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Don’t Throw That Away! A Spring-Cleaning Guide to Preserving Your Family History
April 16, 2025
This blog post was originally written by Shelia Bumgarner, edited and updated by Chauna Carr, RSCR Digital Production Librarian
Spring is a time for fresh starts and often, fresh piles of old stuff! While you’re sorting through closets, attics, and boxes of family mementos this season, don’t be too quick to toss things out. Some of those forgotten items may be more than just clutter; they could be important pieces of your family’s story or local history.
The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is here to help you figure out what to keep, what to toss, and what to consider donating. Plus, we’ll share how you can preserve those meaningful items for years to come.
What to Keep (and How to Keep It Safe)
Not sure if something’s worth keeping? When in doubt, hold onto anything with:
- Names, dates, or locations written on it
- Local or regional relevance (especially Charlotte/Mecklenburg County)
- Clear connections to your family’s story
- Visual or handwritten elements—photos, letters, drawings, etc.
Once you've decided to keep something, follow these basic care tips:
1. Handle items with care
Use two hands when lifting fragile objects and avoid excessive bending or folding. Take your time when turning pages, unrolling documents, or unfolding old fabrics. If it feels brittle, it probably is.
2. Wear gloves
Nitrile gloves are best for handling photographs, negatives, or anything with delicate surfaces. Clean, dry hands work in a pinch. And don’t forget to identify who’s in your photographs—use a soft pencil on the back, not ink!
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3. Work in a clean space
Keep snacks, drinks, and clutter far away from your materials. Work on a clean, flat surface with plenty of light and room to move things gently.
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4. Skip the tape and glue and metal fasteners.
Avoid using adhesives like Scotch tape, rubber cement, and Elmer’s glue. These can yellow, dry out, and stain your materials over time. If something needs repair, use archival-quality products or consult a conservator. Steer clear of metal fasteners like paper clips, staples, and pins. These can rust, snag, or tear delicate documents. Instead, use plastic paper clips or archival-quality folders to group materials safely.
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5. Store smart
Acid-free boxes, folders, and sleeves provide the best protection. Don’t overstuff boxes, and remember: books, diaries, and albums should be stored flat—not upright, to prevent stress on the spine. Label clearly and store in a cool, dry, and dark space (think bedroom closet or under-the-bed storage).
🚫 Avoid attics, basements, garages, and direct sunlight.
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6. Document as you go
Context is everything! A photo is more meaningful when you know who's in it, when it was taken, and why it matters. Jot down family stories, memories, names, and places while they’re still fresh in your mind—your future relatives will thank you.
What to Toss (With a Second Look)
We get it, not everything can (or should) be saved. But before you haul that box to the curb, consider:
- Other homes for your stuff: Thrift stores, vintage shops, and specialty museums might want household items like linens, furniture, or art.
- Appraisals: If an item looks valuable or unusual, it may be worth getting it professionally appraised.
- Historical societies: Even if the Carolina Room can’t accept an item, other institutions might.
If your family materials help tell the story of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County, we’d love to hear from you. The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room collects:
- Audiovisuals and home videos
- Business, club, and organization records
- Family papers and correspondence
- Maps and manuscripts
- Music (recorded or produced in Charlotte)
- Photographs and postcards
*All items must relate to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County history.
What we typically do not collect:
- Family Bibles (except copies of genealogical pages)
- Newspapers, Textbooks or Magazines (unless historical)
- Polaroids, large scrapbooks, or oversized 3D items
- Clothing or textiles (i.e. bedding, quilts, uniforms)
If you have something to share or want to learn more, email us at [email protected].
You can also explore our archival collections and digitized materials anytime by browsing our Finding Aids and The Vault.
Cover image caption: Members of Project ME Chapter participate in a clean-up at Keyway Apartments, c. 1975. African American Album Image Collection, AA.2004.05.0855.16, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.
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Celebrate National Volunteer Week April 20-26, 2025 with the Library
April 16, 2025
This blog was written by Chauna Wall, Volunteer Coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Volunteering is vital, an essential workforce to a community’s wellbeing. So many local and national programs from education to disaster relief to the arts are underpinned by the contributions of volunteers. Volunteers of all ages foster a community of connection and engagement.
