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 online programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 12/14/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 12/13

Jubilee Presented by the Journalism Collaborative – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Monday 12/14

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

Concert- Music at St. Albans – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Mindful Mondays - Guided Relaxation and Meditation – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Parent Lunch & Learn: Building Your Child's Brain, One Book at a Time – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 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 - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Learning Circle: Childhood in the Digital Age – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Tuesday 12/15       

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's 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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.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

Creating Resumes for the Job Help Center – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Wednesday 12/16

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

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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 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

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Teens Live on Instagram: DIY No-Sew Masks – 5 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Thursday 12/17

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

One-on-One Ereader Tutoring – 10 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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Active Reading Training – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m.  (Children's programming)  register

Learning Circle: Functional Fitness – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)    register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Teen Fanfiction Writing Club – 5 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Friday 12/18

Family Storytime – 9:30 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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Mindful Friday- Meditation for Wellness – 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 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Saturday 12/19

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

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

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

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.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Engage 2020 Art and Activism series offers a glimpse into present-day artists who have shared their talents, and even lives, to create social and civic change. Last month, I had the privilege of interviewing local artist Sherrill Roland for the final installment of this series to learn about his work with The Jumpsuit Project. Roland created this initiative in 2016 to spark conversations around the issues related to incarceration and its impact on those who experience it — a subject he is all too familiar with. In 2013, Roland found himself wrongfully incarcerated just as he was beginning his graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His performance encourages viewers to address their prejudices towards those incarcerated, and it challenges widely held beliefs surrounding the practice of mass incarceration. Through his work with The Jumpsuit Project, Roland is sparking real change in his community by sharing his own story and creating a safe space for others to learn about the lasting effects of mass incarceration.

Sherrill Roland's performance was one of the most powerful programs I've facilitated this year as his story resonated with me on many levels. We have all dealt with incarceration's effects, whether through personal experiences or having to cope with its impact on our loved ones. Through my interview with him, I was able to briefly glimpse life through his eyes. This experience allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the trauma and personal tragedy my own loved ones have endured — some of whom are still facing the challenge of rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Roland's story is compelling, and sheds light on the numerous injustices faced by many people of color today. So many Black Americans have experienced injustices just as he did, and this must change.

I encourage you to take a moment to watch the replay of my conversation with Sherrill Roland and examine your own prejudices today. Building empathy is the first step we can all take to build a stronger and more just community.

Check Out the Interview Replay

Learn More About Sherrill Roland and The Jumpsuit Project 

This blog post was written by Cearra Harris a teen services librarian at West Boulevard Library.

Since quarantine began, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers have downloaded 126,683 e-books from hoopla! More than ever, this is a good time to relax and escape into a great book. Below you will find the top ten adult fiction e-books downloaded on Hoopla by Library customers since March 2020.   

Discover these titles and so much more. All you need is your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or One Access ID number!

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

On to the books:

1. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
   The hardscrabble folks of Troublesome Creek have to scrap for everything-everything except books, that is. Thanks to Roosevelt's Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome's got its very own traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter.
    
2. The Last Flight by Julie Clark
   Two women. Two Flights. One last chance to disappear.
    
3. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
   Two women-a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947-are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.
    
4. The Woman In The Window by A.J.
   It isn't paranoia if it's really happening…. Anna Fox lives alone-a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times….and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn't, her world begins to crumble-and its shocking secrets are laid bare.
    
5. The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
   Sophie Honeywell always wondered if Thomas Gordon was the one who got away. He was the perfect boyfriend, but on the day he was going to propose, she broke his heart. A year later he married his travel agent, while Sophie has been mortifyingly single ever since. Now Thomas is back in her life because Sophie has unexpectedly inherited his aunt Connie's house on Scribbly Gum Island-home of the famously unsolved Munro Baby mystery.
    
6. 1984 by George Orwell
   Nineteen Eighty-Four, often published as 1984, is a dystopian novel published in 1949 by English author George Orwell. The novel is set in the year 1984 when most of the world population have become victims of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance and propaganda.
    
