As an African American educator and children’s author,  in prior years I’ve noticed the lack of literature that our children have access to.  Literature that’s easy to read, understand and serves as a representation of themselves. However, current data includes some things to celebrate, and we are celebrating them! The number of diverse books published has increased substantially.

African American authors are misunderstood, misrepresented and fighting hard, frequently thankless, and it’s easy to become burnt out to get a spot on the shelf with African American representation in literature.  

Join us on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, as the Library hosts its second annual celebration of the National African American Read-In, an event for the entire family. This event will be live-streamed on the Library’s YouTube & Facebook Pages, and there, myself and a few other panelists will be expounding on this topic.

To see more information on the 2nd Annual National African American Read-In, click here.

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This blog was written by author Shaketa Richardson 

When my son arrived, I established a goal to read two books a day with him. Together, we read a variety of books featuring animals, shapes, children and letters. I enjoyed picture books where I was able to make up my own bedtime story for him. During those moments, I would usually make him the leading character and use his favorite toys or foods all throughout the story. A few months into our reading time, I began to take inventory of the children’s books within our home library. I became intrigued by the lack of diversity within the children’s books within our home and specifically the lack of everyday stories featuring young Black boys as the protagonist.

I started to get more specific on the type of book that I was looking for featuring a young Black boy. Many people love the children’s book I Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It is a story of a mother who loves her son and follows their journey from the son being raised by his mother until the son ends up being the caregiver for his mother until she dies. I loved this story and the bond that it represents between a mother and her son. I felt confident that I would be able to find this everyday story told with mothers and sons from different cultural backgrounds. I decided to look online to see if I could find a few versions of this book and surprisingly, I could not find it. Instead, I found that there were more books with animals and trucks as the protagonist than there were about people of Color.

My entire life I have been exposed to the positive images of Black boys through my own personal encounters. Alternatively, I have watched the media publish demonizing images and stereotypes of Black boys that did not match my everyday experience.

As a parent, I am passionate about marrying the media images of Black boys with the actual joy and experience that exists within my everyday life. I believe that once the two images match that society will begin to see Black boys as humans and not “things” such as a thug or athletes. The labels that are put on Black boys allow society to detach itself from the idea that Black boys are indeed humans that are loved by their mothers and bring joy to those around them.

Join us on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, as the library hosts its second annual celebration of the National African American Read-In, an event for the entire family. This event will be live-streamed on the library’s YouTube & Facebook Pages, and there, myself and a few other panelists will be expounding on this topic.

To see more information on the 2nd Annual National African American Read-In, click here.

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This blog was written by author and National African American Read-In panelist Charlitta Hatch

Did you recently start a business and need to brush up on Excel to track your budget and other spreadsheets? Have you just started using a computer or smartphone? Do you need to expand your knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace Apps for your job?  

No matter where you are on your journey learning about technology and software, our DigiLit classes are a wonderful place to start! DigiLit is the brand for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s suite of Digital Literacy classes. We offer classes that will get you started with the basics, and then connect you with the best resources to continue your learning! 

We are currently offering our DigiLit classes online using Zoom. To view our full schedule visit: cmlibrary.org/calendar.  

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has been hosting reading and literacy programs for many years and our annual Community Read program is part of that history. My time with Community Read goes back to its beginnings in 2014, where at the time, the Library selected and offered only one book for the community to read. The initiative lasted one week and included planned programming that support the themes of the book. Over time, the program has changed, grown, and evolved from a library-led program to being more community centered featuring support through Library staff and resources. One thing however has remained the same — Community Read invites everyone to read or listen to books of current and relevant topics and participate in discussions, book clubs and events hosted by community partners and the Library.

Everyone can participate in Community Read as the program features books and events for all ages and reading levels. This year, our signature title is Tomorrow’s Bread by Anna Jean Mayhew. We also have two companion titles for children Windows by Julia Denos and The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl as well as two middle grade books, Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles and  The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya. For teens and those who enjoy the young adult genre, we have also included the book Pride by Ibi Aanu Zoboi. Our theme for this year’s program is “finding common ground” and all the selected titles share the common themes of gentrification and urban renewal. We encourage readers and book clubs to get together virtually, or safely in person, to discuss the common themes found in all the books. Speaking of finding the books, all the titles are available for checkout in several formats, but also available for free at all branch locations while supplies last — a far cry from our original one book program.