Today we enter a week-long celebration called National Volunteer Week which runs from April 20 - April 26, 2025
During this week we take the opportunity to shine a light on the people that inspire us to serve for the benefit of the greater good. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When you answer the call to make a difference, we make progress in “Improving Lives and Building a Stronger Community”, our core mission.
We celebrate our volunteers for giving their time and talents to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the many volunteers who stand with us in promoting inclusion, education and literacy to the entire community.
Every day our volunteers inspire us and help us create a more educated and literate community. Never doubt you make a measurable difference. Last year 1,235 volunteers gave us over 25,000 hours which equates to a value of over $800,000!
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Arthur “Buzzy” W.
Volunteer at South County Regional Library
Our Portuguese, Spanish, and English Conversation Clubs have many dedicated members, and we have become friends. We have become family. We help each other by listening to each other and we make new friends.
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Ashlyn W.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I appreciate meeting new people, making new connections and the ability to contribute and help others.
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Becky G.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I worked for Mecklenburg County for 30+ years and I like giving back to the community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a great impact.
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Carol L.
Volunteer at Independence Regional Library
I love being able to help make Library users feel more comfortable and supported.
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Kathy M.
Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library
It feels good to think someone might enjoy reading a little better because I volunteered.
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Kay L. and Jack L.
Volunteers at South County Regional Library
I volunteer because I’ve always read, and libraries give people an opportunity to broaden their minds. - Kay
The Library is such a multifaceted resource that anything that I can do to make it more available to the community is worth my time and effort. - Jack
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Lance W.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
Volunteering at the Library is a chance to give back. The staff at Mint Hill are wonderful!
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Lee M.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I’ve truly been blessed. I have always loved to read. I feel like I’m giving back some of the good things people have done for me.
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Marianne L.
Volunteer at Matthews Library
Library books have always been a part of my life. As I grew older, I realized not everyone had access to books at home, but the Library filled that need. What could be a better way to give back to your community than to support the Library?
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Meg S. and Winnie
Paws to Read Volunteers at ImaginOn
Helping young people practice their reading with Winnie unlocks a new confidence in reading and speaking skills that opens doors forever.
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Pam M. and Seneca
Paws to Read volunteers at South County Regional Library
Seneca's enthusiasm, bright eyes, wagging tail, and willingness to bathe for her favorite volunteer destination keeps us coming back! Belly and ear scratches are in full abundance as well!
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Robert M.
Paws to Read Volunteer at ImaginOn
No child should feel shame or fear when learning to read.
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Sarah M.
Volunteer at ImaginOn
ImaginOn is such an amazing and creative space for kids, and the staff is very welcoming and kind.
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Steven K.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I love helping with Reading Buddies, the Student Success Center, Día and EpicFest.
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Nora M.
Paws to Read Volunteer at ImaginOn
A child may come in and be afraid of reading, so they will just pet the dog. Ultimately, they feel more comfortable and will find a book and sit and read.
Alicia, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:
"I love children's literature, especially picture books with their creative writing and unbelievable illustrations. I also think children are funny. When you combine reading a funny book with a fun child...it makes the volunteer work a real joy! I love escaping with books and hope to inspire this generation to find joy in the words and illustrations of children's literature. Thank you to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system for making this possible."
Ben, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:
"Technology can be daunting, but it's part of everyday life. I want people to feel more confident using their computers and phones. I don't know all the answers, so sometimes it becomes a quest with the person attending a class or tutoring session to see if we can find an answer or solution. The library offers Tech Titans 50+ programs, which is offered through a partnership with AARP, and it opened more ways I could volunteer."
Bernice Mar – CM Library Logistics Volunteer :
“Why do I want to volunteer? A strong library system is a vital part of every thriving community. This is a way for me to be an active part of a meaningful presence...an engine of sorts...that I believe is an essential, life-affirming resource that improves the quality-of-life for everyone (including non-library patrons). As a child, the library is where I discovered that books opened a new and exciting world of stories, language, images, colors and patterns. It was such a treat to come home with a stack of new books to explore! That positive experience contributed to and blossomed into a lifelong love for reading, writing, learning, and self-expression. Eventually that led to a longstanding relationship with the Mecklenburg library system and its programs after moving to Charlotte two decades ago. “
You will see our VolunTeens and our adult volunteers helping with the following:
- Adopt an Aisle which includes families and children 12 and under.
