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Do you suddenly find yourself working from home? Are you, like many of us, learning how to juggle work responsibilities with your kids’ schoolwork, figuring out how to stay organized, motivated and learning new software so you can connect with your coworkers (and, let’s face it – family and friends, too)? 

lynda.com, one of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s many digital resources, offers courses that can help you navigate your new at-home work environment. The great news is that it’s free for you to access through the Library’s website with your Library card. (If you don’t have a card, you can apply for one online.) 

Connect with Your Coworkers 

lynda.com offers courses on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Google Hangouts and more so you can learn how to meet virtually with your coworkers, friends and family. Instructional videos range from a few minutes to a few hours, and courses include links that allow you to skip right to the section you need most. 

Skills for Working at Home 

Search “work from home” or “remote working” to find videos on the challenges of working from home, time management, security tips, and how to lead and manage teams remotely. If you don't have time to scroll through all the options, click on “Learning Paths” on the left side of your screen to find a collection of courses that lynda.com has gathered for you.  

Once you’ve nailed this working at home thing, take some time to explore the rest of lynda.com. You’ll find courses related to animation, photography, music production, web design, business and marketing, and much more to keep you busy and learning while you’re doing your part to stay at home. 

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Here is a list of digital resources to keep teens well informed, educated and entertained.

Help with homework:

Gale in Context: Middle School: Middle school students can research their next topic to find videos, newspaper and magazine articles, primary sources, and more.

This resource is being offered temporarily by the publisher during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ebook Central Academic and Public Library Complete: Support your research with e-books on general nonfiction topics such as school & studying, career development, arts & leisure, and practical life skills.

Teen Health & Wellness Center: Provides middle school and high school students with nonjudgmental, straightforward advice and self-help support. Topics include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide, bullying, green living, financial literacy, and more. Submit your own writing to the “Tell Your Story” feature, take part in a poll, submit your questions, and see what’s “In the News.”

Testing & Education Reference Center (TERC): Create a free account to gain access to practice tests, including ACT, PSAT, SAT and AP Exams, as well as basic skills tutorials in English/Writing and Math.

tutor.com: Get free homework help in English or Spanish from a live, online, qualified tutor—up to 10 free tutoring sessions each week! Get help in a wide range of subjects including math, science, English, social studies and essay review.

NOTE: One Access students should enter your Student ID number as your username and your 4-digit birth year as your password.

World Book Encyclopedia: This dynamic and interactive online encyclopedia includes access to a Spanish version, e-books for homework help and research projects, and timelines of historical events. World Book Advanced, specifically for grades 8 and up, has been temporarily added by the publisher in response to COVID-19.

 

Entertainment:

Freegal: 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 (songs count as 1 download and videos count as 2). Streaming has temporarily been extended to 24 hours per day until 9/30/20 by the publisher. Once downloaded, the songs or videos are yours to keep!

hoopla: Access e-books, e-audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and tv. Hoopla has temporarily increased its checkouts to 10 per month but also offers “Bonus Borrowers” which do not count against your 10 checkouts.

kanopy: An award-winning video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films. During Library closure for COVID-19, you can view 10 items from Kanopy each month. Look for their “Credit-free Viewing” section to find films that will not count against your 10-item limit.

OverDrive eReading Room: Teen Collection: The OverDrive eReading Room: Teen Collection filters the Library's OverDrive collection to show only Teen content, which gets you to the titles you want faster! OverDrive currently allows up to 20 checkouts at a time.

RBdigital: Downloadable e-audiobooks and e-books in popular, literary, and classic fiction, mystery, biography and nonfiction. Filter to see the “young adult” titles. Due to COVID-19, you can have 20 items checked out with 10 requests. RBdigital also offers popular magazines with no limits.

TeenBook Cloud: An online collection of e-books, enhanced novels, graphic novels, videos and e-audiobooks, which offers teens all reading levels access to an amazing range of content.

This resource is being offered temporarily by the publisher during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Learn a Skill:

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center is a comprehensive resource for career exploration and planning that allows you to quickly find the valuable career information you need, whether it’s learning about a profession, school planning resources, or skills and career advice.

lynda.com: Online learning courses in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business.

