Shared by Tami Gosselin (fourth from right in group photo)

Write Like you Mean It is my favorite place in Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  This writing group meets every week on Thursday mornings in the Main Library on North Tryon Street.  It is a safe place to practice the craft of writing, as well as the art of listening to others' writing.  Everyone is welcome.  The group is led by librarian Pam Turner, and it is based on the book Writing Alone and with Others by Pat Schneider. 

There are five affirmations that guide this group:

1. Everyone has a strong, unique voice. 

2. Everyone is born with creative genius. 

3. Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level. 

4. The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem. 

5. A writer is someone who writes. 

We are always reminded that this is first draft work and that we should focus on what we liked about the work.  We are asked to share but not required to, welcome to do the prompts or not do them; it is completely up to each one of us how much we participate. 

There is always coffee and water, both cold and hot, and there are usually snacks, chips or cookies or fruit.  There is a variety of people that come: all ages, all skin colors, all gender identities; and when we share it is on an even basis that all of us have the same opportunity to speak, listen and be heard.  We are all on the same level in the workshop, all participants practicing a craft, sharing our truth, seeking our lesson. I enjoy going because it challenges me. Each week offers different prompts to write about, and they are meant to pull something out of us in a way that we don’t know, so we do the writing we were meant to do without knowing it just by following whatever the prompt stirs inside each of us. 

I enjoy this time each week.  It is the highlight of my week.  Without it, my week feels so much less shiny, because this is my happy place.

Sometimes we have guest speakers, who are usually published authors.  They come and talk to us about their book. We can ask questions and they often lead prompts.  Those weeks have a different rhythm for me as they are not as sacred. This person may be a virtual stranger, and I am not always ready for, or connect with, their prompts.  They don’t always understand the workshop process.  And, they don’t write alongside us. 

Some weeks there are 30 people, some weeks there are 6.  No matter how many people show up, there’s always a sense that who needs to be here is here.  The group started in 2016, and is celebrating the 3-year anniversary on February 28, 2019.  I have been attending just over a month now, and hope to attend long into the future.

Tami Gosselin

When it comes to remembering presidents during the national holiday President’s Day in February, that sentiment may strongly resonate when reading the two new historical fiction adult mystery series. Set little more than 40 years apart, the books step into the presidential eras of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The presidents don’t get involved in actual sleuthing but are closely linked to the amateur detectives in these books. 

The Alice Roosevelt Mystery Series: The real-life daughter of President Roosevelt is stepping into the detective role as she fears for her father’s safety in this fictional novel, Alice and the Assassin. During 1902, the bright and bold 17-year-old Alice Roosevelt is under the guardianship of Secret Service Agent Joseph St. Clair, a one-time cowboy and veteran of Rough Riders. Assessing his new assignment, St. Clair considers it a ‘cushy job’ compared to serving as a soldier, but the president warns him about the first daughter: “You say that now.  But I promise you, you’ll wish you were back in Cuba before the year is out.”

The novel is told from the perspective of St. Clair as he discovers working with young Roosevelt entails extra measures of bodyguard work. When former President William McKinley is assassinated, the suspicious daughter is driven to find answers about the killer, a public anarchist whom Alice believes others exist to follow his lead. Agent St. Clair follows her while tracking down possibilities through multiple New York City locales, including the occasional event requiring the secret service agent to draw his Colt handgun. The book is written by R.J. Koreto and next book in the series is The Body in the Ballroom.  

The Lincoln White House Mystery Series: In 1861, Adam Speed Quinn is a presidential assistant and jack-of-all-trades for the newly-elected President Lincoln's White House staff. The former 30-year-old frontier scout comes from the Bloody Kansas conflict, the border war of Kansas between slavery and anti-slavery forces where he was wounded and then reassigned. Working directly for Lincoln, Quinn is identified as one of the president’s closest confidants. In Murder in the Lincoln White House, a man is found murdered during the inauguration ball and Lincoln asks Quinn to investigate: “I prefer someone less known to the public to carry out this investigation. And I also require someone in whom I have complete and utter trust, whose loyalty and discretion are without question. You are one of the most intelligent and resourceful men I’ve come to know—who is not immersed in politics or the law.”  

