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Summer is a great time for families to spend time together and develop a love of reading and learning. Summer should be all about fun and our Summer Break program can help provide opportunities to read, be creative, develop social skills, learn new things, and so much more!

Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore is available online.

Summer Break includes five activities in addition to reading that help families and communities connect and learn new things. Play and Write are even Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy skills!

• Read books, graphic novels, e-books or magazines, or listen to an audiobook. It all counts!
• Create: try a new recipe, illustrate a story, make a time capsule, plant a seed, just a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
• Explore: discover a new library resource, find your new favorite book with our booklists, picnic at a park or visit a Storywalk, make the time to explore your world.
• Give: Here is your opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.  Help with family chores, clean up your neighborhood, chat with a faraway family member, the possibilities are endless.
• Play: dance to your favorite song, hold a mini Olympics with your friends, play a game, just have fun!
• Write: write a story, send a card to someone you love, practice writing your name (cursive anyone?)!

Summer Slide

The library offers several ways to prevent the Summer Slide. Over the summer, children and teens can fall behind on critical reading skills. The library is full of fun, engaging books. Don’t know what to read? Librarians are ready to help. There is nothing we like more than talking about books. Stop by your nearest library for recommendations or visit our online catalog. The library also offers a wide variety of programs: everything from online storytimes and book clubs, to programs helping you plan for college and career.

This summer, take the time to find the perfect place to read outside. Will you choose a park, a garden, your backyard, or some other amazing location? Take a picture and share on social media with the hashtags #cmlsummerbreak, #cmlibrary.

Comments? Questions?  

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2021 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program?  Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.  

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation with Spanish translations sponsored by Norsan Media.

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This blog was written by Angela Arnold, Summer Bream team co-lead for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Vacaciones de verano: leer, aprender, explorar

Del 7 de junio al 14 de agosto de 2021

El verano es un gran momento para que las familias pasen tiempo juntas y fomenten el amor por la lectura y el aprendizaje. El verano debería ser divertido; y nuestro programa de vacaciones de verano puede ofrecer oportunidades para leer, ser creativo, desarrollar habilidades sociales, aprender cosas nuevas ¡y mucho más!

Vacaciones de verano: leer, aprender, explorar está disponible en línea.

El programa de vacaciones de verano incluye cinco actividades, además de leer, que ayudan a que las familias y las comunidades se conecten y aprendan cosas nuevas. ¡Jugar y escribir incluso son habilidades previas a la alfabetización de “Todos los niños listos para leer”!

• Leer libros, novelas gráficas, libros electrónicos o revistas, o escuchar un audiolibro. ¡Todo suma!
• Crea: prueba una nueva receta, ilustra una historia, haz una cápsula del tiempo o planta una semilla; estas son solo algunas ideas para hacer aflorar la creatividad.
• Explora: descubre un nuevo recurso de la biblioteca, encuentra tu nuevo libro favorito en nuestros catálogos de libros, haz un pícnic en un parque o visita un StoryWalk; tómate el tiempo para explorar tu mundo.
• Da: esta es tu oportunidad de marcar la diferencia en la vida de alguien.  Ayuda con las tareas domésticas, limpia tu vecindario, habla con un familiar lejano... Las posibilidades son infinitas.
• Juega: baila tu canción favorita, organiza una miniolimpiada con tus amigos, juega un juego... ¡Solo diviértete!
• Escribe: escribe una historia, envía una tarjeta a alguien que quieres o practica escribir tu nombre (¿alguien sabe escribir en cursiva?)

Desliz de verano

La biblioteca ofrece varias maneras de prevenir el “desliz de verano”. Durante el verano, los niños y los adolescentes pueden retrasarse con sus habilidades críticas de lectura. La biblioteca está llena de libros divertidos y fascinantes. ¿No sabes qué leer? Los bibliotecarios están para ayudarte. No hay nada que nos guste más que hablar sobre libros. Pasa por tu biblioteca más cercana para recibir recomendaciones o visita nuestro catálogo en línea. La biblioteca también ofrece una amplia variedad de programas: desde cuentos en línea y clubes de lectura hasta programas que te ayudan a planificar tu carrera y tu universidad.

