On Monday, May 17, 2021, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will move to expand services under Level 2 of its multilevel re-opening plan to include re-opening material book drops. Customers will be able to return items to the Library material book drops during and outside of normal operating hours, a move that aligns with current guidance on the handling of Library materials.

The Library will reinstate its Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) which allows customers to request items the Library doesn’t carry from other libraries for loan and with a fee of $2 per received item. Customers who originally submitted an ILL request between March 16, 2020-May 16, 2021, should resubmit their requests for processing. Requests for microfiche/microfilm remain suspended.

Note: Please be prepared to pay for fees by credit or debit card, online or in-person.  Library locations are not handling cash at this time.

Click here for frequently asked ILL questions

For more information on or to register for an Interlibrary Loan account, please click here.

The Library will eliminate the 24-hour quarantine period for returned items, following guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This means materials will move through holds faster for customers waiting “in line” for materials. Although the Library is eliminating its quarantine period for returned items, there is no need for customers to “clean” or disinfect materials.

For more information about available Expanded Level 2 services, please click here.

Customers can still enjoy holds pickup, the in-person browsing of books and materials and make reservations to use express computers at designated branches. Access to digital resources and participation in the Library’s many programs, events, services and more for children, teens, adults, Outreach and the Job Help Center remain available in online and virtual formats.

To find information about the Library’s exciting programs and events, please visit the Library calendar here.

Last September, the Library implemented social distancing and safety measures that included the installation of plexiglass safety shields at customer service points and the removal of leisure seating. Customers and staff are required to wear face masks or coverings as mandated by Mecklenburg County.  Library staff continue to remind customers to abide by the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) 6-foot social distancing guidelines. Please note: Seating remains unavailable.

Additional safety measures include:

• Regularly scheduled cleaning of facilities and surfaces in accordance with CDC recommendations.
• Self-checkout stations available for customers to check out their own materials.

The Library continues to incorporate in-person services in a responsible way that focuses on safety. Follow us on social media or visit the Library’s blog at cmlibrary.org/blog for updated information on the continued re-opening of services.

The Library will continue to open under these operational hours:

• Monday-Thursday - 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• ​Friday and Saturday - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• ​Sunday - closed

Note: The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is closed for in-person services, but remains open by phone at 704-416-0150 and online for virtual reference at [email protected] Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Here’s what’s available during expanded Level 2 services*:

• Face masks/coverings as REQUIRED per Mecklenburg County directives. The Library is aware of the May 14, 2021 Executive Order by NC Governor Roy Cooper lifting the indoor face covering mandate. However, the Library aligns its policy with the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) which currently requires face coverings while on County property.
• Managed maximum number of customers in a branch at a time
• Use of social distancing safety markers
• Ability to browse for materials
• Option to use express computers (through in-branch reservation only) at branch locations EXCEPT Cornelius, Davidson and ImaginOn Libraries
• Streamlined self-checkout designed for quick in-and-out and safe, socially-distanced interactions.
• Mobile printing is available for pickup from the branch. Learn more here.
• Wi-Fi access is available outside the facility 24/7
• Free mobile hotspots are available for customers to place on hold for checkout for seven (7) days at a time
• Materials and holds available for pickup inside the branches.
• All checkouts are self-checkouts. You can scan your card (physical or on the app) and the materials. You will not need to enter your pin.
• All material/book drops are open
• Programming continues online

*Services subject to change

Community and study rooms – room reservations are unavailable until further notice.

Outreach programming – continues online or virtual, as coordinated between our Outreach team and the organization.

Programming and events – all programs and events for children, teens, adults and the Job Help Center remain online in virtual formats. Check here for the weekly schedule or visit the Calendar page on our website. 

