Business Services
Programs and Events
Get a Library Card
Looking to earn community service hours this summer as a teen volunteer? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is looking for responsible teens (ages 13-17) who enjoy working with the public, helping others, and giving back to their community. Applications open today, April 15th, at 3:30pm, which is when teens will be able to view available opportunities and apply. Applications will be accepted until the end of the month or until a branch reaches capacity.
If you do not see a position posted for your preferred location, then a position is no longer available, and you will need to apply to another location. While there are a limited number of opportunities, almost all locations are participating in this program. Teens may only apply to one location per semester. Please note that applying does not guarantee a position.
After you apply, someone from the library will contact you to set up an interview if you meet qualifications. If you wish to inquire about your application, please reach out to the branch where you applied to follow up. Please apply on the Volunteer page. Click on Become a Volunteer and search for “Summer VolunTeen” opportunities.
Still have questions? Check our VolunTeen FAQs for more details! We look forward to seeing your application soon!
Employee Access
Adult Services
Día
Thumbnail
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!
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
Image
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.
Image
Image
Image
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.
Thumbnail
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].