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CMLibrary has all the resources you'll ever need

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has all the resources you'll ever need

July 22, 2022

This blog was written by Darrell Anderson, marketing and communications specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Whether you need resources for your small business or just want to stream the newest hit music, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has a vast catalog of digital resources to fit your needs. Check out some of our offerings below and some fun facts about the Queen City's namesake monarch Queen Charlotte.

Did You Know? — Queen Charlotte spoke three language and you can, too. Learn Afrikaans, Tagalog, the language of love, or whatever you like for FREE with Transparent Language and your Library card.

Transparent Language provides a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner. 

access Transparent Language now

 

Did You Know? — Queen Charlotte had serious musical chops! Not only was she versed in the harpsichord and tutored in music by Johann Christian Bach (the son of Johann Sebastian Bach), but she also was a muse to other classical musicians of the time. Enjoy the latest music tracks from all your favorite artists for free from hoopla and Freegal Music through the Library.

  • Freegal Music is a free downloadable music service from your Library. Freegal offers download or streaming access to more than 10 million songs, including Sony Music's catalog of legendary artists. Also available are approximately 15,000 music videos to download. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customers get 5 free downloads (songs are 1 download and videos are 2) and 5 hours of streaming each week. Once downloaded, the songs or videos are yours to keep! Mobile and tablet customers, download the Freegal app for iOS and Android.   
  • hoopla allows customers to instantly borrow e-books, comics, audiobooks, music, movies and television — with no holds, and no waiting! And there's no need to worry about late fees; hoopla features an automated service that returns your item once your time is up. Content can be streamed to computers, tablets or smartphones, and can be downloaded to mobile devices to allow for offline viewing any time.    

          access freegal music now         access hoopla now 



 

Did You Know? — In addition to being royalty, Queen Charlotte was also a philanthropist who supported small business across the city of London. But you don’t have to be royalty to start your own business. All you need is a Library card to give you access to our vast catalog of free business resources including LinkedIn Learning and Universal Class.

  • LinkedIn Learning is an online educational site that includes over 3,000 courses (and over 130,000 videos) in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production and business.  
  • Universal Class is an online education experience offering over 540 courses in subjects like Entrepreneurship, Home and Garden Care, Computers and Technology, Health and Medicine, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law and many more.

access LinkedIn Learning now       Access Universal Class Now

"Break My Soul": The perfect booklist for Beyoncé fans

August 2, 2022

This blog was written by Serena Guest, library collections associate, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

In June, Beyoncé released the song "Break My Soul." Over a stirring house beat, she sings about looking for motivation and a new foundation. It's an inspirational song that was much needed for so many of us. If you enjoy this song and you’re looking for your own motivation and new foundation, I've put together a list of suggested titles you might enjoy. You can also listen to "Break My Soul" for free on Freegal  - all you need is your Library card! 



 

The perfect booklist for Beyoncé fans:

How did your summer reading goal turn out? Check out the results of the 2022 Summer Break challenge.

Summer Break 2022 Wrap up

August 8, 2022

Oh, where has the time gone?

It’s a wrap for Summer Break 2022.  Thank you to all of those who participated in the 2022 Summer Break Challenge. Queen Charlotte collected her earned prizes. Have you? Please collect any earned prizes by August 20, 2022, at your local branch location. Charlotte Football Club winners will be selected from completers by a drawing via Beanstack on August 15, 2022 and will be contacted via email.

 

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A total of 9.1 million minutes were logged for reading. 

 

Over 70,080 badges earned.

More than 45,000 activities completed.

 

The Summer Beak Team hopes you enjoyed reading more and participating in different activities. 

We put forth a challenge to the community to beat this year’s numbers for 2023. Do you have it in you?

 

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. Richard Scarry's Bedtime Stories
  3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  4. Harry Potter and the Prison of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
  5. Dogman by Dav Pilkey

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The 2022 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Charlotte Football Club's Greater Goals, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. 