Mango Languages: Language-learning with over 70 world language courses and over 17 ESL/ELL courses, featuring an engaging user interface, voice comparison, fresh design, foreign language films, and cultural anecdotes.

Universal Class: Online learning offering over 540 courses. Take a writing or art class, learn how to knit, improve your cooking or baking skills, or take Babysitting 101.

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Spring has sprung, and you know what that means—spring cleaning! Many of us are using this time to start cleaning out old closets, drawers, basements and attics.  

The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is here to offer some general advice on how to properly handle and preserve your family treasures.  

1. Handle every item with care. Use both hands while moving fragile items to prevent any damage.  
   
   
   
   
   
   Courtesy of Burke Museum 

1. Wear nitrile gloves while handling photographs or negatives to prevent natural oils from transferring to the surface. Be sure to identify anyone in your photos on the back so future generations know who is pictured. 
   
    

1. Keep a clean working space free of food, liquid, and any obstructions that could cause documents to rip or crinkle.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    

1. Avoid using adhesives that are not archival quality, like Elmer’s glue or Scotch tape. These adhesives will yellow and dry out over time. 
   
   
   
   
   
    Courtesy of Massillon Museum 

1. Remove all metal fasteners, such as paper clips and staples. These materials will rust and could permanently damage your documents. Try using a plastic fastener instead. 
   
   
   
    
   
   Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution 

1. Store your materials in properly sized containers (preferably in acid-free boxes and folders). Old books, diaries and albums should be stored flat.  
   
   

1. Arrange your family treasures in a way that makes sense to you, that will also be easy for future generations to access and use.  
   
   
   
   
   
    

1. Store your boxes and other family treasures in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid basements, attics and direct sunlight.  
   
   
   
   
   
    

For those who feel strongly about donating your family treasures to the Carolina Room instead, here’s a brief list of items* we collect: 

1. Annuals (K12 and college) 

1. Business records 

1. Family papers 

1. Clubs and organization records 

1. Manuscripts and correspondence 

1. Maps 

1. Music (recorded/produced in Charlotte) 

1. Historical photographs and postcards 

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

If you have any questions or want more information on how to donate to the Carolina Room, please email the archivist at [email protected]. To see what archival collections we currently have, take a look through our Finding Aids. 

Stay tuned for an in-depth program on spring cleaning and preserving your family’s decorative art early this summer, hosted by Independence Regional Library! 

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We’ve seen brighter days and, surely, we’ll see them again. As early as this weekend it seems.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you to stay home while staying connected to Library resources and each other with an all-day “In Living Color” virtual activity day on Saturday, April 11, 2020! Anyone can participate in this event, which features fun, color-themed activities and lists we’ve curated to help enliven your spring, despite our collective circumstances. You can enjoy all of the activities listed below from the comfort of home, on your own time.

Our commitment to improve lives and build a stronger community is not limited by distance and we hope that however you spend your weekend, you know that your Library is thinking of you during this critical time.

Come along with us for your personal adventure. You can post your photos and videos to social media, tag @cmlibrary and use the hashtags #CMLinlivingcolor and #icanwithCML. 
Remember, we’re all in this together.

So, what can you look forward to on Saturday, April 11, 2020? Try any (or all!) of the following*:
 

Go for a color walk

What’s a color walk? Pick a color of your choice and go for a relaxed stroll near home. Look for things in nature, and in your surroundings, that match the color you picked! Find color walk instructions here.

Spell your name

Have a long name? You’re in for a ton of fun this weekend! Choose the letters that comprise your name and complete the actions assigned to each one. You might not finish them all in one day, but, then again, you might. Besides, who doesn’t want to make an orange creamsicle smoothie or play a game of Trouble online? Click here to spell your name.

Get into the groove

Our colorful Freegal Music playlist is head-bob worthy. We encourage foot-tapping as well. Listen here (hint: you’ll need your Library card number or ONE Access ID to access this list. Need one? Apply for a Library card here).

Head to class

That’s Universal Class, if you were wondering. Sign up for a class such as Face Painting 101, Cake Decorating 101 or Digital Photography 101. If you’re going to be home, you might as well learn something you’ll love. Find the perfect class for you here.

