Join us in April for Día, a celebration of children, reading and culture.

Get ready to celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) in April 2022 with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Also known as Día, this initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This year's Día programs are virtual and children and families can experience cultural programs from the comfort of their home. 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is proud to present, Sonia Manzano as our featured Día guest. Sonia has inspired and educated children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street for many years. She has been named among the “25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever” by Latina Magazine.  Manzano contributed to diversity on television and in the educational realm. She is the author of numerous children and adult books including her memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South. She recently created a new television series for PBS titled Alma’s Way. Don’t miss this presentation on April 20^th at 6:30 p.m. Register on the Library’s website.

 

Other Dia programs include an ASL (American Sign Language) storytelling program provided by the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a special story time program presented by, I Can Read Black Stories Día edition.  Each of our locations will host a special Día program and beginning April 18^th, Día @ Home, take home activity kits, will be available at our locations while supplies last. On Saturday, April 30^th Join Mr. Nigel’s Music and Criss Cross Mango Sauce for our grand Día finale!

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates Día as part of its commitment to connecting children and their families to multicultural books, bilingual services, and educational resources.  Learn more about the services provided by the Library's Outreach Department.

For more information or booklist about Día and information on our branch programs visit Día 2022.

Día is a celebration every day of children, families and reading, that culminates yearly with celebrations held across the country on or near April 30th. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Learn more.

Grateful is an understatement. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wouldn't be as great of a Library without our wonderful volunteers. 

When we closed our libraries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we felt it because we have to say "see you later" to our volunteers, too.  Over the last two years, our limited service capabilities allowed us to only bring back a handful of volunteers for special projects.  And, while we were thrilled to work with those we could, we missed all of our volunteers - human and canine alike.

This year, for National Volunteer Week (NVW), which runs April 17-23,  we'd like to recognize  some of the hands - and paws - that use their special gifts wand talents to help us carry out our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. Thank you for inspiring us and encouraging us to take action, work together and creatively meet our communities challenges.

From all of us at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, thank you Volunteers and Happy National Volunteer Week!

Charlie, a Library volunteer for nearly 10 years,  serves at SouthPark Regional Library. Charlie says, " I love what public libraries stand for and what they provide. The library and its wonderful staff provide a welcoming environment that allows me to be of some service and to remain involved in a small way in the library's mission."

Teen volunteer Alexis, loves that libraries can be treasure troves. She enjoys finding adventure at every turn on Library shelves. 

Julie, a 30-year volunteer loves the Library and has volunteered at both SouthPark Regional and Myers Park Libraries. Julie loves shelving books and magazines. Why does Julie loves volunteering ? " Because I enjoy BEING there, and doing what I am expected to do there."

Nancy enjoys books and organizing.  What has been her experience with the Library? She shares this story: "We moved to Charlotte in May 2011. In July 2011, I started volunteering at South County Regional Library. At first, I shelved holds and then I checked in holds sent from other libraries. I must have volunteered there for about 8 years. I started volunteering at SouthPark Regional Library around 2019 until it was closed due to COVID. Just started back up March 15, 2022."

Dylan, a Davidson Library volunteer, loves helping with storytimes and dressing up as characters to bring joy to younger storytime attendees.

Time flies when you're having fun! Don, a SouthPark Regional volunteer,  says he enjoys shelving books and showing patrons how to use search portals. He's been a Library volunteer for about five (5) years.

Pretzel Sufnarski has been volunteering with the Library more than 10 years. She started in January 2012 and, since then, has made over 100 visits to the Matthews Library. She has visited along with her owner Tonya Sufnarski, and Tonya’s children, Morgan and Mason. Pretzel patiently listens to many stories from many different children. She also has been involved with some special programs that her owners have implemented at her home branch. This year, Tonya’s youngest son, Mason, will be going to college and Pretzel will retire from her years of service with the library. She and the family will be greatly missed. We so appreciate the dedication of this family in helping the library meet its main goal to build a stronger community.





