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hoopla recently updated their audiobook experience for the Android and Apple apps and the hoopla website. You will see an enhanced interface, now on a single screen. Features updated includes increased playback speeds, sleep timer options, and a new car

Digital Tips and Tricks: hoopla Audiobook Experience Gets an Update

July 9, 2021

Do you love audiobooks as much as me? I’m a recent audiobook convert and am obsessed with finding great narrators and a juicy tell-all. I especially love books narrated by the author. Hoopla recently gave their audiobook player a facelift. Haven’t checked it out yet? What are you waiting for?

Hoopla is one of the Library’s resources that allows instant access to e-books, comics, audiobooks, music, movies and television – no holds and no waiting! Content can be streamed on computers, tablets, or mobile devices, and can be downloaded to tablets and mobile devices to allow for offline reading or listening any time. New to hoopla? Check out our Getting Started page.

The audiobook experience has been updated for the Android and Apple apps and the hoopla website. If your mobile device is not showing the new features, you probably just need to install an update. What’s great about the new audiobook experience is all features can be accessed from one screen!

Car and Activity Mode is a simplified interface with fewer controls and larger buttons for when you’re on the go.
Chapter/Book Timer gives users a simple toggle to switch between viewing the time remaining in either the current chapter or the entire book.
Playback Speed options have been increased to up to four times normal playback speed!
Bookmark Notes can now be added to any audiobook bookmark, perfect for book clubs or educational listening.
Sleep Timer has more options, including an End of Chapter option.

Read more about the new enhancements and watch a short video here. Happy Listening!

Access all the Library’s resources for free with your library card. Don’t have one? Sign up here! If you need more help with resources covered in this blog, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff are available to help by email, chat, and phone.

This blog was written by Amy Richard, digital collections coordinator at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

While many protests related to other subjects have taken place without many limitations, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been subject to extreme censorship by both police and the media.

Censorship and Black Lives Matter

July 12, 2021

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn more about the program and corresponding events here.

During the 20^th and 21^st centuries, widespread mass protests have become an essential element of displaying civic engagement in America. Topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, animal cruelty and gun control have elicited millions of people to protest. However, on May 25, 2020, the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin led to the largest protest in the history of the United States. Over 20 million people nationwide gathered to protest police brutality and racial injustice against Black Americans. While many protests related to other subjects have taken place without many limitations, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been subject to extreme censorship by both police and the media.

Even though most BLM protests were peaceful, calls for militarized police were requested on a national level and states went under lockdown in response. Consequently, the usage of pepper spray, tear gas and rubber ammunition further instigated violence. According to the Texas Tribune, during days of protests, police officers used pepper spray and arrested protestors, critically injuring one person and sending others to the hospital. An additional person had been trampled by an officer on horseback. These actions directly contradict the right to peaceful protest indicated by the First Amendment. Under this law, police forces are only allowed to contain individuals if they have witnessed them commit a crime, possess a warrant, or have probable cause. The intense scrutiny under the BLM movement has made it difficult for people to protest peacefully and the police officers that have been deployed on a national level has left protestors unable to use their voices for change.

Nevertheless, censorship comes in more forms than just government control. Last year, Ardrey Kell High School painted the rock in front of the school with symbols of the BLM movement, honoring the victims of police brutality and encouraging students to act. Yet just a week following this gesture, the rock was vandalized and replaced with hate speech. The BLM movement has constantly faced bigotry and the fact that people were so quick to stop others from speaking out illustrates the massive amount of censorship behind Black and POC voices.

This is not the first time the movement has been censored in a school environment. On May 13, 2021, an entire year after George Floyd's death, an Oklahoma School District banned students from wearing a BLM shirt, stating that “politics will not be allowed at school.” According to the National Coalition Against Censorship, students were required to turn their BLM shirt inside out and were prohibited from entering class until they changed their clothes. The school prohibited students from expressing political beliefs, violating the law established in Tinker v. Des Moines which stated that “students’ political speech is protected by the First Amendment”. At another high school in Florida, a yearbook was censored for containing views about BLM and was cited as being “too politically one-sided.” However, this comment seems as though it was only used to silence the editors, as what was posted in the yearbook only detailed the history of the movement and why it was started.

