Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 7/6/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 7/6

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

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

Tuesday 7/7              

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engage 2020: Learning Circles: Women Have Always Worked (Part 4) – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Nonprofit Services: Intro to Finding Grants – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)   register

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

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

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

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

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

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

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 6 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Wednesday 7/8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teens LIVE: Pokemon Perler Bead Art – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

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

Thursday 7/9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

Teens LIVE on Instagram: No Sew Masks – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Friday 7/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 7/11

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

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

Getting Started Podcasting – 10 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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

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

Engage 2020 is pleased to welcome Sonya Ramsey, Ph.D., of the UNC Charlotte History department for the Engage 2020: Summer Series - A Conversation on Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. 

Dr. Ramsey is an Associate Professor of History and Women’s and Gender Studies and Director of the Graduate Certificate Program in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Born in  Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She received a Master’s and a Ph.D. in United States History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Ramsey specializes in African American Women’s History, the History of Education, and Southern History. An experienced oral historian, in 1993, she became one of the original interviewers in the Behind the Veil Project: Documenting the Jim Crow South oral history project sponsored by Duke University and the Ford Foundation.

Dr. Ramsey is the author of several historical works including, Reading, Writing, and Segregation: a Century of Black Women Teachers in Nashville, published by the University of Illinois Press. Currently, she is completing her book manuscript, After the Marches: Bertha Maxwell-Roddey's Educational Activism in the Desegregated South, which is under advanced contract with the University Press of Florida.

She is currently writing a biography of Dr. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey (b. 1930), who served on the front lines in Charlotte’s school desegregation battles as one of the first black women principals of a white elementary school in 1968. She worked to create a supportive and academically engaging environment for students as the founding director of UNC Charlotte’s Africana Studies Department (1971) and as the founder of the National Council for Black Studies, (1975) and she became a local community institution builder as Co-Founder of the Harvey Gantt Center. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey and other black women educators fought to improve children’s lives as the nation’s sentiment turned away from alleviating poverty, school segregation, and discrimination after the 1970s.

CARING AS ACTIVISM: BLACK WOMEN SCHOOL LEADERS AND SOCIAL CHANGE FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1990s

In these tumultuous times, one can see the impact of collective action. Dr. Ramsey's presentation will focus on a less prominent, but just as effective form of activism by discussing the experiences of four local African American women educational activists, Jayne Hemphill, the principal of Alexander Street Elementary School during segregation; Elizabeth Randolph, a former principal and the first black woman CMS administrator, Kathleen Crosby, a principal during the 1970s busing era and a CMS Area Superintendent, and Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, one of the first black women principals of a white elementary school in the City and founder of UNC Charlotte’s Africana Studies Department. These school leaders practiced a form of ‘caring activism’ as they fought against sexism and racism to develop unique strategies from negotiation to confrontation to help their students thrive. The lessons that they taught their students extended beyond the classroom and can serve as guides as we all strive to be caring activists.  

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

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

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 7/13/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 7/13

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

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

Tuesday 7/14             

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Active Reading Comprehension Strategies for Upper Elementary Learners  – 6 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Engage 2020: Summer Series with Historian Sonya Ramsey – 7 p.m.  (Adult programming)  learn more

Wednesday 7/15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning for the Future with an Advance Directive – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Thursday 7/16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Photo Transfer Art – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Social Justice Book Club – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Friday 7/17

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

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

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

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

Ted Talk Discussion Group: Climate Change – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 7/18

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

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

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

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

Did you know that babies, toddlers and preschoolers can join in on Summer Break too? Reading time includes time spent being read to and time spent reading to someone else. This means that parents can log reading time for everyone whether they read to or with their child!  

This summer discover the learning moments all around us. The Library is here to help you get your child ready to read with simple activities every day.  

When you register your child ages 0-3 years for Summer Break, you will find age-appropriate activities to complete to earn virtual badges, in addition to reading. We also have a colorful pamphlet with ideas for learning activities and lots of great literacy tips. Some of our activity ideas include:  

Read: 

• Participate in virtual storytime with your child. 

• Talk about the beginning, middle and end of the story while reading a book. 