With Lincoln’s pronouncement, Quinn begins the case and his skills are to put to test as he interacts with an unfamiliar Washington community. He finds unlikely assistance in two new allies: a strong-willed journalist named Sophie Gates and the methodical Dr. Hilton, a free man of color. They help Quinn piece together the investigation. Also, when needed, Quinn keeps a Colt handgun close by for protection, much like secret service agent St. Clair in the Alice Roosevelt Mystery Series. The book is written by Colleen Gleason, and is the second in the series is Murder in the Oval Library.

More books in a child's home leads to higher reading scores, better academic performance and results in greater opportunities in life. That is why the Library has partnered with WSOC-TV to collect new and gently-used children’s and teen books through the 9 Books for Kids book drive.

The objective of 9 Books for Kids is to provide parents, children and the community with resources to improve student learning and achievement across the Carolinas.  

New and gently-used children’s and teen books can be donated at any Charlotte Mecklenburg Library location. Additionally, three 9 Family Focus community business partners have chosen to collect books at their Mecklenburg county locations: Showmars, Ashley HomeStore and E.R. Plumbing Services. 

All donated books will be distributed by the library to area children and teens through Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Outreach Services without the need to check out and return the book.

Donations can help increase the number of books in the homes of children through outreach efforts like the Community Bookshelf program, Summer Break Book Bucks, Little Free Libraries and partnerships with Read Charlotte and Promising Pages. 

You can drop off your book donation at any Charlotte Mecklenburg Library location or one of the community business partners beginning March 11, 2019 through April 12, 2019.

To find out how you can get involved, visit 9BooksforKids.com.

Thank you for helping the Library improve lives and build a stronger community!

9 Family Focus Partner Locations:

Showmars Huntersville, 9605 Sherrill Estates Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

Showmars, 6801 Northlake Mall Dr, Charlotte, NC 28216

Showmars University, 115 E McCullough Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262

Showmars Mint Hill, 6850 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227

Showmars Matthews, 9704 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105

Showmars, 10612 Providence Rd Unit A, Charlotte, NC 28277

Showmars Park Cedar - Pineville, 9925 Park Cedar Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210

Showmars Arrowood, 2216 W Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Showmars Emerywood, 1317 Emerywood Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210

Showmars Dilworth (East Blvd.), 1600 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Showmars 7th Street, 2004 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Showmars Eastway Drive, 3225 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205

Showmars Little Rock, 2540 Little Rock Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214

Showmars Freedom Drive, 2601 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208

Showmars South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd G-29, Charlotte, NC 28211

Showmars Government Center, 600 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Showmars Charlotte Plaza, 201 South College, Charlotte, NC 28202

Showmars Hearst Tower, Hearst Tower, 214 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

E.R. Plumbing Services, 648 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd Ste C, Matthews, NC 28105

Ashley HomeStore, 11320 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134

Ashley HomeStore Outlet, 5345 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Ashley HomeStore, 430 E McCullough Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262

Community Read is here! This is Week 1 of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s biggest community-wide book club. It’s not too late to join in. Read the books, share your thoughts and create a better community. Everyone in Charlotte is participating, so don’t miss out! 

Open Books. Open Minds.

This year’s Community Read is nothing like before. It is bigger, bolder and better with important topics to discuss, more than 30 community partners involved and plenty of ways to get engaged. Together with our sponsors, the Library is excited about the book selections and the program lineup during March.  

The main title for Community Read is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. The New York Times best-selling, award-winning novel deals with the sometimes controversial issues that are important nationally and locally in the Charlotte community. This year’s complete selection of companion titles with related themes are:

• For adults and teens: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 
• For middle grades:  Wishtree by Katherine Applegate 
• For young children:  Love by Matt de la Peña 

The Library’s goal is to engage 10% of the Charlotte community – 100,000 people – with Community Read. Be part of the community’s biggest book club.

Step 1 – Pledge to participate

Community Read is for everyone. Everyone is invited to take part in this year’s Community Read. Pledge online and start participating.

Step 2 – Read the books   

All three titles are available at Library locations in print and digital formats. Looking to read online? There’s no wait as the Library expanded its digital license to permit simultaneous downloads of audiobooks and e-books during the month of March for The Hate U Give.

Additionally, generous investments from presenting sponsor Bank of America and from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation and Foundation For The Carolinas allowed for the purchase of more than 2,000 copies that were distributed at Library and partner locations, while supplies last. 