7. The Summer House by Thomas Nelson
   Lily Bishop wakes one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband on the kitchen counter. Having moved to Alabama for his job only weeks before, Lily is devastated but forced to contemplate her next steps when she sees a flier at the grocery store for a hair stylist position in a local retirement community.
    
8. Virgin River  by Robyn Carr
   When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad, she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving - the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning. But a tiny baby abandoned on a front porch changes her plans…and former marine Jack Sheridan cements them into place.
    
9. Beach Haven by T.I. Lowe
   Free-spirited Opal Gilbert seems to have everything she needs to keep living a happy life in Sunset Cove as she refurbishes vintage furniture to sell at her funky ocean-side boutique, Bless This Mess. Until Lincoln Cole, a new-to-town ex-Marine nursing deep wounds and harboring hurts he can't seem to shake, wanders into her shop.
    
10. My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
    Coming of age on the perilous frontier of revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler champions the fight for independence. And when she meets Alexander Hamilton, Washington's penniless but passionate aide-de-camp, she's captivated by the young officer's charisma and brilliance.

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This blog was written by Serena Guest of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

As I wrap up the year, I reflect on how crisis has shaken us to our core.  It’s during times like these that real friends and trusted partners are revealed. What I have (re)discovered is that the Library has again stood with and for our community during what may be the most challenging year in my lifetime, providing essential resources, serving as a partner and offering ingenuity and support during a difficult time.

In the early days of the pandemic, the library closed its doors but didn’t shutter its services. Instead, it expanded them and increased offerings. The Library’s innovation department partnered with a consortium of local universities, schools and health organizations to produce PPEs for our healthcare workers to help keep them safe in the fight. The team accomplished this by taking the Library’s 3D printers to produce PPEs from their own homes.

While physical locations were closed and then re-opened with limited services, the Library moved all its programming online, expanded its digital programming to provide virtual story times and offered online job help services. It also expanded access to thousands of e-books and digital resources for Library cardholders.

This past fall when school started, the Library was again on the front lines. A recent image posted on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Instagram account illustrates this fact. The image shows a teacher and her students sitting on the sidewalk in front of the University City Regional Library. Why would a teacher set up class for her students outside of the library during a pandemic? They are using the Library’s free Wi-Fi. It’s hard for those of us blessed with multiple devices and internet access to imagine such a scenario for our children but COVID-19 has further revealed the divide in our community. The Library continues to be a bridge, providing access to information for all residents. 

The Library joined in efforts to close the digital divide and ensure more students and families had access to the internet and digital literacy by partnering with the County, neighborhood leaders and the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance. In addition to providing Wi-Fi outside of its buildings, the Library used CARES Act funding from the County to provide 1,400 free computers to eligible households. This is an excellent example of how the Library works to improve lives and build a stronger community. The vital leadership role the Library plays throughout our area connects people to the resources they need.

I grew up a latchkey kid on Monroe Road across from East Mecklenburg High School and the Independence branch library, so I understand what it means to be without and to know what a vital resource our Library is. I recall relishing my hours perusing books, completing a research assignment or checking out the latest music. The Library was essential for my development and growth, and during this pandemic we’ve seen just how essential it is for the well-being of our community.

At the start of 2020, I checked out three books for my 11- and 13-year olds from the Mountain Island branch, including a book of home science experiments and books on how to build microcomputers. Little did I know that this would be my last time visiting a library branch in 2020. Within two weeks, the U.S. and world began to realize the significance of COVID-19 and within six weeks I was working from home and shortly thereafter my kids began schooling from home.

On week two of their remote learning, I remembered the experiment book I checked out at the Library. The kids were spending so much time on the computer that the book presented a perfect way to engage with them in the real world. Our first project was paper airplanes—old school and easy. We spent three hours outside with no devices, just laughing and telling stories of whose plane flew the furthest and giggling at the plane that landed on our neighbor’s roof. I thought, what an awesome time and wondered what was next. Then, I noticed the books were overdue. In the craziness of teleworking and homeschooling, I completely forgot to return our items. But when I checked my online Library account, I discovered I didn’t owe anything.  No fines were issued to any customers for overdue materials during the shutdown and subsequent early phases of re-opening. It was clearly an extension of the adaptability of their services.

