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Historian-In-Residence Dr. Tom Hanchett

Read more about Historian-In-Residence Dr. Tom Hanchett

Scaleybark Library relocating to a new home fall 2019

June 27, 2019

We’re excited to inform you Scaleybark Library will soon move to a new, larger home! This fall, we expect to move into our new location at 4429 South Boulevard, approximately 0.4 miles south of our current location. The new location is currently under construction, and as we near completion, we’ll have more information to share with you about Library services and about a Grand Opening date to celebrate.

Why is the Scaleybark Library moving? The new location is nearly three times the size of the current branch. This larger footprint will offer more room for programs, services, community and meeting rooms, and resources. We’re bringing you these changes based on your feedback, and with funding from Mecklenburg County.

As construction proceeds, we'll provide more information so customers can understand service options during the move to the new location and keep you engaged with the library. Your patronage is vitally important to us, so please stay tuned for more information. You can find updates on all Library building projects at www.cmlibrary.org/building-project s.

In the meantime, Scaleybark Library is still open and operating as usual at 101 Scaleybark, Charlotte 28209. This is the perfect time to stop in, sign up for Summer Break, attend a program, or check out materials. We value you as a customer and look forward to sharing the exciting changes to our relocated library with you when we re-open!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers enjoy summer time at Davidson Library in Davidson, North Carolina

Mastering Great Outdoors Month!

June 28, 2019

June is Great Outdoors Month!

Whether you’re biking or beachcombing, the Library has everything you need to prepare for your summer outside!

Great Outdoors Month began as a weeklong celebration in 1998 and grew into a monthlong celebration to highlight outdoor recreation benefits. According to a recent study, spending two hours a week in nature really is good for your health. It’s also free! We’re sharing our favorite ways to explore the outdoors this summer:

Johnny Molloy’s The Best in Tent Camping guide will help you find the perfect campsite. Download the book before you go for detailed maps and ratings.
Do you love the sound of nature but not the bugs or harsh elements? Stream or download your favorite sounds, like a peaceful mountain stream or the ocean with Freegal, a music service free with your library card.
Prepare for any outdoor adventures by with the latest digital issues of Backpacker magazine. Other nature magazines available on your mobile device or computer include Mother Earth News and Field and Stream.
Take a hike—literally—with recommendations from Backpacker Hidden Gems or North Carolina hiking guides in our catalog, also available to download.
Bring your school-aged children to a Parks and Rec program this summer at many of our locations (registration required). We’ve partnered with them to bring a little outside indoors with turtles, insects, and wildlife programs.
If you’re tired of roasting the same old s’mores, try something different around your campfire with recipes from The Campout Cookbook.
Summer is a terrific time to plant beans, tomatoes, and Brussels sprouts; get tips for your garden from North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook.
Pack a healthy snack for your next hike or bike trip with an energy bar recipe from Power Hungry.
Are you curious about whitewater rafting or mountain biking, but don't know where to begin? Joe Miller’s Adventure Carolinas is full of advice for adventure activity beginners.
Create an environmentally friendly and sustainable home with Building a Sustainable Home.
Dust off your bicycle and find new paths in Road Biking North Carolina. If your tires are flat, choose from our collection of bicycle repair manuals.
Teach children the skills you learned from Boy Scouts with The Young Adventurer's Guide to (almost) Everything.
Read Camp, a collection of camping and living outdoors stories, around a campfire in your backyard.
Take a copy of Fishing Essentials for Dummies with you and rent a fishing pole from Mecklenburg County.
Let the forest heal you! Learn about Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of healing forest bathing, with these books.

Don’t forget to log your outside fun as part of your Summer Break activities. The entire family can explore or play outside today with these suggested activities as we celebrate the Great Outdoors all summer long!

Meck Deck Parade in the 1920s. Held every year on the 20th of May, the celebration of the Mecklenburg Declaration preceded the importance of the Declaration of Independence.

Happy Independence Day from Charlotte, NC!

July 1, 2019

For many Americans, July 4 is synonymous with Independence Day. However, in one North Carolina county, Independence Day comes early, on May 20 to be exact.