Step 3 – Share your thoughts by attending Library and/or Partner Programs

There are many conversations, events and programs taking place around The Hate U Give and its relevant themes during Week 1. Join a conversation, use your voice and help change the narrative of our community. Below is a listing of just some of the events going on around Mecklenburg County:
 

Adults and teens: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

Community Read: From Page to Screen: The Hate U Give
Saturday, March 2, 2019 – 10 a.m. at IB Community Room at Independence Regional
Whether you already love the book or want to watch the movie before reading it, join us for the film adaptation of The Hate U Give. See the story brought to life! This movie is rated PG-13. Learn more

Family First: I Wrote My Way Out 
Saturday, March 2, 2019 – 11 a.m. at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
for ages 12-21
$5/Free for Members
This is a writing and performance-focused Family First Workshop led by Guerilla Poets. Using Tupac’s writings and lyrics, teens and young adults will learn writing techniques they can use to create a toolkit for dealing with trauma. Learn more

Community Read Film Series: The Hate U Give
Sunday, March 3, 2019 – 1 p.m. at The Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn:
oin us for our Community Read Film Series, movies related to the themes found in this year's Community Read selection The Hate U Give. Learn more

Film Screening and Discussion
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 – 4:30 p.m. at Johnson C. Smith University, James B. Duke Memorial Library. RSVP and questions to [email protected] or call 704-371-6740
Watch The Hate U Give film from 4:30-6:45 p.m. Program follows the film at 7 p.m. and includes a brief overview of the book, then a presentation by  Toussaint Romain, followed by questions and answers. The evening will end with a LIVE podcast from 8:15 p.m. - 9 p.m. Mastermind Podcast will capture people’s comments and reactions to the book and movie. Learn more

Central Piedmont READS
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 – 11 a.m. at Central Piedmont Community College – Cato Campus, Cato III-CT024 lower level Auditorium. Free with registration
CP Reads will host book discussions on each of its six campuses. Faculty and staff will be able to register for these events in LearnerWeb to receive PD credits. Learn more

K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace Talk Back
Saturday, March 9, 2019 – 12 p.m. at Levine Museum of the New South.
Free with registration Adults, Teens (12-18)
K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace is a community-created exhibit about police-involved shootings throughout the nation and in Charlotte. At the Levine Museum of the New South, participants will tour the K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace exhibit in a self-guided experience for 30 minutes, which will be followed by a 30-minute reflective conversation, a Talk Back, with a Levine Museum of the New South educator. Learrn more

Self Care is Revolutionary
Saturday, March 9, 2019 – 10 a.m. at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
$5/Free for Members
Join visiting author Damaris Hill and CLT organizations for a day focused on using arts and literature to align on mind and body and address issues within our community. Yoga, writing and storytelling workshops.

Middle Grades: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Community Read: Drop-in Wishtree activity
Friday, March 1, 2019 – All day at Morrison Regional
Come write a wish to put on our Wishtree! We will collect all the wishes to create an art piece at the end of March. Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree Book Discussion for Seniors 55+
Friday, March 8, 2019 – 2 p.m. Davidson Meeting Room at Davidson
Join the library and other seniors to discuss Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Refreshments and extension activity included. Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree School-Aged Nature Journal Program
Saturday, March 9, 2019 – 1 p.m. at University City Regional
Develop literacy and critical thinking skills through books and hands-on activities. This month the theme will be our Community Read selection, Wishtree. Learn more

Children: Love by Matt de la Peña 

Community Read: The "Love" Scavenger Hunt
Friday, March 1, 2019 – All day at Myers Park
Drop in and participate in our special literacy scavenger hunt activity inspired the children's picture book "Love" by Matt de la Peña. Complete this activity and receive a prize! Learn more

Community Read Community Helper Storytime: Love
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 – 10:30 a.m. at Sugar Creek
Bring the family and join us as we read Love by Matt de la Peña and other stories with your favorite community helpers. Learn more

Community Read Family Storytime: Love
Thursday, March 7, 2019 – 9:30 a.m. Meeting Room at Scaleybark
Bring the family and join us as we read Love by Matt de la Peña. We will also have songs, rhymes, and movement activities featuring love in all its different forms. Learn more

Community Read Family Storytime: Love
Friday, March 8, 2019 – 10:30 a.m. Spangler Library at ImaginOn
ring the  family to enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Learn more

Step 4 – Engage on social media

Share the news on social media. Be sure to tag #CommunityRead2019 and keep the discussion going.

