Thumbnail

Anyone looking for new mysteries this spring can find good options in the Library catalog. This includes the next title in the long-running, private-detective Ali Reynolds series and the last book of the Inspector Tao Yun Shan novels. Here are those titles and a few others to consider:

The A List: An Ali Reynolds Mystery

Writer Judith A. Janice jumps back into Ali Reynold’s previous career as a television news anchor for the latest story in this long-running series. Today, private investigator and cybersecurity company owner, Reynolds lives and works in Sedona, Arizona, where she’s recently married and owns a new house. Ten years ago, though, she worked in Los Angeles where her last news story led to the arrest and imprisonment of a prominent doctor for medical malpractice and, ultimately, a murder charge. That imprisoned doctor still harbors a vengeful anger against those viewed responsible for his fate. He even has a tattooed list of the initials of his enemies to cross off his self-styled Annihilation List. And, as expected, Reynolds’s initials are on the list.  This novel is 14 in  in the series and available in regular, large print, eBook and audiobook formats.       

Bloody January 

It’s 1973 and Glasgow, Scotland is a noir-infused backdrop for the investigations of Detective Harry McCoy into a seemingly quick case. Tipped about a planned killing of a young woman, which occurs the next day by a young man who shoots her in public and then shoots himself, the events appear to be only a sad tragedy. McCoy is convinced otherwise and travels deep into the city’s criminal underworld for answers. Accompanied by a new partner, Watson, through his probes, McCoy believes he is on the right track. His investigation leads to the super-rich Dunlop family with ties to a secret society steeped in criminal activity. However, the investigation stalls as McCoy tries to make his case stick, but he is not deterred. Bloody January is the first of the Harry McCoy series by Alan Parks. The second book is February’s Son. Both titles are available in regular print and e-book formats.     

Bones of the Earth

Inspector Shan Tao Yun, a one-time Beijing, China, law officer who is now exiled to Tibet, continues his law enforcement in his new rural home. Requested to view the execution of a Tibetan for corruption, Shan later suspects the government's actions were not genuine as he’s discovers the deaths of others hidden by the execution. The apparent murders include other Tibetans and an American archaeology student working to protect an ancient shire. Moreover, Shan’s mission is elevated as he accepts the assistance of the American’s angry father to find the truth. All the while, Shan is conflicted by the government, justice and helping his citizens. This novel is the 10th and final of the series. The Library system has eight books in the series by writer Eliot Pattison. 

Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce

Mahalia's Sweet Tea is extra busy serving meals during a huge hair convention in Prince George's County, Maryland. Restaurant manager Halia Watkins has as much work as she can handle when a famous beauty mogul, Monique Depree, arrives and creates an additional buzz in the community. The result is shocking as Depree is shot dead and the death uncovers relationships filled with strife. Enter Watkins and her cousin, Wavonne, to serve as amateur sleuths. Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce is the third of the Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery series by writer A. L. Herbert. The Library offers all three novels.  

Something Read Something Dead: A Lighthouse Library Mystery

Who would tamper with gluten-free treats and kill during a bridal shower? Lucy Richardson, cousin to bride-to-be Josie, oversees the shower to help ease family tension over the coming days. It appears the bride's modest wedding plans are in jeopardy by certain family members. The peace-treaty attempts in the bridal shower fail miserably as a cousin dies and Josie is under police suspicion. Under these circumstances, Lucy, as an amateur sleuth, helps her cousin, to find the killer. Writer Eva Gates has five books in this mystery series and Something Read Something Dead is the latest. The Library has four of the five books set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  

 

Thumbnail

On April 22, 2019, Librarian, Dr. Tom Cole, Archivist, Sydney Vaile, Librarian, Shelia Bumgarner and Assistant, Meghan Bowden of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room celebrated National Preservation Week by conducting an inventory of all of the items in the historic Dowd House on behalf of Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.

This is the last remaining structure associated with Camp Greene, a World War I training camp that was located in Charlotte from 1917-1919. In return, the department received hundreds of personal artifacts of soldiers stationed at Camp Greene, including medals, pay books, equipment and helmets The department also received 85 photographs. These items will become part of the archives.