We’re here for you online or on the phone.
You can reach our online chat during regular operating hours at cmlibrary.org and click on Ask a Librarian. Our telephone reference team is also available during normal operating hours at (704) 416-0101, or you can contact your local branch location directly - visit the Branches page for more information.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

In my role as an Instructional Assistant at Druid Hills Academy, I have come to rely on the Plaza Midwood Library as an oasis. Books in the children's department feature characters that our scholars can relate to. They can see African American characters, Hispanic characters, animal characters, funny characters, and smart characters...characters that children can relate to, where children see themselves. An affirmation. Combing the shelves and finding Langston Hughes for children is joyful. What’s even better is hearing children read My People with conviction at seven and eight years old. Thank you, Langston.

The day the jury was announcing the verdict in the George Floyd murder (although I did not know this on the way to school), I had picked out the book Abuela by George Dorros. A grand tale of a grandma and granddaughter flying around a city seeing grandeur in trees, parks, stores, skyscrapers, and the like. We even learned a few words in Español. After the scholars read the story, I asked them to write about where they would like to fly and what they might see. Ah, the beauty of imagination! They flew over the world's oceans, trees, Memphis, Las Vegas, and parks. Then, a scholar called me over and said, "I would see the shootings." The scholar and I talked along with the class about peaceful ways to solve problems. NO GUNS.

I felt a heaviness the rest of the day and that evening that is still with me — always will be. The bigger challenge is why seven and eight-year-olds must carry that heavy of a thought at such a young age? Aren't these the years to be carefree? Not so much anymore. It’s not fair that young African American and Hispanic children have this image with them in their guts right now in school in 2021. As Langston wrote in, I Too Am America that someday and I quote, "They'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed."

Through reading library books, children share what is inside their hearts and souls and find ways to liberate the heavy, at least to start. There is so much work ahead. May we all work together to ensure children may be children once again.

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This blog was written by Stephanie Donnis, recipient of the Instructional Assistant of the Year Central One 2021 award at Druid Hills Academy.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

Teresa Clay and Carmella Powers, library staff with the Sugar Creek Branch Library, have organized a Black Lives Matter book club for fifth graders at Sugar Creek Charter School. While sitting in on one of their book club discussions in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., one thing was obvious, these fifth graders love this book club. They were engaged and listened attentively throughout the entire program, asked thoughtful questions, and most importantly to us as librarians, discovered the cathartic power of reading.

Andrea Davis Pinkney wrote a piece recently for NPR that spoke to the power of reading aloud with children and its role in the Black Lives Matter movement. 

“When I invite kids to read select passages with me, they're empowered to speak up about their beliefs. Each time they hear the words of a story coming out of their own mouths, they're emboldened to keep reading," says Andrea. "These same kids are more inclined to seek out more books, and they're encouraged to share the books they love with their friends. That's what activism is. A movement begins when a passionate person gathers like-minded people and says, "Let's do this together."

Pinkney’s experience reading aloud with children is a mirror of what can be observed with the Black Lives Matter book club organized by Teresa and Carmela.

Teresa Clay (Left) and Carmella Powers (Right)

Since it began in November, this book club has become the highlight of everyone’s afternoon, including Library staff, teachers and students. At first, they only met twice a month, but due to its popularity, it has been bumped up to a weekly meeting. Each week Library staff provide stories and activities that leave the class wanting more. As the kids in the book club say, this class has been “POPPIN” ever since.

Teresa discussed the book club’s necessity with her fellow staff and shared some of the “nerve-wrenching” discussions she was having during these meetings. 

“Without a doubt, most of these children have felt sad in their own personal battle with racism. Whether it was something they've gone through or something they’ve witnessed firsthand," Teresa says. "Some kids talk excitedly over one another, while others let their faces talk for them. One student provided an example of when he was scared for his life. Another talked about the justice system not being fair ‘at all’.  A few students have lost all respect for the police department. These students know racism very well. During one discussion, a student asked, "What did we do to deserve all of this?"

 Nerve-wrenching is right.

With all that has happened this year, and all that is on the horizon, reading books that feature Black stories allow students the opportunity to process what is happening in the world around them. It empowers them to learn more and find creative solutions to make our world better. Above all else, it is the thoughtful lesson planning by Sugar Creek Branch Library staff and the fact that students are looking for an outlet such as this that make this book club not only needed, but the best part of their week.

