This blog was written by Chauna Wall, volunteer coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Today we enter into a week-long celebration called National Volunteer Week which runs from April 21 - 27.
I would like to take this opportunity to shine a light on the people that inspire us to serve. 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.
This week, we celebrate our volunteers for giving their time to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the many volunteers who stand with us in promoting inclusion, education and literacy to the entire community.
We had some very exciting milestones this year which were powered by very dedicated volunteers. These include:
Student Success Centers: a physical learning space that are open in branches at least once a week. Trained volunteers work with Kindergartners – 5th grade with Homework Help, Skill practice and tutor.com. Volunteers responded to our request to help our students succeed in an overwhelming way. Recruiting more volunteers than the number of registered students.
The Living Archives needed volunteers to transcribe the stories of People of Color and their experiences during the pandemic. Again, an abundance of individuals came forth to offer their skills.
You may have heard of MeckTech; an effort to close the Digital Divide in which we gave away 20,000 free laptops to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. We didn’t do it alone; we tapped the skills of over 900 volunteers over the course of a year. Individuals, families, groups, corporate volunteers and teens rose to the occasion for this very sizeable and far-reaching project.
You can clearly see the exceptional ways in which our citizenry responded to the needs of the Library and broader 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 you gave us over 31,000 hours of your time which equates to a value of over $1million.
Hear from some of our volunteers on why they do this work below:
"The Library is a safe space, for teens especially to be able to exist peacefully and authentically without the stress of whatever else is happening in their life."
Máire B., VolunTeen at North County Regional Library
"Not only did my service at the Library strengthen my leadership skills, it also introduced me to other aspects of that I hadn’t initially been aware of."
Rachel J., VolunTeen at West Boulevard Library
"The Library is important because for others It is a place of both knowledge and enrichment. I have learned a lot from the Library."
Ashritha N., VolunTeen at Matthews Library
"Volunteering at the Library has shown me how important it is that we have a place to gather, reflect, read, and connect."
Elliott K., VolunTeen at Matthews Library
"Volunteering at the Library is a chance to give back. The staff at Mint Hill are Wonderful!"
Lance, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
"I have always loved to read. I feel like I’m giving back some of the good things people have done for me."
Lee, Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library
"The Library supports literacy and education in addition to cultural learning. Books open the world to children."
Barbara, Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library
"One of my Reading Buddies said to me at the end of our half hour, 'I'm not ready to go!' - it touched my heart!"
Lori, Reading Buddy at Mountain Island Library
"The library is a safe space for all people. Stories inspire creativity and without creativity society would be lost.
Katy, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
"Volunteering at the Library is incredibly rewarding—seeing school-aged students grow in reading confidence over time is wonderful. To think that Wicked and I might have played even a small part is simply amazing and makes every moment worth it!"
Kelsey & Wicked, Paws to Read volunteers at Mountain Island Library
"Sometimes kids are nervous around dogs or about reading and it’s so rewarding watching them become comfortable and confident and light up when they sit and read to Phineas."
Lauren A. & Phineas, Paws to Read volunteers at SouthPark Regional Library
"Watching kids learn to read and making verbal connections in real-time is really neat...kids light up and smile when they see Pippa! Knowing that I’m making a small difference in a child’s ability to read is really cool!"
Courtney S. & Pippa, Paws to Read volunteers at SouthPark Regional Library
"Volunteering to me means making a difference. Also, having an impact in children’s lives and families.
Ashlyn, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
"Volunteering is fun for me since I am retired and I like giving back to the community.
Cindy, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
"It feels good to think someone might enjoy reading a little better because I volunteered.
Kathy, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
Rachel S. and Dumpling, Paws to Read volunteers at Hickory Grove Library
Sue, Reading Buddy Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
Krissy, Volunteer at Hickory Grove Library
Anna, Volunteer at Matthews Library
Kelly, Reading Buddy Volunteer at Mountain Island Library
Don, Volunteer at SouthPark Library
Daniel, Volunteer at SouthPark Library
Russ, Reading Buddy Volunteer at SouthPark Library
Kurt S., Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
Lori D., Volunteer at North County Regional Library
Marci., Reading Buddy Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library
"The library offers a variety of programs and children’s storytimes. Volunteering gets me back into the environment that I love!"
