Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s construction of the future University City Regional Library location is now underway with an anticipated completion time in 2025. While poor weather conditions caused the groundbreaking event to be canceled, the project continues to move forward.

The University City branch is one of the most visited libraries in the CML system. Last fiscal year, it circulated nearly 300,000 materials and hosted over 15,000 customers in its programs.

The new facility will be located less than a mile from the current facility on Waters Edge Village Drive in the new Waters Edge development along JW Clay Boulevard.

“This new facility has the customer in mind with generous spaces for dedicated program areas, a large community room, new and ample technology, and flexible meeting spaces, along with comfortable individual and group-size reading and study spaces,” Library CEO Marcellus Turner said.   

Mecklenburg County approved a $39.6 million capital ordinance for the project in 2022, which allows the Library to purchase the land, building and various needs such as furniture, fixtures, equipment and technology necessary to open to the public.

For more information on the University City Regional Library Project, visit here.

Learn2Earn is back and better than ever! The Library is expanding this program in continued partnership with the City of Charlotte. We are moving to an in-person format, adding additional branches to the mix, and using Northstar curriculum to incorporate the learning circle model. Here's what you need to know:

Program Requirements: 

• 18 years or older 

• Charlotte resident

• Must be present for orientation and complete all program components to receive a computer

Locations, Dates & Times: 

• West Boulevard 

  • Saturdays at 10:00am  

  • February 10 – March 23 

• Allegra Westbrooks Regional 

  • Tuesdays at 11:00am

  • February 13 – March 26 

• Hickory Grove  

  • Wednesdays at 10:00am 

  • February 14 – March 27 

• Sugar Creek 

  • Thursdays at 10:30am 

  • February 15 – March 28 

Series Topics: 

• Basic Computer Skills  

• Internet Basics  

• Using Email  

• Microsoft Word  

• Microsoft Excel  

• Resume & Interview Tips  

• CML Career Resources   

Registration Starts:  Monday, January 22 

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 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

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 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.