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Welcome LinkedIn Learning

Welcome to LinkedIn Learning

March 1, 2021

One of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s most popular resources is getting an upgrade. Lynda.com is transitioning to the LinkedIn Learning platform on March 15, 2021.

Why?  In 2015 LinkedIn acquired lynda.com.  LinkedIn began to build a new and improved platform. You may remember that in August 2019 the Library almost canceled its lynda.com subscription because of concerns about privacy and barriers to access with the LinkedIn Learning platform. Your Library works hard to maintain our status as a trusted community institution, and we were not willing to compromise that. We are happy to report that LinkedIn listened to the concerns of libraries across the United States and made improvements and changes to their platform regarding privacy and access.

When?  March 15, 2021 LinkedIn Learning will migrate lynda.com learning activity to the new platform.  This process should take a few hours and lynda.com will be unavailable during this time. When LinkedIn Learning is live, you will log into LinkedIn Learning from the Library’s Resources page.

   

  • Use your Library card number and PIN to access LinkedIn Learning. 
  • Students, use your student ID and birth year as PIN.

Lynda.com customer accounts will automatically transfer to LinkedIn Learning. Don’t have an account to lynda.com/LinkedIn Learning? All you need is a library card. Don’t have one? Sign up here!

When you first sign into LinkedIn Learning, it will ask you to choose three skills that you are interested in learning about. This is so LinkedIn Learning can suggest courses you may want to take. You must choose at least one skill to continue.

LinkedIn Learning will also ask if you want to set a weekly goal for learning. LinkedIn Learning will remind you of your learning goals and keep you on track. If you do not want to choose a weekly time goal, click “Maybe later.”

Welcome to LinkedIn Learning! The new interface is fresh, modern, and easy to navigate.

Let’s explore the Dashboard.

The navigation bar, located at the top of the page, is where you browse for courses, search for skills or subjects, access your learning and settings, and change your language preference.

Click the Browse icon to open the menu of courses. Topics are categorized by Business, Creative, and Technology. Click the topic you are interested in learning about and the results will display. There are filters on the left side of the page to narrow your results. You may want to filter your results by courses (rather than videos) or the time you want to spend learning. When you find a course or video, click “Save” to save it in your learning activity or click the video to start learning.

There is also a search box in the navigation bar. Enter keywords, skills, or software that you are interested in learning. For example, enter “Excel” in the search box and click the magnifying glass to execute the search. The results displayed will be courses and videos containing information about Excel.  Use the filters on the left to narrow your results.

The banner showcases new and popular courses that LinkedIn provides. Under the banner, there will be a reminder of your weekly learning goal (if you set one) and a link to the course you are currently taking.  Scroll down for more recommendations from LinkedIn Learning for suggested courses based on your preferences.

All your lynda.com learning activity will transfer to LinkedIn Learning. Click “My Learning” to see your “In Progress” courses, “Saved” courses, and “Learning History.” Remember LinkedIn Learning asked you to choose three skills you were interested in? That’s here too. Click “Skills” to update or add new skills.

LinkedIn Learning content is available in seven languages! Click the drop-down arrow beside “EN” in the navigation bar. Select from English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Portuguese. While most of the courses are in English, when a language is selected, available courses offered in that language will be displayed in the Browse menu. 

Now you are ready to explore and learn new software, management techniques, and more from LinkedIn Learning! If you need help, LinkedIn Learning has a customer FAQ page. You can also use the search bar on the FAQ page for help on playing a video, saving a LinkedIn Learning course, and more.  Your Library is also here to help. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff are available by email, chat, and phone

Happy Learning!

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 This blog was written by Amy Richard, digital collections coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers virtual and online book clubs.

Stay connected with an online book club

April 20, 2020

Book clubs are a long-standing favorite program in public libraries across the country. Avid readers look forward to gathering each month to not only discuss a book, author or article, but to make connections, form new friendships and expand their minds. So, what do you do when you're social distancing and your book club can’t meet in person? Go virtual! Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff miss seeing you, so our book clubs are moving online to help you stay connected and share your love of reading with others.   

How do you find a topic? First, determine what it is you like. Do you enjoy graphic novels? We have a book club for you. If you are thrilled by mysteries or historical fiction, we have you covered. You might prefer to discuss contemporary fiction, explore international authors or maybe you have a desire for the Poldark series.

Book clubs are offered every week at different times of the day, so you can find one that works for your stay-at-home schedule.

How Does It Work?