Fortunately, people have been standing up to fight against the censorship and have strengthened the movement in the process. When the rock at Ardrey Kell was vandalized, students organized a repainting session, inviting the entire school to collaborate on making an artistic representation of the BLM movement. Students who oversaw writing the yearbook at the Florida high school distributed a letter maintaining the political integrity of their article and reaching a middle ground to get their book published. In a broader aspect, journalists and protestors have been able to shed light on their experiences protesting and social media apps have been essential for revealing the truth as it is. As the protests continue and people begin to pay more attention to the movement, it is essential to fight back against censorship and show the world what the BLM movement truly represents — fighting racism, police brutality and serving justice to its victims.

This blog was written by Medha Kowndinya, she is 16-year-old rising high school Junior.

A child reads books from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library at home.

Go back to school with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

August 17, 2020

August is here, and with this onset comes a brand-new school year, often with shiny school supplies, fresh uniforms, clothes and even a new pair of shoes if you’re lucky. For many of us this year, the back-to-school rush and necessities look different as school-age children will mostly return to school in a virtual setting. This presents new challenges. While you may not buy new uniforms or a new backpack this year, you still need to prepare for what’s ahead and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to support all your back to school needs.

Virtual Learning Opportunities

Did you know that the Library provides a multitude of virtual learning programs to enrich your child’s academic and social skills? The calendar is filled weekly with school-age programming you can enjoy from anywhere! If your child can’t make the live programs, you can find them archived online at your convenience. You’ll find many pre-recorded programs to enjoy too! Some sample program titles include: Make Your Own Animation, Magical Creature Book Talk and even Fireworks in a Glass. Invite your child to view our specialized content to elevate and extend their learning. Virtual programming is not limited to children in elementary schooler, it’s available for all age groups. Teens can join in writing groups, book clubs, trivia sessions and gaming sessions such Dungeons and Dragons. While you get into your back-to-school routine, be sure to join a group and meet new friends.

ONE Access and Curated Lists by Grade Level

Every child in the Charlotte Mecklenberg School system can use their student ID number as their Library card number – this is called a ONE Access ID number (the pin number is your child’s birth year). Yes, you heard that right! It’s called ONE Access, or One Number Equals Access, and it makes it very convenient for your child to place books on hold or check out digital resources. Our Library staff have even created curated lists for students to read by grade level. Check them out here: Elementary, Middle and High School. Your child’s ONE Access ID number doesn’t just limit them to books. There are many e-resources to utilize such as Tutor.com (up to 10 free, live homework tutoring sessions each week), Mango Languages (learn a new language) and Freegal music (for any planned or unplanned dance party breaks!). The possibilities are endless with free learning resources offered through your Library.

Educational Support

The Library is committed to improving lives and building a stronger community – a lofty goal as evidenced by our commitment to programming and helping your child prepare for their next step beyond high school. Library branches offer one-on-one weekly virtual appointments with teens to discuss how to successfully plan for the future. Library staff members can connect your high schooler with resources to plan for a potential job or college process, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities. One-on-one virtual appointments are available daily for elementary schoolers as well for Reading Buddies, tutoring and enrichment! Feel back-to-school ready knowing your local Library will support your child’s learning beyond the (virtual) classroom.

Parent Learning Opportunities

Getting ready for the start of a new school year is not limited to children. Parents and caregivers can get back-to-school ready by learning something new too! Virtual caregiver classes are offered for a variety of age levels (children ages 2-5, students in grades K-5). Learn how to read WITH your child, and improve your child’s language, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Classes are also offered on how to access our digital Library resources for virtual learning. Build your confidence and meet other caregivers just like you- we're all in this together!

While the return to school this year presents new challenges, it also presents new opportunities. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is prepared to meet this challenge with you, fully equipped and ready to provide you and your school-age child with an opportunity to learn and grow. Take advantage of the opportunities that await you and your children this school year!

This blog was written by Elyse Berrier of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Thank you to all of our customer for participating in the double Summer Break challenge!

Thank you for participating in the double Summer Break challenge

August 17, 2020

Thank you for participating in the double Summer Break challenge for 2020! We hope you enjoyed your experience with our new website through Beanstack.

We’ll be sending out a survey in a few weeks asking for feedback, and we would love to hear from you! If you have a great story about how participating in Summer Break helped you or your family this summer, please share this with us! We would love to hear inspiring stories of how reading and learning makes a difference in your lives.

Your Reading Makes A Difference!

Many of you may have noticed that you earned a “Giving Makes the World Go Round Badge.” Participants earn this badge when they reach 15 hours of reading in each Summer Break challenge.