 

The highlight of volunteering for Elizabeth? Leading and assisting story times. "Listening to the stories, laughing, and being taken into a whole new storybook world were some of my favorite childhood memories and I am so glad that I got to share it with the next generation. I can't wait to volunteer in person again!"

Rosemary is an avid volunteer, donating her time to community service even while employed with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). After retiring from the school system in 2007,  she began volunteering at Atrium Pineville  and SouthPark Regionalto keep busy with meaningful activities. 

She enjoys searching for "lost" books, shelving holds,and pulling holds. 

A retired librarian, has been a Library volunteer since 2019. Susan started volunteering as a Reading Buddy. She paused in 2020 when branches closed as a result of COVID-19 and has looked forward to returning. Is it true that librarians never retire? Susan returned because she wanted to give back to the community and instill a love of reading and curiosity  for knowledge in young readers.

Sneha enjoys volunteering as a math mentor. The heartfelt and warm thank you note she received from one of her youngest students made her realize the impact she can have on the lives of others with helpful interactions. And she still has the note!

From the beginning, Sherri has been enthusiastic about the Library and Paws to Read. Sherri and her dog Rudi (therapy dog) began volunteering for Paws to Read at the beginning of 2020. Mountain Island Library is grateful to have them both volunteer. Seeing a cute furry friend like Rudi brought so much excitement and joy to the branch! 

Mountain Island thanks Sherri and Rudi for being phenomenal, and for giving time to the library and community even when the world seemed uncertain. Sherri and Rudi toughed it out and continued volunteering virtually for two years.

Susan is a 13-year Library volunteer who currently gives her time and talents to Mint Hill Library. Described by Mint Hill staff as "a treasure," Susan has lived in cities across the nation from Minneapolis and Chicago to Los Angeles, and now calls Charlotte home. Susan's favorite thing about volunteering? Interacting with staff and being able to help her library and city.

As she's doing in this photo, Loren is always reaching to new heights to help at South County Regional Library. With her infectiously positive attitude, Loren is a dedicated volunteer who never hesitates to step in wherever needed. She always asks, “what more can I do?” and always wants to learn new tasks to better assist us. The team at South County feel grateful to have her as one of their volunteers.

Judy jumped right in at Independence Regional Library when she saw help was needed. A 26-year Library volunteer, Judy pulls holds, helps with shelving materials, and got her start when she saw we were short-staffed and wanted to improve our work process. For that, we're forever grateful.

Lance has enjoyed volunteering at the Library for 9 years. Described by the team at Mint Hill Library as "thorough," Lance is a wonderful circulation volunteer, ensuring the community gets its hands on requested items in an efficient manner.

A 12-year volunteer, Patty is described by Mint Hill staff as a "Jack of all trades!" She assists at Mint Hill Library by shelving books, pulling books for reports and is always willing to assist with whatever tasks need completion. What does Patty enjoy most about volunteering? Library staff and the atmosphere.

Patty is glad to be back!

Gail started volunteering with the Library in 2019. An elementary school media specialist for 39 years, she retired in 2010 and still enjoys library work. It was only natural that she wanted to volunteer at the Library and help any way she can!

Beth loves reading - and she loves Mint Hill Library staff and community members even more! According to Beth, retirement is sweet when you have a "job" that fulfills you. A worthy highlight? You bet. Staff appreciate the positivity Beth brings to her role as a volunteer.

Suzanne started volunteering at the Library two months before our initial COVID-19 closure and was excited to return as soon as she could. Celebrated as a super-fast learner, Suzanne says she has always enjoyed libraries and wanted to do something useful with her free time. That, and volunteering helps her keep her must-read list full.

The Davidson Library is located in the heart of the town of Davidson at the north end of Mecklenburg County. The town of Davidson is a small, close-knit community of approximately 15,000 residents. Davidson Library sits on the Village Green in the Davidson Historic District along Main Street. Lined with an eclectic assortment of shops and restaurants, there is plenty to see and do, including the beloved independent bookstore across the street from the library: Main Street Books. Many residents found their way to Davidson via Davidson College or in retirement.