Explore: 

• Visit a Storywalk at a local park  

• Move like the animals in the book you are reading. 

Create: 

• Make up a silly song and sing it 

• Create art using your handprint or footprint 

Play: 

• Turn everyday moments into brain building activities by explaining what you're doing and encouraging your toddler. 

• Play I Spy using the world around you. 

Give: 

• Talk about flowers with your child and give one to someone special. 

• Video chat a friend or family member online to cheer them up. 

Write: 

• Use your fingers to practice writing your name in shaving cream. 

• Name all the words you can think of that begin with the first letter of your name. 

Learn About the Benefits of Active Reading 

Active Reading is a great way to engage with your child while you read together. The ABCs of Active Reading are:  

• A: Ask Questions. Open ended questions get kids talking. “What do you think will happen next in the story?” 

• B: Build Vocabulary. Demonstrating new words builds vocabulary. Don’t just read the word “whisper” – actually whisper.  

• C: Connect to Child’s World. Relating the story to what kids know helps them learn more about the world.  

The Summer Break program is wonderful for all ages! We have activities, book suggestions and programs for babies, children, teens and adults. 

Comments? Questions? 

Are you having problems with the Summer Break website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Feel free to call your local library for assistance or email [email protected]. 

The 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. 

Looking for some great movies your kids can watch now that school is out for the summer? Look no further.

Hoopla  has a great selection of movies for kids. Here are the top five that have been streaming on Hoopla. All you need to join in the fun is your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or One Access ID!

Learn more about hoopla and checkout limits here.  Need a Library card?  Sign up here.

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog (2010) - The popular children’s book is turned into a short movie. When Pigeon finds a delicious hot dog, he can't wait to devour it. But then along comes a sly duckling who wants a bite. Who will be the more clever bird? Run time: 7 minutes

Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel (2002) - News alert! It has just been discovered that there are NO MORE TACOS left anywhere in the world. This is a huge problem because, as you know, dragons love tacos. If only there was a way for the dragons to travel back in time to before tacos went extinct. Then they could grab lots of tacos and bring them back! It's the perfect plan, as long as there's no spicy salsa. You remember what happened last time... The award-winning creators of Robo-Sauce and Secret Pizza Party return with a gut-bustingly hilarious companion to the bestselling phenomenon Dragons Love Tacos. Run time: 10 minutes

My Little Pony Equestria Girls (2013) - When her crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, Twilight Sparkle pursues the thief, Sunset Shimmer, into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into…a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight must learn how to fit into this strange new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to become crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. Luckily, she'll have the assistance of Spike and five teenage girls who remind her of a certain group of ponies back home. Run time: 1 hour and 12 minutes

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late (2011) - It's getting dark out, but one stubborn Pigeon is NOT going to bed! Children will love this interactive bedtime romp, which puts readers back in the driver's seat, deflecting Pigeon's sly trickery as he tries to escape his inevitable bedtime. Will you let him stay up late? Run time: 7 minutes

Elmo’s Potty Time  (2010) -  Potty training can be fun! Create a positive potty time experience for your child with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends with Elmo's Potty Time! This amusing and song-filled story teaches children that everyone has to learn how to use the potty. Your child will learn that accidents are okay and that it takes time and practice before he can use the potty on his own. So dance, sing, and laugh as your child learns confidence-building skills and helpful healthy habits that will last a lifetime! Run time 44minutes.

--

This blog was written by Serena Guest of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

For those who know they can’t be a true “legal eagle” but want assistance, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has a new database to help. LegalForms (Gale) is a powerful collection of legal forms that have been used in law practices and permit users to edit the forms as needed. You are a computer search away from help with common legal actions and detailed documents.

Official North Carolina forms are available on LegalForms as well as an Attorney Directory. What types of legal forms are offered? The database’s forms include real estate contracts, bankruptcy, premarital agreements, divorce, power of attorney, wills, landlord tenant and more. Ever user-friendly, LegalForms searches can be as basic as keyword searches, subject, legal form, or you can browse the catalog. Accurate, authentic legal forms can be created with reasonable ease using LegalForms. Many forms are available in Adobe and Microsoft Word formats so that you only need to fill in the entries. Documents may be downloaded, saved, or printed. 

