the above locations hours: 10 AM – 4 PM

NOTE: Hours and availability are subject to change without advanced notice. The test kits in this program are available while supplies last.

When you arrive at a Library location, please follow these steps:

1. Park in a spot reserved for at-home test pick up.
2. Follow the signs to the building.
3. DO NOT ENTER the library building; a Public Health Team Member will meet you outside the library facility.

If you have any questions, concerns or difficulty at the location, please call Mecklenburg County Public Health’s COVID-19 information hotline at 980-314-9400 (Choose Option 3), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. You can also visit MECKNC.GOV/COVID-19 for more information.

We hate to break your heart on Valentine’s Day, but we’re improving our systems just for you. Please expect an interruption in Library services and accessing resources on Monday, February 14, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During that time, online and digital resources (OverDrive/Libby, hoopla, etc.) will be unavailable. Library users also won’t be able to place holds, use self-checkout, renew items, pay fees, sign up for a Library card or call/live-chat with Library staff.
 
Library locations will remain open and customers will be able to: access internet-ready computers and complete materials checkouts with staff assistance.

We apologize for any inconvenience this interruption in service may cause. As always, we appreciate your patronage and look forward to improving our libraries to better serve our community.