Este verano, tómate un tiempo para encontrar el lugar perfecto para leer al aire libre. ¿Elegirás un parque, un jardín, tu patio o algún otro lugar increíble? Toma una fotografía y compártela en las redes sociales con las etiquetas #cmlsummerbreak y #cmlibrary.

¿Tienes comentarios o preguntas?  

¿Tienes problemas con el sitio web del programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 o con tu cuenta?  ¿Tienes preguntas sobre el programa?  No dudes en hablar con nosotros en línea o por correo electrónico a [email protected] para recibir ayuda o comentarios.  

El programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg. Contamos con respaldo adicional de Wendy’s y de la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg, con traducciones al español patrocinados por Norsan Media.

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.

You have seen her. You may know her. She may even be you. She is fierce and fearless and amazingly resilient. She is the backbone of her family and a pillar in the community. She is unflappable, unfailing. She is incredible! She is the Strong Black Woman and she is…a myth. 

Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys penned “Superwoman” in 2007, a single from her third studio album, As I Am. The song, which quickly became a girl-power anthem, earned Keys both a Grammy and NAACP Image Award Nomination. It became the intro at WNBA games with a special video that featured clips of Keys performing the song in concert, interspersed with videos of players in games, practices, and personal lives. While the ballad is catchy, inspirational, and a mantra even, should it be? By listening closely to the lyrics, it becomes apparent, despite the façade, the heroine is overburdened with life and with hiding the fact that she is, in fact, overburdened. Sadly, the same is true for many Black women who strive to live up to the Strong Black Woman trope. 

On May 22, 1962, Malcolm X addressed a group of Black people in Los Angeles, California, in which he spoke to the plight of Black women. He said, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” This remains one of his most often quoted quotes by Malcolm X. The snippet resonates with Black women so much that Beyoncé sampled it in her 2016 Lemonade album. 

Often referenced without context, this highly quoted portion of Malcolm X’s speech was delivered during the funeral service of Ronald Stokes, a man killed by LAPD. The remarks were about Black women and self-hate and parallels an excerpt of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. She wrote, “The mule finds itself tortured and burdened with hardship for no reason other than the sake of burdening it. With no voice or agency of its own, the mule reminds her of the black woman in America who must suffer and endure.” But why must Black women endure? The stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community often prevents Black people from seeking professional help. Unfortunately, cultural norms dictate that Strong Black Women suffer in silence.

The societal stigma surrounding mental illness is not the only barrier preventing Black women from seeking help. Other obstacles include financial barriers and the lack of adequate providers who have experience with the unique circumstances that Black women face, among others. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Black women are more likely to report feeling sad and hopeless sometimes. Still, very few Black adults (men and women) receive the mental health care they need. 

Fortunately, people like Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, founder of Therapy for Black Girls, are working diligently to make therapy more relevant and attainable for Black women. Its website describes Therapy for Black Girls as “an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.” The site includes a blog, a podcast, and most importantly, a directory of over 800 providers throughout the United States. 

Mental health transcends psychological and emotional well-being. All too often, Black women take on too many burdens of life without adequate self-care, which can lead to problems with one’s physical well-being. Left unchecked, stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to obesity, leading to hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, and other issues. 

The idea of the Strong Black Woman is a conundrum indeed as there is inherent good in strength, Blackness, and womanhood, but when that ideology does more harm than good, solutions should be explored. Black women are often expected to pour so much into their families, careers, churches, and communities without pouring back into themselves. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” 

To learn more about issues affecting the mental health of Black women, please see the below reading list:

Mental Health Resources for Strong Black Women

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This blog post was written by Alesha Lackey, children’s services manager at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library. 

On Monday, May 17, 2021, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will move to expand services under Level 2 of its multilevel re-opening plan to include re-opening material book drops. Customers will be able to return items to the Library material book drops during and outside of normal operating hours, a move that aligns with current guidance on the handling of Library materials.

