The last 12 months have proven to be a “year of different” for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Nonprofit Services. I use the word “different” rather than “challenge” as the Nonprofit Team has seen more success and growth during this time than in the last five years. Access to our specialized databases for nonprofit research are traditionally in house use only. We were grateful when the vendor, Candid, quickly responded to the COVID crisis by providing free, remote access to a limited version of the Foundation Directory Online (FDO), FDO Essential.

Effective March 25, 2021, Candid is changing how Library customers access FDO Essential. You will continue to access FDO Essential via the Library’s Resources page. When you land on FDO Essential page, you will be asked to create an account and sign up for a day pass. The day pass allows remote access of FDO Essential for a 24-hour continuous window. A new day pass can be activated every thirty days.

A clock at the top of the screen indicates how much time remains in the pass. After the 24 hours expires, the clock will show the next date on which you can activate a new pass (every 30 days).

Since you will be able to create individual accounts in FDO Essential, you will have access to the MyFDO features that were not previously available. You will be able to create dashboards and save searches and return to them each time you activate a new pass!

Detailed instructions on how to create an account can be found on the Learn More page of the Foundation Directory Online Essential resource page.

The Nonprofit Services team is currently offering a variety of programs online, including our Introductory classes every Tuesday at 2:00 pm via Zoom. You can also make an appointment with a member of the Nonprofit Services team for more personalized instruction. Click here to see the programs offered by the Nonprofit Services team.

Please email Christina Dooley at [email protected] if you have questions or comments.

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This blog was written by Christina Dooley, adult librarian and lead of the Nonprofit Services team for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

It’s been one year since Charlotte Mecklenburg Library temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the full potential and extent of the health threat was unknown. The Library’s news release ominously stated: “Library announces all locations will close on March 17, 2020 at 5 p.m. until further notice.” Not knowing when we would return, but hopeful it was only for the recommended two-week quarantine period, staff gathered belongings, closed the facilities and were sent home. We did not know that the first phase would last 10 weeks while all Library in-person operations paused.

With the news of the first closure, the community responded with loud, clear voices.

Disappointed we will not have access to this wonderful resource but grateful for the effort to lower the curve of contagion. - Cindy P. (Facebook)

Y'all the @cmlibrary has closed. While I know this is absolutely the right decision, this hurts. It feels like saying goodbye to a dear friend. Books are life.  #covid19sux - Elizabeth M. (Twitter)

Nearly cried when I saw the that @cmlibrary is closing but also keeping Wi-Fi on and for a larger area for residents in need. - Monica (Twitter)

My heart goes out to all library personnel and your families. We will miss you so much. Stay well during this time and please know how much you are appreciated! - DorH. (Instagram)

So glad you are keeping the library staff and the community safe! I will definitely be using the e-resources and promoting One Access to my students! - Lenna B. (Facebook)

Thank goodness for digital content! Paige H. (Facebook)

Now twelve months later, after what we were then calling the novel coronavirus became a global COVID-19 public health pandemic, we take a moment to pause and reflect.

During those first 10 weeks while our community was in lockdown, Library administration monitored the situation and kept all staff updated with daily posts about the behind-the-scenes activities and news on organizational updates and health information. It was during this time under the direction of an internal strategy and safety response team that we created our re-opening levels and a service model that would become a major shift in how the Library provided customer services in digital and online formats.

Also, rather than pressing pause, the Library responded to a community need and played a pivotal role as one of the first organizations to step forward and print personal protective equipment (PPE) face shield components on 3D printers. These were a critical part of a local program providing PPEs for frontline health care workers at a time when much-needed equipment was in short supply. Library staff took the 3D printers to their homes and produced the units there. Providing the PPE components proved that our mission of Improving Lives and Building a Strong Community goes well beyond traditional Library services.

Awesome, thank you!! – Beth ML (Instagram)

Love this so much!!! – Chrissy M. (Instagram)

Wonderful. Thanks. – Linda B.S. (Facebook)

During the first lockdown, programming staff also pivoted with the first virtual storytime.  Shortly after, all programming followed to the online format and were produced out of our staff homes.