Register online for the book club you want to join. Be sure to include a valid email address. Library staff will email instructions with a link to join shortly before the program is scheduled. Attendees will be muted at the beginning of the program to cut back on distracting background noises, but you can unmute yourself anytime during the discussion to join the conversation or use the chat feature to share your comments. You can also choose whether to disable your camera if you don’t want to be seen. Keep in mind some book clubs limit the number of registrants. This is to ensure everyone who attends has a quality experience.

Resources for book clubs

If you facilitate your own book club and may be looking for fresh ideas, the Library can help you with this too. NoveList, one of the Library’s many digital resources, provides reading recommendations for all ages and contains book club resources, including discussion guides, under its “Quick Links.” View the tutorial for help getting started. Library staff can also help with recommendations when you Book a Librarian for a 30-minute, one-on-one general reference session.

We know it’s challenging for many of you to facilitate your own book clubs without having access to the Library’s extensive print collection. Luckily, we have options for you through our e-book and e-audiobook platforms. hoopla currently offers 10 checkouts per month, plus a collection of “bonus borrows” that won’t count against your monthly limits – and there are no waits on this special collection. OverDrive’s “always available” collections of classics, Indie authors and other featured titles also don’t count against your OverDrive checkout limits. BiblioBoard Library offers unlimited access to its collection of North Carolina publishers and self-published authors. A library card or ONE Access ID is all you need to access any of our digital resources. If you don’t have a library card, apply online.

Visit the Library’s calendar of events for a full listing of our virtual programs. We can’t wait to see you!

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Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 4/27/20

April 22, 2020

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 4/27/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

 

Sunday 4/26

International Authors Book Club for 20-30 Somethings (Virtual) - 4 p.m.   LEARN MORE

Monday 4/27

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.  REGISTER

Traditional Storytelling– 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

 

Tuesday 4/28              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)    LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 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

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m.   REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Wednesday 4/29

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

The Personal Branding of You - 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   LEARN MORE

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

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Learning Circle: Intro to HTML and CSS – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Active Reading Basics: Learn How to Help Your Child at Home – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Engage 2020: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

 

Thursday 4/30

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 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

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Active Reading Mentor Training – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Tips for Virtual Interviews - 3 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book Talk: Children's - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m.   REGISTER

Poldark Book Club - 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   LEARN MORE

Books on Tap Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Friday 5/1

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Baby Storytime - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m.   REGISTER

 

Saturday 5/2

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the  Mecklenburg County Public Health Department encourage residents to stay home, stay healthy and stay connected.

Mecklenburg County urges residents to stay home

April 23, 2020

The current COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic has caused increased anxiety for many residents of Mecklenburg County. Mixed messages from the media paired with conspiracy theories and other misinformation have also made it hard for many to determine fact from fiction. For information on COVID-19, please click here.

 

One message Mecklenburg County officials want to make clear is that Mecklenburg County is under a Stay at Home Order, which was extended to May 8, 2020 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Thursday, April 23, 2020. This order mandates that residents stay home unless they are considered essential workers or need to make essential trips to the doctor or hospital, to the pharmacy for medical needs, or to secure food and beverage items at grocery stores and local restaurants. Residents are also permitted to go outside to walk their pets, get exercise and a few other activities listed on this list of “Stay at Home Order Do’s and Don’ts.”



In addition to social distancing precautions, the county has plans to increase access to testing in vulnerable communities (e.g., mobile and pop-up testing), track and monitor data to better understand disparities and to spread key messages and up-to-date information.

Mecklenburg County Deputy Health Director, Raynard Washington, also wants to clear up misconceptions regarding the populations most vulnerable for contracting COVID-19. It is important for residents to understand that everyone is at risk for contracting the virus. While there is no evidence suggesting genetic differences impact the spread of the disease, COVID-19 disproportionately affects the African American community due to greater employment in essential, customer-facing jobs,  higher rates and earlier onset of underlying chronic health conditions and longstanding gaps in access to health care and other resources.



To learn more about COVID-19 from Mecklenburg County, please visit MeckNC.gov/COVID-19.

Below, you will find links to educational and informational tools you can use to raise awareness for yourself or others in your social network. To learn more about staying connected to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library digital and online resources, click here.

Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Resources:

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These are the top 5 movies Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers are streaming on Kanopy in April 2020.

Now streaming: Top 5 movies on Kanopy by Library customers

April 24, 2020

Did you know Kanopy has a vast array of independent films, documentaries, children’s movies and free access to the Great Courses? It’s true and free with your library card! There is something on Kanopy for the whole family.