The Library will reinstate its Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) which allows customers to request items the Library doesn’t carry from other libraries for loan and with a fee of $2 per received item. Customers who originally submitted an ILL request between March 16, 2020-May 16, 2021, should resubmit their requests for processing. Requests for microfiche/microfilm remain suspended.

Note: Please be prepared to pay for fees by credit or debit card, online or in-person.  Library locations are not handling cash at this time.

Click here for frequently asked ILL questions

For more information on or to register for an Interlibrary Loan account, please click here.

The Library will eliminate the 24-hour quarantine period for returned items, following guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This means materials will move through holds faster for customers waiting “in line” for materials. Although the Library is eliminating its quarantine period for returned items, there is no need for customers to “clean” or disinfect materials.

For more information about available Expanded Level 2 services, please click here.

Customers can still enjoy holds pickup, the in-person browsing of books and materials and make reservations to use express computers at designated branches. Access to digital resources and participation in the Library’s many programs, events, services and more for children, teens, adults, Outreach and the Job Help Center remain available in online and virtual formats.

To find information about the Library’s exciting programs and events, please visit the Library calendar here.

Last September, the Library implemented social distancing and safety measures that included the installation of plexiglass safety shields at customer service points and the removal of leisure seating. Customers and staff are required to wear face masks or coverings as mandated by Mecklenburg County.  Library staff continue to remind customers to abide by the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) 6-foot social distancing guidelines. Please note: Seating remains unavailable.

Additional safety measures include:

• Regularly scheduled cleaning of facilities and surfaces in accordance with CDC recommendations.
• Self-checkout stations available for customers to check out their own materials.

The Library continues to incorporate in-person services in a responsible way that focuses on safety. Follow us on social media or visit the Library’s blog at cmlibrary.org/blog for updated information on the continued re-opening of services.

The Library will continue to open under these operational hours:

• Monday-Thursday - 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• ​Friday and Saturday - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• ​Sunday - closed

Note: The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is closed for in-person services, but remains open by phone at 704-416-0150 and online for virtual reference at [email protected] Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Here’s what’s available during expanded Level 2 services*:

• Face masks/coverings as REQUIRED per Mecklenburg County directives. The Library is aware of the May 14, 2021 Executive Order by NC Governor Roy Cooper lifting the indoor face covering mandate. However, the Library aligns its policy with the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) which currently requires face coverings while on County property.
• Managed maximum number of customers in a branch at a time
• Use of social distancing safety markers
• Ability to browse for materials
• Option to use express computers (through in-branch reservation only) at branch locations EXCEPT Cornelius, Davidson and ImaginOn Libraries
• Streamlined self-checkout designed for quick in-and-out and safe, socially-distanced interactions.
• Mobile printing is available for pickup from the branch. Learn more here.
• Wi-Fi access is available outside the facility 24/7
• Free mobile hotspots are available for customers to place on hold for checkout for seven (7) days at a time
• Materials and holds available for pickup inside the branches.
• All checkouts are self-checkouts. You can scan your card (physical or on the app) and the materials. You will not need to enter your pin.
• All material/book drops are open
• Programming continues online

*Services subject to change

Community and study rooms – room reservations are unavailable until further notice.

Outreach programming – continues online or virtual, as coordinated between our Outreach team and the organization.

Programming and events – all programs and events for children, teens, adults and the Job Help Center remain online in virtual formats. Check here for the weekly schedule or visit the Calendar page on our website. 

We’re here for you online or on the phone.
You can reach our online chat during regular operating hours at cmlibrary.org and click on Ask a Librarian. Our telephone reference team is also available during normal operating hours at (704) 416-0101, or you can contact your local branch location directly - visit the Branches page for more information.

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.

In my role as an Instructional Assistant at Druid Hills Academy, I have come to rely on the Plaza Midwood Library as an oasis. Books in the children's department feature characters that our scholars can relate to. They can see African American characters, Hispanic characters, animal characters, funny characters, and smart characters...characters that children can relate to, where children see themselves. An affirmation. Combing the shelves and finding Langston Hughes for children is joyful. What’s even better is hearing children read My People with conviction at seven and eight years old. Thank you, Langston.