This is giving me LIFE right now - Caitlin M. (Facebook)

This is great! Thanks guys!!! I miss you all! – Ed B. (Facebook)

Hey! Yay for story time from home!! – Julie K. (Facebook)

I was doing in person adult sensory and when all stopped. I realized I HAD to learn Zoom to stay in touch with my groups. It was a little daunting but with help from coworkers I was able to continue my programming. - Library staff Cathy F.

Since that first day and through the following year, the Library continued to adjust service levels, keeping the safety of customers and staff at the forefront of every operational discussion and decision. On June 1, 2020 we re-opened and moved into our first service level with limited access inside branches and a full transition to online programming and expanded digital resources. We experienced varying levels of joy in reuniting with co-workers and customers in the branches. The community expressed their thanks.

I'm glad it's open at all. But I care about library staff staying safe more than anything. It's worth it. - Carrie D.R. (Facebook)

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library thank you for all you do to continue to serve the community. We miss you and can’t wait to come back.  - Shaguana H. (Facebook)

When our regulars, especially older adults, come in and say that this is a huge part of their social life and that they are so happy to be able to see and talk with us! – Library staff Andrea M.

That despite everything so far, there were still people who wanted to know how the library was doing. – Library staff William L.

A mom and her daughter came in to pick up holds but, of course, couldn't sit down in the library to read. They went outside and sat under one of our Japanese maples for about 30 minutes and read through her books.  I took a picture of them and it is a very cherished shot of how we all learned to adapt during this time. – Library staff Cindy R.

As if the health crisis and its devastating repercussions weren’t enough to withstand, there were local, regional and world events during this time that affected us and will continue to affect and change us for years to come. There were days when we were certain we couldn’t withstand one more change, and then we were faced with more that compounded on top of everything else. The Library, though, continued to stand as a beacon for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy and released its statement, including:

21st century libraries stand up for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy. We believe in providing equal access to the resources required to help anyone and everyone ascend to the best version of themselves. We are dedicated to freedom of expression in all its forms, whether printed in a book, spoken in library venues or chanted by friends, family or community members in streets outside our libraries.

Rob Harrington, chair Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees

and Lee Keesler, CEO Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

In the summer of 2020, the Library launched its own Black Lives Matter program and continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion through resources, programming and community conversations.

Keep doing your part because no one else can. Someone has to stand while others are gaining their strength. – Library staff Sabrina R.

The Library then advanced to its second level of opening in September 2020, reduced services in January 2021 when the numbers of positive cases once again spiked, and then moved back to it's second level again in February 2021. The decision to adjust services was difficult and not always welcomed by all. However, as a trusted and responsible community organization, it was important to keep our customers and staff safe. The positive responses from the community are appreciated.

Hope that you're keeping staff and patron safety as your first concern. I care about my library staff! - Jennifer L. (Facebook)

Yes !!! The @cmlibrary system is so awesome for eBooks and audio books. I've started sharing info about public library access to texts for my classes - so many students don't realize they can get a public library card! - Dr. Laura S. (Twitter)

Shout out to my fantastic library @cmlibrary for doing the most today to help everyone get what they need ... Staff at the University branch just incredible telling us about website features for things other than books. Well done!! Very impressive. – Laura NCB (Twitter)

Customer regularly thanked us for being there for them. – Library staff Ivy M.

[As a meaningful customer interaction] Honestly, any time a customer thanked us for returning, for being open and for doing our best to get them what they want in whatever way we can. – Library Staff Ivy M.

@cmlibrary is open to browsing again. And I am "100" here for it!!  :-) – Daughterofinanna (Twitter)

I love the library, and I couldn't wait to browse the stacks when it opened to the public! @cmlibrary in Matthews #librarynerd - Andra G (Instagram)

Thank you for the care you have done during all of this. - Jennifer C. (Facebook)

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library thank you. - Sumru G. (Facebook)

The [moments]ones that stick out in my mind are the people who have thanked us for being open. There have been a lot of those interactions from people of all ages. It reminds me just how much the library means to people. – Library Staff Meghan G.

Throughout this year, we’ve experienced many highs and lows but – as always - the Library remains a trusted institution and the one place where the community can gather, even if for now it is online rather than in person.

As we look forward, although still uncertain of what lies ahead, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is grateful for the support of the community and reaffirms our commitment to serve. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Onward and upward. – Library Foundation leader Jenni G.

