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Summer VolunTeen Applications Opening Soon - Apply Today

April 15, 2025

Looking to earn community service hours this summer as a teen volunteer? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is looking for responsible teens (ages 13-17) who enjoy working with the public, helping others, and giving back to their community. Applications open today, April 15th, at 3:30pm, which is when teens will be able to view available opportunities and apply. Applications will be accepted until the end of the month or until a branch reaches capacity. 

 

If you do not see a position posted for your preferred location, then a position is no longer available, and you will need to apply to another location. While there are a limited number of opportunities, almost all locations are participating in this program. Teens may only apply to one location per semester. Please note that applying does not guarantee a position. 

 

After you apply, someone from the library will contact you to set up an interview if you meet qualifications. If you wish to inquire about your application, please reach out to the branch where you applied to follow up. Please apply on the Volunteer page. Click on Become a Volunteer and search for “Summer VolunTeen” opportunities. 

 

Still have questions? Check our VolunTeen FAQs for more details! We look forward to seeing your application soon! 

Don’t Throw That Away! A Spring-Cleaning Guide to Preserving Your Family History

April 16, 2025

This blog post was originally written by  Shelia Bumgarner, edited and updated by Chauna Carr, RSCR Digital Production Librarian 

Spring is a time for fresh starts and often, fresh piles of old stuff! While you’re sorting through closets, attics, and boxes of family mementos this season, don’t be too quick to toss things out. Some of those forgotten items may be more than just clutter; they could be important pieces of your family’s story or local history.

 

The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is here to help you figure out what to keep, what to toss, and what to consider donating. Plus, we’ll share how you can preserve those meaningful items for years to come.

 

What to Keep (and How to Keep It Safe)

 

Not sure if something’s worth keeping? When in doubt, hold onto anything with:

  • Names, dates, or locations written on it
  • Local or regional relevance (especially Charlotte/Mecklenburg County)
  • Clear connections to your family’s story
  • Visual or handwritten elements—photos, letters, drawings, etc.

Once you've decided to keep something, follow these basic care tips:

 

1. Handle items with care 
Use two hands when lifting fragile objects and avoid excessive bending or folding. Take your time when turning pages, unrolling documents, or unfolding old fabrics. If it feels brittle, it probably is.

 

2. Wear gloves 
Nitrile gloves are best for handling photographs, negatives, or anything with delicate surfaces. Clean, dry hands work in a pinch. And don’t forget to identify who’s in your photographs—use a soft pencil on the back, not ink! 

3. Work in a clean space 
Keep snacks, drinks, and clutter far away from your materials. Work on a clean, flat surface with plenty of light and room to move things gently.  

4. Skip the tape and glue and metal fasteners. 
Avoid using adhesives like Scotch tape, rubber cement, and Elmer’s glue. These can yellow, dry out, and stain your materials over time. If something needs repair, use archival-quality products or consult a conservator. Steer clear of metal fasteners like paper clips, staples, and pins. These can rust, snag, or tear delicate documents. Instead, use plastic paper clips or archival-quality folders to group materials safely. 

5. Store smart 
Acid-free boxes, folders, and sleeves provide the best protection. Don’t overstuff boxes, and remember: books, diaries, and albums should be stored flat—not upright, to prevent stress on the spine. Label clearly and store in a cool, dry, and dark space (think bedroom closet or under-the-bed storage). 

 

🚫 Avoid attics, basements, garages, and direct sunlight.

6. Document as you go 
Context is everything! A photo is more meaningful when you know who's in it, when it was taken, and why it matters. Jot down family stories, memories, names, and places while they’re still fresh in your mind—your future relatives will thank you.

 

What to Toss (With a Second Look)

We get it, not everything can (or should) be saved. But before you haul that box to the curb, consider:

  • Other homes for your stuff: Thrift stores, vintage shops, and specialty museums might want household items like linens, furniture, or art.
  • Appraisals: If an item looks valuable or unusual, it may be worth getting it professionally appraised.
  • Historical societies: Even if the Carolina Room can’t accept an item, other institutions might.

 

If your family materials help tell the story of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County, we’d love to hear from you. The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room collects:

  • Audiovisuals and home videos  
  • Business, club, and organization records
  • Family papers and correspondence
  • Maps and manuscripts
  • Music (recorded or produced in Charlotte)
  • Photographs and postcards

*All items must relate to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County history.

 

What we typically do not collect:

  • Family Bibles (except copies of genealogical pages)
  • Newspapers, Textbooks or Magazines (unless historical)
  • Polaroids, large scrapbooks, or oversized 3D items
  • Clothing or textiles (i.e. bedding, quilts, uniforms)

 

If you have something to share or want to learn more, email us at [email protected].  

You can also explore our archival collections and digitized materials anytime by browsing our Finding Aids and The Vault. 

 

Cover image caption: Members of Project ME Chapter participate in a clean-up at Keyway Apartments, c. 1975. African American Album Image Collection, AA.2004.05.0855.16, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week April 20-26, 2025 with the Library

April 16, 2025

This blog was written by Chauna Wall, Volunteer Coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

 

Volunteering is vital, an essential workforce to a community’s wellbeing. So many local and national programs from education to disaster relief to the arts are underpinned by the contributions of volunteers. Volunteers of all ages foster a community of connection and engagement.