The day the jury was announcing the verdict in the George Floyd murder (although I did not know this on the way to school), I had picked out the book Abuela by George Dorros. A grand tale of a grandma and granddaughter flying around a city seeing grandeur in trees, parks, stores, skyscrapers, and the like. We even learned a few words in Español. After the scholars read the story, I asked them to write about where they would like to fly and what they might see. Ah, the beauty of imagination! They flew over the world's oceans, trees, Memphis, Las Vegas, and parks. Then, a scholar called me over and said, "I would see the shootings." The scholar and I talked along with the class about peaceful ways to solve problems. NO GUNS.

I felt a heaviness the rest of the day and that evening that is still with me — always will be. The bigger challenge is why seven and eight-year-olds must carry that heavy of a thought at such a young age? Aren't these the years to be carefree? Not so much anymore. It’s not fair that young African American and Hispanic children have this image with them in their guts right now in school in 2021. As Langston wrote in, I Too Am America that someday and I quote, "They'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed."

Through reading library books, children share what is inside their hearts and souls and find ways to liberate the heavy, at least to start. There is so much work ahead. May we all work together to ensure children may be children once again.

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This blog was written by Stephanie Donnis, recipient of the Instructional Assistant of the Year Central One 2021 award at Druid Hills Academy.

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Welcome to Week Two of Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore! We hope that your summer is off to a great start and you are recording all the time you have spent reading and learning. As a reminder, Summer Break began on June 7, 2021 and will run through August 14, 2021. You can log all your reading here.  

Looking for some reading suggestions? 

We all know that reading is important, but did you know that children and teens who do not read over the summer may experience 2-3 months of learning loss by the time school starts back in the fall? Reading is just as important for adults, as it keeps adult brains flexible and nimble. Plus, adults who read serve as great role models for kids. That is why the Library recommends at least 20 minutes of reading per day for everyone – of all ages – all summer long.

We know it can be hard to come up with a great list of books to read, so Library staff are here to help! We have created new lists for summer 2021 for kids, teens and adults so you can keep your brains active. These recommended reading lists can be found on our website here. (After you register for an account or Sign In, select “Recommendations” in the menu on the top left.) This summer you can also sign-up to receive book recommendations though our Summer Break site. Keep reading and remember to record your time on your Summer Break account.

Here are a few examples of the many great reading recommendations available on our site:

Roar, Roar Dinosaur – Dino Books for Babies and Toddlers

These board books and e-books are filled with dinosaur stories for babies and toddlers.

Let’s Have FUN this Summer!

It's Summer and school is out! Don't be bored this summer. Whether you want to have fun outdoors, learn a new skill, create cool crafts or read stories about Summertime, you'll find something to keep you entertained!

Vacation Mode is On: New Summer Middle Grade Reads

Is your summer break finally here? If you're looking for a book to read by the pool, at the beach, in the car on your road trip, or just to read at home to stay out of the heat, here is a list of summer books that were published in 2020 and 2021! These books are meant for children grades 3-8 or ages 8-12. Many of these titles are available in multiple formats; click on the title for more information on availability.

If you’d like more help finding your next great read, staff at your local library can help with even more book recommendations. Also, check out NoveList Plus, an online resource dedicated to helping readers connect with a terrific title. Search your favorite title, genre, or author to find a read-alike, browse subject-specific lists, or try the appeal mixer and create a list of titles based on different book characteristics.

Exciting Programs

This summer, the library is hosting some wonderful programs online. Check out the available programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar.

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2021 website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Do you have a wonderful story about the library and Summer Break? Feel free to chat with us online, call your local branch or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback. 

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation with Spanish translations sponsored by Norsan Media.