Sample letters are offered and range from topics like requesting the credit report of a minor to asking to have your name removed from a mail marketing list. Legal definitions and a legal encyclopedia, “Law Digest”, are provided for help in understanding legal terms. Also included in LegalForms are links to federal and state tax forms. Lastly, placed to the left is a “Legal Q & A“ button which features questions and answers for particular subjects. Search help and FAQs can be found at the top right of the page.

Library customers have access to vital law resources and adjustable legal forms by accessing LegalForms on the cmlibrary.org website or a mobile device. 

Users should consult an attorney in their state for serious legal matters.

As a native Virginian I quickly learned that barbecue (BBQ) is the root of disagreement in the Carolinas. There are endless "rights and wrongs” to BBQ preparation, sauce, how the meat is smoked, what side dishes to serve... the list goes on. 

It’s a fascinating discussion that all Carolinians should contribute to. Keep reading to learn more about all things carolina BBQ.

How did BBQ find its way to the Carolinas?

BBQ was “discovered” in North Carolina in the late 16th century by Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1585, Raleigh sent men to the coast of present-day North Carolina. While there, John White sketched Croatan Indians “broyling their fishe over the flame—they took great heed that they bee not burnt”. What White witnessed was the Croatans using a “barbacoa”, a framework of sticks that supported meat over a fire. Barbacoas were used by the Spanish in the Caribbean after they saw locals using the contraption to smoke their meat.

Photo courtesy of Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue

 

Historians believe that German settlers who traveled via Great Wagon Road during the mid-to-late 18th century from Pennsylvania influenced the style of barbecue in the North Carolina Piedmont region. Catawba College history professor, Gary Freeze, developed this theory on the basis that Pennsylvania Germans barbecued the shoulder of the pig and braised it in a fruit-flavored liquid similar to the Lexington style North Carolinians pride themselves on today. Freeze further argues that early prominent barbecue-ers had German names (e.g., Weaver, Ridenhour, Swicegood) and that some of the Piedmont’s earliest barbecuing occurred in German cotton-mill villages.

 

North Carolina: Home to the “Original” BBQ Recipe

 

According to Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue, BBQ in North Carolina must meet these three qualifications:

1. The meat must be barbecued, meaning cooked at a low temperature for a long time with heat and smoke flavoring the meat from a fire of hardwood and/or hardwood coals.

2. The meat must be pork (whole hog, shoulder, or occasionally ham).

3. The meat is always served with a thin vinegar-based sauce.

Photo courtesy of Chairgatin

 

There are two main styles of BBQ in North Carolina—Eastern and Lexington (“Piedmont”). Eastern-style BBQ uses the whole-hog (“every part of the hog but the squeal”) with a lemon juice or vinegar, pepper-based sauce. Eastern style incorporates zero tomatoes in its recipe. Food critics are careful to say it is the “truest” form of BBQ, but many refer to Eastern-style as the “original” recipe [Our State article].  

Piedmont-style became popular in the World War I era and uses meat from the pork shoulder with a vinegar, ketchup and spice-based sauce. Five men of German descent are credited with the adaptation of the Eastern-style recipe. 

Sauce is another point of contention in North Carolina. The ingredients for the standard North Carolina BBQ sauce vary from family to family, but the “official” recipe is along the lines of this description found in Martha McCulloch-Williams' recollections:

“Two pounds of sweet lard, melted in a brass kettle, with one pound beaten, 

not ground, pepper a pint of small fiery red peppers, nubbed and stewed soft 

in water to barely cover, a spoonful of herbs in powder- he would never tell 

what they were [of course!],  -- and a quart and pint of the strongest apple 

vinegar, with a little salt.” -Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue

 

South Carolina: Home to the Four Sauces 

South Carolina also believes that barbecue was “founded” in the Palmetto State, so  we will never truly know which Carolina barbecue calls home. We do know that South Carolina features all four sauces throughout the state, a trait they pride themselves on. 

Photo courtesy of Discover South Carolina

1) Mustard: Found throughout the midland part of the state toward the lower coastline. Distinct tasting sauce traced back to German settlers.