Beginning in 1825, the residents of Mecklenburg County celebrated the writing and signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration which supposedly took place on May 20, 1775, a full year before the more famous Declaration of Independence. Over the next century, May 20 was the time when residents set off countless fireworks, dined at celebratory dinners at churches, civic organizations and fraternities, held picnics, conducted parades as well as patriotic pageants and hosted dignitaries, including four United States Presidents.

By the time July 4 came around, there was very little enthusiasm to organize and prepare for another massive celebration. Except for the occasional private affairs and individual public drunkenness, most Charlotteans celebrated the day either quietly in their homes or traveled to nearby towns where the activities were in great abundance. This continued for almost 125 years.

During World War II, local officials began to encourage citizens to organize events to celebrate the fourth of July. In 1949, under the leadership of the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans, Charlotte held its first American Independence Day parade. 5,000 people filled the street to watch the Plato Price High School Marching Band and cheered when they played “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Also, in attendance were members of the 504^th Airborne, veterans from the Spanish American War, members of a local cavalry club to honor World War I Veterans, and several trained goats. Twelve planes from the Air National Guard flew high over the city in special formation. Former WWI nurse and “DAV Sweetheart, Minnie Gwaltney was also honored for her continued care of veterans. Thus, began a new tradition in Charlotte.

For more information about Mecklenburg Independence Day celebrations, see: https://www.cmstory.org/exhibits/mecklenburg-declaration-independence/mecklenburg-declaration-independence

Picture of July parade from the July 5, 1950 Charlotte Observer.

Research and Learn

Read more about Research and Learn

A child reads books from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library at home.

Go back to school with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

August 17, 2020

August is here, and with this onset comes a brand-new school year, often with shiny school supplies, fresh uniforms, clothes and even a new pair of shoes if you’re lucky. For many of us this year, the back-to-school rush and necessities look different as school-age children will mostly return to school in a virtual setting. This presents new challenges. While you may not buy new uniforms or a new backpack this year, you still need to prepare for what’s ahead and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to support all your 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! If your child can’t make the live programs, you can find them archived online at your convenience. You’ll find many pre-recorded programs to enjoy too! Some sample program titles include: Make Your Own Animation, Magical Creature Book Talk and even Fireworks in a Glass. Invite your child to view our specialized content to elevate and extend their learning. Virtual programming is not limited to children in elementary schooler, it’s available for all age groups. Teens can join in writing groups, book clubs, trivia sessions and gaming sessions such 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 Mecklenberg 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 birth year). 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), Mango Languages (learn a new language) and Freegal music (for any planned or unplanned 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 (virtual) classroom.

Parent Learning Opportunities

Getting ready for the start of a new school year is not limited to children. Parents and caregivers can get back-to-school ready by learning something new too! Virtual caregiver classes are offered for a variety of age levels (children ages 2-5, students in grades K-5). Learn how to read WITH your child, and improve your child’s language, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Classes are also offered on how to access our digital Library resources for virtual learning. Build your confidence and meet other caregivers just like you- we're all in this together!

While the return to school this year presents new challenges, it also presents new opportunities. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is prepared to meet this challenge with you, 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!

This blog was written by Elyse Berrier of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Thank you to all of our customer for participating in the double Summer Break challenge!

Thank you for participating in the double Summer Break challenge

August 17, 2020

Thank you for participating in the double Summer Break challenge for 2020! We hope you enjoyed your experience with our new website through Beanstack.

We’ll be sending out a survey in a few weeks asking for feedback, and we would love to hear from you! If you have a great story about how participating in Summer Break helped you or your family this summer, please share this with us! We would love to hear inspiring stories of how reading and learning makes a difference in your lives.

Your Reading Makes A Difference!

Many of you may have noticed that you earned a “Giving Makes the World Go Round Badge.” Participants earn this badge when they reach 15 hours of reading in each Summer Break challenge.

Every summer, the Library gives back to the community by donating books to a local organization in need. This year’s recipient will be Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is happy to donate to CMS and we are thankful the school system will accept the contributions.

Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere Prize Pickup Is Underway!