Bienvenido a la semana 2 del programa de vacaciones de verano

Bienvenido a la semana 2 del programa de vacaciones de verano: ¡leer, aprender y explorar! Esperamos que este verano haya comenzado muy bien, y que estés registrando todo el tiempo que pasas leyendo y aprendiendo. Como recordatorio, el programa de vacaciones de verano comenzó el 7 de junio de 2021 y se extenderá hasta el 14 de agosto de 2021. Puedes registrar todo lo que lees aquí. 

¿Buscas algunas sugerencias de lectura? 

Todos sabemos que leer es importante, pero ¿sabías que los niños y los adolescentes que no leen durante el verano pueden perder entre 2 y 3 meses de aprendizaje para el momento en el que la escuela vuelva a comenzar en otoño? Leer es igual de importante para los adultos, ya que les mantiene el cerebro flexible y ágil. Además, los adultos que leen son un gran ejemplo para los niños. Es por eso que la biblioteca recomienda al menos 20 minutos de lectura por día para todos (de todas las edades) durante todo el verano.

Sabemos que puede ser difícil armar una gran lista de libros para leer, ¡por eso el personal de la biblioteca está para ayudarte! Hemos creado nuevas listas para el verano de 2021 para que niños, adolescentes y adultos puedan mantener sus cerebros activos. Estas listas de libros recomendados se pueden encontrar en nuestro sitio web en aquí (después de inscribirte o de ingresar, selecciona “Recomendaciones” en el menú de arriba a la izquierda). Este verano también puedes registrarte para recibir recomendaciones de libros a través de nuestro sitio del programa de vacaciones de verano. Sigue leyendo y recuerda registrar el tiempo en tu cuenta del programa de vacaciones de verano.

Estos son algunos ejemplos de las tantas recomendaciones excelentes de lectura que hay disponibles en nuestro sitio:

“Roar, Roar Dinosaur” – libros de dinosaurios para bebés y niños pequeños

Estos libros de cartón y libros electrónicos están llenos de historias de dinosaurios para bebés y niños pequeños.

¡A DIVERTIRNOS este verano!

¡Es verano, y la escuela terminó! No te aburras este verano. Ya sea que quieras divertirte al aire libre, aprender una nueva habilidad, hacer geniales manualidades o leer historias sobre el verano, ¡encontrarás algo que te mantendrá entretenido!

Ya estamos en modo “vacaciones”: nuevos libros de verano para alumnos de escuela media

¿Ya llegó tu receso de verano? Si estás buscando un libro para leer junto a la piscina, en la playa, en el auto mientras viajas por carretera o solo para leer en casa y resguardarte del calor, ¡esta es una lista de libros de verano que se publicaron en 2020 y 2021! Estos libros son para niños de 3.° a 8.° grado o de 8 a 12 años de edad. Muchos de estos títulos están disponibles en varios formatos; haz clic en el título para saber si está disponible.

Si quisieras más ayuda para encontrar tu próximo gran libro, el personal de tu biblioteca local puede ayudarte con aún más recomendaciones. Además, echa un vistazo a NoveList Plus, un recurso en línea dedicado a ayudar a vincular a los lectores con un título genial. Busca tu título, género o autor favorito para encontrar un libro similar; explora listas de temas; o prueba el mezclador de gustos y crea una lista de títulos que se base en las características de diferentes libros.

Programas emocionantes

Este verano, la biblioteca tiene unos fascinantes programas en línea. Echa un vistazo a la programación disponible en el calendario de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.

¿Tienes comentarios o preguntas?

¿Tienes problemas con el sitio web del programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 o tu cuenta? ¿Tienes preguntas sobre el programa? ¿Tienes una fascinante historia sobre la biblioteca y el receso de verano? No dudes en chatear con nosotros en línea, llamar a tu sucursal local o enviarnos un correo electrónico a [email protected] para recibir ayuda o comentarios. 

El programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg. Contamos con respaldo adicional de Wendy’s y de la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg, con traducciones al español patrocinados por Norsan Media.

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This blog was written by Whitney Lebron, Summer Break team member for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

NOTE: This blog was updated Friday, September 24, 2021 to include updates to branch hours of operations.

