October is STEAM Month!

Every October we celebrate STEAM Month at all Library locations, where we place a special emphasis on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to spark interest and excitement in STEAM fields that will last all year! If your school is hosting a STEAM Night this month – or in the future – please consider inviting Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to your event. We can provide a table of giveaways and a STEAM craft. We would love to connect with your school community!

STEAM Month Programs for All Ages

STEAM Month Book List for All Ages

Early Voting Begins this October

October is the beginning of early voting at a public library near you. Early voting begins Wednesday, October 17th and runs through Saturday, November 2nd. On election day (Tuesday, November 5th) voters must vote at the polls – the libraries will NOT have voting on that day with the exception of University City Regional Library, which serves as a precinct.  

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has many programs and resources scheduled around the theme of voting. Sugar Creek Library has partnered with GenerationNation Kids Voting to provide a series of programs for children to learn what's on the ballot, how to find and analyze information about candidates, understand the roles of different government offices, and take informed civic action by making your voice heard in the student vote. The Children's Theatre of Charlotte, housed in partnership with ImaginOn Library, is performing Grace for President, a performance adapted from the book, Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. 

Check out Upcoming Civic Engagement Programs for All Ages

Just for ONE Access Teachers: Worried about misinformation, especially during an election season? News Literacy Project provides lesson plans for educators, programs such as the RumorGuard (which lists misinformation and misleading claims and states the facts about those claims), and infographics and posters on topics from AI and the First Amendment to how to determine if a news source is legitimate. These resources are appropriate for students in grades 4 and up.

Save the Date! EpicFest is Saturday November 9th  

EpicFest is an extraordinary, free literary festival that joyfully connects children, teens and families with books and the people who write them through activities that encourage a love of reading and learning. Nationally recognized children’s and young adult authors and illustrators will spend two days in Charlotte to share their latest books, experiences and passion for libraries with kids of all ages. Authors and illustrators will visit select Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools on November 8 to speak with students, and will headline a daylong literary festival at ImaginOn on November 9th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Featured authors include: Meera Sriram, JaNay Brown-Wood, Kelly Starling Lyons, Nina Mata, Peter Raymundo, John Patrick Green, Tracey West, and Greg Foley.

A special performance of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by The Children's Theatre will occur from 12-1 p.m. as well. You will not want to miss this! Thank you in advance for sharing this information with your students and their families! 

Spread the Word about Student Support at the Library  

Students can receive academic support in many ways at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library! Please direct families to any public library location for additional practice in a variety of subjects.  

Student Success Centers are now open at Library locations! Students in K-5th grades are invited to visit when Student Success Centers are open for students to receive help with an assignment, practice a skill, or get connected to professional tutoring via Tutor.com. No registration is required, and trained volunteers are ready! 

Student Success Printable Flyer for Students

In addition to Student Success Centers, the Reading Buddies program provides a safe space for students to share in the joy and power of reading with a trained volunteer! Volunteers ask questions, build vocabulary, and connect to the child's world while taking turns reading with students in elementary school grades. Invite students to register today!

Reading Buddies Printable Flyer for Students

Teacher Resource Spotlight: Digital Magazines  

National Children’s Magazine Month is this month and CML has many children’s magazines available through Libby. Younger elementary students can access Ranger Rick, Chickadee, and National Geographic Kids and older students may enjoy the Minecraft magazines or Girls’ Life - and there’s so much more! (There are lots of magazines for adults, too!) Click on Collections, then choose Magazines. Next, scroll down to Kids & Teens to see the choices. Use your ONE Access login for an easy check out.

Thanks for all you do, ONE Access Teachers!

One number equals access, and that means access to the Library's resources and programs for the classroom! Check out the ONE Access Guide for Schools to read more about this special partnership, and click the buttons below to view student resources.