The Town of Davidson embraces the outdoors. It is important to residents to be a highly walkable town with plenty of sidewalks and bike lanes. Davidson Parks and Recreation maintains several area parks and a historic site, Beaver Dam Plantation. There is a mini-park for toddlers, the Mary Beaty Tot Lot, just across Main Street, behind Summit Coffee. And Roosevelt Wilson Park is just a few blocks behind Main Street. 

Davidson is a town for foodies. Also on Main Street are delicious local restaurants such as the famous Kindred, the historic Davidson Soda Shop diner, Famous Toastery and farm-to-table Pickled Peach. Further up the road are local favorites Whit's Frozen Custard and Sabi Asian Bistro.

The Town of Davidson has an active calendar of events for residents. In the spring, people enjoy coming together for April is for Arts and ReadDavidson in April and Town Day in May. During the summer, everyone enjoys an outdoor concert series called Concerts on The Green that takes place from the "stage" (front porch) of the Davidson Library. Fourth of July is a festive affair in Davidson too. In late fall, everyone gathers to give candy to festive children during the Halloween March, followed closely by Christmas in Davidson and the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade right after Thanksgiving.

New to Charlotte-Mecklenburg? The Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson and LiveDavidson have resources to help if needed. The Town of Davidson government offices also offers an annual Civics 101 class to introduce new residents to all that Davidson has to offer. Explore other Charlotte neighborhoods, including nearby neighbor Cornelius, through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

Resources:

• Davidson Library | 119 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-416-4000
• Ada Jenkins Center | 212 Gamble St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-896-0471
• Civics 101 | 216 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-892-7591
• Davidson College | Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-894-2000
• Davidson Parks and Recreation | 865 South St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-892-3349
• Davidson Soda Shop | 104 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-896-7743
• Kindred | 131 N. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 980-231-5000
• LiveDavidson | 216 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-940-9653
• Main Street Books | 126 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-892-6841
• The Pickled Peach | 202 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-765-2190
• Sabi Asian Bistro | 130 Harbour Place Dr. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-895-5707
• Summit Coffee | 128 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 980-231-5436
• Village Green | 119 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 704-892-3349
• Whit's Frozen Custard | 428 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 28036 | 980-231-5365

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Blog post written by Marie Harris, library manager for Davidson Branch at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade has been bringing a mile of smiles to Charlotteans and worldwide viewers since 1947.  The one-mile long parade that runs down 9th Street to Stonewall has gained a reputation of becoming the fourth largest parade in the country attracting over 110,000 live spectators and 1.5 million TV viewers. Elaborately decorated floats, performances, celebrities, marching bands, and the carousel princesses are the reason why people continue to look forward to and enjoy the spectacle each year.  

John M. Belk., the former chairman and CEO of Belk, Inc., started the Carousel Parade and scholarship program to attract more shoppers to Belk. Carolinas’ Carousel, a charitable organization, recognizes high school students and marching bands who achieve academic excellence. In 2013, the parade’s legacy almost came to a close until Novant Health stepped up to become the parade’s new sponsor.  

Part of the scholarship program are the Carousel Princesses, who represent various North and South Carolina towns. Princesses ride in the parade and participate in two full days of activities similar to a debutante ball. Activities include a mayor’s luncheon, a special tour and reception at Queens College, a Coronation Ball of the Royal Society of the Knights of Carousel where a new king is appointed, a dinner at Radio Center and a football game. There is also a post-parade reception and dance called the “Queens Buffet,” where the new queen is appointed. Historically, princesses were presented with a variety of cash prizes and gifts, but the queen got to choose a beautiful evening dress valued at $100. 

Be sure to come out or watch the parade this Thanksgiving on November 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. to see why this has been a favorite tradition for several decades! 

