Research & Learn: Search
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has the tools you need for any research or informational need. The Library provides free access to newspaper and magazine articles, homework help, genealogy, job and career help, financial resources, and more. These resources help you find quality materials that you can trust.
Please note, some resources require your library card or ONE Access ID number and PIN to access resources outside the Library.
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*Periodicals List
The Periodicals List shows full-text magazines, newspapers, and journals that the Library has access to and tells how to find them. The list includes electronic resources, paper, and microform holdings.
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Access Video Collection
Access Video Collection (by Films on Demand) offers thousands of high quality streaming videos on business & economics, health & medicine, humanities & social sciences, and science & mathematics, as well as travel and fitness programming, home and how-to videos, indie films, and popular music performances. Includes Oscar, Emmy and Peabody award winning documentaries, interviews, instructional and vocational training videos, historical speeches and newsreels.
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America's News (Newsbank)
Explore and stay informed on local and national topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources spanning the U.S., including The Charlotte Observer. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.
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Charlotte Observer
Newsbank provides library customers with digital access to The Charlotte Observer. Databases can be searched separately as well as together. Articles are searchable by name, keyword or phrase.
Included in our access:
- Charlotte Observer (Historical access, 1886-1984) is an image database.*
- Charlotte Observer, The (NC) is a text database** and provides access from 1985 to the current date.
- Charlotte Observer, The (NC) 2018-current is an image database.* Use this option to view the daily paper.
- Charlotte Observer: The Blogs (NC) is a text database** that includes all the blogs published by the Charlotte Observer from 2005 to current.
- Charlotte Observer, The Web Edition Articles (NC) are available from 2007 to current.
- Charlotte Post, The (NC) content is available from 2006 to current.
- Charlotte Semi-Weekly Observer (1892-1892).
* Image database: When you view or select a date, phrase, etc. the results will show an image of the article as it appeared in print.
** Text database: A text database provides access to the text of the article, but it does not include images or display that article as it appeared in print.
How to access The Charlotte Observer content with your library card:
- Use the ACCESS NOW link below. You will be prompted to enter your library card or ONE Access account number.
- Choose which database you want to search. Options are on the left side of the page under Shortcuts. Click “Charlotte Post” or “Charlotte Observer Historical and Current”.
- If you select “Charlotte Observer Historical and Current” you can search both databases using the search box at the top of the page. If you want to search a specific year, review the options listed under "Source" and click the link to the Charlotte Observer that contains the year you would like to search.
- Articles can be printed, saved as PDF or emailed.
Need help? Newsbank provides tips and tricks here.
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Charlotte Post
The Charlotte Post newspaper is minority owned and operated, and is a leading provider of diversified news, information, and entertainment from a Black perspective. Full text of issues from December 2006 to current is available.
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Comics Plus All Access
Comics Plus provides unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga for all ages. In addition to the full library, we also have a separate Children's Library and Teen Library collection. A library card and PIN is required for in library and remote use. Access Comics Plus in your browser or download the mobile app.
Getting Started with Comics Plus All Access
- Find Comics Plus All Access on our Research & Learn page or, download and install the Comics Plus app for iOS or Android.
- Search for our library name, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Select Charlotte Mecklenburg Library NC -Full collection. Enter your library card number and PIN.
- Browse the collection or search for a specific title.
- Hover or tap on the cover of the title you want to read and click/tap Read Now or Add to My Shelf.
- Read all the comics!
Watch this video for an introduction to Comics Plus.
Card RequiredE-Books - Find Comics Plus All Access on our Research & Learn page or, download and install the Comics Plus app for iOS or Android.
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Comics Plus Children's Library
Comics Plus Children's Library offers unlimited, simultaneous use to comics, graphic novels, and manga. The Children's Library includes access to early readers, picture books, and series like Adventure Time, Bone, Minecraft, and the Big Nate. Content in this collection will contain story intensity, action, and violence equivalent to typical G or PG rated movies. Recommended for ages preK-10. A library card and PIN is required for in library and remote use. Access Comics Plus by clicking Access Now or download the mobile app.
Getting Started with Comics Plus Children’s Library
- Find Comics Plus Children’s Library on our Research & Learn page or, download and install the Comics Plus app for iOS or Android.
- Search for our library name, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Select Charlotte Mecklenburg Library NC - Childrens Library. Enter your library card number and PIN.
- Browse the collection or search for a specific title.
- Hover or tap on the cover of the title you want to read and click/tap Read Now or Add to My Shelf.
- Read all the comics!
Watch this video for an introduction to Comics Plus.
Card RequiredE-Books - Find Comics Plus Children’s Library on our Research & Learn page or, download and install the Comics Plus app for iOS or Android.
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Comics Plus Teen Library
Comics Plus Teen Library provides unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga in all genres especially for teens. Content in this collection will contain story intensity, action, and violence equivalent to a typical PG-13 rated movie. Recommended for ages 11-18. A library card and PIN are required for in library and remote use. Access Comics Plus by clicking Access Now or download the mobile app.
Getting Started with Comics Plus Teen Library
- Find Comics Plus Teen Library on our Research & Learn page or, download and install the Comics Plus app for iOS or Android.
- Search for our library name, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Select Charlotte Mecklenburg Library NC - Teen Library. Enter your library card number and PIN.
- Browse the collection or search for a specific title.
- Hover or tap on the cover of the title you want to read and click/tap Read Now or Add to My Shelf.
- Read all the comics!
Watch this video for an introduction to Comics Plus.
All titles are available 24/7 for online and offline reading. An internet connection is required to browse and check out titles. You can download titles for offline reading via the Comics Plus app.
Card RequiredE-Books - Find Comics Plus Teen Library on our Research & Learn page or, download and install the Comics Plus app for iOS or Android.
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Craft & Hobby
Learn new or improve skills in painting & drawing, sewing, crochet, knitting, quilting, cake design, photography, wordworking, and fitness with online instructional videos and classes.
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freegal music+
freegal music+ is a free downloadable music service from your Library. freegal offers download or streaming access to more than 10 million songs, including Sony Music's catalog of legendary artists. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers get 5 free downloads per week and 5 hours of streaming each day. Once downloaded, the songs are yours to keep! Mobile and tablet customers, download the freegal app for iOS and Android.
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