 

Today we enter a week-long celebration called  National Volunteer Week  which runs from  April 20 - April 26, 2025  

 

During this week we take the opportunity to shine a light on the people that inspire us to serve for the benefit of the greater good.   Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When you answer the call to make a difference, we make progress in “Improving Lives and Building a Stronger Community”,  our core mission.

 

We celebrate our volunteers for giving their time and talents to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the many volunteers who stand with us in promoting inclusion, education and literacy to the entire community.

 

Every day our volunteers inspire us and help us create a more educated and literate community. Never doubt you make a measurable difference. Last year 1,235 volunteers gave us over 25,000 hours which equates to a value of over $800,000! 

Arthur “Buzzy” W.
Volunteer at South County Regional Library

 

Our Portuguese, Spanish, and English Conversation Clubs have many dedicated members, and we have become friends. We have become family.  We help each other by listening to each other and we make new friends.

Ashlyn W.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library

 

I appreciate meeting new people, making new connections and the ability to contribute and help others.

Becky G. 
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library

 

I worked for Mecklenburg County for 30+ years and I like giving back to the community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a great impact.

Carol L.
Volunteer at Independence Regional Library

 

I love being able to help make Library users feel more comfortable and supported.

Kathy M.
Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library

 

It feels good to think someone might enjoy reading a little better because I volunteered.

Kay L. and Jack L.
Volunteers at South County Regional Library

 

I volunteer because I’ve always read, and libraries give people an opportunity to broaden their minds. - Kay

 

The Library is such a multifaceted resource that anything that I can do to make it more available to the community is worth my time and effort. - Jack

Lance W.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library

 

Volunteering at the Library is a chance to give back. The staff at Mint Hill are wonderful!

Lee M.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library

 

I’ve truly been blessed. I have always loved to read. I feel like I’m giving back some of the good things people have done for me.

Marianne L.
Volunteer at Matthews Library

 

Library books have always been a part of my life. As I grew older, I realized not everyone had access to books at home, but the Library filled that need. What could be a better way to give back to your community than to support the Library?

Meg S. and Winnie
Paws to Read Volunteers at ImaginOn

 

Helping young people practice their reading with Winnie unlocks a new confidence in reading and speaking skills that opens doors forever.

Pam M. and Seneca
Paws to Read volunteers at South County Regional Library

 

Seneca's enthusiasm, bright eyes, wagging tail, and willingness to bathe for her favorite volunteer destination keeps us coming back! Belly and ear scratches are in full abundance as well!

Robert M.
Paws to Read Volunteer at ImaginOn

 

No child should feel shame or fear when learning to read.

Sarah M.
Volunteer at ImaginOn

 

ImaginOn is such an amazing and creative space for kids, and the staff is very welcoming and kind.

Steven K.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library

 

I love helping with Reading Buddies, the Student Success Center, Día and EpicFest.

Nora M.
Paws to Read Volunteer at ImaginOn

 

A child may come in and be afraid of reading, so they will just pet the dog. Ultimately, they feel more comfortable and will find a book and sit and read.

Alicia, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:

 

"I love children's literature, especially picture books with their creative writing and unbelievable illustrations. I also think children are funny. When you combine reading a funny book with a fun child...it makes the volunteer work a real joy! I love escaping with books and hope to inspire this generation to find joy in the words and illustrations of children's literature. Thank you to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system for making this possible."

 

Ben, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:

 

"Technology can be daunting, but it's part of everyday life. I want people to feel more confident using their computers and phones. I don't know all the answers, so sometimes it becomes a quest with the person attending a class or tutoring session to see if we can find an answer or solution. The library offers Tech Titans 50+ programs, which is offered through a partnership with AARP, and it opened more ways I could volunteer."

 

Bernice Mar – CM Library Logistics Volunteer :

 

“Why do I want to volunteer? A strong library system is a vital part of every thriving community. This is a way for me to be an active part of a meaningful presence...an engine of sorts...that I believe is an essential, life-affirming resource that improves the quality-of-life for everyone (including non-library patrons).  As a child, the library is where I discovered that books opened a new and exciting world of stories, language, images, colors and patterns. It was such a treat to come home with a stack of new books to explore! That positive experience contributed to and blossomed into a lifelong love for reading, writing, learning, and self-expression. Eventually that led to a longstanding relationship with the Mecklenburg library system and its programs after moving to Charlotte two decades ago. “

 

 

You will see our VolunTeens and our adult volunteers helping with the following:

  • Adopt an Aisle which includes families and children 12 and under.
  • Tech tutoring classes and one on one learning
  • Leading writing groups
  • Training to be Reading Buddies and help with Student Success Centers  
  • Prepping for branch book sales
  • Shelving, pulling holds and helping with morning deliveries
  • English as a Second Language programs  
  • Stocking Free Little Libraries all over Mecklenburg County
  • The ever-popular Paws to Read program where even your trained dog can volunteer!

 

 If I may give a grateful nod to those of you who help our staff shelve in the children's department (which isn’t for the meek), and a special thank you to the 28  staff who have taken on the role of Volunteer Point Person (VPPs) who guide and engage with our volunteers daily. They have worked diligently to make the Library a great experience for our volunteers.  

 

Thank you for being a Library volunteer and helping deliver the magic of books, stories, technology and lifelong learning. You are a treasured and valuable part of our story.