Every summer, the Library gives back to the community by donating books to a local organization in need. This year’s recipient will be Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is happy to donate to CMS and we are thankful the school system will accept the contributions.

Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere Prize Pickup Is Underway!

Remember, participants have until Saturday, September 26^th to claim and pick up prizes while supplies last.

The registration prize of a FREE Wendy's Jr. Frosty coupon can be picked up at any library.

For completion prizes, customers must call 704-416-7200 to claim their prize before visiting a library. Staff can assist them with their accounts and any questions as well as give them the next steps to get their prize. Customers who earn a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupon do not need to call the line above to claim, just visit any Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch.

What are the completion prizes?

Participants in Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere earn a completion prize when they achieve 600 points.

Completion prizes are:

Babies/children: a book
Teens: choice of a book or doodle notebook
Adults: A Library tote bag

All prizes are first-come, first-serve while supplies last.

Ella Howard is an avid lover and user of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Finding representation and inspiration at the Library

August 19, 2020

"This was my favorite storytime because you look like me!” Ella exclaimed. “And the girls we read about look like me."

In a world where little Black girls don’t often see themselves reflected in mainstream media and art, something special happened on June 19, 2020. That something was when Tiffany Howard’s eldest daughter felt represented through literature and connected with her University City Regional Library Reading Buddy, Annese.

As the world continues to turn, caught somewhere between reeling and reviving itself from the coronavirus pandemic, the Howard family, like many Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers, find themselves pivoting to new, virtual ways to enjoy their neighborhood Library. For Tiffany, the gratitude runs deep.

A Charlotte native, psychologist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, wife and mother to two growing and glowing girls, Ella and Zora (a third grader and first grader, respectively), Tiffany recalls the impact the public library had on shaping her own love for reading while providing her access to an additional education. “The library has always been important to me,” said Howard. “I was excited to pick up books that I’d read while sitting under the cart while my mom did her grocery shopping,” she added.

Literacy and learning weren’t reserved solely for visits to her beloved North Branch Public Library (which opened in 1957 and served the Beatties Ford Road neighborhood) or trips to the grocery store. Reading was also important in her home and to her family. Even her brother would find delight in reading all the books on their great grandmother’s bookshelf. For Tiffany, reading was about self-discovery, and it still is. “We are intentional about finding books that represent our girls, our family, their beauty and our culture,” she said.

Today, Tiffany advocates for public libraries as vital, cultural institutions that provide integral resources to the communities they serve – resources from which she and her family continue to benefit. “We started with baby storytime, then we’d go afterschool to check out books,” she said. “Next, we moved to the Reading Buddies program in person and, now, online,” she added.

To others in the community, Tiffany finds herself recommending Library resources – from digital to programming to events, including storytimes, ABCmouse digital resource, the ONE Access program for CMS students and cultural events like the Library’s Black History Month Literary Festival. At that festival in February 2020, Ella received a custom drawing of herself from illustrator Gordon C. James, which is now displayed in her room. Tiffany also attended an Active Reading training a few years ago, which helped her husband develop skills to actively read with their daughters, further deepening their appreciation for library services.

Tiffany sees libraries as equalizers: they are a place for everyone, from all walks of life, and a space to learn and to belong. “Education is the most important tool to change the world and the library makes that possible for all,” she stated. “Libraries promote language, literacy, learning and more.”

Tiffany describes her daughters as artsy and creative and believes one of the most important things she can leave them with is a passion for reading and a legacy of learning. “It feels good, as a parent and an educator, to know that even when school is out my girls want to go to the Library,” she said.

As for the Reading Buddy session from June, Tiffany said Ella was grateful for the interaction, one-on-one time and the opportunity to see herself represented in a whole new way. “It made her feel special to talk to someone who selected a book and took time to read with her – who just so happened to look like her, too.”

This blog was written by Asha Ellison of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 8/24/20

August 20, 2020

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 8/24/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 8/24

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) Learn more

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming) register

Remote Learning 101: Library Resources to Enhance Your Child's Learning – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (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. (Adult programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming) learn more

Stronger Together: Support for your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Podcast Discussion Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Tuesday 8/25

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) Learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) register

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

Getting Started with Microsoft Word – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (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

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Wednesday 8/26

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) Learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming) register

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m. (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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Your Voice Matters – 5 p.m. (Teen programming) learn more

Learning Circle: The 1619 Project – 6 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Thursday 8/27