The department has the largest collection of Camp Greene memorabilia and photographs in the country.

Thumbnail

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.   

--

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

Thumbnail

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

• CMLIbrary Comics
• Hoopla Digital
• Overdrive Teen Collection
• Comic Con at Home
• UNCC Special Collections
• Library of Congress Webcomics Archive
• Pixton
• Image Comics
• VIZ Media
• Tokyopop
• Webtoons
• Manga 101

Cosplay:

• Cosplay Bibliocommons List

Cosplay Tutorial Guides:

• Universal Class
• Cosplay.com
• Certified Comics
• Geek Gals
• KamuiCosplay
• CosplayCentral

Videos Playlists:

• Mango Serene
• Michael & Hayley
• MakeLovelyCosplay
• KamuiCosplay

Role Playing Games:

• Dewey & Dragons Book List
• Beginner Guides for Dungeons & Dragons
• Free Weekly Dungeons & Dragons Material
• Magic the Gathering Rules
• Accessibility and Inclusion Resources for RPGs
• How to Virtually Play RPGs
• Slaying Real Monsters & Building Communities Through 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.

--

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

Thumbnail

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.

 

Thumbnail

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:

• SouthPark Regional Library - 7015 Carnegie Blvd Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704-416-5400
• Café Monte - 6700 Fairview Rd Charlotte, NC 28210 | 704-552-1116
• Levine Jewish Community Center - 5007 Providence Rd Charlotte, NC 28226 | 704-366-5007
• Little Sugar Creek Greenway
• Milk Cha Cha - 4620 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 170A Charlotte, NC 28210 | 980-298-6226
• Mint Museum Randolph - 2730 Randolph Rd Charlotte, NC 28207 | 704-337-2000
• Park Road Park - 6220 Park Rd Charlotte, NC 28210
• Renaissance Patisserie - 6401 Carnegie Blvd #4A Charlotte, NC 28211 | 980-819-8771
• SouthPark Mall - 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704-364-4411
• Summer Pops - 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

---

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

Thumbnail

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

Thumbnail

As somebody who loves fashion and is a working designer, it can be equal parts exhilarating and daunting to keep up with the latest industry practices. The dizzying world of high fashion is ever changing with new design processes, technology and trends popping up every few months. Fast fashion and the internet have completely changed the fashion landscape and it can be a strenuous process sifting through the thousands of blogs, websites and Op-Ed pieces to find reliable information about the latest fashion news. Sure, there are plenty of reference books in Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s catalog about fashion from a historical perspective, but what about resources for the modern designer? You may not think of your local library as a place where you can get those resources, but you’d be mistaken. What if I told you that you can get access to intensive coursework covering all aspects of the fashion design process, taught by industry leaders for FREE? You can with access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library’s catalog of digital resources.

        

(l to r): showing some of my designs at a recent fashion show, and in my home studio working on a pattern

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational site that includes over 3,000 courses in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and yes, fashion design. There are several different learning paths you can take and I chose the path called “Become a Fashion Designer.” This 20-hour course is filled with videos and learning activities in subjects like color theory, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, pattern design and much more. Twenty hours may sound like a lot of time to invest, but the lessons are broken up into sub-categories ranging from one to four minutes each. Each course is self-guided and taught by industry leaders that know everything from the basics to the latest techniques. I love the flexibility to start and stop whenever I feel and not lose my progress, which is perfect for working professionals. I’ve even been able to watch a few courses while on the treadmill at the gym or while sewing a project at home.

Upon completion of the course, you receive a LinkedIn Learning Certificate showing that you have successfully completed the lessons and now have mastery of that skill. This is great to add to your resume or LinkedIn profile as a professional tool. The best part is that all of this was free to me (and to you too) just by using my Library card. Don’t have one? Get your own here.

Want to get started on your own learning track? Checkout LinkedIn Learning today.

Access LinkedIn Learning

--

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