Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announces the return of Community Read in March 2021 with a focus on creating a community dialogue around the themes of racism and social justice. Community Read is the Library’s month-long effort to have the community read (or listen) to books of current and relevant topics and participate in discussions, book clubs and events hosted by the Library and community partners. The signature title, I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, includes a scheduled appearance by the authors on March 24, 2021. Adults and teens are encouraged to read and discuss the main title, and the Library selected companion titles for all ages including:
You Matter by Christian Robinson (children)
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds (preteens)
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson (adults)
Everyone in the community can participate: read a book, share perspectives, attend a program, engage on social media and build a stronger community together. #communityread2021
Pledge to Participate CMS Students, click here to participate
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM
Participate in a program
Register for one of our Library and community partner led programs all month long.
Library-led programs and events Partner-led programs and events
Download the full calendar of March's events here.
Register for the Community Read challenge on Beanstack
Log your reading and activity time using the Beanstack tracker and track your progress. Log in to your existing Beanstack account from Summer Break or create a new one and take the Community Read challenge today.
Take the Community Read Challenge
Get a free Community Read title
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors Wells Fargo, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities, the Library is able to give away a limited number of books at our branch locations. Beginning February 15, 2021 customers can request a free copy of one of the four Community Read titles to keep.
GET A FREE COMMUNITY READ BOOK
Community Read FAQs
Have questions about Community Read? View our FAQs page.
Be counted!
We hope to engage 100,000 people - 10% of Mecklenburg County! - in Community Read 2021. If your book club, classroom or organization has discussed one of the books or participated as a group in a program, please let us know so we can count you!
Thanks to our Community Partners (More to come):
Carolina Youth Coalition • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • Central Piedmont Community College • Childcare Resources, Inc. • City of Charlotte Community Engagement Division • City of Charlotte Community Relations Department • Community Building Initiative • Communities in School • Firm Foundations Youth & Family Outreach, Inc. • J. Murrey Atkins Library, UNC Charlotte • James B. Duke Memorial Library, Johnson C. Smith University • Johnson & Wales University • Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation • ourBRIDGE for KIDS • Pass the Peace • Queens University of Charlotte’s Wells Fargo Center for Community Engagement • YMCA of Greater Charlotte • YWCA Central Carolinas
If you are interested in becoming a community partner to host events, discussions or events during Community Read 2021, please reach out to Meryle Leonard at maleonard@cmlibrary.org