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This blog was written by Julia Zwetolitz, marketing and communications intern with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Citations: 
https://www.charlottecentercity.org/belk-carolinas-carrousel-parade-is-back/ 
http://novanthealththanksgivingparade.com/ 
https://cmlibrary.org/blog/library-links-woman-pageant-past 

In the aftermath of World War I, a number of volunteers from American agencies went overseas to help with the return to peacetime and to assist the military with other projects. Annie Lee Hoffman was one of these volunteers, serving on behalf of the YMCA.

The early life of Annie Hoffman

Annie was born on August 9, 1887 in Morganton, North Carolina to Julius and Martha Hoffman. She attended Oxford Seminary in Oxford, NC where she studied office administration.  Later, she moved to Rocky Mount, NC where she was employed as a private stenographer. At the time Annie volunteered overseas, she was the Nash County Court Stenographer. 

Annie joins the YMCA

The mission of the YMCA is to operate as a Christian service to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.  It was established in London, England in June 1844 in response to “unhealthy social conditions” resulting from the Industrial Revolution in large cities. In 1914, the YMCA turned its attention to providing support and wholesome pursuits for troops fighting for Britain and her empire. Examples of services provided include supplying men with writing paper, film showings, libraries, religious services, concert parties, folk dancing and educational lectures.     



The YMCA opened its doors for women in July 1917.  Prior to this, Americans did not believe that women could hold up to the physical and mental strain of war work. Women certainly proved these ideas wrong by serving as nurses, surgeons, chaplains, chaplain's assistants, distributors of medical supplies and distributors of food and clothing. Some women also served on the battlefield with horse drawn canteens that had built and staffed a kitchen, hotel and a hospital. Women volunteers also provided male soldiers with free meals and taught men to read and write.

(Left): This movement order allowed Annie to serve with the French YMCA. At this time, she was not doing front line work and was advised to sightsee. (Right): Annie and other women serving as YMCA volunteers.

By 1918, over 300 YMCA centers existed in France. There were approximately 1,700 volunteers in French YMCAs, mostly women. Each center offered a canteen, chapel, concert hall, library, game room and classroom.

 

Annie leaves the YMCA

Throughout her travels, Annie kept a detailed account of foreign lands laying in ruins during the war. Her papers, held in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, contain extensive letters that she wrote to her mother and sisters in the form of a diary.



After she was honorably discharged from her volunteer service in 1919, she returned to Rocky Mount. She later died at age of 97 in her hometown on October 9,1984.

 (Left): Annie’s discharge papers, which allowed her to serve on the front line. All volunteers had to complete a medical and physical examination in order to determine where they can serve. (Right): Honorable discharge papers with record of service.

Want to learn more about Annie Lee Hoffman’s service overseas during World War I? Visit the Carolina Room on the third floor of Main Library!

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This blog was written by Julia Zwetolitz, marketing and communications intern, of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

References:

Annie Lee Hoffman Papers, 1909-1926. Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

"Our History- A Brief History of the YMCA Movement.” YMCA. Accessed November 2019. http://www.mfldymca.org/about_us/history_national.php.

By now, you’ve probably seen images of Queen Charlotte plastered across Charlotte Mecklenburg Library social media accounts. The Queen, who arrived in her city-namesake in September 2019, has been on the move since she got here. While her presence has taken the city by storm, it’s also left many residents and visitors asking the question: Why is the Queen here?

Because she never made it to Charlotte during her lifetime, that’s why.

Most importantly, Queen Charlotte, who has been immortalized in cardboard thanks to our friends at the Mint Museum and our own Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, is meant to bring awareness to the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room as a treasure trove of historical and geneaological resources. She is also meant to be a fun, unifying, educational, conversational and engaging addition to the Charlotte community. The Queen will tour "Crown Town" for approximately one year – learning about the city and the way Charlotteans live life. She will also educate and liaise with the community along the way.

Queen Charlotte was initially prompted to visit Charlotte when she received news from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Historian-in-Residence, Tom Hanchett, that the iconic Dairy Queen on Central Avenue in Plaza-Midwood was due to close this fall. She was devastated yet intrigued.

