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Top 10 Homework Hacks with your ONE Access Account
September 5, 2025
This blog was written by Elyse Farmer, Program Coordinator at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Homework piling up now that school is back in session? Don’t stress, your ONE Access Library account has you covered! Each month we're sharing a Top 10 list in honor of ONE Access turning 10. Here are 10 Homework Hacks to make assignments easier this school year.
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Get Free Homework Help In-Person: All Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations provide free Homework Help, where trained volunteers set up in our locations at least one afternoon each week to offer assistance with assignments, practicing other skills, or getting connected to library resources.
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Login for Free Professional Tutoring Help via Tutor.com: Cannot make it to a Library location? No worries! With your ONE Access Library account, you can access professional live tutoring via Tutor.com, a resource that provides certified tutors in any subject area daily from 3:00-11:00 p.m. 15 free sessions are available every week for ONE Access students!
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Never Pay for a Book Again: ONE Access Library accounts allow students to borrow up to 10 print or audiobooks, and borrow digital e-books, magazines, and audiobooks! When school reading assignments are given, check with your local library to access these materials; digital materials are available online, anytime!
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Great Study Spaces: Do you need a quiet place to study and complete your homework? Quiet, comfortable study spaces are available at library locations to help! Access to free Wi-Fi and study rooms are also available daily and on weekends, perfect for group projects.
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Access Current Events: ONE Access Students have access to hundreds of digital newspapers and magazines, perfect for assignments where informational text or current events are needed.
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Ace Research Papers: For students completing research papers, free library databases are available for use! Various digital databases are available- we recommend PebbleGo and PowerKnowledge for elementary school students, and SIRS Discoverer or ProQuest for middle and high school students. Many of these databases also offer free citation support, perfect for making sure assignments are just right.
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Language Homework Help: Learning a new language? ONE Access Library accounts have access to Transparent Language, a free learning platform for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language.
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Practice for Tests: Utilize the Learning Express/Prep Step eLearning platform with your ONE Access account, to access free practice tests in Math, English, Science, Social Studies (grades 4-12), as well as test prep courses for college placement tests.
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Explore Career Resources: Teens beginning their journey to deciding what to do after high school should take advantage of College and Career Connections programming at all Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations. Free programs and workshops are offered by community experts from resources to pay for college, admissions essay help, test prep, and online practice tests. Starting in October, teens are also invited to take The Road Map to Success Challenge, by participating and logging activities over the course of the school year that aid in planning for their future to earn badges and prizes!
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Ask a Librarian: We saved the best for last! The biggest homework hack is for ONE Access students to make use of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff. Staff are always happy to recommend books and resources, programming, or a little encouragement to guide students in their learning.
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Visit your local library in-person or online to take advantage of these homework hacks today! Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wishes all students in our community a wonderful 2025-2026 school year.
Reading Buddies
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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Carolina Ascent Football Club: A Winning Partnership for Welcoming Week
September 3, 2025
This blog post was written by Lonna Vines, branch manager at the Myers Park branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Charlotte, NC proudly holds the Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, a recognition awarded to cities and counties that demonstrate a strong commitment to welcoming and immigrant inclusion. As of 2025, only 28 cities and counties across the U.S. have earned this honor.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library recognizes the vital role that newcomers play in enriching our community, and we work year-round to help new residents -- with extra emphasis on international newcomers -- get connected, stay engaged, and feel at home in our city.
That’s why we are thrilled to announce a brand new partnership with the Carolina Ascent Football Club, Charlotte’s newest professional sports team. The Ascent is a women’s soccer team already making an impact on and off the field. What better organization to partner with in celebration of Welcoming Week than a team made up of athletes who know what it means to move to a new city and build a community.
Recently, library staff had the opportunity to visit a team practice and chat with a few of the players about their experiences moving to Charlotte.
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Meet Taylor Porter: Newcomer, Athlete, and Book Lover
One of those players was Taylor Porter, who joined Carolina Ascent FC and moved to Charlotte just over a year ago. Originally from sunny San Diego, Taylor knows firsthand what it’s like to make a big move and start fresh in a new city.
When asked about her transition to Charlotte, Taylor smiled:
“I think the thing that surprised me most was just how welcoming people are here. It’s not easy moving across the country, leaving behind friends and family, but Charlotte has a way of making you feel at home. My teammates have been incredible, but I’ve also met people just by exploring the city.”
Taylor admits she misses San Diego’s beaches, but she’s quickly found her own Charlotte favorites.
“I love exploring all the local coffee shops. Each one has such a different vibe, and it’s become my way of getting to know the city. Plus, as a reader, it’s the perfect place to relax with a good book.”
Her most recent read? Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry.