2) Heavy Tomato: Found in the western and northwestern part of the state. Popularly known and sold in grocery stores (Kraft, Sweet Baby Rays, etc.) 

3) Light Tomato: Found in the Pee Dee and upper part of the state. A light mix of the vinegar/pepper sauce with ketchup or tomato added. 

4) Vinegar + Pepper: Found along the coast. Spicy vinegar and pepper sauce.

Photo courtesy of Charleston City Paper. 

So, what’s up with the tomatoes, and why is there so much controversy around adding them to BBQ sauce? South Carolina farmers began growing “love apples” in the 18th century and food historians believe that German settlers began to add ketchup to the Eastern-style BBQ. The addition of the sugary ketchup made the BBQ recipes closer to the sweet-sour taste that is common in German cooking.  

The only thing both Carolinas agree on? The meat must be smoked. 

“You can put barbecue sauce on it and call it barbecue. You can 

cook it in a Crock-Pot and put sauce on it and call it barbecue. But

 it’s not. Now, I get chastised on that all the time—about being 

old-school and a purist and all that. All I’m saying is, there’s a totally 

different flavor when you’ve got the fat of that meat dripping onto 

live coals. The smoke it creates to season that pig—that makes 

the difference.” -Jim Early, Charlotte Magazine 

We know that Carolinians eat BBQ, but how do we celebrate the dish?  

Photo courtesy of Lexington Barbecue Festival, 2019. 

The Carolinas celebrate BBQ big time. Lexington, North Carolina throws a huge BBQ Festival every October. Lexington felt so strongly about hosting the official BBQ festival that they even submitted a House Bill to the General Assembly in 2005. Two days later, the bill was approved and the Lexington Barbecue Festival was adopted as the state’s official BBQ festival. South Carolina also celebrates BBQ with a variety of festivals.  



If you want to decide if North Carolina or South Carolina BBQ is supreme, take a long drive along the Historic BBQ trails. You can always use the Carolina Room’s cookbooks to find mouthwatering BBQ recipes to try at home, too! 

This blog was written by Sydney Carroll, archivist in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Main Library.

--

References 

Garner, Bob. “Bob Garner’s Book of Barbecue: North Carolina’s Favorite Food.” Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 2012. 

Garner, Bob. “North Carolina Barbecue: Flavored by time.” Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 1996. 

Lacour, Greg. “What’s Our Barbecue Story?” Charlotte Magazine. June 2019. Accessed August 2019. http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/June-2019/Our-Barbecue-Story/  

Quine, Katie. “Why Are There Two Styles of NC Barbecue?” Our State. May 2015. Accessed August 2019. https://www.ourstate.com/nc-barbecue-styles/ 

Reed, John Shelton. “Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue.” The University of North Carolina Press, 2008.  



"South Carolina Barbecue.” Discover South Carolina. https://discoversouthcarolina.com/barbecue

The Census: What is it?

The U.S. Constitution empowers the Congress to carry out the census (Article I, Section 2). The Founders of our fledgling nation had a bold and ambitious plan to empower the people over their new government. The plan was to count every person living in the newly created United States of America, and to use that count to determine representation in the Congress.

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/about/what-is.html

Why does the United States Government depend on an accurate Census? Why is that important to You and Your Community?

Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. When you respond to the census, you help your community gets its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and this creates jobs. Developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods. Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/about/why.html

What is the state of North Carolina doing to plan for Census 2020?

Several organizations within North Carolina are providing educational resources and other assistance to encourage every person in North Carolina to be counted.

https://census.nc.gov/

https://www.nccensus.org/

What efforts are being made in Mecklenburg County to make sure every one of us is counted?

Mecklenburg County has several Complete Count Committees which work with local stakeholders and media to educate the public about Census 2020, encourage participation, and facilitate survey access, particularly among traditionally hard-to-count populations.