The Queen reported that she previously heard news of a rapidly expanding and changing Charlotte. It alarmed her that she could miss out on discovering the essence of what makes the Queen City regal. So, she challenged herself to visit as many historical landmarks in the city as she can– with plans to meet residents and have fun along the way.

And the Queen is having fun, indeed! Since her September arrival, the Queen has:

• Said her goodbyes to the Dairy Queen on Central Avenue
• Signed up for a Library card during Library Card Sign-Up Month
• Had tea and pastries with Marie Antoinette and our friends at the Amelie’s French Café & Bakery flagship location (setting the record straight regarding their upcoming one-mile move deeper into NoDa)
• Participated in a StoryWalk with award-winning author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi
• Accompanied Library staff for their annual Staff Day event to Carowinds (she even rode the Carolina Skytower!)
• Attended the Fall Fest and Grand Re-Opening of North County Regional Library (where she got to meet North Carolina State Librarian, Timothy Owens!)
• Participated in early voting during the Mecklenburg County 2019 election
• Made new friends at EpicFest 2019
• Visited the popular Portal Interactive Gathering Rooms and had a little too much fun in the Benjamin Franklin room, promoting the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s CommonSpark Campaign.

The Queen has been busy, but she’s not done enjoying herself.

All friends of the Library are encouraged to follow the Library on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to keep up with the Queen. And, if you see her around town, don’t be shy. Take a photo with her instead.

Be sure to post your photos on social media with the hashtag #QueentakestheQueen so that the Library and all the Queens people can follow her adventures. Using the hashtag will also help the Queen look back fondly on her time spent in Charlotte when she returns to the past in September of 2020.

Afraid you won’t get a chance to meet the Queen? No worries! Starting on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, Library visitors can find Queen Charlotte (and snap a photo or two) in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room on the third floor of Main Library where she will begin residential hours.

The Queen looks forward to meeting you soon!

Have ideas of places Queen Charlotte should visit around the city or neighboring towns? Send suggestions or invitations with the subject "QueentakestheQueen" to [email protected].

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This blog was written by Asha Ellison, marketing & communications specialist at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

A new Christmas tradition in Charlotte, you say? Bah, humbug!

Take a break from shopping and come sip some cider with us and celebrate the true spirit of the holidays. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (www.cmlibrary.org), Charlotte Center for Literary Arts (www.charlottelit.org), Charlotte Film Society (www.charlottefilmsociety.com), and Children's Theatre of Charlotte (www.ctcharlotte.org) are partnering on a terrific event again this year: our 2nd annual marathon read-aloud of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, paired with a film screening of the book's adaptation by Jim Henson, The Muppet Christmas Carol.

The marathon book reading will take place at ImaginOn on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 12-4 p.m.in the StoryJar area. Join us for group caroling starting at 12:15, and the reading itself will begin at 1 p.m., featuring 30 local Charlotte performers and authors reading the book from start to finish. Bring the family or come by yourself. Pop in and out, or stay for the whole thing! And it's a Super Saturday, so the Holiday Harps will be in the building for additional ambiance!

Then join us for a screening of one of A Christmas Carol’s most famous film adaptations on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn.

The library is providing hot cider and ginger snaps for both events. Tacky holiday sweaters are encouraged. All who come are welcome. We hope you join us for this fantastic free weekend!

Children are home from schools, families are in town to visit and sometimes you can’t think of something new or different to do. Or maybe you just need to find a place to escape! Look no further than the Library for great ideas during Winter Break!

Below is highlight of the programs available across all Library locations. The Library has a full list of programs and events available during the Winter Break, with offerings for all ages. There’s no way you can be bored with all the learning and exploring you can do! Check your local branch calendar for all activities, or search system-wide and find a new program at a branch in a different area.

(Holiday hours: All Libraries will close on December 23, 2019 at 5 p.m. and are closed December 24, 25 and 26, 2019, reopening on December 27 at 9 a.m. Please check local branches for Sunday hours. On December 31, 2019 all Libraries will close at 5 p.m., are closed on January 1, 2020. All Libraries will reopen on January 2, 2010 with regular hours.)