Step 5 – Celebrate the love of reading

Invite your friends and family to participate. Make new friends. Join book club discussions hosted around our community or start your own book club. Visit cmlibrary.org to learn more. The Library has sets of The Hate U Give available for loan to book clubs and other groups. These kits include 10 copies of the book as well as discussion guides and other resources. Learn more here. 

Organizations can also get involved by participating in library programs, taking the pledge and recording their program information on the Library website at Community Read Partners. Once your group or book club has read the book, please tell us about it! Complete this form so we can include your group in our overall count of Community Read participants.

Spread the word about Community Read 2019 to family and friends and invite them to participate. We’ll see you at an event or program in March.

Community Read is presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in collaboration with more than 30 community partners, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Community Building Initiative and many more. A complete list can be found on cmlibrary.org.

Families and lovers of children’s literature won’t want to miss seeing Matt de la Peña, the New York Times Bestselling, as he visits Charlotte as part of Community Read’s selection of his latest title, Love. 

This event will take place on Thursday, Mar. 28 at 7 p.m. at ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center in the Wells Fargo Playhouse with book signing to follow.

Love by  Matt de la Peña is the perfect selection for this year's Community Read. de la Peña books’ themes of love amid inequality and racism and their messages of shared humanity and interconnectedness have resonated with readers of all ages around the world. 

His books have been awarded the Newbery Medal—winning author of six young adult novels (including Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, and The Living) and four picture books (including Love and Last Stop on Market Street). In 2016 he was awarded the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award.

During his visit to ImaginOn, de la Peña will read aloud from his picture book, Love, answer questions and sign copies of his books. His books will be available for purchase on site the day of the event, courtesy of Black Forest Books.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Check out de la Peña books at the Library

Love

"Love can be found in many areas of our life--in music, in nature, in the people around us. This beautiful picture book, created by an award-winning author/illustrator duo, celebrates the many ways love buoys us throughout our lives. A comforting and thoughtful book to keep on a child's bookshelf for years to come."

Last Stop on Market Street

A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday things.

Mexican WhiteBoy

Sixteen-year-old Danny searches for his identity amidst the confusion of being half-Mexican and half-white while spending a summer with his cousin and new friends on the baseball fields and back alleys of San Diego County, California.

 The Living

After an earthquake destroys California and a tsunami wrecks the luxury cruise ship where he is a summer employee, high schooler Shy confronts another deadly surprise.

Carmela Full of Wishes

Carmela, finally old enough to run errands with her brother, tries to think of the perfect wish, while his wish seems to be that she stayed home.

Superman: Dawnbreaker (DC Icons Series)

"Before he becomes Superman, Clark Kent must save his hometown of Smallville"—

FIND ALL OF de la Peña'S BOOKS

We’re into week 2 of Community Read 2019 and couldn’t be more excited with the number of people pledging to the program, along with all the events and programs that happened in the first week. We’re well on our way to reaching more than 100,000 people in our community.  And Week 2 promises more programs, more events and more strengthening of our community.

We have great news to share! Because of our outstanding sponsors, we have additional free books of The Hate U Give available – while supplies last.  Check with your local Library location on availability.

Open Books. Open Minds.

There’s still time to join in conversations and let your voice be heard.   Read the books, share your thoughts and create a stronger Charlotte. This year’s complete selection of companion titles with related themes are:

• For adults and teens: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 
• For middle grades:  Wishtree by Katherine Applegate 
• For young children:  Love by Matt de la Peña 

Be part of the community’s biggest book club. Pledge online and start participating. Remember: all three titles are available at Library locations in print and digital formats. Looking to read online? The Library expanded its digital license to permit simultaneous downloads of audiobooks and e-books during the month of March for The Hate U Give. This means you don’t have to wait to read the book!

