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 virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 7/20/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 7/20

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 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

Mindful Mondays – 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. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)   learn more

Tuesday 7/21             

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)    register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

Road to Medicare – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 Year Olds – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)    learn more

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

Wednesday 7/22

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

Effective LinkedIn Strategies – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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 – 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Engage 2020: 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Teens LIVE: Summer Break Felt Pens – 6 p.m (Teen programming)  learn more

Thursday 7/23

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Elevator Pitch – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)    register

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Paint with Sharpies – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

Friday 7/24

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Move to Write: Write to Move Creativity Workshop – 10 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

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 – 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Saturday 7/25

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

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll: Writing Gripping Scenes – 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Engage 2020: Look Back, Move Forward, seeks to bring diverse audiences together through facilitated conversations around important civic issues. In conjunction with the Digital Public Library of America, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is providing opportunities for the community to learn more about the history of civic initiatives, as well as how that history relates to current events in our country.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Engage 2020 Summer Series continues on Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m. with a virtual presentation by UNCC Professor Dante Bryant. Dr. Bryant is an Assistant Professor with the School of Social Work at UNC-Charlotte. His area of expertise lies in examining racial inequity, community organizing, and social activism. The topic of Dr. Bryant’s presentation will be “The History of Racial Progress and Social Resistance to Change” is a timely one. Please join us for this engaging presentation by visiting the Library's Facebook page, where the event will be live-streamed.

For more information on the Engage 2020: Summer Series - A Conversation with Dante Bryant, click here.

Each summer Charlotte Mecklenburg Library encourages people of all ages to participate in our summer learning program, Summer Break. There are lots of reasons why! We think one of the best parts of Summer Break is hearing from participants about all the wonderful, little, powerful or unexpected ways that the program has impacted their lives. From encouraging participants to further explore the city, to motivating students to read all summer long, we’ve compiled some notable stories. Keep reading for inspiration.

Summer Break Helps People of All Ages Discover Love of Reading

One of the things customers share most frequently is how Summer Break fosters a love of reading. One local parent said her family was thankful for the program adaptations for this summer and downloaded e-materials from our suggested summer reading lists. Another local preteen, who didn’t like reading last year, has been reading a lot during the summer, found new books to read, and says he likes reading now. Even seniors have told us they’ve found a renewed love of reading by finding new author addictions.

Find your next read with us:

Adults: https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/lists/show/1622474999

Teens: https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/lists/show/1622475399

Children: https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/lists/show/1622475403

Children and Parents Love Summer Break

One preschool mother says she loves how this program gives points while also encouraging little ones to read something daily on their own. Another mom said it’s always such an effort to get her middle schooler to read, but Summer Break is phenomenal! Logging reading and activities and then receiving badges and prizes is such an awesome incentive and keeps him motivated.

Has Summer Break Made an Impact on You?

If you have a success story you’d like to share about Summer Break, we’d love to hear it!  You can email us at [email protected] or fill out the form on our website.

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 virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 7/27/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 7/27

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 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 Toastmasters Club – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Mindful Mondays – 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. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)   learn more

Tuesday 7/28             

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 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

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)   learn more

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

Engage 2020: Graphic Novel Book Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Wednesday 7/29

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

Effective LinkedIn Strategies – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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 – 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Engage 2020: 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Teens LIVE on Instagram: DIY Lip Balm – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

Thursday 7/30

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Elevator Pitch – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Teens LIVE on Instagram: No Bake Oreo Cheesecake – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

Friday 7/31

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)   learn more

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 – 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Saturday 8/1

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

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Welcome to Week 9 of Summer Break!  

Summer Break may be Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s summer learning program, but it wouldn’t be possible without the strong support we receive from our sponsors. We thank these sponsors for their support, which helps the Library improve lives and build a stronger community. 

Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere features a sweet surprise thanks to Wendy’s! A coupon for a complimentary Junior Frosty provides the perfect prize for participants of all ages. We look forward to distributing these to participants when we are able. For more information please visit our FAQ page. Wendy’s has been a long-time sponsor of summer learning programs at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Thank you, Wendy’s, for your support of Summer Break! 

An important partner in all Library ventures is the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. Their support this year has been crucial as we have updated our website and dealt with many unexpected changes. Thank you, Library Foundation, for contributing to the ongoing success of Summer Break! 

Comments? Questions? 

Are you having problems with the Summer Break website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Have a story to share? Contact your local library for assistance or email us at  [email protected]. 

Engage 2020 is pleased to welcome Dakotah Aiyanna for the Engage 2020: Summer Series - A Conversation on Tuesday, August 4th at 7 p.m. 

The conversation will focus on the intersection of art and activism, focusing on her work with the Black Lives Matter mural in Uptown Charlotte, followed by a poetry reading from her 2020 book “Black Tea + Honey”. 

Aiyanna is a multidisciplinary artist who uses her writings and self-exploration as a means for inspiration to create and express what she is feeling. Whether it be conceptual art or random digital illustrations and sometimes photography, she creates what she’s feeling with hopes to inspire and connect to those around her.

Her work can currently be seen as part of the Black Lives Matter mural on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte, at Stable Hand in South End, and murals in the Plaza Midwood and the Beatties Ford Road neighborhood.

The presentation will be streamed live on the Library’s Facebook page and will be available afterward for viewing.  We hope you will join the conversation. See the event details here.