Find a book, have a seat and enjoy your time at the Library. Beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers can do just that at their local Library location. Just two weeks after re-opening material/book returns to cheers and applause from the public, the Library will further expand services and move to Level 3 of its multilevel re-opening plan

New services

Level 3 services include customer access to limited seating, expanded computer time for adults and children (by in-person appointment at designated branches), self-serve copier/scanner services and appointment-only access to the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room. Teen customers can also return to the Teen Loft at ImaginOn located at 300 E 7^th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Note: Occupancy limits are in effect at all Library locations. Limits vary by branch. Please contact your local Library location directly for capacity information. Click here to find a branch.

Additionally, the Library is thrilled to re-open the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, a popular and critical community resource, which closed to in-person visitors in March 2020. Located in Main Library, the Carolina Room houses historical and current information on Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and North Carolina. It also contains genealogical resources from all 50 states in print and online. To date, the Carolina Room is the largest collection of family history materials in a North Carolina public library.

Customers are permitted to book a maximum two, sixty-minute appointments per day in the Carolina Room. To read safety rules, policies and find directions for making an appointment, click here and select “Schedule Appointment” on the same page. For those who aren’t ready to return to the Carolina Room at this time, staff continue to provide virtual reference services including the limited copying of books and other materials (magazines, microfilm, maps, etc.) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For virtual assistance, customers can email [email protected] or call (704) 416-0150 during normal operating hours.

Continued services

Customers may continue to pick up holds, enjoy in-person browsing of books and materials, and can return materials to material/book drops during or outside of branch hours of operations. Note: Material/book returns are closed during closures for holidays, renovations, inclement weather, etc. Returns will be closed on the evening of the last business day before a holiday.

Access to digital resources and participation in the Library’s many programs, events, services and more for children, teens, adults, Outreach and the Job Help Center remain available in online and virtual formats.

To find information about the Library’s exciting programs and events, please visit the Library calendar here.

Branch requirements (Updated August 21, 2021)

Face coverings are REQUIRED in Library branches. Beginning Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, face coverings must be appropriately worn by Library visitors, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.  We serve everyone in our community, even the most vulnerable populations, and consideration for the safety of all is imperative.

Face coverings do not need to be worn by someone who:  

• Should not wear a face covering due to any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the Face Covering without assistance);   
• Is actively eating or drinking;  
• Is seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;  
• Is giving a speech or performance for a broadcast, or to an audience, where they maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from the audience (the audience is still required to wear a face covering if indoors);  
• Is temporarily removing their face coverings at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;  
• Has found their face covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle.   
• Under 5 years of age.
• Medical exemptions apply; those with medical exemptions can wear a face shield if they choose.
• Face shields alone (without a face covering/mask) are not acceptable.  Customers can wear a face shield if they are also wearing an appropriately positioned face covering/mask.

Anyone who declines to wear a face covering for any of these exemptions will not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition. Everyone is asked to tell the truth – and if they are healthy and able to wear a face covering – to wear a face covering so that they do not put other people at risk of serious illness and death.    

The Library continues to incorporate in-person services in a responsible way that focuses on safety. Follow us on social media or visit the Library’s blog at cmlibrary.org/blog for updated information on the continued re-opening of services.

The Library will continue to open under these operational hours:

Monday-Thursday - 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday - closed at select branches (After the Labor Day holiday on September 6, 2021, all regional Library locations will be open on Sundays from 12-5 p.m. This includes the following locations: Allegra Westbrooks Regional - Beatties Ford Road, ImaginOn,  Independence Regional, Main Library, North County Regional,  South County Regional, SouthPark Regional and University City Regional.)