Learn more about Kanopy  and checkout limits here. Need a library card? Sign up here

Here are the top five movies streamed on Kanopy by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library users.

1. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2009) - When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place -- a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. Run time: 8 minutes

2. Lady Bird (2017) - Directed by Greta Gerwig and nominated for five Oscars, Lady Bird is a warm, affecting comedy about a high schooler (Saoirse Ronan) who must navigate a loving but turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother (Laurie Metcalf) over the course of her eventful and poignant senior year of high school. Rated R. Run time: 94 minutes

3. Midsommar (2019) - An American couple, their relationship floundering, travel to a fabled Swedish midsummer festival where they become trapped in a sinister nightmare. Rated R. Run time: 148 minutes

4. Creepy Carrots (2013) - In this hilarious picture book, The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch as a rabbit fears his favorite treats are out to get him. Run time: 10 minutes

5. I’m Brave (2015) - Come visit the firehouse and discover all the tools that firetrucks need to do their jobs and what it takes to be brave. Run time: 9 minutes

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EXPLORE SMALL BUSINESS MONTH IN MAY WITH DIGITAL RESOURCES AT Charlotte Mecklenburg LIBRARY

May is small business month

April 27, 2020

The City of Charlotte has declared May 2020 as Small Business Month and, this year, the Library is partnering with the City of Charlotte and its small business resource partners to celebrate 31 Days of Small Business.

Each year, the Small Business Administration (SBA) designates the first week in May (May 3-9) as the SBA National Small Business Week, but, here in Charlotte, we will celebrate all month long! We recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of our community and honor all small businesses and entrepreneurs that play a pivotal role in strengthening our local economy.

The Library offers many resources that entrepreneurs and small business owners can access for free. Find the information you need here:

SimplyAnalytics - SimplyMap is a web-based mapping application that enables you to quickly create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using powerful demographic, business and marketing data.

Gale Business: Entrepreneurship - Covers all major areas of starting and operating a business, including financing, management, marketing, human resources, franchising, accounting, taxes and more. Gale Business: Entreneurship is an easy-to-browse interface mapped to four key stages - plan, fund, start and manage. It includes access to 700+ business plans with new plans added monthly. This resource also includes a collection of business eBooks, journals, magazines and directories listing thousands of associations and consultants.

Gale Business: Plan Builder - This step-by-step planning tool can be used for starting, managing and optimizing a business. The Gale Business: Plan Builder program's intuitive dashboard walks users through five areas of exploration; etrepreneur profile, business ideation, break-even analysis, business plans and financial projections. These tools help develop a comprehensive plan for any business or nonprofit.

Business Shelf on OverDrive – OverDrive is a collection of e-books and digital audiobooks offered by the library. Within OverDrive, we have a designated Business Shelf where you’ll find information ranging from business to entrepreneurialism to job-related topics. E-books and audiobooks can be downloaded to your computer, tablet, (including Kindle), or mobile device.

The Library also offers programs and events throughout the system on small business topics. For more information, click here for the calendar. 

To stay connected to all the highlights and happenings, celebrate with the City of Charlotte all month long using the hashtags #31DaysofBiz and #CLTMonthofBiz. Click here for more information: https://charlottebusinessresources.com/about-us/small-business-month/

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Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 5/4/20

April 28, 2020

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 5/4/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 5/3

International Authors Book Club for 20-30 Somethings (Virtual) - 4 p.m.   LEARN MORE

Monday 5/4

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

Traditional Storytelling - 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Teen Technology – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

 

Tuesday 5/5              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)    LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 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

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m.  (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Story Explorers Enrichment - 3 p.m.   (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students - 6 p.m.   REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Graphic Novel Book Club - 6:30 p.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Murderino Book Club - 7 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

 

Wednesday 5/6

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Lunch & Munch Book Club - 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)   REGISTER

Learning Circle: Intro to HTML and CSS – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Write a Winning Resume - 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Engage 2020: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Teen Technology – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.    REGISTER

 

Thursday 5/7

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 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

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 year olds – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Tips for Virtual Interviews - 3 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book Talk: Children's - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.  REGISTER

Spanish Conversation Club - 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

English Conversation Club - 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Books on Tap Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

 

Friday 5/8

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Baby Storytime - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

Spanish Conversation Club - 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  REGISTER

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

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

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 4 p.m.   REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 5 p.m.   REGISTER

 

Saturday 5/9

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Read Like a Star - 10 a.m. (Adult/Teen programming)   REGISTER

Lit Lite - 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

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Active Reading at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Read WITH Your Kids, Not Just TO Them

April 30, 2020

Picture this: bathtime finished, pajamas on, a book selected and your child is eager to read.