Taylor’s story highlights exactly why this partnership is so special—newcomers bring their passions, talents, and fresh perspectives, and in turn, they find belonging and community in Charlotte.
Celebrate Welcoming Week with Us
Welcoming Week 2025 will be held September 12–21, and the library has an exciting lineup of events planned. In addition to programs across our branches, we’re bringing back our popular Welcoming Challenge, running from September 1–30.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick up a challenge sheet at your nearest Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch.
- Complete three activities from the sheet.
- Return your completed sheet to the branch to earn prizes!
Prizes include (while supplies last):
- Sign-up Prize: A WelcomeCLT Button
- Completion Prize: A WelcomeCLT Insulated Tote Bag + a free Carolina Ascent FC ticket
- Grand Prize: An internationally themed basket with books, snacks, merchandise, and a Carolina Ascent hospitality package for a family of four to enjoy food and fun at a match
Library Night with Carolina Ascent
Mark your calendars: Carolina Ascent FC is hosting a special “Library Night” on Wednesday, September 24 at 7:00pm at American Legion Memorial Stadium. All you need to join the fun is your WelcomeCLT Challenge sheet. Pick one up at your local library branch, complete your activities, and claim your free ticket!
Together, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Carolina Ascent are celebrating what makes our city so special: a community where everyone, whether brand new or lifelong resident, belongs. Visit WelcomeCLT.org to learn more.
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2025 Book Sale Dates
January 21, 2025
This blog was written by Kim Arlia, logistics leader for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
This blog was updated on September 10, 2025 to include new dates and remove dates that have already passed.
THANK YOU! You are making the book sales a HUGE success! We love getting to know all of you – the customers who frequent the book sales. We are looking forward to some really special sales this fall.
It is APPLE SEASON and very shortly it will be PUMPKIN SPICE season. With fall right around the corner – you need to stock up for hygge. It is the Danish word for the concept of staying indoors – the coziness that promotes contentment and well-being. Pronounced “hoo-guh”, hygge is my favorite way to spend a night when the sun goes to bed early. I have been reading all about hygge – The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell. What you need besides some good reading material are candles, low lighting, a fireplace, blankets, throw pillows, hot cocoa or tea. You can hygge alone or with others – think board games!!! Come meet us at the book sales and tell us what you will be reading when you hygge.
Start marking your calendar today! Book sales are 9 a.m. – 1 pm (unless otherwise noted).
- Saturday, September 13, 2025 –Hickory Grove Library
- Extra children’s books will be available
- Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Mountain Island Library
- Extra children’s books will be available
- Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Plaza Midwood Library
- Extra Fiction selection for those fall nights!
- Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Higher Grounds in the Center of Hope - Myers Park United Methodist Church 1501 Queens Rd. Charlotte, NC 28207
- Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Mint Hill Library
- Saturday, November 22, 2025 – West Blvd. Library
- Saturday, December 6, 2025 – North County Regional Library
- Saturday, December 13, 2025 – South County Regional Library
SPECIAL BOOK SALES
Saturday, September 20, 2025, from NOON to 5 p.m.
Join us at NoDaHood FestiFall Market. Lots of vendors and wonderful community!!
Divine Barrel Brewing: 3701 N Davidson St Suite #203, Charlotte, NC 28205
Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us at South End Market – right behind Anthropologie. Lots of local vendors.
Atherton Mill: 2000 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us in the Founders Room – lower level of Founders Hall
100 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us in the Founders Room – lower level of Founders Hall
100 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King
HOW CAN I DONATE BOOKS?
Book donations are currently accepted at all open Library locations. You can drop off a box/bag per day. The back rooms of our libraries are small so we cannot accept large donations at branches. Please call your local Library before making a book donation to ensure the location can receive your items. Do not leave them outside – rain and bugs are not their friends!
The Library does NOT accept the following items:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Encyclopedias
- VHS tapes
- Music CDs
- DVDs
- Albums
The library does accept textbooks, travel guides, and computer books – but they have to be published between 2022 and 2025
Have a large donation? Please contact Kim Arlia at [email protected] or Maurice Huntley at [email protected] for directions for the Library Administration Center (LAC). The LAC operating hours for donations are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHAT HAPPENS TO DONATIONS?
All donations are brought via the library delivery system to the Library Administration Center (LAC). At the LAC, a team of volunteers will go through the donations and determine what will happen to them based on condition, age, and genre. Some may be added to the existing library collection, others may go to various outreach programs, some make their way to the many Free Little Libraries in Mecklenburg County, while others end up at the library book sale or for sale at Thriftbooks.com. Revenue generated by book sales and Thinftbooks.com allows for the procurement of more library materials.