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ImaginOn Hosts PuppetPalooza on Saturday

January 29, 2024

ImaginOn hosts PuppetPalooza on Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PuppetPalooza is a celebration featuring live shows, roving performances and hands-on activities that showcase the diverse and captivating art of puppetry.

This is a free, family-friendly event for all ages presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Sigmon Theatrical. Featuring a live dinosaur show, a story about Pinocchio, early literacy skills activities, music-filled shows and so much more, PuppetPalooza is a can’t-miss event.

Featured artists include the Center for Puppetry Arts, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Frontline Puppeteers, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Grey Seal Puppets, Jeghetto Entertainment, The Lurnsters, Ms. Melanie Puppetry and Sigmon Theatrical.

For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit sigmontheatrical.com/puppetpalooza.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Celebrates Black History Month

January 30, 2024

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates Black History Month throughout February with various programs, events and booklists. Below are some ways the community can learn more about the month, and participate in discussions, author meetups and storytimes.

Featured Programs & Events:

Black Genealogy: Moving Beyond the 1870 Census

Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.

Mountain Island Library

Celebrate Black History Month at Mountain Island Library with an exciting program presented by Danielle Pritchett, Genealogy Librarian at the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room. Unlock the secrets of African American genealogy with this presentation, navigating the challenges of tracing enslaved or free ancestors. Learn more and register at https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/659f0b19efc0293a006c1556.

National African American Read-In Celebration

Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m.

Sugar Creek Charter School

Join the Library on Feb. 17 from 11am-1:30pm for its annual National African American Read-In celebration at Sugar Creek Charter School! This year, our theme is "Celebrating Literacy Through the Arts." Learn more at https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6408be94bf76ba2900ce4c0d.

Meet Author: ReShonda Tate

Saturday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Hickory Grove Library

Hickory Grove Public Library welcomes Bestselling author ReShonda Tate. As the national bestselling author of more than fifty books, ReShonda Tate has the credentials, and the passion, to bring stories to life. Learn more and register at https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/659c329fbf3fd82800d7d0f0.

Black History Month Programs & Events: https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=Black%20History%20Month&startDate=2024-02-01&endDate=2024-02-29

Black History Month Booklist: https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/2270138969/2452220219

Fall in Love with a New Tech Skill at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library!

February 13, 2024

This blog was written by Laura Cavette, library associate at Myers Park Library.

 

Love is in the air, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is celebrating by helping you ignite your passion for learning with DigiLit, the Library's digital literacy brand offering a range of technology training options. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, our classes are designed to empower you with essential tools for success in today's digital world. 

 

Led by trained library staff, DigiLit classes cover a variety of popular tools, including Microsoft Word, Canva, Microsoft Excel, and Google Drive. Plus, you can choose to join us either on Zoom from the comfort of your own home or in-person at select library locations, making learning convenient and accessible! 

 

With Microsoft Word, you can create professional-looking documents, resumes, and flyers. Canva unleashes your creativity, enabling you to craft captivating graphics for social media, presentations, and more. Microsoft Excel helps you organize and analyze data like a pro, while Google Drive provides seamless collaboration and cloud storage for all your documents. 

 

To further extend your learning journey, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers access to Northstar Digital Literacy – an online tool designed to help individuals master essential digital skills. From basic computer skills to using technology to accomplish tasks, Northstar has you covered with self-guided lessons that fit your schedule and pace. 

 

Are you ready to embark on your digital literacy adventure? Get started today by visiting DigiLitCLT.org and let's make this Valentine's season a celebration of learning, growth, and digital empowerment. 

From a broken laptop to a world of possibilities

February 15, 2024

By Tommy Scott 

When local business owner Anthony Gill’s laptop broke during an important day at work, he started looking for other options – which led him to Mountain Island Library, and a whole world of opportunity.  

Gill is the owner of Gill Incorporated Design Solutions, an end-to-end product development services company based in Charlotte. Like many in the post-2020 world, he conducts most of his business virtually.  

With that comes the need for a space to work. Gill has long preferred to be outside of his home - whether that be a coffee shop, restaurant, or anywhere else he can get internet access and quietly spend his time working.  

However, when Gill’s laptop broke, he found Mountain Island Library in a Google search - and the rest is history.  

Gill, who uses the computer lab at the Library daily now, says his eyes were opened very quickly to how many resources the Library has to offer outside of books.  

“I’ve discovered a lot of free resources that are available online here,” Gill said. “Not having access to my laptop but being at the Library gives me access to software and other programs that I otherwise would not have.” 