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This blog post was written by Lonna Vines, children’s librarian at Hickory Grove Branch Library.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we are adaptable. When we went home nearly a year ago, I don’t think we had any understanding of how we would be translating our services from in-person to online. And yet, we have done just that with so many of our programs. We have discovered new ways to reach out and engage the community. We altered our programs, bought tripods and ring lights, and maybe even learned how to edit videos. Within the Outreach Department, we took our existing programs and made them accessible to the public while everyone cozied up at home. After all, what’s better than donning sweatpants while listening to or watching a good story?

The joy and beauty of a book club is the connection between its members. It provides a forum for meaningful discussion, personal connection and self-exploration. Transitioning book clubs from in-person to online has opened new ways to interact while reading and discussing a published work.

For my fifth graders at Berryhill, it means a lot more comments but typed rather than spoken. It also allows for immediate reactions to the text as I read. This type of response to the text allows for a unique interaction, since I as the reader can glance occasionally at the chat to see how students are responding to the narrative. It serves as a stream of consciousness that students feel safe to express, where they otherwise may not. When we do take breaks, I am able to refer back to those comments to generate discussion or follow-up responses, building on the conversation. I’ve found online book clubs to be a unique and engaging experience for students and that’s definitely something to chat about.

Translating a sensory program to an online format is certainly not easy, but with some creativity and effort, it’s possible. For Amrita Patel, Library outreach coordinator, it meant working with a range of adults ages 18-50 and conducting a variety of engaging activities, which she’s been doing since June of 2020.

“Truth be told,” Amrita says, “they seem more vested in the Library than ever before!” Her most recent program was in honor of Read Across America Day, where participants listened to a read-aloud of Yertle the Turtle and then engaged in discussions and activities relating to the book. It may have taken some time to get into a rhythm of sensory online programming, but this program isn’t toppling any time soon.

In the wake of quarantine, the Library pivoted fairly quickly to Facebook and other platforms as a means to conduct storytimes with our community. At an April 2020 Cable Access board meeting, Pamela McCarter, Library outreach coordinator, shared the success of these online programs with board members and pitched the idea of producing a show to air live on Access 21. John Rocco, the executive director, provided space to the Library for exactly that. The idea initially was that members of the community without access to the internet could also enjoy these storytimes. The show has since grown and engaged all parts of the community since its start.

While Library at Home is an outreach-led initiative, it now involves staff from across the system. We have taken live storytimes, edited and trimmed, and condensed them into perfectly cable-worthy 27-minute segments. The next step for the program is to use the platform to engage older adults that still may be experiencing isolation.

If you’d like to tune in, Library at Home airs Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in English and 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Spanish. ¡Es la hora del show.

A year later and here we are with amazing programs adapted, altered and entirely focused on reaching every pocket of our community. The pandemic has changed the direction of our work and our lives and in many ways has forced us to grow and adapt. And nothing says “self-reflection” like watching ourselves on video and seeing every single idiosyncratic thing we do. My advice, though? Embrace them all. From what I’ve seen, we translate great to 1s and 0s.

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This blog was written by Clay Freeman, outreach coordinator, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

This blog was written as part of the 2021 Community Read program. Learn more about Community Read and take the pledge here.

With eyes wide with fear and heart pounding, you take in the violent scene in front of you. What was supposed to be a simple football game between rivals has turned into a racially fueled riot. You find yourself trapped with someone you don't know, having to depend on them for safety. Could you make it through the night?  

Authors Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal have tackled the difficult topics of racial bias, rioting, privilege, and police brutality in their book I'm Not Dying with You Tonight, which serves as the signature title for Community Read 2021. Drawing inspiration from the Baltimore protests in 2015, the authors created two very different girls with diverse life experiences who have found themselves trapped together as a social justice protest turns violent, resulting in riots across the city. As they try to survive the night, the two girls are forced to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality. This book will serve as a discussion opener for teens and adults as they take a hard look at current events and their own biases.