In this election year, the Library is partnering with the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) offering programs like this one to encourage everyone to look back at what has been accomplished in the past and to move forward with empowerment to make a difference in one's own community. To learn more about Engage 2020, click here.

To learn more about Dakotah Aiyanna and her work:

Instagram: @dakotahaiyanna

Website: dakotahaiyanna.com

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 virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 8/3/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 8/3

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 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

Mindful Mondays – 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. (Adult programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)   learn more

Stronger Together: Support for Your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Tuesday 8/4             

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)    register

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Engage 2020: Unmasking Your Voice – 1 p.m. (Teen 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

Nonprofit Services: Is Starting a Nonprofit Right for You? – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)   learn more

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 Year Olds – 2:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

Engage 2020 Summer Series: A Conversation with Dakota Aiyanna – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Wednesday 8/5

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)    register

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

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

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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 – 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Toasty Oat No Bake Cookies – 5 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Engage 2020: 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Thursday 8/6

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)    register

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Active Reading to Build Phonemic Awareness – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Create an Identity Map – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

Friday 8/7

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)    register

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

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

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  learn more

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

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

Ted Talks Discussion Group: What Makes You Happy? – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Learning Circle: How to Be an LGBT+ Ally – 1 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 – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

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

Saturday 8/8

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

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Library Codelab: Intro to Web Accessibility  – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Be a part of the conversation. The year 2020 marks the centennial of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. In celebration of this historical achievement, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library partnered with the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) to launch the Engage 2020: Look Back, Move Forward program which focuses on civic engagement and more. Engage 2020 connects the community in a conversation about the history of voting in the United States, past and current civic and social trends, and spotlight the history of voting rights. The Library and DPLA built a collaborative digital collection to tell the stories of women, particularly Black women, engaged in the suffrage movement and encourage everyone to look back at what has been accomplished in the past and to move forward with empowerment to make a difference in one's own community. 

Learn more about Engage 2020 here

View the list below for historical resources and artifacts available for FREE with your Library card (or ONE Access ID number for CMS students and select schools):  

Engage in Your Community – This OverDrive booklist of e-books and e-audiobooks for all ages includes titles on women’s activism, civil rights and the Nineteenth Amendment.

Access

Engage 2020 List of Lists – You’ll find lots of great information here staff to support the Engage 2020 program, including booklists, podcasts, videos and more on civic engagement, women's voting rights, and current social and civic trends.

Access

HistoryMakers Digital Archive – Check out stories from the people who made history! HistoryMakers is an oral history collection highlighting the accomplishments of individual African Americans and African American-led groups and movements.  Hear from Katie Booth on her civic involvement in Chicago during the 1970s, or Reverend Dr. Jacquelyn Grant speaking about the division between black and white women in the abolitionist and women’s suffrage movements. 

Access

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

Digital Public Library of America offers first-person audio and visual resources on women’s suffrage and women’s right to vote. This is an extensive collection with over 2,200 results returned on the women’s suffrage movement, including primary-source documents and fact sheets to images, news articles, sound recordings, program recordings from shows like North Carolina Now and moving images. There is even a collection of “Women’s Activities – Suffrage – Washington DC” images by the War Department that have been housed in the National Archives. 

Visit the DPLA website for a one-stop digital discovery experience with access to millions of materials from a large national network of partners.

Access the Digital Public Library of America

North American Women’s Letters and Diaries

This resource provides fascinating and insightful information on sources such as Susan B. Anthony’s letters, entries from Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s memoirs and other leading figures of the suffrage movement. Under the advanced search option, select terms “women’s rights” and “voting rights” in the topic/theme field. Searching “Women’s Suffrage” yields 65 results of original-source documents including:

• The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony: Including Public Addresses, Her Own Letters and Many from Her Contemporaries During Fifty Years, Vol. 1
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton, As Revealed in her Letters, Diary, and Reminiscences, Vol. 1
• The Grimke Sisters: Sarah and Angelina Grimke, The First American Women Advocates of Abolition and Woman’s Rights (Letters & Diaries)
• Letters from Mary McLeod Bethune written by Mary McLeod Bethune, 1875-1955 (1902), in Mary McLeod Bethune: Building a Better World, Essays and Selected Documents, edited by Audrey Thomas McCluskey and Elaine M. Smith. (Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1999).
• Letters from Frances Ellen Watkins Harper written by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, 1825-1911 (1859); edited by William Still, 1821-1902 in The Underground Railroad Records: Narrating the Hardships, Hairbreadth Escapes, and Death Struggles of Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom, edited by William Still. (Philadelphia, PA: Porter & Coates, 1872).
• Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Bondswoman of Olden Time, With A History of Her Labors and Correspondence Drawn from Her Book of Life written by Sojourner Truth, 1797-1883; edited by Olive Gilbert (Battle Creek, MI: Privately Published, 1878),
• James and Lucretia Mott: Life and Letters written by Lucretia Coffin Mott, 1793-1880; edited by Anna Davis Hallowell, 1831-1905 (Boston, MA: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1884)

Learn more

NCpedia

NCpedia is an online encyclopedia for exploring connections between specific topics and North Carolina. Search “women’s suffrage” and “women’s voting” to find various articles, books, photos and more about the women’s suffrage movement in NC. Also, from the main resource page under “Selected NC topics,” find a featured link to Women’s History which connects to various subtopics and links such as a timeline of major events.

Learn more