Be a part of the conversation, events and programs taking place around The Hate U Give and its relevant themes during Week 2. Use your voice and help change the narrative of our community. Here is a list of just some of the events going on around Mecklenburg County:
 

Adults and teens: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

Community Read: From Page to Screen: The Hate U Give
Monday, March 11, 2019 – 5 p.m. at Sugar Creek Library
Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what's right. This movie is rated PG - 13. Learn more 

Community Read: The Hate U Give Teen Music Club
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 – 4 p.m. at West Boulevard Library
Are you interested in learning more about music creation? Join us for a special discussion on how music plays a role in The Hate U Give and create a playlist for Starr. Learn more

Culture & Kicks: The Intersection of Sneaker Culture and Social Justice 
Saturday, March 15, 2019 – 7 p.m. at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Join us for a conversation, exploring the ways sneaker culture and social justice intersect in The Hate U Give. The talk explores how Angie Thomas uses hip-hop culture in her text and film to address police brutality and how African Americans use sneaker culture as a means of expression and communication.   Learn more

K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace Talk Back
Sunday, March 16, 2019 – 12 p.m. at Levine Museum of the New South
K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace is a community-created exhibit about police-involved shootings throughout the nation and in Charlotte. At the Levine Museum of the New South, participants will tour the K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace exhibit in a self-guided experience for 30 minutes, which will be followed by a 30-minute reflective conversation, a Talk Back, with a Levine Museum of the New South educator. Learn more

Community Read: Now Showing: The Hate U Give
Sunday, March 16, 2019 – 2 p.m. at Davidson Library
Whether you already love the book or want to watch the movie before reading it, join us for the film adaptation of The Hate U Give. See the story brought to life! This movie is rated PG-13. Learn more

Middle Grades: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Community Read: Drop-in Wishtree activity
Sunday, March 10, 2019 – All day at Morrison Regional
Come write a wish to put on our wish tree! We will collect all the wishes to create an art piece at the end of March. Learn more

Community Read: LEGO Program Wishtree Edition
Monday, March 11, 2019 – 5 p.m. Independence Regional, IB Community Room
This month at LEGO Club we will be celebrating nature and community as we talk about the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. We will learn about trees and their importance in our community and build nature scenes with our Legos. Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree Nature Stations
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 – 4:30 p.m. Scaleybark Library
Develop literacy and critical thinking skills through books and hands-on activities. Join us as we explore our Community Read selection Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Participants will visit nature-themed stations where everyone can make and take their own nature journal, do leaf rubbings, contribute a wish of their own to the library's Wish tree and more! Registration is required. Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree School-Aged Nature Journal Program
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – 1 p.m. at Sugar Creek, Community Room AB
Develop literacy and critical thinking skills through books and hands-on activities. This month the theme will be our Community Read selection, Wishtree. Learn more

Community Read Homeschool Book Club: Wishtree
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – 2 p.m. at Steele Creek, Community Room 
This month we will be discussing Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate. For homeschool students ages 8 to 11. Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – 2:30 p.m. at West Boulevard, Community Room AB
School's out early today, so join us in decorating our wish tree with wishes. Let's celebrate one book, one week, one community! Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree Rookie Science: Forestry
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – 3:00 p.m. at South County Regional, West Boulevard, Community Room 
Smokey the Bear and forester Jason will be here to talk to children about forestry, ecology and trees in NC. Program based on the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. This program is part of our Community Read. Learn more

Community Read: Wishtree: Nature Journals and Trees
Saturday, March 16, 2019 – 2:00 p.m. at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, The Round
Develop literacy and critical thinking skills through books and hands-on activities. This program will be about our Community Read selection, Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. We will learn about the importance of trees in our community and make nature journals to take home. Participants can also receive a free hickory tree sapling from Trees Charlotte to take home and plant! Registration is not required, but space is limited to 30 participants. Learn more

Community Read- Children's Writing Group: Wishtree
Saturday, March 16, 2019 – 3:00 p.m. at Morrison Regional, Children's Programming Room
Collaborate with other kids as you share your writing, give and receive feedback, and support others through the writing process. Strengthen your writing skills through engaging in hands-on activities. We will focus on the Community Read selection, Wishtree, and learn about nature journal writing. Registration is required and begins February 20th. Learn more

Children: Love by Matt de la Peña 

Community Read: The Love Scavenger Hunt
Monday, March 11, 2019 – All day at Myers Park
Drop in and participate in our special literacy scavenger hunt activity inspired the children's picture book Love by Matt de la Peña. Complete this activity and receive a prize! Learn more