Here’s what’s available during Level 3 services*:

• Managed maximum number of customers in a branch at a time
• Use of social distancing safety markers
• Ability to browse for materials
• Option to use computers for expanded times (through in-branch reservation only) at branch locations EXCEPT Cornelius, Davidson and ImaginOn Libraries
• Streamlined self-checkout designed for quick in-and-out and safe, socially-distanced interactions.
• Mobile printing is available for pickup from the branch. Learn more here.
• Wi-Fi access is available outside the facility 24/7
• Free mobile hotspots are available for customers to place on hold for checkout for seven (7) days at a time
• Materials and holds available for pickup inside the branches.
• All checkouts are self-checkouts. You can scan your card (physical or on the app) and the materials. You will not need to enter your pin.
• All material/book drops are open
• Programming continues online
• Seating is available
• Self-serve print/copier/scan services available. Fax capability is available as some branches. Please contact your branch directly.

*Services subject to change

Community and study rooms – Room reservations are unavailable until further notice.

Outreach programming – Continues online or virtual, as coordinated between our Outreach team and the organization.

Programming and events – All programs and events for children, teens, adults and the Job Help Center remain online in virtual formats. Check here for the weekly schedule or visit the Calendar page on our website. 

We’re here for you online or on the phone.
You can reach our online chat during regular operating hours at cmlibrary.org and click on Ask a Librarian. Our telephone reference team is also available during normal operating hours at (704) 416-0101, or you can contact your local branch location directly - visit the Branches page for more information.

Money Magnets, sponsored by Self-Help Credit Union, is a club for kid entrepreneurs that gives families opportunities to learn from local Black entrepreneurs. Our special guest entrepreneur this month is Steven L. Stack, who was a millionaire at age 31 and now works as a generational wealth strategist. He will be joined by his 8-year-old daughter, Nia, to share their experiences. They will focus on what building wealth means, no matter where you start, and how working well with the people around you can be a solid long-term way to plan.

Steven L. Stack, Financial Coach and CEFI  www.stevenlstack.com

This is the second program in a four-part series. It’s offered online from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26. Registration is required. 

Register

KidPreneurs in training who attend three Money Magnets programs, complete a business plan, and pitch their business idea in a R.I.C.H. Circle receive $25 in seed funding for their business plus a $25 Youth Savings Account at Self-Help Credit Union.

Money Magnets One-on-One Strategy Session

These individual coaching sessions are an online follow-up program to The Business of Family Business. Sessions are offered by appointment only and are geared toward helping kidpreneurs-in-training get one-on-one assistance with fleshing out their business ideas and learning about specific resources. Strategy sessions are open to K-5 students and their responsible adults who attended The Business of Family Business.

This program is offered online on Saturday, June 5. Register for one 15-minute session that falls between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

register

Upcoming Session Topics

Each of these programs is followed by relevant One-on-One Strategy Sessions.

• The Business of Caring (6/30/2021) -- Guest entrepreneur is organic product developer, Ayesha Murphy.
• The Business of Launching (7/28/2021) -- Surprise guest entrepreneur.

How It All Began

Money Magnets was one of West Boulevard Library’s responses to the Chetty Study, which highlights conditions that make it difficult for Charlotteans who are born into poverty to transition out of poverty. Money Magnets disrupts poverty by providing resources for economic empowerment to kids and their responsible adults in areas most likely to be negatively affected by this trend.

Alexandra Arrington, LCMHCA, NCC, BC-TMH   AlexandraArrington.com

Money Magnets was piloted as a start-up social entrepreneurial effort during the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s observance of Money Smart Week in 2019. It’s a four-session online program facilitated by Alexandra Arrington, a former kid entrepreneur herself. Money Magnets teaches elementary schoolers and their families about financial literacy, community-mindedness, and character education within the framework of business ownership. Reinforcement of literacy and vocabulary, building social capital, and encouraging calculated risk are also included. Perhaps the greatest opportunities provided are networking with and being coached by successful local Black entrepreneurs and earning a modest amount of seed money to begin their businesses plus a $25 savings account from Self-Help Credit Union.

Another benefit of our focus on kids’ experience with these concepts is that their responsible adults are also involved and work with the student to support their learning, as well as reinforce their own understanding.

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This blog was written by Teresa Cain, librarian at West Boulevard Library.

Refugee Support Services (RSS) is a “501(c)3 nonprofit post-resettlement organization that helps newly-arrived refugees make Charlotte their new home.”

