This summer, the Library worked to identify ways to support our community. We know we need to do more to live up to the promises we made in our June statement that systemic racism and inequity have no place in our Library as we stand up for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy. There is much work to be done to advance this effort, and we are here for all who are ready now to learn, grow, and support Black lives in our community.
The Library continues its work to provide unhindered access for resources and materials that support community connection. We are launching a new programming effort that Library customers can discover on the Black Lives Matter page on our website. This includes book clubs, learning circles, partner programs, storytimes and more all intended to help our community learn about why Black lives matter and why those three words are so important to say.
We all have opportunities to grow and better understand the people around us with different stories than our own. This will not be the only time the Library focuses on a specific group of people in our programming, but right now we need to name the people in crisis and stand up to say Black lives matter. It is imperative the Library continues to contribute to a community dialogue that helps advance the fight against systemic racism and provides that space where people can discover, learn, connect, discuss and grow.
Caitlin Moen
Library Director and Chief Customer Officer
Black Lives Matter aDDITIONAL RESOURCES
Black Lives Matter Merchandise
Purchase Black Lives Matter apparel from the Library from January 15-31, 2021. Use the link below to place your order.
Order Black Lives Matter Apparel
Programming & Events
Black Lives Matter programs provide a safe space for our community to discuss important issues related to racism, racial equity, and racial justice. These programs explore Black lives and experiences on a greater spectrum, providing access to quality resources and exposure to new perspectives. These programs give our community the educational tools to move toward racial equity and justice in Mecklenburg County.
We will offer book discussion, special events, community conversations, book talks, and more. Check out our calendar for events tagged "Black Lives Matter."
Recommended Reading
The Black Lives Matter program is supported through Library collections, focusing on digital with some additional print titles with Book Club kits available as well. For some of these titles, the Library has invested in “no-wait” simultaneous use licensing. It is important to make these books available to equip our community members in this work on racism and equity.
Link to recommended reading here
Featured Titles
Join us in reading the following titles each month and register for a facilitated discussion at one of our monthly book clubs. Evening and weekend discussion sessions are available.
Register for a Book Discussion Here
| Month | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| September 2020 | The 1619 Project | New York Times |
| October 2020 | The Bluest Eye | Toni Morrison |
| November 2020 | A Black Women's History of the United States | Daina Ramey Berry |
| December 2020 | Tears We Cannot Stop | Michael Eric Dyson |
About this Initiative
September 2020 – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announces a system-wide initiative to provide materials and educate the community on social justice and racial equity themes. The program, titled simply Black Lives Matter, includes book clubs, learning circles, book talks, and discussion groups. Customers can discover a calendar of events, booklists, Library statements, and other content related to the current issues of systemic racism here.