Summer Break at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library returns June 1, 2022

April 26, 2022

Summer is a great time for families to spend time together and develop a love of reading and learning. Summer should be all about fun and our Summer Break program can help provide opportunities to read, be creative, develop social skills, learn new things, and so much more! This year, help us read 10 million minutes between June 1 and August 13 as a community!  

Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore is available online.  

Summer Break includes six activities in addition to reading that help families and communities connect and learn new things. Play and Write are even Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy skills! Also, the Queen Charlotte activity category has been added this year!  

  • Read books, graphic novels, e-books or magazines, or listen to an audiobook. It all counts! 

  • Create: try a new recipe, make a video, organize a space in your house or room, learn a craft or hobby. These are just a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing! 

  • Explore: discover a new Library resource, find your new favorite book with our booklists, attend an online concert or play, make the time to explore your world. 

  • Give: here is your opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Chat with a friend or family member, donate to a nonprofit, or send a food delivery to your local emergency responders; the possibilities are endless. 

  • Play: ride a bike or take a walk, play a sport, take a yoga or exercise class, play a game, just have fun! 

  • Write: send a card to a friend or family member, create a book list using Bibliocommons (the Library’s online catalog), attend a writing workshop with your local library.   

  • Queen Charlotte: find Queen Charlotte at your local branch, visit the Queen Charlotte Walks in Her Garden statue, or take a selfie with Queen Charlotte.  

 

Summer Reading 

Enjoy reading this summer with a good book, graphic novel, audiobook or ebook! The Library is full of fun, engaging books. Don’t know what to read? Librarians are ready to help. There is nothing we like more than talking about books. Stop by your nearest Library for recommendations or visit our online catalog. You can also receive a personal reading list created by Library staff by filling out a Find Your Next Read form (Ages 0 – 18, Teens and Adults). 

The Library also offers a wide variety of programs: everything from storytimes and book clubs, to programs helping you plan for college and career.  

This summer, take the time to find the perfect place to read outside. Will you choose a park, a garden, your backyard, or some other amazing location? Take a picture and share on social media with the hashtags  #cmlsummerbreak, #cmlibrary 

Queen Charlotte is looking forward to participating in this year’s Summer Break, “I hope many of my royal subjects will participate in Summer Break. I’m looking forward to signing up my 15 children and reading outside in the lovely garden.” 

Comments? Questions?   

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2022 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program?  Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.   

The 2022 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Charlotte Football Club's Greater Goals and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.   

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This blog was written by Whitney Lebron, children's services librarian at Steele Creek Library.

Celebrate your love of comics, graphic novels, fandom and more with Teen Geek Week!

Teen Geek Week is back at the Library

April 26, 2022

Missing your favorite Con?

Don’t worry - Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has you covered with Teen Geek Week happening May 1-7, 2022!

Throughout the week starting on Monday, May 2, check out a variety of online programs including BTS trivia, gaming, comic creations, paper circuits, writing fanfiction and more! Check out the full calendar below or search our online calendar for more details. Don’t miss out on everything else that will be happening on our CMLibrary Teens Instagram @cmlibraryteens that will feature a collection of Marvel-ous activities, gaming, cosplay tutorials and more!

And if you still can't get enough of Teen Geek Week, be sure to download one of the Teen Geek Week Activity Packs or grab one from the teen area in your branch!

Activity Packs

HARRY POTTER  |  ANIME/MANGA  |  STAR WARS  |  GAMING  |  MARVEL VS DC  |  TV/MOVIE  |  DISNEY

 

 VIRTUAL Teen geek week COSPLAY Showcase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to be featured on our CMLibrary Teens Instagram @cmlibraryteens for the Cosplay Showcase? The Teen Geek Week Cosplay Showcase is not a competition, but a way for you to show off your cosplay(s) online that you would like to bring to a con.

Participants must complete this form to enter!

A couple of rules before you submit your costume:

  • All cosplays must be appropriate for all ages. Please keep it PG-13.
  • Cosplays can be handmade or store-bought.
  • Must list full names of everyone in your entry.
  • Your video submission must be between 30-60 seconds. Pose, twirl and show off your cosplay.
  • Format requirements: 1080px by 1920px (standard size for most smartphones screens) MP4.
  • You must have parent/guardian approval to enter. By submitting your application, you are acknowledging you have parent/guardian approval to be featured on our website and social media!