This blog is written by Ann Stawski, Marketing and Communications Leader with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The South Boulevard Library branch is now the permanent home to the public art “Reading is Green” Cool Globe by artist Nancy Schon and available for an exceptional photo opportunity. The Cool Globe features children’s books and is located outside the rear entrance, right next to the Children's area.

Through a donation from Bank of America, the globe was relocated from Bank of America’s headquarter plaza to the South Boulevard Library, located at 4429 South Boulevard, Charlotte.

The “Reading is Green” Cool Globe centers around children and reading. The artist statement reads, “Words are the building blocks of life, and reading powers the minds of our future leaders. Reading proficiency at third grade is a critical predictor of school, career, and life success. Today's children will play a vital role in addressing climate change, and their worlds will open up to opportunities and solutions through reading. Take a book outside and start imaging the possibilities. Reading is the best renewable energy we have.”

“We’re excited to make South Boulevard Library the permanent home for the “Reading is Green” Cool Globe. As one Library location without a public art installment, this unique piece is sure to generate attention as well as spark community conversations around reading, literacy and global warming,” said Kevin Bittle, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library deputy branch channel leader. “We’re thankful to Bank of America for donating this art to our Library and keeping it accessible to the community.”

“The subject matter of the “Reading is Green” Cool Globe made it a natural fit to donate to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system, where promoting the joy of reading and learning is a priority,” said Charles Bowman, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President.  “Its new home will allow our residents to learn about and enjoy this art for years to come.”

The Cool Globes public art exhibit was on display in Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte-Douglas Airport from June 2020 through March 2021. Each of the 35 globes featured messages about global warming. The Cool Globe at South Boulevard Library is now a permanent installation.

While Charlotte Mecklenburg Library was temporarily closed or offered limited services during the COVID-19 pandemic, never was it more true that the Library extended far beyond its four walls of a building. This year’s theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021) “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes this idea and that everyone is welcome to use our services. Since March 0f 2020, your Library has gone above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding resources and continuing to meet the needs of customers.

Whether people visit in person or virtually, our Libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content and educational programs. At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, our librarians and staff continue to provide a valuable role by never wavering from our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.

Celebrations during National Library Week include:

• Monday, April 5: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.
• Tuesday, April 6: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
• Wednesday, April 7: National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate Library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their customers where they are; and Library Giving Day (see more below and how to Bookmark The Town).
• Thursday, April 8: Take action for Libraries Day. A day to rally advocates to support libraries.  

See below for more information on fun, games, the 2021 Honorary Chairperson National Portman and more!

Fun and Games here

Download a word search here – English

Download a coloring page here - English

Download a coloring page here - Spanish

This year's theme truly aligns with our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community. It illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise as we move to online and virtual offerings. Libraries also normally provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Libraries are about more than just the services they offer; they are about the people they serve.

Library programs are designed to encourage community members to meet and discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies like digital platforms, online books clubs, and business research databases. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s needs are being met.

My Library Is - Celebrate National Library Week by sharing your Library story. What do you love about your Library? 

We invite our community to follow along, share and comment on social media at twitter.com/cmlibrary, facebook.com/cmlibrary and instagram.com/cmlibrary using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek, #CMLibrary and #mylibraryis

Celebrate National Library Week 2021 by sharing what you love about the resources and services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or our Facebook about an e-book, (e-)audiobook, online storytime or book club, or how your library has made a difference while you've been social distancing at home. Use the hashtag #MyLibraryIs.  (The American Library Association is gathering all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.  The promotion starts Sunday, April 4, 2021 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at noon CT. Don’t forget to tag your library! )

If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in the #MyLibraryIs promotion is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!

Natalie Portman is 2021 Honorary Chair

National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman is lending her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.

Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist whose credits include “Black Swan,” “Jackie,” and the upcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder.” A lifelong fan of books, she shares the books she’s reading on her Instagram feed, as part of Natalie Portman's Book Club, using the hashtag #whatnatreads. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is a graduate of Harvard University, and now lives with her family in Los Angeles. Natalie Portman’s “Fables” is her debut picture book. Find Natalie’s book and more here in our catalog.