There are so many ways to engage with Community Read throughout the month. Sign up for the Community Read Beanstack challenge and choose from the wide range of online programs for teens, inspired by I'm Not Dying with You Tonight. You can discuss what a healthy teenage relationship looks like, create story quilts, write poetry and more. Join us on Wednesday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. for our Community Read signature author event and meet Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal to learn about their writing process and inspiration for the book. This live event will be streamed on the Library's YouTube and Facebook pages and features a Q&A session moderated by WSOC-TV news anchor Genevieve Curtis.

Regsiter for signature event

Teens can also follow the Library on Instagram @cmlibraryteens and participate in Community Read challenges.

Community Read has something for everyone. Families can engage with their children in Community Read programs through a StoryWalk or by attending a storytime based on the Community Read picture book title, You Matter. Tweens are invited to participate in a book club or poetry night based on the award-winning book, Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds, and adults who want to learn more about our companion title Just Mercy can attend a book talk, a film discussion, or a book club. Click here for the complete calendar of Community Read inspired programs and events.

Everyone in your family can pledge to participate in Community Read. Check out the Community Read page for everything you need to get started.

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This blog was written by Jessica Reid, teen librarian at Mountain Island Library.

According to Death Penalty Information Center, since 1973, 185 death row prisoners have been exonerated of all charges related to their death row conviction. Of the 185 prisoners exonerated, 99 of those exonerated were African American. 

The adult Community Read title, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is a powerful and thought-provoking book about Stevenson's fight for justice and the changes needed in the criminal justice system. As a young attorney, Stevenson began the Equal Justice Initiative to help defend the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned. In this book, Stevenson covers the early days of EJI as they fought against the nation's highest death sentencing and execution rates. Walter McMillian was one of EJI's first clients. He was a young African American man who was wrongly sentenced to die for the murder of a young white woman. The book shows the emotional journey that Stevenson and McMillian went through as they fought for freedom and justice.

America has the highest incarceration rate in the world. This book is guaranteed to start a conversation on capital punishment in America and the flaws in our criminal justice system.  Adults who want to learn more about our Community Read title, Just Mercy can attend a book talk, a film discussion, or a book club. For those inspired by "Just Mercy", you may want to check out our suggested reading list. 

For the entire month of March, the Library offers Community Read inspired programs and events. Take the Community Read pledge and read Just Mercy (and the other selected titles). Click here for a calendar.

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This blog was written by Jessica Reid, teen librarian at Mountain Island Library.

The last 12 months have proven to be a “year of different” for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Nonprofit Services. I use the word “different” rather than “challenge” as the Nonprofit Team has seen more success and growth during this time than in the last five years. Access to our specialized databases for nonprofit research are traditionally in house use only. We were grateful when the vendor, Candid, quickly responded to the COVID crisis by providing free, remote access to a limited version of the Foundation Directory Online (FDO), FDO Essential.

Effective March 25, 2021, Candid is changing how Library customers access FDO Essential. You will continue to access FDO Essential via the Library’s Resources page. When you land on FDO Essential page, you will be asked to create an account and sign up for a day pass. The day pass allows remote access of FDO Essential for a 24-hour continuous window. A new day pass can be activated every thirty days.

A clock at the top of the screen indicates how much time remains in the pass. After the 24 hours expires, the clock will show the next date on which you can activate a new pass (every 30 days).

Since you will be able to create individual accounts in FDO Essential, you will have access to the MyFDO features that were not previously available. You will be able to create dashboards and save searches and return to them each time you activate a new pass!

Detailed instructions on how to create an account can be found on the Learn More page of the Foundation Directory Online Essential resource page.

The Nonprofit Services team is currently offering a variety of programs online, including our Introductory classes every Tuesday at 2:00 pm via Zoom. You can also make an appointment with a member of the Nonprofit Services team for more personalized instruction. Click here to see the programs offered by the Nonprofit Services team.