Gail Z., Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
You will see our volunteers helping with…
If I may give a respectful 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 32 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.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Shelf.TV es una colección de videos en streaming de películas en español, series de televisión, eventos de artes escénicas grabados y contenido infantil de América Latina y España. La sección de niños incluye videojuegos y aclamados programas animados
Shelf.TV es una colección de videos en streaming de películas en español, series de televisión, eventos de artes escénicas grabados y contenido infantil de América Latina y España. La sección de niños incluye videojuegos y aclamados programas animados
¡Hay algo para todas las edades! Shelf.TV está disponible como aplicación para iOS y Android, así como en computador de escritorio
Iniciar:
Cree una cuenta siguiendo las indicaciones:
Nota: Los clientes menores de 13 años solo tendrán acceso al contenido de Zona Kids.
Seleccione EE. UU. en el menú desplegable del país y Biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg de la lista de bibliotecas en la sección "Buscar y seleccionar su biblioteca".Ingrese su número de tarjeta de la Biblioteca o el número de One Access y la contraseña en la sección "Acceda a su cuenta". Haga clic en "Entrar en el Shelf”.
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Préstamos:
Los clientes de la Biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg pueden pedir prestados hasta 12 títulos con boleto por mes. Las entradas se utilizan para películas y artes escénicas (busque el icono de la entrada). El resto del contenido es ilimitado (incluidos los juegos para niños). El monto del crédito del boleto se restablece el primer día de cada mes.
Todo el contenido está disponible para su visualización hasta 48 horas después del pago.
Getting Started:
Create an account by following the prompts:
Note: Customers under 13 will only have access to the Kids Zone content.
Select USA from the country drop down and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library from the list of libraries in the “Find and Select your library” section. Enter your Library card number or One Access number and password in the “Access your Account section”. Click “Enter The Shelf.”
NOTE: When the page opens you may see a popup saying that the site uses cookies. It’s okay to click “Accept” on this popup. These cookies are essential to the platform. The Shelf.TV does not use third party cookies or track personal data.
Borrowing:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers can borrow up to 12 ticketed titles per month. Tickets are used for movies and performing arts (look for the ticket icon). All other content is unlimited (including kids games. The ticket credit amount resets on the first of each month.
All content is available for viewing up to 48 hours after checkout.
June 29, 2022
This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn more about the program and corresponding events here.
To recognize and understand the LGBTQ+ community, it takes the honesty of admitting societal prejudices against gay people while permitting that community to be itself without judgment. As former NBA player Jason Collins put it, the first professional male athlete to announce he is gay, “Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.”
Public libraries across the country have been doing just that in recent weeks with the celebration of Pride Month. Gay themed books are spotlighted in displays and often include representations of the multi-colored Pride symbol, resembling a rainbow. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library borrowed the color scheme for its Pride t-shirts, in its support of Pride, on sale to interested staff.
Within the growing self-identified LGBTQ+ population, which according to the Gallup Poll is 7.1 percent of U.S. adults, is a sizable minority population. People of color make up 40% of that number with another 12% of those identifying as Black according to the Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law in a demographic study.
Collins falls in that 12% and to borrow from his quote about openness, books can help to do that in the imagination and storytelling nature of a novel. Reading the stories can stir empathy and help one to understand the present. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has several titles about those individuals in stories about coping with family, life, identity—living the human experience. Read about these stories with booklists for adult and teen readers.
Check out our Adult BLACK LGBTQ+ Booklist
Check out our Teen Black LGBTQ+ Booklist
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The blog was written by Lawrence Turner, an adult services librarian at South County Regional Library.
July 8, 2022
This blog was written by Serena Guest, library collections associate, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
We made it to summer! Temperatures are already soaring and the kids are out of school for a few months. If you’re looking for a great library resource children can enjoy while also sharpening their reading skills, Hoopla is it. Hoopla is an amazing service that offers ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music and comics. All you need is a Library card (https://www.cmlibrary.org/getacard) to access a world of exploration.
Once your account is created, make sure to turn on kids mode by clicking the word KIDS onthe top right-hand side to find many kid-friendly titles. Kids Mode is curated content for kids up to age 12. Note: There are different age ranges using this feature and titles available range from G-General Audiences to PG-Parental Guidance Suggested. Parents or guardians are expected to decide whether a specific title is appropriate for their child.