MAKE A GIFT TO YOUR LIBRARY

• Wednesday, April 7: And Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. #LibraryGivingDay

• This year, we’re inviting Library users to participate in the Bookmark the Town campaign. With a gift of $15 or more to support your Library, you’ll receive a yard sign with space to recommend a book to your neighbors. We know that opening a book can open a conversation – together, let’s build a stronger community and #bookmarkthetown.

We also invite you to support the Library - not only on April 7 but every day of the year - by donating to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

DONATE NOW

“Welcome to your Library” is a national campaign sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958 and is an annual April observance by the ALA and libraries across the county.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you to come learn with us virtually on April 15, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. about different ways to eat healthy and affordably when cooking at home. Grocery shopping can be a big source of stress when healthy options are expensive, deals change all the time, and ingredients are used up just halfway through the week. During this event, part fof Money Smart Week 2021, Kristin Davis and Augusta Washington with the NC Cooperative Extension will be presenting with Catherine Morba from the Interfaith Food Shuttle to equip us with smart shopping skills, ways to identify whole grains, and to help us make smart choices at the grocery store.

Register

During this hour and a half program, these presenters will host a virtual grocery store tour and use real-world settings to show us what we can do to be healthy at home. For those of us who struggle to choose between healthy and affordable, knowing the right places to look can make all the difference. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and find answers to cooking problems of all kinds.

Interested in learning more about healthy and frugal cooking? Want to get some ideas together before the event? Take a look at the booklist below to see some of the great cookbooks the Library has to offer:

Healthy, Affordable Cooking Booklist

Money Smart Week 2021,  the annual financial literacy week sponsored by the American Library Association and the Federal Reserve, like much of our world, looks different this year. The national MSW21 planning group has created a series of national events to highlight various aspects of financial literacy each day during Money Smart Week 2021, taking place April 10, 2021 through April 17, 2021. 

Virtual Money Smart Week 2021 events include budgeting, navigating student loans, tax fraud and identity theft, housing resources, managing finances during COVID-19, and many more. The full listing of nationally sponsored virtual Money Smart Week 2021 programs includes:

Day 1 – Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Talking Cents presented by The University of Chicago Financial Education Initiative

Learn more

Day 2 – Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 11 a.m.

Savings: A Little Can Make a Big Difference  presented by FINRA Investor Education Foundation

Learn  more

Day 3 – Monday, April 12, 2021 at 1 p.m.

Bank on It: Finding Safe + Affordable Bank Accounts presented by Economic Awareness Council

Learn more

Day 4 – Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Understanding the Basics of Federal Student Loans presented by U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

Learn more

Day 5 – Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Tax-Related Fraud + Identity Theft presented by Internal Revenue Service

Learn more

Day 6 – Thursday April 15, 2021 at 2 p.m.

Managing Personal Finances During Covid-19 presented by Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center

Learn more

Day 7 – Friday, April 16, 2021 at 1 p.m.

Housing Protections + Resources presented by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Learn more

Day 8 – Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.

Tips for Managing Money Ups & Downs presented by The University of Wisconsin – Madison, Division of Extension

Learn more

Did you know that financial literacy isn’t just for adults, but children as well? Start the conversation about smart savings with your child today through a selection of print and digital resources from the Library.

Children's Financial Literacy Booklist

Children's Counting Booklist

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This blog was written by David Sniffin, librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Since the beginning of time, artists have been one of history’s greatest proponents of change by using their platform for civic engagement, discourse, and to expose injustices within the country. Whether capturing the past or reimagining the future, artists are often tasked with the responsibility to captivate the present for the preservation of history and culture. Art has been clever in its method of storytelling and the role of an artist has been debated by politicians, churches, and everyday civilians and it’s one conversation that while you agree or disagree, work is still being made.

In the 1930’s President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration hired artists as part of the New Deal programs. One of the most popular displays of artistic activism around that time was the Harlem Renaissance. Portraits of Black Americans’ identities and cultures emerged from Harlem and were seen around the world. This challenged racist ideals and criticized stereotypes Black Americans faced during the era of the Jim Crow, segregated south. While it was important to reject those biases for the safety of Black people, it renewed a sense of pride, determination, consciousness, and commitment to activism. 