Put on your game face

Everyone wins with this colorful game list. Don’t have a suggested boardgame on hand? That’s ok – we’ve thrown in some online games as well. Find a game you love here.

Recline and rewind

If watching a film or movie is more your speed, we have that covered for you as well. The hue-named titles on this list are a good pick on any day. Explore movies for children and for older teens and adults.

Let’s get cooking

Whether you know your way around the kitchen or you’re a novice to the stove, these tasty, vibrant and handy recipes will ensure your everyone’s favorite chef by summertime. Find yummy recipes here.

Get ready to read color titles

Are you an avid reader? Great! Because we dove deep to find the perfect books for you. Access your next favorite color-themed read here: Adult reading list, Children’s reading list, Teen reading list.

Have an active day and don't forget to tag your social media posts! #CMLinlivingcolor  #icanwithCML
 

*Please remember that borrower checkout limits apply for digital and online resources

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Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 4/13/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 4/13

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

 

Tuesday 4/14               

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)    LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m.   REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Matthews Fiction Writing Group – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Wednesday 4/15

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

History and Historical Fiction Book Club – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Learning Circle: Intro to HTML and CSS – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Basics of Active Reading for Parents – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Poetry Workshop (Virtual) A Journey Through the Senses – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Thursday 4/16

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

e-Resource Highlight Video for Adults – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Active Reading Mentor Training – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Books on Tap Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Friday 4/17

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

 

Saturday 4/18

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE
 

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When he was a boy growing up in Charlotte, Reginald Ardrey went to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to escape.

Now 69, Ardrey, who lives full-time in Oakland, Calif., but has returned to Charlotte to care for his elderly parents, says, once again, it’s the Library where he spends most of his time. This time, though, it’s not books Ardrey spends his time with – it’s the past.

Through the expanded free offering of Ancestry® Library Edition -- made available at all Library branches in December 2018 -- Ardrey has learned more about himself through unlocking the past.

“It’s opened up a wealth of information for me,” Ardrey said as he sat by a computer in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room in Main Library one November afternoon, explaining how his great aunt lived just down the street from Romare Bearden. “I found a whole bunch of family members I didn’t even know existed. I found out things even my parents didn’t know!”

Sifting through United States Census records (from as far back as 1840) on Ancestry as well as birth and death certificates, Ardrey was able to trace his family’s roots all the way from the mid-19^th century in South Carolina to today, where his mother grew up in Uptown on Alexander Street.

Ardrey’s great-great-great grandfather, Reuben Barber, Ardrey learned through research, was a corporal in Company A of the 47^th US Colored Infantry. For his service, his name is etched into a monument in Washington, D.C., that honors black soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

But it’s not only the past Ardrey’s unlocking through Ancestry. Through his research, Ardrey said, he’s found several living family members to whom he’s reached out, proudly telling them their ancestor’s name is forever inscribed on a prominent Washington monument.

Yet, it’s perhaps the future that interests Ardrey most. An avid gym-goer and self-described health-nut, Ardrey often looks for his family’s death certificates to see their causes of death. Ancestry revealed in the early 1900s, many of his family members died of diabetes-related complications.

Ardrey wants others to know about this free resource and the benefits he’s gained from it.

“Even if you weren’t interested in genealogy before, it can open up a lot of doors for you.”

There’s one thing, though, that evades Ardrey’s research, something he just can’t discern through Census records and death certificates.

“I wish I knew what kind of people they were,” he said.

Unlock your own history by accessing Ancestry® Library Edition for free online. Ancestry is extending access to the its Library Edition online for Library customers while Library locations are physically closed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Read one woman's life-changing biological discovery here.  

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Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 4/20/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

 

Monday 4/20

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Strange New Worlds Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

 

Tuesday 4/21              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)    LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

The Detection Club Book Club  – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m.   REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Wednesday 4/22

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

History and Historical Fiction Book Club – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Learning Circle: Intro to HTML and CSS – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Pocket-Size Book Club – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Active Reading Basics: Learn How to Help Your Child at Home – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

 

Thursday 4/23

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

e-Resource Highlight: Learn to Work from Home (Lynda) – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Active Reading Mentor Training – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Books on Tap Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Friday 4/24

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

 

Saturday 4/25

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

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Since we’re all home a lot more these days, movies are a great way to unwind and escape to another world. In addition to great e-books and e-audiobooks, hoopla has a great selection of movies.  All you need to join in the fun is your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or One Access ID!