Please email Christina Dooley at [email protected] if you have questions or comments.

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This blog was written by Christina Dooley, adult librarian and lead of the Nonprofit Services team for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

It’s been one year since Charlotte Mecklenburg Library temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the full potential and extent of the health threat was unknown. The Library’s news release ominously stated: “Library announces all locations will close on March 17, 2020 at 5 p.m. until further notice.” Not knowing when we would return, but hopeful it was only for the recommended two-week quarantine period, staff gathered belongings, closed the facilities and were sent home. We did not know that the first phase would last 10 weeks while all Library in-person operations paused.

With the news of the first closure, the community responded with loud, clear voices.

Disappointed we will not have access to this wonderful resource but grateful for the effort to lower the curve of contagion. - Cindy P. (Facebook)

Y'all the @cmlibrary has closed. While I know this is absolutely the right decision, this hurts. It feels like saying goodbye to a dear friend. Books are life.  #covid19sux - Elizabeth M. (Twitter)

Nearly cried when I saw the that @cmlibrary is closing but also keeping Wi-Fi on and for a larger area for residents in need. - Monica (Twitter)

My heart goes out to all library personnel and your families. We will miss you so much. Stay well during this time and please know how much you are appreciated! - DorH. (Instagram)

So glad you are keeping the library staff and the community safe! I will definitely be using the e-resources and promoting One Access to my students! - Lenna B. (Facebook)

Thank goodness for digital content! Paige H. (Facebook)

Now twelve months later, after what we were then calling the novel coronavirus became a global COVID-19 public health pandemic, we take a moment to pause and reflect.

During those first 10 weeks while our community was in lockdown, Library administration monitored the situation and kept all staff updated with daily posts about the behind-the-scenes activities and news on organizational updates and health information. It was during this time under the direction of an internal strategy and safety response team that we created our re-opening levels and a service model that would become a major shift in how the Library provided customer services in digital and online formats.

Also, rather than pressing pause, the Library responded to a community need and played a pivotal role as one of the first organizations to step forward and print personal protective equipment (PPE) face shield components on 3D printers. These were a critical part of a local program providing PPEs for frontline health care workers at a time when much-needed equipment was in short supply. Library staff took the 3D printers to their homes and produced the units there. Providing the PPE components proved that our mission of Improving Lives and Building a Strong Community goes well beyond traditional Library services.

Awesome, thank you!! – Beth ML (Instagram)

Love this so much!!! – Chrissy M. (Instagram)

Wonderful. Thanks. – Linda B.S. (Facebook)

During the first lockdown, programming staff also pivoted with the first virtual storytime.  Shortly after, all programming followed to the online format and were produced out of our staff homes.

This is giving me LIFE right now - Caitlin M. (Facebook)

This is great! Thanks guys!!! I miss you all! – Ed B. (Facebook)

Hey! Yay for story time from home!! – Julie K. (Facebook)

I was doing in person adult sensory and when all stopped. I realized I HAD to learn Zoom to stay in touch with my groups. It was a little daunting but with help from coworkers I was able to continue my programming. - Library staff Cathy F.

Since that first day and through the following year, the Library continued to adjust service levels, keeping the safety of customers and staff at the forefront of every operational discussion and decision. On June 1, 2020 we re-opened and moved into our first service level with limited access inside branches and a full transition to online programming and expanded digital resources. We experienced varying levels of joy in reuniting with co-workers and customers in the branches. The community expressed their thanks.

I'm glad it's open at all. But I care about library staff staying safe more than anything. It's worth it. - Carrie D.R. (Facebook)

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library thank you for all you do to continue to serve the community. We miss you and can’t wait to come back.  - Shaguana H. (Facebook)

When our regulars, especially older adults, come in and say that this is a huge part of their social life and that they are so happy to be able to see and talk with us! – Library staff Andrea M.

That despite everything so far, there were still people who wanted to know how the library was doing. – Library staff William L.