Artists such as Zora Neale Hurston, Eubie Blake, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Effie Lee Newsome, Josephine Baker, and Paul Robeson are just a few of the many artists who decided to advocate for their community by simply reflecting themselves in their work. 

This is just a small lens into Art Revolutions in America. There have been multiple art movements throughout the country depicting the hope, despair, and fortitude of demarginalized groups facing a stream of social and civic issues such as rightful citizenship, police brutality, displaced families, and under-reported murders of LGBTQIA+ women and men.

As part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Engage2020 Art and Activism series, we offer a glimpse into present-day artists who have shared their talents and even lives to create social and civic change. 

Paintings, architecture, installations, dramatizations, filming, music – these are only a few demonstrations of how art has been used to encourage thought, then action. The goal of this program is to motivate our viewers to simply – start. Start in your home. Start at your school. Start in your garage. Your voice, pen, or paintbrush are the only tools you need. 

Please join us on the following dates. 

• Rosalía Torres-Weiner - 10/1 
• Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. - 10/8 
• Angie C -10/22 

Stay tuned for future dates and artists.

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.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Summer Break Double Challenges for 2020! We have definitely experienced a number of challenges as a community this summer, but we united together to read more than 6 million minutes! Great job everyone!

Top Five Books Read   

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?

1. Holy Bible 
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
4. Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes 
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Beanstack

For 2020, we were excited to introduce a new Summer Break software tracker: Beanstack. The previous year, we knew we wanted a more user-friendly website to grow the program. Beanstack offered this and more, including flexible options for readers to log as individuals, families, groups, and classes. There’s also an easy-to-use app, Beanstack Tracker. With bright colors and a simple layout, Beanstack made it fun to track your reading time. We hope you enjoyed the redesign and improved experience. Did you know Beanstack works year-round to log books and reading? Yes! And the Library is also planning for future Beanstack challenges! Keep visiting the Library online or in-person when details become available.

Thank you, Summer Break Team!

Did you know Summer Break, the Library’s summer learning initiative, happens due to the coordinated efforts of over 20 dedicated library staff, all of whom do this project aside from their primary library jobs? Summer Break is actually a year-round planning process. We often joke it never ends!

The Summer Break 2020 Team started planning and researching in July of 2019. Even in the midst of the previous Summer Break, the Library is always thinking and planning ahead. From July to September, the team leaders work on recruiting new team members, establishing goals, and preparing for the year to come - all while wrapping up that current summer. In October, the work begins in earnest as the team uses participant and staff feedback from the previous year to improve the program. The team researches ideas and improvements in November and December before making final decisions in January. Spring is when things really heat up! During this time, the team works diligently to select learning activities, create reading lists, identify fun incentives and design new marketing materials.

This year everything was going great until...

The pandemic hit. Our community all but shut down, and the Library closed for an undetermined amount of time for the safety of customers and staff. The team quickly realized that Summer Break 2020 would not look anything like past Summer Break programs.

Decisions would need to be made, and fast. After all, at the beginning of the pandemic, there were only two months until June 1^st and the start of Summer Break. Almost every aspect of the program would have to be reconsidered and adapted in light of the new reality. The team needed to finalize the new Summer Break website with Beanstack and figure out how to transition the program to fit within the community guidelines of the “Stay at Home” order.

During this time, Summer Break team members held almost daily online meetings, wrote late night emails, and brainstormed ideas while keeping tabs on current community recommendations and the Library’s own swiftly changing plans.

Usually, Summer Break activities encourage participants to get out and try new adventures in Mecklenburg County and beyond. But the need to stay in resulted in the June challenge of Summer Break: At Home, where participants were encouraged to do activities at home or participate with the Library virtually. However, the expectation was that the situation would improve later in the summer, so Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere was planned for July 1^st.

At this time, there was only a month left until launch. The team needed to adapt the program to Beanstack’s new platform, design new marketing materials, plan various scenarios for prize distribution, train the Library staff virtually, and prepare for the Library to reopen.  Our amazing Summer Break team did all of these things and more; pivoting the program and pulling out all the stops in record time to ensure that Summer Break could still happen. As the team knows, it would not be possible to do Summer Break without the support of all Library staff. Members of administration volunteered to sort prizes; other staff pitched in to make suggested summer reading lists; and some staff took the first leap to train on a new platform to help customers sign up. All staff embraced training and sharing information with the public at their locations. It’s truly a BIG team effort!