Adults

Looking for technology help of any kind from learning how to use Microsoft Word to setting up an email account? Or did you receive new devices during the holidays and need help setting them up? The Library offers many Technology Tutoring classes.Times may vary at each location. Click below.

Technogology Tutoring

Saturday, December 28

Main Library 9:30 am  to 10:00 am Click here

University City 10 am to 12 pm  Click here

Beatties Ford Road Library 10 am to 12 pm   Click here

Independence Boulevard (in Spanish) 2 pm to 3 pm  Click here

Monday, December 30, 2019 - Morrison Library 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm  Click here

Healthcare Navigator

Friday, December 27, 2019 9 am to 4 pm. Do you need health insurance? Do you have questions about your coverage? Speak with a Health Insurance Navigator from the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy for help with Marketplace coverage through the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and Medicare. These appointments are FREE. Individuals interested in scheduling an appointment with a Navigator can do so by calling 1-855-733-3711 or going online to ncnavigator.net.  West Boulevard Library  Click here

Billy Wilder Film Series

Saturday, December 28, 2019 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Join us as we screen and discuss three works from one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors. The last film in our series is The Lost Weekend (1945). Morrison Library  Click here

Genealogy Discussion Group

Thursday, January 2, 2019 1 pm - 2:30 pm Do you have a family mystery to solve or a favorite relative you would like to learn more about? Join the Matthews Genealogy Discussion Group! You can explore resources in the library, community, and online. Learn how to search, evaluate, organize, and share your discoveries. Newcomers and experienced researchers are welcome! Matthews Library Click here 

Genealogy One-on-One

Thursday, January 2, 2019 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm Learn to trace your roots and family history in an individualized one-on-one session. Learn how to get started and tips for research. University City Library Click here

1-on-1 Adult Reading Support Session

Thursday, January 2, 2019 9 am to  8 pm Increase your reading confidence, fluency and comprehension by reading aloud with a library volunteer/staff member during a 30-minute one-on-one session. Beatties Ford Road Library Click here

Teens

Measure Up Cooking: Cooking on a Budget

Monday, December 23, 2019 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Learn how to source, select and prepare healthy to go foods on a budget. This program will detail helpful tips for teens and first-time college goers living on a budget. Beatties Ford Road Regional, Randolph Room  Click here 

Community Service Project

Saturday, December 28, 2019 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Do you want to help the Library with improving lives and building a stronger community? Join us for a unique service project where you can earn community service hours, while also giving back to the city of Charlotte. Independence Regional   Click here 

Teen Anime Club

Thursday, January 2, 2020 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Participate in a discussion about anime, manga and the Japanese language, history, and culture. University City Regional, Teen Corner  Click here 

Preteens

STEAM 101: Virtual Reality for Preteens

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.  Experiment and explore new technologies. This session we'll be working with Virtual Reality. North County Regional, Makerspace Room A  Click here 

Children

Winter Festival

December 30, 2019  1 pm to 3 pm  Join us as we celebrate the new season with storytelling, literacy activities, music, treats and more for the entire family to enjoy. Beatties Ford Road  Click here 

New Year's Eve at Noon

December 31, 2019  1 pm – 3 pm. Cheers! Celebrate with the kids during an early New Year’s Eve at noon at several branch locations:

Cornelius   Click here

Morrison  Click here

Myers Park  Click here



Snowflakes

January 2. 2019 1 pm – 2 pm. The beautiful ice crystals we call snowflakes are a magnificent work of art created by nature. Learn all about these unique crystals and the man who photographed them, Snowflake Bentley. Ages 5-11. Mountain Island  Click here

On Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 2:30-3:30 p.m., renowned artist Martha Clippinger will discuss the inspiration behind and the process she used to create "Open Stacks," the new public artwork at North County Regional Library.