- Tech tutoring classes and one on one learning
- Leading writing groups
- Training to be Reading Buddies and help with Student Success Centers
- Prepping for branch book sales
- Shelving, pulling holds and helping with morning deliveries
- English as a Second Language programs
- Stocking Free Little Libraries all over Mecklenburg County
- The ever-popular Paws to Read program where even your trained dog can volunteer!
If I may give a grateful nod to those of you who help our staff shelve in the children's department (which isn’t for the meek), and a special thank you to the 28 staff who have taken on the role of Volunteer Point Person (VPPs) who guide and engage with our volunteers daily. They have worked diligently to make the Library a great experience for our volunteers.
Thank you for being a Library volunteer and helping deliver the magic of books, stories, technology and lifelong learning. You are a treasured and valuable part of our story.
Executive Committee
News Releases
Mobile Library
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Integrated Library System Transition
March 3, 2025
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is updating its behind-the-scenes software this April. This software enables our staff to manage and checkout materials and for you to place holds. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition.
Schedule
March 22 - extended checkout
Physical materials checked out starting on March 22 will have extended checkout periods. Checkouts will extend from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
April 1 - limited services
Library services will be limited. Cardholders cannot place holds, submit an interlibrary loan request, or suggest materials for the Library to purchase. New online Library card sign ups are also unavailable, new card signups must be completed in-person at a branch.
April 4 - event registration
Online registration for events will be unavailable.
April 11 - account access
The online catalog will only show materials that the Library currently own. Cardholders will not be able to log into their accounts online or through the mobile app.
April 13 - limited services
Patrons can only check out materials from the branch they are physically at and cannot request items to be transferred between branches. To check if materials are available at a specific branch, we recommend calling the branch directly. Staff will be unable to access inventory at other locations. In order to checkout materials, patrons must have their physical or digital card present.
The Library will be unable to process returns during this time. Any returned materials will remain on a cardholder’s account until April 23. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library does not charge late fines for any materials. If possible, we ask patrons to hold materials until April 23 when the Library is able to process returns again.
Cardholders will also be unable to log in to their accounts, but will be able to see events and browse the catalog.
All checkouts will return from the temporary 6 week checkout period to the original 3 week checkout.
April 18 - temporary closure
All branches and book drops close. The Library will remain closed through April 22.
April 21 - book drops
Book drops reopen.
April 23 - branches reopen
Branches reopen and holds return. A temporary catalog will be available for requests and title searches. Returned materials are removed from cardholders accounts.
May 5 - return to all normal services
All services return to normal. Library catalog/mobile app, interlibrary loans, material purchase suggestions, and Library card signups are all available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit to changing the computer software for materials?
The new software will allow for improved efficiency, materials management, and cardholder account management.
Does this affect digital services?
This transition will not impact the digital services at all. Digital services such as Libby, Hoopla, etc. will all still be available. We encourage you to visit our digital branch during this time by clicking here.
Will I be able to visit MoLi during this transition?
Beginning April 17, MoLi will not be out during this transition. MoLi will return to regular operations on April 24. For details on MoLi and the schedule of our Mobile Library, click here. For any questions about MoLi, reach out to [email protected].
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 East Seventh Street,
Charlotte, NC 28202
United States
Contact us:
(704) 416-4600 Hours:
Sunday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
After Hours Book Drop | Available
On January 2, 2025, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will re-institute parking fees for the ImaginOn underground parking garage.
What We Offer
View Branch Events
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Branch Manager
Founders Hall Library
100 N Tryon Street, Suite 290
Charlotte, NC 28202
United States
Contact us:
(704) 416-0300 Hours:
Sunday Closed
Monday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Saturday Closed
After Hours Book Drop | Available
What We Offer
View Branch Events
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