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse behind-the-scenes and the Double Summer Break Challenges of 2020. We look forward to reading with you next year!

Leaves are changing, fall is in the air and, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, that means STEAM Month is here! Search the Library's calendar for all STEAM-related events here, or visit your favorite branch to find out what is happening during October as we celebrate STEAM Month. In the meantime, get ready to celebrate science, technology, engineering and math with these books! 

Science Is Magic by Steve Mould

Try exploring experiments with your young scientist at home. Science Is Magic by Steve Mould is loaded with entertaining and educational ideas. The improbable nature of each experiment makes it seem like a magician’s trick, but a section on each experiment called, “The Science Part” explains exactly how and why the action happens. Mould presents natural wonders and explores the science of classic magicians and mysteries between experiments. He also includes an experiment based on scientific observation he made himself! The experiments are based around ordinary household items. Most of them can be performed by children alone, but an easily-recognized logo indicates when parental involvement might be necessary. Prepare to be amazed as you discover Science Is Magic! 

100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers, and Coding by Alice James

Recognizing how technology and math interact – and how they fit into the world as a whole – is crucial. 100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers, and Coding by Alice James, Eddie Reynolds, Minna Lacey, Rose Hall and Alex Frith, helps kids develop that understanding in a fast-paced, fact-and-fun-filled way. Big, colorful infographics are sure to capture the interest of kids captivated by coding. There are even two ways to read this – in a linear fashion from Infographic 1 to Infographic 100, or by skipping around between infographics. From Pythagoras to Pascal’s Triangle to pixels, the facts presented here are sure to keep school-age kids occupied for hours. 

Skyscraper  by Jorey Hurley 

Even the youngest engineers are sure to love Skyscraper by Jorey Hurley. Colorful, one-word and two-page spreads chronicle the construction process from demolition to completion. A glossary at the end, complete with images, offers extra detail including exact vocabulary for all the heavy equipment and their pivotal roles in the building process. This deceptively simple, beautifully illustrated book is sure to foster fascinating conversation! 

Which One Doesn’t Belong: Playing with Shapes by Christopher Danielson

Keep the conversation going with Which One Doesn’t Belong: Playing with Shapes by Christopher Danielson. Colorful arrays of four shapes present the questions, “Which one of these is different from the others, and why?” The book models possible thought processes for identifying the unique shape, then presents more shape sets for further consideration.  With no right-or-wrong answers but lots to talk about, it works well for both one-on-one reading and whole-family interaction. In 2017, it won a Mathical Book Prize. An edition released in 2019 updates the color palate but maintains the excellent conversation-starting content.

Find these great books and get ready for STEAM month at your local branch! 

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This blog was written by Larisa Martin of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This year has been hard. It has challenged our hope, resiliency and our optimism. If there's one thing this year has proven, it's that, when we work together and unite with a focus on justice and equality, actionable change is possible.

Being a teenager is challenging enough without feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders and, even worse, not being able to do anything to lighten that load. That's what ImaginOn's Real Talk and Teen Summit programs want to accomplish. There is power in youth. There is power in unbridled imagination. These are complex problems, and complex problems require creative, unique solutions.

This isn't a burden you have to carry by yourself. From mental health, confronting authority, gender identity and feeling othered, we've gathered experts from different fields who will help us navigate these trying topics.

The issues of today are going to be iterations of the issues of tomorrow. We're facing these battles, and we're tasked with finding enduring solutions. Setting a groundwork of knowledge and experience exploring these topics is necessary to understand how we got where we are and where we want to go.

Please join us for the Teen Summit:

Boost Hope for A Better Tomorrow Teen Summit

Thursday, October 8, 5-6 p.m.

A community discussion is an opportunity for youth to engage our panel experts around current social issues within society. Our goal is to have a discussion of empowering our youth towards creating awareness around matters considering them. Our panel experts will consist of teen community leaders and educators throughout Mecklenburg County.

Register

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This blog was written by Alana Esposito, a VolunTeen for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.