A mom and her daughter came in to pick up holds but, of course, couldn't sit down in the library to read. They went outside and sat under one of our Japanese maples for about 30 minutes and read through her books.  I took a picture of them and it is a very cherished shot of how we all learned to adapt during this time. – Library staff Cindy R.

As if the health crisis and its devastating repercussions weren’t enough to withstand, there were local, regional and world events during this time that affected us and will continue to affect and change us for years to come. There were days when we were certain we couldn’t withstand one more change, and then we were faced with more that compounded on top of everything else. The Library, though, continued to stand as a beacon for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy and released its statement, including:

21st century libraries stand up for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy. We believe in providing equal access to the resources required to help anyone and everyone ascend to the best version of themselves. We are dedicated to freedom of expression in all its forms, whether printed in a book, spoken in library venues or chanted by friends, family or community members in streets outside our libraries.

Rob Harrington, chair Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees

and Lee Keesler, CEO Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

In the summer of 2020, the Library launched its own Black Lives Matter program and continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion through resources, programming and community conversations.

Keep doing your part because no one else can. Someone has to stand while others are gaining their strength. – Library staff Sabrina R.

The Library then advanced to its second level of opening in September 2020, reduced services in January 2021 when the numbers of positive cases once again spiked, and then moved back to it's second level again in February 2021. The decision to adjust services was difficult and not always welcomed by all. However, as a trusted and responsible community organization, it was important to keep our customers and staff safe. The positive responses from the community are appreciated.

Hope that you're keeping staff and patron safety as your first concern. I care about my library staff! - Jennifer L. (Facebook)

Yes !!! The @cmlibrary system is so awesome for eBooks and audio books. I've started sharing info about public library access to texts for my classes - so many students don't realize they can get a public library card! - Dr. Laura S. (Twitter)

Shout out to my fantastic library @cmlibrary for doing the most today to help everyone get what they need ... Staff at the University branch just incredible telling us about website features for things other than books. Well done!! Very impressive. – Laura NCB (Twitter)

Customer regularly thanked us for being there for them. – Library staff Ivy M.

[As a meaningful customer interaction] Honestly, any time a customer thanked us for returning, for being open and for doing our best to get them what they want in whatever way we can. – Library Staff Ivy M.

@cmlibrary is open to browsing again. And I am "100" here for it!!  :-) – Daughterofinanna (Twitter)

I love the library, and I couldn't wait to browse the stacks when it opened to the public! @cmlibrary in Matthews #librarynerd - Andra G (Instagram)

Thank you for the care you have done during all of this. - Jennifer C. (Facebook)

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library thank you. - Sumru G. (Facebook)

The [moments]ones that stick out in my mind are the people who have thanked us for being open. There have been a lot of those interactions from people of all ages. It reminds me just how much the library means to people. – Library Staff Meghan G.

Throughout this year, we’ve experienced many highs and lows but – as always - the Library remains a trusted institution and the one place where the community can gather, even if for now it is online rather than in person.

As we look forward, although still uncertain of what lies ahead, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is grateful for the support of the community and reaffirms our commitment to serve. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Onward and upward. – Library Foundation leader Jenni G.

This blog is written by Ann Stawski, Marketing and Communications Leader with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The South Boulevard Library branch is now the permanent home to the public art “Reading is Green” Cool Globe by artist Nancy Schon and available for an exceptional photo opportunity. The Cool Globe features children’s books and is located outside the rear entrance, right next to the Children's area.

Through a donation from Bank of America, the globe was relocated from Bank of America’s headquarter plaza to the South Boulevard Library, located at 4429 South Boulevard, Charlotte.

The “Reading is Green” Cool Globe centers around children and reading. The artist statement reads, “Words are the building blocks of life, and reading powers the minds of our future leaders. Reading proficiency at third grade is a critical predictor of school, career, and life success. Today's children will play a vital role in addressing climate change, and their worlds will open up to opportunities and solutions through reading. Take a book outside and start imaging the possibilities. Reading is the best renewable energy we have.”