The plaque on her artwork reads: "In Open Stacks, two-and three-dimensional elements combine to create a colorful mural reflecting the act of reading. Horizontal planks exist on the wall, like text on a page. Blocks of jewel like colors leap from one plank to another, skipping from left to right and back again. The movement created by these arrangements of colors guide our eyes back and forth across the page. Where the words of a text remained fixed to the paper, our imagination transforms the author's words into visions of our own."

Martha is a Durham-based artist who was born and raised in the textile town of Columbus, Georgia. Her father sold shirts, her grandfather was a quilter and her ancestors were cotton-mill workers. Her rich and creative history led her to become a textile artist.

Most of Martha’s pieces are quilts that take 50-60 hours to create. They consist of highly saturated colors and lighter ones with corduroy, polyester and seersucker textures. Her first quilt, made in 2000, was formed with patches from one of her father's shirts and the patches were evenly cut to make grids.

Martha is no stranger to having her masterpieces put on public display. She’s had exhibits in the Smith Gallery at Appalachian State University, The Horace Williams House in Chapel Hill, the Southampton Arts Center in Southampton, New York, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, Lexington, Kentucky and the Ella Pratt Gallery at the Durham Arts Council.

Martha attended Fordham University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She then went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. She has received grants and numerous awards.

In 2013, Martha received a Fulbright-Garcia Robles research grant to complete work in Oaxaca, Mexico. In 2014, she was awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Award and, in 2017, she received the Ella Fountain Pratt Emerging Artist Grant from the Durham Arts Council.

Come out and learn more about Martha and her work on Saturday.

Learn more and register here

Photo courtesy of Chris Hildreth

NOTICE: This blog was updated on October 6, 2021 to reflect that the Robinson-Spanger Carolina Room is currently closed to the public.

October is Family History Month, but the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room offers access to historical and genealogical resources all year long. In celebration of discovering family ties, Carolina Room staff interviewed Sue Abbate, a family history researcher, who used Carolina Room librarians and resources to find her birth parents. 

“It was a major moment in my life. It was like these invisible puzzle pieces finally shifted and started to fit together.”  

Sue (left) with her mother, Terry (right).

How the story begins

Sue was adopted as a newborn by John and Mary Ann through Catholic Social Services. She had a wonderful childhood, growing up in a small town in Arizona, but always had a deep curiosity about her biological parents. She often wondered: Who did she look like? Where did her sense of humor come from? Did she share any of the same mannerisms with someone else? She remembers writing a letter to the adoption agency once when she was in high school, but never sent it. 

Sue’s curiosity intensified as she married and had children of her own. “I couldn’t imagine having my daughter and not taking her home,” Sue explained. "Me and my friends sometimes share birth stories [from each pregnancy], which made me really want to know more about my own birth story.”  With both of her adoptive parents having passed away years ago, Sue felt free to one day see if she could find her birth mom. 

A DNA discovery

In December 2017, Sue’s youngest daughter, Amanda, almost 16, encouraged her to send in a 23andMe DNA test to get more information on their medical history. “We sent our tests in but I didn’t expect anything other than the basic stuff, like our ethnic identities, medical information and other types of results.”  Sue remembers not thinking much about the adoption angle, as it didn’t cross her mind that she might actually find her birth parents. 

Shortly after receiving the results online that March, they were contacted by Dana who said they were related by blood. Sue was excited that they had found a family member only hours after the results had been posted. “We were so surprised that someone reached out to us so quickly. Dana knew we were related, but she didn’t know how.  I was a mystery to her.” According to the DNA, Dana could tell that they were second cousins on Sue’s father’s side. Dana investigated our new relationship that weekend, and determined that her mom’s cousin, Joe, was Sue’s birth father.  Dana shared Sue’s contact information with Joe, who then contacted Sue. “I never thought I would know who my birth dad was. Maybe I would somehow find my birth mom, but not him.”  

Sue and Joe had a long conversation about his life and family. Sue learned that she was one of 10 kids (7 biological and 3 step). Joe had been married three times. Sue also learned that her biological mother’s name is Terry. Joe explained that their relationship hadn’t been serious and that he left to serve in Vietnam shortly after Terry found out she was pregnant. The two of them hadn’t kept in contact. 