Now as we look to plan for the next year, I sit down to take the Mecklenburg County Budget Survey and cast my vote for increased Library funding. The Library is at the top of my list of services worthy of additional investment because of its ability to adapt and provide essential services even in the most challenging of times. The Library was there when I was kid, it’s there for my children now and continues to be a resource for all. It is an organization I believe to be critical to the well-being of our Mecklenburg community. I encourage all of you to take the budget survey as well and request additional investment in our Library.

Click here to take the Mecklenburg County Budget Survey through December 23, 2020.

This blog is written by Charles Thomas, a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card user and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board Trustee

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 online programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 12/21/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 12/21

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

Book a Librarian - Nonprofit Services – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

Mindful Mondays - Guided Relaxation and Meditation – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Parent Lunch & Learn: The Gift of Library Resources – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Tuesday 12/22       

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

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

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

Creating Resumes for the Job Help Center – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Wednesday 12/23

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

Active Reading Family Workshop- Part 1 – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Teens Live on Instagram: Life Skills – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

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

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Thursday 12/24

LIBRARY CLOSED- NO PROGRAMMING

Friday 12/25

LIBRARY CLOSED- NO PROGRAMMING

Saturday 12/26

LIBRARY CLOSED- NO PROGRAMMING

Many people would rather run in the opposite direction rather than encounter any government information. But they would be missing out on amazing publications. One of them is from The National Aeronautics and Atmospheric Administration (NASA). They publish wonderful books about space and our efforts to understand it. Starting in 2001, a division of NASA started an art project using images taken of earth from space. The Earth as Art images are amazing and we have the book you can check out. Our library was able to host an exhibit of 24 of these on canvas at Main Library.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library was designated a Federal Depository Library in 1962 by Senator B. Everett Jordan. Today, there are 1,115 U.S. libraries in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) including the U.S. Senate Library, university libraries, law libraries and we are one of 175 public libraries with this proud distinction.

The FDLP has been part of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) (formerly Government Printing Office) since 1895, providing government information to libraries serving the needs of people across the nation for information by and about their federal government.

Providing information from the federal government can cover a lot of territory. There are hundreds of federal agencies (the U.S. Government Manual lists them!) and they all produce information. In fact, the United States government is the largest publisher in the world. Today, a lot of that is published online through websites, databases and social media.

Our library’s Federal Documents Collection includes print, maps, microfiche, DVDs and catalog records with links to online publications. We are a “Selective Library” so do not receive everything the GPO publishes, but a selection of items that would interest our community. There are essential documents such as the 50 volumes of The United States Code  which is The Law for our entire country and the 244 volumes of The Code of Federal Regulations which enforce that law. These titles are also online at www.govinfo.gov, but not everyone has internet access, so our library has these available in print too.

(Left) U.S. Code books and (right) The Federal Code of Regulations.

The Department of Defense publishes military history titles veterans, history buffs and students enjoy. There are titles about all branches of service from the Revolutionary War up to present conflicts. Some are about specific battles such as the World War II (WWII) Bismarck Archipelago, or annual publications such as  Missile Defense Review, or personal experiences such as Eyewitness to War-The US Army in Operation AL FAJR : An Oral History.

The United States Census Bureau has counted every person living in the United States every 10 years since 1790. It has other surveys to collect demographics, business and economic data between those 10 years. Our library has access to all those statistics either in print or online. The annual Statistical Abstract of the United States provides thousands of tables. These statistics are used all over the world by governments, businesses, nonprofits and students to study, plan and make decisions based on authoritative data.

(Left) Statistical Abstract of the United States

The Library of Congress (LOC) is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The LOC is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. There are exhibits and programs galore. Our library has been able to receive several traveling exhibits and poster sets for display from the LOC.