MeckCounts2020.com

Jobs are available through the United States Census Bureau. Apply Now!

https://www.mecknc.gov/CountyManagersOffice/MeckCounts2020/Pages/Census-Jobs.aspx

Title: Your next (or first) novel starts here

Getting into the independent publishing or self-publishing world can be intimidating. Some writers struggle with the internal conflict of loving their work but questioning its validity. With a growing indie author community and increased demand for books from indie publishers, libraries continue to look for ways to work with authors to provide resources and services for aspiring authors.

No matter where you are in your writing journey, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has programs, resources and services available to help you along the way.

Celebrate Indie Author Day at the Brooklyn Collective

Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as we celebrate Indie Author Day, when libraries and organizations around the world welcome local indie authors, writers and their communities in for a day of education, networking, writing, open mics, panels and much more.

Indie Author Day combines the best of libraries: books and people. This FREE Library program will take place Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The location, and a brief itinerary, are as follows:

Location

Brooklyn Collective

229 S Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Schedule

10 a.m. | Coffee + Networking

11 a.m. | Keynote Address by Mark Peres

11:15 a.m. | Writing/Publishing Panel

12 p.m. | Snacks + Networking

Writing/Publishing  PANEL

Marisa Wesley | Cover Art, Cover Me Darling

Marisa has worked with everyone from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Authors, to first time Indie Authors. She has won multiple awards for her Book Cover Design work.

Debra Funderburk | Publisher and Agent

Debra Funderburk is an author, publisher and an author’s business coach. She also spearheads a local writer’s group. With an extensive background in sales, accounting and business development, those skills allow her to think outside the box and create a platform for an author’s success.

Dawn Michelle Hardy |Agent and Publicist, Dream Relations PR & Literary Consulting

Dawn Michelle Hardy, President of Dream Relations, PR & Literary Consulting Agency has been described as a ““literary lobbyist” by Ebony magazine for her ability to help authors reach their readership using strategic and creative promotions, award recognition, along with national and local media attention.

Local Writing Organizations available for networking:

Charlotte Lit: Charlotte Lit is a nonprofit arts center dedicated to elevating and celebrating the literary arts in our community.  https://www.charlottelit.org/

Sistories: We seek to amplify the narratives of Charlotte’s Black women and femmes by publishing their work both digitally and in print.  https://www.sistories.org/

Charlotte Writer’s Club: Charlotte Writers’ Club supports the work of writers and promotes their development through education, recognition, and community in celebration of the written word. https://charlottewritersclub.org/home

Planning to join us at the Brooklyn Collective for Indie Author Day festivities? Register here.

Join a writing group

Many library locations have regular writing groups that are open to new members. Some involve writing as a group around a topic or prompt, and some are critique-style groups where writing is submitted ahead of time.

One group, Write Like You Mean It, meets at Main Library every Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. This group explores different styles of writing in a fun and comfortable environment, and is open to anyone who is ready to write. Both beginners and experienced writers are welcome.  Join Write Like You Mean It, or find a writing group at the following library locations:

• Beatties Ford Road Regional Library 
• Independence Regional Library 
• Main Library 
• Matthews Library 
• Mint Hill Library 
• Morrison Regional Library 
• Mountain Island Library 
• South County Regional Library
• Steele Creek Library

Click here to find the Library’s full CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Check out a book or two

Take home some writing inspiration with these books and magazines available in the Library’s catalog:

BOOKS

Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg 

The Right to Write by Julia Cameron 

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott 

Spinning Words into Gold by Maureen Ryan Griffin 

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury 

On Writing by Stephen King

MAGAZINES

Poets & Writers

Writer’s Digest 

LIBRARY CATALOG 

Take courses online (for free) with your library card

The Library offers many online courses you can take that focus on creative writing. Find these and many other resources on cmlibrary.org/resources.

Lynda.com

Writing- The Craft of Story

The Foundations of Fiction

Ninja Writing-The Four Levels of Mastery

Universal Class

Creative Writing

Novel Writing

Memoir & Poetry

Got a library card?

If not, get started with the application now. Your next novel starts here!

It’s no secret children love the Library. From their first Storytime experience to attending puppet shows, participating in science demonstrations or meeting their favorite book illustrator, these are highlights they’re eager to share with friends and family. Perhaps what most excites children these days is taking an armful of books to the self-checkout stand, placing the stack on the mat and watching as the books automatically register with their RFID tags into their library card account.