Gill said that a Library assistant spent time sharing business resources that he could access at the Library.  

“Dexter introduced me to one program specifically that has a database full of companies which could be used for marketing or networking opportunities,” Gill said. “Just knowing the Library offers all these resources that can help my business is a great feeling.” 

Beyond having the resources to help him run his business, Gill has started participating in Library programs while he is there – most notably, a sign language class. 

“I had an interest in learning sign language, and they have a class once a week here,” Gill said. “I decided to start participating and now I have been going for a few months. People just don’t realize what a great resource the Library is.” 

Gill says that another great aspect of being at the Library is the sense of community.  

“That’s been an unexpected benefit of being here,” Gill said. “There is a very calm and welcoming atmosphere here. I even spend some time out by the pond occasionally for fresh air during the day.” 

While Gill originally came into the Library with a simple need for computer access, he was able to be fully immersed in what a library truly is – a place to learn a new skill, a place to meet new people, a place to manage your business. He discovered that the library can be whatever you need it to be.  

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Celebrates Community Read

February 26, 2024

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announces the return of Community Read in March with a focus on creating community dialogue around themes of food as a community and cultural connector.

Community Read is the Library’s monthlong effort to have the community read or listen to books of current and relevant topics and participate in discussions, book clubs and events hosted by the Library and community partners.

The signature title, “Buttermilk Graffiti” by Edward Lee, includes a scheduled appearance by the author on March 19 at ImaginOn.

Adults are encouraged to read and discuss the main title, as well as selected companion titles for children and teens including “Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet” by Laekan Zea Kemp, “Measuring Up” by Lily LaMotte and “Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora.

All four titles are available for free at every Library location while supplies last and are also available for digital download. Library-created cookbooks are available at all locations while supplies last.

While there are Community Read programs and events at Library locations throughout March, below are the featured “Meet the Author” events:

Meet Lily LaMotte

Wednesday, March 6 at 6 p.m. – North County Regional Library

Come meet Lily LaMotte, the author of the 2024 Community Read middle grade selection, “Measuring Up.” Listen to Ms. LaMotte speak about the inspiration for her book, writing a graphic novel and how food connects us to community. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Meet Oge Mora

Thursday, March 7 at 6 p.m. – SouthPark Regional Library

Come meet Oge Mora, the author of the 2024 Community Read picture book selection, “Thank You, Omu!” Listen to Ms. Mora speak about the inspiration for her book and how food connects us to community. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Meet Laekan Zea Kemp

March 11, 14 and 26 – Online Events

Celebrate reading and join Laekan Zea Kemp, author of our Community Read teen companion title, “Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet.” There will be three opportunities to connect with the author and all can be accessed online for free:

March 11 - Online Author Talk

March 14 - Teens Live on Instagram

March 26 - Teen Book Club

To learn more about Community Read, visit cmlibrary.org/community-read. To learn more about Community Read events and programs, visit cmlibrary.org/events.

Charlotte Author Conversation: May 4 at the Pineville Library

March 13, 2024

This blog was written by Amanda Goldson, adult services librarian at Pineville Library.

 

Join six award-winning Charlotte authors on May 4 at 11 am at the Pineville Library for a conversation about their recent books—what they’re about and how they wrote them—and hear their writing tips and lessons learned. 

 

Register for this event here.

 

This author event is co-sponsored by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Charlotte Readers Podcast. Featured authors include Sarah Archer, Joy Callaway, Mark de Castrique, Kimmery Martin, and Cathy Pickens. The panel is moderated by author Landis Wade, founder of Charlotte Readers Podcast. The books and writing topics include mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, true crime, romance, comedy, and literary fiction.

Landis Wade is a trial lawyer turned author of thrillers, mysteries, and essays who founded Charlotte Readers Podcast(where he has conducted 500+ author interviews). His novel Deadly Declarations won ten awards, including Winner in the 2022 American Fiction Awards (Cozy Mystery category). With the help of his podcast co-hosts, he published The Write Quotes series, an 8 book collection that features inspirational and practical author quotes about writing and the writing life from authors in more than 33 U.S. states and four countries, and he co-wrote a comedic mystery with podcast co-host Sarah Archer about the dangers of podcasting with author guests titled Death by Podcasting. His short work has appeared in Writersdigest.com, The Charlotte Observer, Flying South, and in several anthologies, and his short story, The Deliberation, won the 2016 North Carolina Bar short story contest. He is a past board member of Charlotte Writers Club. To learn more about Landis, his books, and the podcast, click here.