The deadline for submission is Friday, May 6.

Follow us at @cmlibraryteens to stay connected, and never miss out on anything for teens at the Library ever again!

Teen Geek Week Online Programs

Virtual Scavenger Hunt: The adventure awaits! Throughout Mecklenburg County, there are some really cool Art Murals! Take a picture and share it with us for a chance to score one of our Geek Packs! Tag us on Instagram @cmlibraryteens by May 6, 2022, by using the hashtag #cmlibraryteengeekweek, for a chance to win a prize in our Raffle.

  • Harry Potter Teen Trivia

  • Teen Board Games
  • Anime Art Basics
  • STEAM 101: Paper Circuits Star Wars (South Boulevard)

  • Wordle Wednesday
  • Tween Trivia Throwdown: Star Wars
  • Teen Reading Rants (Graphic Novels and Comics)
  • Learn, Connect, Play: Among Us (South Boulevard)
  • Star Wars Day Trivia
  • Cosplay 101 with Hayley & Michael (Teens Live on Instagram)

  • Anime Art Coloring
  • THROH Pokémon Bingo
  • Let's Write Fanfiction!
  • Manga vs Anime
  • Dungeons and Dragons For Tweens!
  • Manga Mania Teen Comic Book Club (South Boulevard)

  • Fan - Art Friday
  • Free Comic Book Day (North County Regional Library)
  • Free Comic Book Day (Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library)
  • Teen Geek Club: Annual Superhero Assembly Mystery (South Boulevard)

 

  • Free Comic Book Day North County
  • Free Comic Book Day Allegra Westbrooks
  • Free Comic Book Day Steele Creek
  • Teen Geek Club: Superhero Assembly South Boulevard

ESCAPE ROOMS:

RESCUE BABY YODA ESCAPE ROOM  |  HARRY POTTER ESCAPE ROOM  |  HAMILTON ESCAPE ROOM 

HUNGER GAMES ESCAPE ROOM  |  RIVERDALE ESCAPE ROOM

RESOURCES

Comics

Cosplay:

Cosplay Tutorial Guides:

Videos Playlists:

Role Playing Games:

Teen Geek Week Discord Server

Can’t get enough of Teen Geek Week? Join our discord, our virtual hangout space to share, socialize and make new friends. It’s open to anyone in grades 6-12.

While participating in Teen Geek Week Discord Server, moderators will hold participants to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library guidelines as well as the Discord Guidelines in order to create an affirming environment for all participants.

Users will have to agree to the Server guidelines when they join before they can join the discussion. Violation of Center or Discord guidelines can result in removal from the server.

JOIN OUR DISCORD

 *Note: You may be subject to screening to confirm your identity before being granted full server access.

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Thsi blog was written bu Kiara Garrett, teen service specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Get help finding your next career with free digital resources from the Library.

Get help finding your next career with free digital resources from the Library

May 2, 2022

Are you looking to jumpstart a new career but don't know where to begin? Maybe you're wanting to move up in a current role or try something new altogether. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to help by offering access to a variety of great online resources to help you on your way. Continue reading to learn about some of the wonderful free resources available to you with your Library card.

LinkedIn Learning - LinkedIn Learning is an online educational site that includes over 3,000 courses (and over 130,000 videos) in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business.  

Ferguson's Career Guidance Center - Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center is a comprehensive resource for career exploration and planning that allows users to quickly find the valuable career information they need, whether it’s industry and professions articles, school planning resources, or skills and career advice.

Learning Express - Suite of highly-acclaimed eLearning solutions which provide interactive tutorials, practice tests, e-books, flashcards and articles for academic skill-building, standardized test preparation, career development and more.

LibGuide: Careers - LibGuides are a subject guide that pulls together all types of information about a particular subject or topic.  Charlotte Mecklenburg Library LibGuides contain information about our Library's resources (books, databases, etc.) and web sites that are relevant to the subject or topic.  