Then what happens is children’s use of the library changes. It evolves to checking out chapter books, then young adult books, to using tutoring or study programs and then, eventually, to finding a quiet space to cram for finals or write a term paper.

As children grow into adults, it’s a common trend that Library use diminishes. College, career and maybe even that need to explore something outside the familiar takes over. However, everything comes full circle when adults start a family and return to the Library with their children to attend storytimes, checkout picture books and maybe even find respite in a quiet corner while their children are pre-occupied.

This is almost the same pattern Ailen Arreaza found herself following. A Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustee member, Ailen emigrated from Cuba with her family when she was a child. When they settled in Charlotte, the Library was the first welcoming place she found. Ailen immediately loved the Library and spent most of her time at the University City Regional Library. Not only was it a safe space, it also provided her a place where she could feel independent, explore new worlds through her love of reading and also spend time with her younger brother.

Now married with children, Ailen wants her children, ten-year-old Lucas and seven-year-old Paulo, to have the same experiences she did. She wants them to discover all there is to explore, learn and do at the Library.

“We’ve spent a lot of time at ImaginOn when my boys were younger,” Ailen says. “The exhibits, programs and toys kept us entertained. Now that they’re older, our use has changed and their love for the Library has moved from storytimes and expanded into reading.” The family calls the Sugar Creek Library their home branch.

This past summer, Ailen’s family took an extended vacation overseas. Before departing, her sons loaded up their electronic devices with e-books. “Lucas puts in his own requests for items on hold and downloaded his books by himself. He has a ONE Access card through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and knows his ID number by heart. This allowed him to access more materials and the digital resources remotely while we were outside the States,” says Ailen. (ONE Access™ is a program that provides students the ability to check out books to take home for schoolwork and to read for pleasure using their student ID as their Library card number. All CMS students are automatically enrolled in this program and additional charter schools and colleges also participate. See cmlibrary.org/oneaccess for more information).

Ailen’s children aren’t the only ones thankful for their Library card. Aileen’s husband, Tony, learned that by having a Library card he could rent a hotspot for a nominal fee to use for his business, Carlotan Talents. In 2018, he signed up for his first Library card. Using the hotspot allowed him to support his business activities with online financial transactions at remote locations. “I didn’t even know the Library offered this resource, so this was a great discovery. And it seems like every day we find out more and more of what the Library offers. I’m so amazed by it all,” says Ailen.

Ailen is not nearly finished exploring the Library, though. She has a list of what she wants to do next:

1. Visit the IdeaBox, the Makerspace at Main Library with its 3-D printer
2. Explore teen opportunities, especially since Lucas is only a few years away from this age group
3. Research Charlotte’s history in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Main Library
4. Attend a program hosted by Dr. Tom Hanchett, the Library’s first Historian-in-Residence

Even though she already commits up to 12 hours a month serving on the Library’s governing board, Ailen is a staunch advocate whenever she can be. Recently she took a family, that emigrated from Venezuela, to the Library where she knew there would be a large collection of books in Spanish they could use. Additionally, she’s going to tell them about the Mango Languages resource – a free language-learning software with over 70 world language courses and over 17 ESL/ELL courses. Mango is user-friendly and features an engaging user interface, voice comparison, fresh design, foreign language films and cultural anecdotes.

“The Library is truly a great equalizer,” says Ailen. “This is the connecting place where the community can come together. Everyone should have a Library card and discover all the possibilities.”

Ailen Arreaza is the North Carolina Program Director for ParentsTogether, a national nonprofit that provides resources and community to help all kids and families thrive. Before joining the ParentsTogether team, she spent nearly a decade working on issues of equity and access for the City of Charlotte. In that role, she investigated allegations of housing discrimination and led city-wide campaigns to educate Charlotteans, particularly Latino immigrants, about their fair housing rights. Ailen regularly writes about issues related to social justice. She is originally from Cuba and a graduate of The George Washington University. She lives in NoDa with her husband and two rambunctious sons.

Don't have a Library card? It's as easy as 1-2-3! Click here to get carded!