Maps are also a fun way to learn about a place. Our library has topographical maps from the United State Geological Survey (USGS) for North Carolina and surrounding states. We even have sets of the copper plates that were used to create a few of the maps in our Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Main Library. The USGS uses information to inform us about changes in our world. Other maps have come from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The CIA World Factbook containing an amazing amount of international information.

(Left) Copper plates in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room and (right) the "Rightfully Hers"exhibit from the LOC.

If you are interested in history or political science, the U.S. State Department provides an amazing collection called the Foreign Relations of the United States. These are speeches, letters, memorandums, telegraphs and more about specific incidents or time periods.

For publications that are created and intended to be accessed online, our library has catalog records with links taking you directly to that information. Would you like coloring pages of wildflowers that tell you what color each part of the plant should be? See Celebration of Wildflowers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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This blog was written by Mimi Curlee, federal depository librarian, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

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 online programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 12/28/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 12/28

LIBRARY CLOSED- NO PROGRAMMING

Tuesday 12/29       

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

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

Creating Resumes for the Job Help Center – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Hear Me Now: Letter Writing for Change – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  Register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Wednesday 12/30

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

Active Reading Family Workshop- Part 2 – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 6 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Thursday 12/31

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

One-on-One EReader Tutoring – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Friday 1/1

LIBRARY CLOSED- NO PROGRAMMING

Saturday 1/2

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

2020 is coming at an end, so let's take a look at which books were the most popular with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library readers this year. We pulled circulation data for our adult fiction (both print and digital), adult nonfiction, young adult fiction and children’s books.

A few listings stood out this year:

• There are three holdovers from last year’s fiction lists.  Where the Crawdads Sing, Little Fires Everywhere and Nine Perfect Strangers made the list again. Little Fires Everywhere makes its third appearance in a row on this list.
   
• Where the Crawdads Sing was the most popular novel in both the physical and digital formats for the second year in a row.
   
• Michelle Obama’s Becoming was the third most popular print nonfiction book this year after finishing first last year. It will be interesting to see if President Obama’s memoir can make a similar impact over the next two years.
   
• Four of the top ten digital nonfiction titles are social justice, anti-racism and equity titles. This is likely due to the social justice and anti-racism movements across the country and in our community. It’s also due to the commitment made by the Library to offer more titles and access to titles on social justice, anti-racism and equity. We purchased unlimited digital access to seven titles on these topics and also increased print purchases. The unlimited access contributed to the four titles being in the top 10 of digital nonfiction. The titles were also popular in print but they just didn’t make the top 10, but they were close.
   
• It’s another big year for Jeff Kinney and Mo Willems. They dominated the children’s books list again, as they have over the last few years.
   
• The young adult graphic novel Sisters is the first graphic novel to make the top ten list.
   

Adult Print Fiction

Find this list in our catalog

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
The Guardians by John Grisham
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Blue moon: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child
Walk the Wire by David Baldacci
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
A Minute to Midnight by David Baldacci
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
 

Adult Fiction Digital

Find this list in our catalog

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The Guardians by John Grisham
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
 

Adult nonfiction Print

Find this list in our catalog

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Too much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man by Mary L. Trump
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson
Talking to Strangers: What we Should Know About the People we Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
Rage by Bob Woodward
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
The Room Where it Happened: a White House Memoir by John Bolton
 

Adult nonfiction Digital

Find this list in our catalog

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin J. DiAngelo
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
How to Be an Antiracist by IbramX. Kendi
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell
I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
 

Children’s Fiction    

Find this list in our catalog

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney
Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney
Pigeon has to go to school! by Mo Willems
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal by Jeff Kinney
I Broke my Trunk! by Mo Willems
A Big Guy Took my Ball! by Mo Willems
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Pete the Kitty Goes to the Doctor by Kim Dean
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney
           

Young Adult Fiction

Find this list in our catalog

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan
American Royals by Katharine McGee
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
One of us is Lying by Karen McManus
 

Be sure to access our catalog and start helping us compile next year’s list.
 

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This blog was written by Ed McDonald, librarian, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library! As the temperatures start plummeting, the “great indoors” are calling. ‘Tis the season for binging your favorite indie films and documentaries, and Kanopy is here to help. With a vast array of independent films, documentaries and children’s movies, there is something on Kanopy for the entire family. It’s true and completely free with your library card!