Over the last 8 years, Community Read has grown to offer programming and events for an entire month during March and a complete list of programs and events offered by our partners and staff can be found on our website. Community Read is designed to get everyone involved and our goal is to engage 10,000 people, or 10% of Mecklenburg County in the program. We invite you to do this by taking the Beanstack Reading Challenge to log reading and activity time and by joining us for our signature author events throughout the month.

What does it take for us to find common ground when discussing these important topics? We invite you to Read the books and join the discussion as we find the answers together.

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This blog was written by Meryle Leonard, assistant director of outreach at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

By Tommy Scott 

When local business owner Anthony Gill’s laptop broke during an important day at work, he started looking for other options – which led him to Mountain Island Library, and a whole world of opportunity.  

Gill is the owner of Gill Incorporated Design Solutions, an end-to-end product development services company based in Charlotte. Like many in the post-2020 world, he conducts most of his business virtually.  

With that comes the need for a space to work. Gill has long preferred to be outside of his home - whether that be a coffee shop, restaurant, or anywhere else he can get internet access and quietly spend his time working.  

However, when Gill’s laptop broke, he found Mountain Island Library in a Google search - and the rest is history.  

Gill, who uses the computer lab at the Library daily now, says his eyes were opened very quickly to how many resources the Library has to offer outside of books.  

“I’ve discovered a lot of free resources that are available online here,” Gill said. “Not having access to my laptop but being at the Library gives me access to software and other programs that I otherwise would not have.” 

Gill said that a Library assistant spent time sharing business resources that he could access at the Library.  

“Dexter introduced me to one program specifically that has a database full of companies which could be used for marketing or networking opportunities,” Gill said. “Just knowing the Library offers all these resources that can help my business is a great feeling.” 

Beyond having the resources to help him run his business, Gill has started participating in Library programs while he is there – most notably, a sign language class. 

“I had an interest in learning sign language, and they have a class once a week here,” Gill said. “I decided to start participating and now I have been going for a few months. People just don’t realize what a great resource the Library is.” 

Gill says that another great aspect of being at the Library is the sense of community.  

“That’s been an unexpected benefit of being here,” Gill said. “There is a very calm and welcoming atmosphere here. I even spend some time out by the pond occasionally for fresh air during the day.” 

While Gill originally came into the Library with a simple need for computer access, he was able to be fully immersed in what a library truly is – a place to learn a new skill, a place to meet new people, a place to manage your business. He discovered that the library can be whatever you need it to be.  

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announces the return of Community Read in March with a focus on creating community dialogue around themes of food as a community and cultural connector.

Community Read is the Library’s monthlong effort to have the community read or listen to books of current and relevant topics and participate in discussions, book clubs and events hosted by the Library and community partners.

The signature title, “Buttermilk Graffiti” by Edward Lee, includes a scheduled appearance by the author on March 19 at ImaginOn.

Adults are encouraged to read and discuss the main title, as well as selected companion titles for children and teens including “Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet” by Laekan Zea Kemp, “Measuring Up” by Lily LaMotte and “Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora.

All four titles are available for free at every Library location while supplies last and are also available for digital download. Library-created cookbooks are available at all locations while supplies last.

While there are Community Read programs and events at Library locations throughout March, below are the featured “Meet the Author” events:

Meet Lily LaMotte

Wednesday, March 6 at 6 p.m. – North County Regional Library

Come meet Lily LaMotte, the author of the 2024 Community Read middle grade selection, “Measuring Up.” Listen to Ms. LaMotte speak about the inspiration for her book, writing a graphic novel and how food connects us to community. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Meet Oge Mora

Thursday, March 7 at 6 p.m. – SouthPark Regional Library

Come meet Oge Mora, the author of the 2024 Community Read picture book selection, “Thank You, Omu!” Listen to Ms. Mora speak about the inspiration for her book and how food connects us to community. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Meet Laekan Zea Kemp

March 11, 14 and 26 – Online Events

Celebrate reading and join Laekan Zea Kemp, author of our Community Read teen companion title, “Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet.” There will be three opportunities to connect with the author and all can be accessed online for free:

March 11 - Online Author Talk

March 14 - Teens Live on Instagram

March 26 - Teen Book Club

To learn more about Community Read, visit cmlibrary.org/community-read. To learn more about Community Read events and programs, visit cmlibrary.org/events.