This is not a dream, I repeat, this is not a dream! It's the scene of many families that utilize Active Reading strategies when reading aloud with children.

Often we tend to read TO children, leading to a rushed reading routine with our kids running away, screaming, or completely disinterested. When we read WITH our children, we not only aid in our child’s reading development, but the dream of an engaged reader becomes reality!

Okay, okay. But How?

It starts with Active Reading. Active Reading is the strategy of reading a picture book aloud with children, asking questions, building vocabulary, and connecting to your child’s world. When Active Reading strategies are used while reading, language, vocabulary, and comprehension skills are improved. You will improve your reading routine and develop your child into a lifelong lover of reading.

Let Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Help.

Learn about Active Reading research and best practices for reading aloud with children by taking Active Reading Training through Charlotte Mecklenburg Library! Two virtual class offerings are available each week:

· Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 students: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.

· Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 year old's: Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.

These classes are perfect for parents, caregivers, family members, teachers, instructional assistants, and more! Sign up for these classes here.

Let’s commit to reading books WITH our children.

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library makes it easy to connect with the Library's virtual programs.

Learn to communicate online with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

May 4, 2020

As our communities have adapted to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, communicating online has become increasingly important. Families and friends schedule Zoom conferences, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s programs are held online and access to the Library's collection is temporarily limited to downloadable items. Do you feel a little lost in this new online environment? Are you wondering what we even mean when we refer to “Zoom,” “chat" and “virtual program?”  You’re not alone!

 

Understanding our terminology

The staff at the Library have been working hard to learn new technology to be able to work from home, so we understand the frustration you may be feeling about being thrust into a digital world and we’re here to help. We want to define a few of the terms that you might see in our communications as well as some of the more popular tools that people are using to connect with each other. The Library offers online tutorials and will guide you on how to get help from our staff. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, we hope this guide provides you with enough information to start exploring so you can join us as we work to stay connected with our Library community.

Online Chat - Online chat refers to communication that happens over the Internet in real time. It’s like having a conversation but you’re typing what you want to say instead of speaking. When we email each other, we usually wait for a response, sometimes for days. Participants in an online chat forum typically type short questions and responses so that it resembles an in-person conversation. See below (Ask A Librarian section) for information on how to use online chat to connect with Library staff.

Virtual or Online Program – You can now participate in many Library programs on your PC, tablet or smartphone. They typically occur in one of two formats:

Facebook Live Event - Our children's storytime programs are accessible through Facebook as a live event and do not require registration. When you visit our calendar page, click on “Learn More” to see details for any program. Programs available through Facebook Live will have instructions on which Facebook page to visit: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, ImaginOn or Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. If you use Facebook, visit the appropriate Facebook page at the correct time to view the live event. Click here for a quick tutorial on using Facebook.

Jitsi and Zoom - Jitsi and Zoom are two examples of video conferencing software that allow multiple people to meet online. Participants can opt to see and hear each other so that you can talk to each other face-to-face. These services also offer chat for participants who don’t have audio capability. Library programs currently using this option include book clubs, writing programs and meditation programs. Instructions for joining an online program can be found at the end of this video on our Book a Librarian program. Zoom also offers tutorials on its website.

You've probably seen commercials and shows that are using Zoom to connect with friends and family. Other sites like Skype, Google Hangouts and WhatsApp offer similar services. Click here to view a short video describing several of the options you can use so you can stay in touch. We’ve also created a list that contains links to tutorials for many of these sites. lynda.com and Universal Class, two of the Library’s many resources, offer more in-depth classes and are free to use with your library card if you want to explore these even further.

Downloadable and streaming content – The Library offers several options that allow you to check out e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, and music that can be read, viewed and listened to on your PC, tablet or smartphone. These materials are available to stream (meaning you must be connected to the Internet while you use it) or download (meaning the content is temporarily saved to your device so you can use it even when you’re not connected to the Internet). OverDrive, hoopla, kanopy, RBdigital magazines and Freegal are only a few of the Library’s resources that offer downloadable content and are free to use with your library card or ONE Access ID. If you don’t have a card, you can apply for one online.

Video tutorials are available to help you get started with these and many other popular Library resources.