Sarah Archer's debut novel, The Plus One, was published by Putnam and optioned for television. As a screenwriter, she has developed material for MTV Entertainment, Snapchat, and Comedy Central, and been recognized by the Black List, the Tracking Board, the Motion Picture Academy, and the Austin Film Festival. Her short stories and poetry have appeared in numerous journals and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She also co-hosts the award-winning Charlotte Readers Podcast.

Joy Callaway is the international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society, Secret Sisters, The Grand Design, All The Pretty Places, and What The Mountains Remember. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her family.

Mystery writer Mark de Castrique has authored twenty-three books. His novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. His Washington, DC thriller SECRET LIVES was one of five finalists for the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgars 2023 Sue Grafton Memorial Award. Mark lives in Charlotte, but he and his wife Linda can be often found in the NC mountains or the nation’s capital.

Kimmery Martin is an ER doctor whose novels have been praised by People, Newsweek, and The New York Times. She also teaches Narrative Medicine at the local medical school and authors a column on Substack covering medical disinformation, humor, parenting, and social topics.

Kimmery speaks frequently at medical and literary events around the United States and honors her passion for public libraries by serving on the Board of Trustees of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Her most recent novel, Doctors and Friends, received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.

Cathy Pickens, a lawyer and college professor, now writes about crime, fact and fiction. Her first novel, Southern Fried, was St. Martin’s Best New Traditional Mystery. (Now available from Joffe Books as The Blue Ridge Mountain Mysteries, with audiobook.) Professor emerita at Queens University, she is writing a series of Carolina true crime accounts for History Press, starting with Charlotte True Crime Stories. Author of CREATE, she offers coaching and workshops on developing the creative process.

Capturing History with the Living Archives project

April 5, 2024

We invite you to come and join us for a special event revealing the Living Archives Mural to be hosted at Lions Services on April 18, 2024 at 11 a.m. 

 

Register Here

 

Over the last three years, the Living Archives project successfully collected stories of marginalized communities in Mecklenburg County through the COVID-19 pandemic. Those stories - in the form of video, audio, art, text and more - will be preserved by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's digital archive, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, in perpetuity. Focused on equity, the project gathered stories from Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous residents with a focus on those who are essential workers, housing insecure, immigrants, formerly incarcerated residents, small business owners, families with children, teens, college students, the elderly, LGBTQIA, veterans and people with disabilities. The initial project goal was to collect 200 stories and currently, we have been able to collect over 340+ stories, going well above and beyond what we first imagined. Transitioning from a story collection phase, the project shifted gears towards a more community-focused phase where community focused exhibits were available to the public, events and programming provided, as well as the completion of a permanent mural.

 

By uniting these stories in a single artwork, our mural recognizes our shared experiences. The vibrant imagery highlights the themes often shared in the narratives – themes of self-reflection, community commitment, and the weight of uncertainty – echoing and amplifying the viewers own pandemic story. The Living Archives Mural stands as a testament to the enduring values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a legacy for the entire County, ensuring that the stories of our neighbors will be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

 

Local artist Abel Jackson is responsible for the mural which is located at Lions Services Inc. at 4600 N Tryon. Continue reading to learn more about the different components of the mural in his own words:

 

Mockup of the Living Archives mural at Lions Services by artist Abel Jackson

“Each person is symbolic of various emotions and experiences. I tried to capture a variety of emotions in each person. Each individual gives some representation of ethnicity/ race and gender in hopes of displaying diversity:

 

  • Black man representing vision impaired and essential worker. This design illustrates the idea of finding peace in the midst of adversity. In the scene, he is playing his favorite music on a record player as he deals with everything that is going on around him.

     

  • Beneath him is a Hispanic woman crying with her hands covering her face. She represents sadness and depression.

     

  • On the left side of the door adjacent to her is an Asian man. He is a business owner. Not only is he concerned with the survival of his business during the pandemic he is also worried about all those who depend on him including his family and workers. He represents anxiety and stress.

     

  • To the left of him is an indigenous Lumbee woman handing out meals and food to the elderly. She represents community service and helping those in need. 

     

  • Above the Black man is a mother looking out the window. She has quarantined herself in her own home because she has Covid. She is wearing a mask in her room looking out the window. She represents isolation and fear of uncertainty. 

     

  • Lastly, is a woman who is looking up and taking a deep breath. She is enjoying what she once took for granted. She represents strength and resilience."

 

This event will include the unveiling of the Living Archives mural, Charlotte Mecklenburg Mobile Library (MoLi), guest speakers, and various food trucks. This event is free to the public.