Remember, participants have until Saturday, September 26^th to claim and pick up prizes while supplies last.

The registration prize of a FREE Wendy's Jr. Frosty coupon can be picked up at any library.

For completion prizes, customers must call 704-416-7200 to claim their prize before visiting a library. Staff can assist them with their accounts and any questions as well as give them the next steps to get their prize. Customers who earn a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupon do not need to call the line above to claim, just visit any Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch.

What are the completion prizes?

Participants in Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere earn a completion prize when they achieve 600 points.

Completion prizes are:

Babies/children: a book
Teens: choice of a book or doodle notebook
Adults: A Library tote bag

All prizes are first-come, first-serve while supplies last.

Ella Howard is an avid lover and user of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Finding representation and inspiration at the Library

August 19, 2020

"This was my favorite storytime because you look like me!” Ella exclaimed. “And the girls we read about look like me."

In a world where little Black girls don’t often see themselves reflected in mainstream media and art, something special happened on June 19, 2020. That something was when Tiffany Howard’s eldest daughter felt represented through literature and connected with her University City Regional Library Reading Buddy, Annese.

As the world continues to turn, caught somewhere between reeling and reviving itself from the coronavirus pandemic, the Howard family, like many Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers, find themselves pivoting to new, virtual ways to enjoy their neighborhood Library. For Tiffany, the gratitude runs deep.

A Charlotte native, psychologist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, wife and mother to two growing and glowing girls, Ella and Zora (a third grader and first grader, respectively), Tiffany recalls the impact the public library had on shaping her own love for reading while providing her access to an additional education. “The library has always been important to me,” said Howard. “I was excited to pick up books that I’d read while sitting under the cart while my mom did her grocery shopping,” she added.

Literacy and learning weren’t reserved solely for visits to her beloved North Branch Public Library (which opened in 1957 and served the Beatties Ford Road neighborhood) or trips to the grocery store. Reading was also important in her home and to her family. Even her brother would find delight in reading all the books on their great grandmother’s bookshelf. For Tiffany, reading was about self-discovery, and it still is. “We are intentional about finding books that represent our girls, our family, their beauty and our culture,” she said.

Today, Tiffany advocates for public libraries as vital, cultural institutions that provide integral resources to the communities they serve – resources from which she and her family continue to benefit. “We started with baby storytime, then we’d go afterschool to check out books,” she said. “Next, we moved to the Reading Buddies program in person and, now, online,” she added.

To others in the community, Tiffany finds herself recommending Library resources – from digital to programming to events, including storytimes, ABCmouse digital resource, the ONE Access program for CMS students and cultural events like the Library’s Black History Month Literary Festival. At that festival in February 2020, Ella received a custom drawing of herself from illustrator Gordon C. James, which is now displayed in her room. Tiffany also attended an Active Reading training a few years ago, which helped her husband develop skills to actively read with their daughters, further deepening their appreciation for library services.

Tiffany sees libraries as equalizers: they are a place for everyone, from all walks of life, and a space to learn and to belong. “Education is the most important tool to change the world and the library makes that possible for all,” she stated. “Libraries promote language, literacy, learning and more.”

Tiffany describes her daughters as artsy and creative and believes one of the most important things she can leave them with is a passion for reading and a legacy of learning. “It feels good, as a parent and an educator, to know that even when school is out my girls want to go to the Library,” she said.

As for the Reading Buddy session from June, Tiffany said Ella was grateful for the interaction, one-on-one time and the opportunity to see herself represented in a whole new way. “It made her feel special to talk to someone who selected a book and took time to read with her – who just so happened to look like her, too.”

This blog was written by Asha Ellison of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 8/24/20

August 20, 2020

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 8/24/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 8/24

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) Learn more

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming) register

Remote Learning 101: Library Resources to Enhance Your Child's Learning – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming) learn more

Stronger Together: Support for your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Podcast Discussion Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Tuesday 8/25

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) Learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) learn more

Getting Started with Microsoft Word – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) register

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Wednesday 8/26

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) Learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Your Voice Matters – 5 p.m. (Teen programming) learn more

Learning Circle: The 1619 Project – 6 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Thursday 8/27