Tutor.com - Adult learners can get help in English and Spanish. Tutors are available for career help, including resume review, job searching and interview preparation. Tutors can also help with GED and Citizenship preparation, and essay review. Additionally, tutors can help adult learners with back to school needs.

 

Get to know the SouthPark Regional community with the Library's WelcomeCLT program.

Get to know the SouthPark Regional community

May 3, 2022

SouthPark Regional Library can be found on the corner of Colony Rd and Carnegie Blvd. With over 26,000 square feet, there are spaces for studying, working, and browsing the collection. When you walk in, you will find our expanded Children’s Area, Community Room, and Café seating area. The upper floor houses our Computer Lab, makerspace, Teen Area and study rooms. Also on the second floor, the world language collection includes Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, as well as Chinese, French, German and Spanish titles for children.

The SouthPark Mall is considered a staple of the SouthPark area. It is home to a variety of stores and restaurants. Whether you are looking to shop, grab a bite to eat, or just take a walk, SouthPark Mall is the place. Beside the SouthPark Mall stands Symphony Park, a large grassy lawn that holds many concerts and events throughout the year. Beginning in June, Symphony Park hosts the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops series, featuring a variety of music from popular cinematic soundtracks to opera performances.

If you are looking to go outdoors, check out nearby Park Road Park. The 72-acre park holds baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court and a playground. Scenic walking trails surround a centrally located lake with piers. The area is also home to nearby Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway, beginning at Tyvola Rd, runs for 4.8 miles. The greenway accommodates walkers, runners and bikers alike. It even includes a bridge connecting over to Park Road Park.

The Levine Jewish Community Center is a diverse, inclusive, multi-cultural community center, open to everyone of all faiths. The Levine JCC has a fitness center with indoor basketball courts, racquetball courts, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. The facilities host sports programs for youth and adults, summer camps, and cultural arts activities. The surrounding Shalom Park holds the Jewish Federation for Greater Charlotte, Jewish Family Services, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, the Foundation of Shalom Park, the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, the Charlotte Jewish Day School, and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, as well as the Center for Jewish Education, Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, the Foundation of Shalom Park, the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, the Charlotte Jewish Day School, the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, and the Center for Jewish Education and the Center for Jewish Education.

The Mint Museum Randolph, located around 15 minutes away, has galleries with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, and European and African art, among other collections. Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum. Additional areas of interest within the museum include a reference library, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum store. Visit on Wednesday evenings from 5-9 p.m. for free admission!

With a variety of restaurant options available around the area, it is no surprise that the SouthPark staff have a few favorites. Renaissance Patisserie is a local café that offers French pastries, traditional baguettes, and the home of Charlotte's only Kouign "Queen" Amann. Another favorite is Milk Cha Cha, a boba tea shop providing a unique experience by using fresh fruits, fresh dairy and premium loose-leaf teas. The area is also home to Café Monte, a French Bistro serving classic Provence-style dishes and pastries made using local ingredients.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

 

Resources:

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This blog post was written by Kristin Wilkins, library assistant for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Celebrate the real Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2022

When you think of May 5, does your mouth water in anticipation of the food, libations and festivities that generally accompany the holiday? If so, it's time to learn the significance behind modern-day Cinco de Mayo celebrations. More than a flavorful fiesta – Cinco's historical significance is important and relevant to events still affecting the country today. While Cinco de Mayo celebrations are prominent in the United States, May 5 is not as widely celebrated in its land of origin.

So, why is May 5 important? It was on that day in 1862 that the Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican war. Although Mexicans won that battle, the French returned to capture Puebla the following year. The battle at Puebla is significant because it established Mexico as a force to be reckoned with. In fact, five years later, Mexicans troops proved their resiliency against foreign domination again by overthrowing the government and reestablishing themselves as an independent republic.

And, while it is customary in the U.S. to throw large, Mexican-themed parties, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico mainly in the state of Puebla with military parades and battle reenactments.

Ultimately, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the bravery, culture, traditions, folklore and contributions of the Mexican people and their descendants to societies across the world. To learn more about Mexican culture, including food, folklore and more, check out our Celebrate Cinco de Mayo book list.

Photo credit: public domain