Check out the For the Holidays playlist on Kanopy to discover great holiday films to get you in the seasonal spirit.

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

Happy Holidays from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library!

View Holiday Movies Playlist

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.

Recently, HBO Max aired The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion, a wonderful reminder of the excellence and portrayal of Black lives on television screens through the years. Indulging this taste of nostalgia was enough for me to reflect on the influence and impact Black representation through TV had on my life growing up in the 80s and 90s. My mother was a library staff member, and my whole life was surrounded by books. Still, I always loved the visual imagery and story of a good TV show, especially a Black one.

I was born in the 80s, so my palate for Black representation on TV shows up in my life to this day. I was privileged to grow up in an era where the onscreen expression of Black life and family surpassed the motif of the Black struggle which was prominently displayed in 1970s programs such as Good Times. Good Times was the first Black, two-parent family sitcom on television, and the show addressed serious topics that highlighted struggles with which Black families of the time could relate. While the portrayal of Black life on Good Times was just one perspective, the producers (who were mostly white) wanted to keep the narrative of the Black struggle going. This resulted in much controversy surrounding the storylines given to characters, and the actors were critical of the show's direction as well. They wanted to show Black people in more prominent roles that would have a lasting impact on generations to come.

Enter The Cosby Show in 1984. Although I was a terrible two when this show began, there is no denying the impact this show had on kids my age. When I was old enough to tell time, I made sure that I was sitting in front of the TV to view this show in syndication every week. The Cosby Show highlighted a different perspective of Black life than what was shown by Good Times. Both shows possess something magical and relatable - Black culture along a spectrum - Black culture is rich. Still tackling Black people's issues with a comedic tone and setting us up to learn lessons, this Black, two-parent family expanded the sphere of a Black family's lived experiences. While not precisely emulating my childhood family life, it greatly impacted how I see family dynamics and relationships — I grew up wanting to be a lawyer because of Claire Huxtable. Her role as a Black woman, mother and professional set the standard for me. Her "I'm every woman," graceful, powerful and strong demeanor captivated me in a way that helps me show up in spaces as a whole human. Representation did that.

The children on The Cosby Show were different, and I could see the personalities of Sandra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy reflected in the kids that I grew up around. Perhaps the Cosby kid's life that I followed most was that of Denise. Like many of my peers, I took the journey with her to Hillman College in the spin-off series, A Different World and I fell in love (it is my favorite TV show)! It exhibits the path that drove me to the halls of a higher learning institution; it forced me to independence and an experience that no one else in my family had yet taken. Because of A Different World, I dreamed bigger. I saw myself in each of the characters or what I thought I'd be one day. Those characters brought my dreams to life. Because of the representation that Dwayne, Whitley, Freddie, Kim, Ron, Jalisa and the rest of the gang displayed, I felt that going away to college was more attainable. I wanted it all! I wanted the experiences, I wanted to attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU) and to join a sorority all because of the impact and influence; most importantly, the representation of Black lives in these spaces. I learned that Black people are not monolithic - we all have different backgrounds and experiences that bind our Black existence and that is worthy of representation.

Now, I'm going to stop here at the most impactful Black television show in my life, but it’s certainly not the end of the representation that has been important for so many. I could go on, but I'm not trying to write a book - just a reflection of what Black representation did for my life.

However, I do want to briefly recognize some other shows as I close this article. Here’s a list of honorable mentions: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, Martin, Moesha, The Parent'Hood and Roc. All of these Black shows and more are where I saw myself and many others in my life. These shows are at the intersection of hope and, sometimes, reality. The lives of Black people on TV remind me that Black books, Black films, Black music, Black art, Black TV, Black plays, and Black lives matter—representation matters.

So, where did you find your inspiration and representation on the small screen? And how has it shown up in your life as an adult?

As for me, I couldn't imagine where I'd be if I didn't have the fictional visuals of Black people's experiences present through Black media - especially TV.

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This blog post was written by De’Trice Fox of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.