How can I get help if the Library is closed?

This is a lot of information, and we know that you’re itching to pick up the phone or stop by the desk at your local branch to ask us a question. While we can’t accommodate you in that way right now, we’re still available by email, online chat or through our Book a Librarian program. One of the most valuable resources libraries offer is their staff, so here’s how we can help you when you need us.

Contact Us Email Form

If you can’t see us in person, are you most comfortable communicating through email? At the bottom of every Library page you’ll see a link that says “Contact.” Click on “Contact” to open our form, then click in each box to provide the requested information. When you’re finished, click on “submit.” Library staff will respond to your email address as soon as they can. We do sometimes have a backlog of emails, so use this method when you have some time to wait for a response. Tip: Check your email address before you submit your question. If there’s a typo, we won’t be able to respond to you.

 

Ask a Librarian

If you’re looking for more immediate service, librarians are standing by Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. through our online chat service. Follow these steps to begin chatting with library staff:

1) When you visit the Library’s website on a PC, you’ll see an orange box that says, “Ask a Librarian.” Click on that box to get started. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, tap the small orange circle in the corner of your screen.



2) Next, you’ll see a form that asks for your name, your library card number (if you have it) and your question. Click in each box to type your information.

3) Click on “start chat.” You’ll be connected to a librarian who will type a response to you. Tip: Library staff cannot see what you’ve typed or respond to you until you press “enter” on your keyboard (if you’re using a computer) or press the arrow button (if you’re using your smartphone or tablet).







Book a Librarian

Are you looking for an interaction that feels a little more personal? Book a Librarian might be just what you need. Book a Librarian is very similar to the 1-on-1 e-book and Technology Tutor sessions that you're used to seeing in our branches. The main difference is that you’re talking to and seeing each other online through your computer, smart phone or tablet. In this format, library staff can share their screen with you, which means that you can follow along as we demonstrate how to access certain resources. Watch this video to learn more about signing up for Book a Librarian.

What questions can I ask?

While there’s no substitution for interacting with you in person, communicating online is the next best thing. If you tried to download an e-book and you just couldn’t figure it out, we can help you. If you want to attend one of our online programs and you’re not sure how it works, contact us through email or chat and we can help you get started.  If you’ve exhausted your reading material and need some suggestions, we can recommend new authors or titles based on books that you’ve enjoyed. We can help explain terms that you’re seeing here and in other places as you learn how to navigate our online world. We don’t always know the answer to your question, but we can always recommend Library resources, websites and organizations that can help.

Most of all, we want you to know that we’re still here for you.

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Stream new e-audiobooks and media with your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card!

Stream new audiobook titles with hoopla, and OverDrive!

May 5, 2020

Looking for new e-books, e-audiobooks and magazines with content the entire family can enjoy? You’re in luck because all of these things are just a download away with a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or ONE Access ID. You can access all of this and the resources below.

E-books and e-audiobooks

The Library offers several resources that provide access to e-books and e-audiobooks, including today's bestsellers and graphic novels. Some are even available instantly! And the best part is? There are no fees! Titles automatically return when the loan period ends.

OverDrive has an extensive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks and read-alongs, with kid and teen-friendly content in special reading rooms. All you need to get started is your Library card number or ONE Access ID number.  

You can also place holds on items that are checked out and you’ll be notified when the item is available for you to access.  When you are finished reading your materials, you can return them, or they will automatically self-return when due so you never accumulate late fees! OverDrive also powers NC Kids Digital Library, which offers e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming videos and read-alongs specifically designed for youth in pre-K through fourth grade.

Using a mobile device?  

  • Libby is a new app developed by OverDrive, designed to get you reading as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Learn more about Libby and find help here.

hoopla allows you to instantly borrow e-audiobooks, e-books, comic books, movies, TV series and music - no holds, no waiting. You can check out up to six items each month. 

If you are adding the hoopla app to your child's device, be sure to change it to Kids Mode to replicate the experience of browsing the children's section at the Library.

Don't have a Library card yet?

If you live in Mecklenburg County, get your Library card for free - simply apply below. 

If you are a CMS student, you automatically have a ONE Access ID, which allows you to use your student ID as your library card.

If you live outside of Mecklenburg County, you can still access all of our digital and online resources with a non-resident card, which is $45 per year. Simply apply below.

Questions? We can help you. Online chat is available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m-8 p.m. Click "Ask a Librarian" in the bottom right-hand corner of the cmlibray.org website.