But, wait. There's...more  

After getting Terry’s name from Joe, Sue said “I immediately started to search online for her. I even messaged a few people on Facebook with the same last name. I posted online about my excitement about this new chapter in my life.” It was at that moment that the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room’s Senior Librarian, Shelia Bumgarner, became part of Sue’s story:  

“Helping Sue locate her birth Mom, Terry, was one of the biggest highlights of my career. Armed with only a name, location and birth year, I started my search. I remembered that Sue said Terry was Catholic, so when I came across a Catholic High School Annual in Ancestry.com, I immediately clicked on the resource. When I saw the photo of Terry, my jaw dropped-- it was like staring at a young Sue with bigger hair. This finding led me to conduct more genealogical research, tracing Terry’s family back for several generations. I also found Terry’s current phone number and address. I called Sue to share my findings and we were both so happy and close to tears. I am so happy for Sue. It was a perfect ending to hear that she spoke to her birth mother that night. I really felt chuffed for a few days. All of my experience and knowledge had come into play to connect two people separated by time and circumstances.” 

Shelia also found the obituary of Terry’s mother, which mentioned Terry’s children’s names as survivors. “All of a sudden I had a mother and more half-siblings!” Sue excitedly explained. She said she felt “an adrenaline rush and overwhelming excitement, followed by anxiety and a strange mix of emotions.” 

Mamma mia! 

Sue turned to Facebook again to see if she could connect with any of her half-siblings on her mother’s side. She found Rachel and decided to message her for Terry’s number. Sue didn’t tell Rachel who she was— she wanted to keep the matter between her and Terry, in case Rachel didn’t know. Little did she know, Terry had told Rachel, and her son, Matt, about Sue just a few months earlier. When Rachel called Terry to tell her about Sue contacting her, she said “Mom, your other daughter is trying to get in touch with you.” Terry called Sue on the phone that night and Sue remembers being speechless several times. 

Over the course of the next few months, Sue got to meet both Joe and Terry, Rachel and Matt. Connections were made, relationships were started and some questions were answered. Joe and Sue’s older daughter, Emily, share a love of engineering. Joe and Sue have the same sense of humor. Sue learned about family she never thought she would ever meet. Sue immediately felt a strong connection with Terry. 

A meeting between Terry and Sue.

When Shelia found an online photo of Terry from high school, Sue saw an uncanny resemblance to a photo of herself taken at the same age.  When they met, Sue remembers “We had lunch and we kept catching ourselves staring at each other. We are so similar that I know exactly what I’m going to look like when I’m 70.”    

Terry's high school photo (left) and a picture from Sue's passport (right).

When asked what her first moments were like with her biological mother, she replied, “That hug healed me to my core.” Sue explained how she had always felt a sense of holding back to protect herself from the unknown. “I don’t know if I felt abandoned, like other adoptees feel. I knew [Terry] did the best she could by making the most loving choice in giving me up for adoption.”  

Pieces to peace

Sue is over the moon that her biological parents were willing to meet her and answer questions that she’s had her entire life. “Do you start with the now? Do you start with what happened before? How do you navigate? It’s definitely a dance.”   

The adoption agency had a fire that destroyed Sue’s birth records, so the DNA test through 23andMe was her only chance at finding her family. “It was truly life changing. Genealogy is such a great way to learn about history based on your own family’s history.”    

Sue’s greatest hope is to learn more about who she is, where she came from and where these new relationships with her biological family will go. “It’s bizarre and comforting at the same time. It's like we are blood strangers. We share DNA, but what do we talk about?” 

New and emerging family ties.

Sue summarized her journey by speaking to how blessed she felt when Shelia saw her Facebook post. “It moved me how librarians in the Carolina Room were so excited to work with me. Having that support was incredible. It was more than just help. Shelia went above and beyond to help me find the answers, and family, I never thought I’d have.”



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