“We’re excited to make South Boulevard Library the permanent home for the “Reading is Green” Cool Globe. As one Library location without a public art installment, this unique piece is sure to generate attention as well as spark community conversations around reading, literacy and global warming,” said Kevin Bittle, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library deputy branch channel leader. “We’re thankful to Bank of America for donating this art to our Library and keeping it accessible to the community.”

“The subject matter of the “Reading is Green” Cool Globe made it a natural fit to donate to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system, where promoting the joy of reading and learning is a priority,” said Charles Bowman, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President.  “Its new home will allow our residents to learn about and enjoy this art for years to come.”

The Cool Globes public art exhibit was on display in Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte-Douglas Airport from June 2020 through March 2021. Each of the 35 globes featured messages about global warming. The Cool Globe at South Boulevard Library is now a permanent installation.

While Charlotte Mecklenburg Library was temporarily closed or offered limited services during the COVID-19 pandemic, never was it more true that the Library extended far beyond its four walls of a building. This year’s theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021) “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes this idea and that everyone is welcome to use our services. Since March 0f 2020, your Library has gone above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding resources and continuing to meet the needs of customers.

Whether people visit in person or virtually, our Libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content and educational programs. At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, our librarians and staff continue to provide a valuable role by never wavering from our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.

Celebrations during National Library Week include:

• Monday, April 5: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.
• Tuesday, April 6: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
• Wednesday, April 7: National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate Library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their customers where they are; and Library Giving Day (see more below and how to Bookmark The Town).
• Thursday, April 8: Take action for Libraries Day. A day to rally advocates to support libraries.  

See below for more information on fun, games, the 2021 Honorary Chairperson National Portman and more!

Fun and Games here

Download a word search here – English

Download a coloring page here - English

Download a coloring page here - Spanish

This year's theme truly aligns with our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community. It illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise as we move to online and virtual offerings. Libraries also normally provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Libraries are about more than just the services they offer; they are about the people they serve.

Library programs are designed to encourage community members to meet and discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies like digital platforms, online books clubs, and business research databases. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s needs are being met.

My Library Is - Celebrate National Library Week by sharing your Library story. What do you love about your Library? 

We invite our community to follow along, share and comment on social media at twitter.com/cmlibrary, facebook.com/cmlibrary and instagram.com/cmlibrary using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek, #CMLibrary and #mylibraryis

Celebrate National Library Week 2021 by sharing what you love about the resources and services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or our Facebook about an e-book, (e-)audiobook, online storytime or book club, or how your library has made a difference while you've been social distancing at home. Use the hashtag #MyLibraryIs.  (The American Library Association is gathering all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.  The promotion starts Sunday, April 4, 2021 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at noon CT. Don’t forget to tag your library! )

If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in the #MyLibraryIs promotion is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!

Natalie Portman is 2021 Honorary Chair

National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman is lending her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.

Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist whose credits include “Black Swan,” “Jackie,” and the upcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder.” A lifelong fan of books, she shares the books she’s reading on her Instagram feed, as part of Natalie Portman's Book Club, using the hashtag #whatnatreads. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is a graduate of Harvard University, and now lives with her family in Los Angeles. Natalie Portman’s “Fables” is her debut picture book. Find Natalie’s book and more here in our catalog.

MAKE A GIFT TO YOUR LIBRARY

• Wednesday, April 7: And Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. #LibraryGivingDay

• This year, we’re inviting Library users to participate in the Bookmark the Town campaign. With a gift of $15 or more to support your Library, you’ll receive a yard sign with space to recommend a book to your neighbors. We know that opening a book can open a conversation – together, let’s build a stronger community and #bookmarkthetown.

We also invite you to support the Library - not only on April 7 but every day of the year - by donating to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

DONATE NOW

“Welcome to your Library” is a national campaign sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958 and is an annual April observance by the ALA and libraries across the county.