Community Read Family Storytime: Love
Monday, March 11, 2019 – 10 a.m. Davidson Library
Bring the family and join us as we read Love by Matt de la Peña. We will also have songs, rhymes, and movement activities featuring love in all its different forms. Learn more

Community Read Community Helper Storytime: Love
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – 10:30 a.m. at Independence Library
Bring the family and join us as we read Love by Matt de la Peña and other stories with your favorite community helpers. Learn more

Dia duit ar maidin!  That’s “Good morning!” in Irish.  In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, we are sharing all things Irish from our collection! 

Library staff will march and toss out candy in the 23^rd annual Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 16, 2019.  Give us a cheer as we pass by, and then swing by Main Library or ImaginOn: the Joe and Joan Martin Center.  We're open until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Host your own St. Patrick’s Day party or Ireland “staycation” with these resources available with your library card:

• Dance an Irish jig to traditional music from Hoopla. 
• Learn Irish phrases or choose from more than 40 languages with Mango Languages. 
• Download the latest Ireland travel guides (and save room in your suitcase if you’re planning a trip).   
• Find out if castle living is for you with Minding Our Manors.
• Visit a pub without the hangover when you watch A Proper Pint. 
• Cook recipes from The Irish Pub Cookbook or An Irish Country Cookbook.

Ireland is more than just St. Patrick’s Day. It’s also birthplace to renowned authors like James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, and Oscar Wilde.  If a good fiction book is more your style, try these other authors with Irish roots:

• Emma Donoghue’s Room was the basis for the Academy Award-winning DVD; check out her other works.
• Crime and suspense fans will enjoy Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, Adrian McKinty’s Sean Duffy series, or Jo Spain’s Inspector Tom Reynolds series.
• Barry’s work includes Man Booker Prize winner Days Without End.
• American authors Anne McCaffrey and Tana French were both born in the United States but resided in Ireland. 

Young Adult and Children

• Michael Scott’s The Alchemist is a fresh take on mythology. 
• Artemis Fowl does not hit movie theaters until August. Until then, read the book and catch up on Eoin Colfer's other novels. 
• Fairies, Irish folk music, and fantasy collide in Kate Thompson’s trilogy.

You can also search for Irish authors and more using our resource NoveList Plus.

Teens will want to celebrate with the Teen Geek Club at our Mint Hill Library Monday, March 18 at 4:00 p.m.; we’ll celebrate all things Irish!

Parents and caregivers will want to bookmark this list of storytime suggestions for toddlers and preschoolers.   

And also during March, we’re reading The Hate U Give as part of the 2019 Community Read.  Take the pledge, download the book, or find an event near you today. 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is thrilled to partner with Biblioboard in launching the NORTH CAROLINA AUTHOR PROJECT.  From April 1, 2019 -May 31, 2019, North Carolina authors will be able to submit their unpublished or indie-published work for review by Library Journal and state judges. 

Winners will receive:

• $500 each in Adult and Young Adult categories
• Honors at the Public Library Association Conference 2020 reception in Nashville
• Opportunities to promote your book(s) at North Carolina public libraries
• Inclusion in a full-page print spread in Library Journal

Each book that is submitted must be:

• Indie-published or unpublished
• In an Adult Fiction or Young Adult Fiction genre
• Written by a North Carolina resident
• Available in either ePUB or PDF file

Submitting Your E-Book

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers two free resources, Pressbooks and SELF-e to create and upload professional-quality e-book and print ready files in ePUB, MOBI, and PDF formats. Using these resources, you can submit your book for review! See below for more information on these resources, or attend an in-person training at a library branch.*

Pressbooks is an easy-to-use online software that allows you to create professional-quality e-book and print ready files in ePUB, MOBI, and PDF formats.

SELF-e is a self-publishing program where local indie authors can share and publish their e-book through the Library.

If you do not wish to submit via Self-E or do not have a valid library card number with us,  there will also be a separate submission page available for a direct upload. However, you can easily apply for an online library card here if you live in Mecklenburg County.

Questions?

If you have questions, you can call your local library branch, or email [email protected].

*In person trainings on Self-E & Pressbooks are open for registration. Click here to register.