Each week Emily Little, outreach specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, steps into the flag hall at Galilee Center where Refugee Support Services is located and is welcomed with smiles and nods, hellos and hugs. As she gets to the end of the hall, she stops at the “Love and Learn” room amidst cheers and shouts of, “Ms. Emily’s here!” Since 2015, Emily has visited the RSS “Love and Learn” program weekly to engage the children in storytime, read-alouds and early literacy extension activities. The children range in ages from two to four years old (often with some babies and lap sitters tagging along with the parents) and come from a wide range of countries such as Vietnam, Congo, Eritrea, Burma, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Iraq. There have been as many as 40 participants in storytime at once! The main goal during storytime is to give children and attending parents an immersive experience in English literacy practices. Emily and RSS Education Programs Coordinator, Anne Banks, have collaborated in presenting stories, crafts, songs and activities that follow a monthly theme. 

Over the years, the parents have received library cards from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and have participated in children’s literacy workshops on site including Active Reading and Every Child Ready to Read. The opportunity to work not only with the children, but the parents as well, has helped make this program successful.

The past year brought about many challenges, but Library services continued. Ms. Anne says, “Since March 2020, Ms. Emily continues to bring her warmth, enthusiasm, and knowledge of children’s literacy to the Refugee Support Services program participants through weekly Zoom sessions. Refugee Support Services has greatly benefitted from a strong partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and their Outreach Specialist, Ms. Emily.” The children’s smiling faces and familiar voices provided a bright spot and some needed consistency in an otherwise unstable year.

At Refugee Support Services, an agency whose mission is to, “facilitate programs and intercultural relationships that promote refugee self-sufficiency and enrich our community” partnering with the Library just makes sense. The Library’s mission is to improve lives and build a stronger community — there’s no better way to do that than through partnering with RSS.

The partnership and collaboration between agencies like the Library and RSS is a perfect example of our promise Accessible and welcoming to all, our public library celebrates and supports the joy of reading and learning, fosters exploration and personal growth, and connects individuals to each other, the community and the world. In short, we help people think, “I can.”

When community agencies work together in collaboration for a common purpose, the shared motto then becomes “We can!”

Booklists to celebrate the Immigrant Experience

The Library also has curated several booklists that celebrate the immigrant experience for all ages. Check them out below and grab any of the selected titles:

Children's Picture Books on immigration

Children's Chapter Books on immigration

Teen Books on Immigration

Adult books on Immigration

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This blog was written by Emily Little, outreach specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month is May and serves as a destined time to identify the historic and cultural achievements of this diverse population within the United States largely consisting of Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese residents. The Library can help as it offers books, ebooks, streaming videos and more about this community. 

One way is through the library booklist specifically entitled for AAPI month with 32 titles for multiple ages. Another related booklist with 12 titles for adult readers is Asian American Authors to Celebrate Heritage Month.    

Access AAPI Month Booklist          Access AAPI Adult Booklist

This year, that observation takes a heightened alert as concerned individuals nationally and locally have drawn attention to the rise in instances of hate and violence directed towards Asian Americans. Tragically, these citizens are being accused and blamed by some for the outbreak of the coronavirus disease. 

On May 17, The Charlotte Observer published a guest editorial column from a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student about the urgency to protect Asian Americans locally. The column also included signatures from a city county member, county commissioner and several officers of associations affiliated with the Indian, Chinese and Asian American communities. The article concluded with a charge to encourage Charlotteans to extend their “Southern hospitality” to protect and to share awareness about the rise of anti-Asian violence. 

Regrettably, that violence has occurred as reported in local news when an Asian grocery store owner was shot in east Charlotte by an assailant intent on inflicting bodily harm last month. On the national news scale, President Joe Biden signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act last Thursday, as a response to the growth of violence against Asian Americans related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

To delve further into the background of the AAPI community’s assimilation into the United States and, conversely, its bouts with periods of racism then look at the booklist entitled “Experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” with newer titles from the Library collection.

Access Experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Booklist

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