Here are the top five kids titles that were checked out from Hoopla by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library users last month:
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Available in eBook and audiobook.
2. Big Nate: Beware of Low-Flying Corn Muffins by Lincoln Peirce
Available in comic format.
3. Disney Classic Stories: Encanto*
Available as a Read-Along ebook. *A favorite of my seven-year-old
4. Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
Available in eBook.
5. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Available in eBook and audiobook.
Learn more about Hoopla checkout limits here.
July 21, 2022
At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library we aim to have library services extend beyond our physical locations. This year Library staff have attended multiple events around Charlotte to talk about Library services and Summer Break. At any of these events, staff can help you sign up and log your reading and activities for Summer Break!
National Night Out
Multiple branches will be participating in National Night Out this year, a great event to learn about community resources for adults and children. Dates vary, but most of the events will be taking place on August 2, 2022 and it is advised to check with your local branch for details. At each event visitors to the Library’s table can pick up some great swag and learn more about Summer Break
Soccer Game
You may have seen the Library at a recent Charlotte Football Club game against the New York Red Bulls in early June. This year, Charlotte Football Club has partnered with the Library to sponsor Summer Break. Library staff members met with soccer fans and talked about available services and Summer Break.
Heroes Con
Graphic Novel and comic book enthusiast library staff showcased Library services, Summer Break, and even participated in a panel about banned books at Heroes Con in late June. Visitors to the Library’s table had the opportunity to take a photo using the photo booth, spin the prize wheel for various prizes, pick up a graphic novel or two and learn about Summer Break.
If you see the Library around town, come and say hi and ask us about Summer Break.
Comments? Questions?
Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2022 website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Feel free to call your local branch or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.
The 2022 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Charlotte Football Club and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.
July 22, 2022
This blog was written by Darrell Anderson, marketing and communications specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Whether you need resources for your small business or just want to stream the newest hit music, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has a vast catalog of digital resources to fit your needs. Check out some of our offerings below and some fun facts about the Queen City's namesake monarch Queen Charlotte.
Did You Know? — Queen Charlotte spoke three language and you can, too. Learn Afrikaans, Tagalog, the language of love, or whatever you like for FREE with Transparent Language and your Library card.
Transparent Language provides a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner.
access Transparent Language now
Did You Know? — Queen Charlotte had serious musical chops! Not only was she versed in the harpsichord and tutored in music by Johann Christian Bach (the son of Johann Sebastian Bach), but she also was a muse to other classical musicians of the time. Enjoy the latest music tracks from all your favorite artists for free from hoopla and Freegal Music through the Library.
access freegal music now access hoopla now
Did You Know? — In addition to being royalty, Queen Charlotte was also a philanthropist who supported small business across the city of London. But you don’t have to be royalty to start your own business. All you need is a Library card to give you access to our vast catalog of free business resources including LinkedIn Learning and Universal Class.
August 2, 2022
This blog was written by Serena Guest, library collections associate, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
In June, Beyoncé released the song "Break My Soul." Over a stirring house beat, she sings about looking for motivation and a new foundation. It's an inspirational song that was much needed for so many of us. If you enjoy this song and you’re looking for your own motivation and new foundation, I've put together a list of suggested titles you might enjoy. You can also listen to "Break My Soul" for free on Freegal - all you need is your Library card!
The perfect booklist for Beyoncé fans:
August 8, 2022
Oh, where has the time gone?
It’s a wrap for Summer Break 2022. Thank you to all of those who participated in the 2022 Summer Break Challenge. Queen Charlotte collected her earned prizes. Have you? Please collect any earned prizes by August 20, 2022, at your local branch location. Charlotte Football Club winners will be selected from completers by a drawing via Beanstack on August 15, 2022 and will be contacted via email.
The Summer Beak Team hopes you enjoyed reading more and participating in different activities.
We put forth a challenge to the community to beat this year’s numbers for 2023. Do you have it in you?
Here are the top 5 books read all summer by our Summer Break readers! Are they what you expected? What were your favorite summer reads?
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The 2022 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Charlotte Football Club's Greater Goals, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.