Learn more about hoopla and checkout limits here. Need a library card? Sign up here. 

Here are the top five that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers have been streaming through hoopla digital:

1. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog (2010) - The popular children’s book is turned into a short movie. When Pigeon finds a delicious hot dog, he can't wait to devour it. But then along comes a sly duckling who wants a bite. Who will be the more clever bird? Run time: 7 minutes

2. Emma (1996) - Emma is a mischievous beauty who sets up her single friends. But-- she's not very good at it, and makes a hilariously tangled mess of everyone's lives, until she herself falls in love, finally freeing everyone from her outrageously misguided matchmaking! Rated PG. Run time: 121 minutes

3. Dragons Love Tacos (2014) - Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So, if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa...oh, boy. You're in red-hot trouble. Run time: 6 minutes

4. Daddy Day Care (2003) - Two fathers (Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin) join the ranks of the unemployed and are forced to take their sons out of the exclusive Chapman Academy and become stay-at-home fathers. With no job possibilities on the horizon, the two dads decide to open their own day care facility, "Daddy Day Care," which boasts some fairly unconventional and sidesplitting methods of tending the kids. As "Daddy Day Care" starts to catch on, it launches them into a hilarious competition with Chapman Academy's tough-as-nails director (Anjelica Huston) for the hearts and minds of the children. Rated PG. Run time: 92 minutes.

5. Color Out of Space (2020) - After a meteorite lands in the front yard of their farm, Nathan Gardner (Nicolas Cage) and his family find themselves battling a mutant extraterrestrial organism as it infects their minds and bodies, transforming their quiet rural life into a living nightmare. Unrated. Run time 110 minutes.

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Find the Library at Your Place: National Library Week, April 19-25, 2020

While Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has temporarily closed all locations to the public in the interest of community health and safety, we remain open for business online, providing virtual and online services and classes, along with extensive digital resources the Mecklenburg community needs now more than ever. The Library has been able to expand and increase access to digital content and have introduced innovative ways to continue our programming in a virtual and online capacity.

 

To highlight these efforts, we’re celebrating National Library Week April 19-25, 2020 with its theme “Find the Library at Your Place.” Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, our librarians and staff continue to provide a valuable role by never wavering from our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.

This year's theme truly aligns with our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community. It illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise as we move to online and virtual offerings. Libraries also normally provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Libraries are about more than just the services they offer; they are about the people they serve.

Library programs are designed to encourage community members to meet and discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies like digital platforms, online books clubs, and business research databases. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s needs are being met.

Celebrate National Library Week by sharing your library story—how do you find the Library at your place?

We invite our community to follow along, share and comment on social media at twitter.com/cmlibrary, facebook.com/cmlibrary and instagram.com/cmlibrary using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #CMLfindyourlibrary.

 

ShibSibs Serves as Honorary Chairs

National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Olympic medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani, a.k.a. the ShibSibs, are National Library Week Honorary Chairs and want everyone to know that they think libraries are amazing! Maia and Alex are two-time Olympic bronze medalists and three time-world medalist U.S. ice skaters and serve as the 2020 Honorary Chairs. KUDO KIDS: The Mystery of the Masked Medalist is the first in a middle-grade series that marks the writing debut of Maia and Alex Shibutani. The fun-filled, fast-paced mystery is inspired by the Shibutanis’ own familial bond and experiences traveling the world with Team USA. Available May 2020, the book captures the curiosity and life experiences that the ShibSibs share with their combined 1.4 million followers on social media channels and through their original YouTube videos.

 

Celebrations during National Library Week include:

• Monday, April 20: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2019.
• Tuesday, April 21: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
• Thursday, April 23: Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. #LibraryGivingDay

MAKE A GIFT TO YOUR LIBRARY

• Thursday, April 23: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to speak up for libraries and share your library story. #MyLibraryMyStory

We also invite you to support the Library - not only on April 22 but every day of the year - by donating to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

DONATE NOW

“Find the Library at Your Place” is a national campaign sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958 and is an annual April observance by the ALA and libraries across the county.