What is National Novel Writing Month?
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a 30-day writing challenge with participants across the world. You can register here to track your word count and compete with friends to hit 50,000 words by November 30, 2019. NaNoWriMo a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing that encourages getting words on the page and turning off your self-editor (at least until December 1, 2019). The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library encourages you to spend November immersed in the act of writing for writing's sake and to get your creative juices flowing!

Find Library NaNoWriMo events here.

How does it work?
By registering for an account on the NaNoWriMo website, you have access to an international community of other writers. When you register and choose a home region, you will connect with local participants, events and more. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is just one of many participating locations.

For young writers, under age 18 (and the people who encourage them), there are a wealth of resources to set a writing goal and get words flowing onto the page or screen. Visit the Young Writers Program for more information.

Find details on how to sign up, track your writing, set goals and connect with your fellow Charlotte-area NaNos here.

What events will you find at the Library?
The Morrison Regional, Myers Park, Mountain Island Library, North County, and Scaleybark branches will have informal "Write-ins" in November. Come enjoy a quiet space and the company of your fellow writers as you work toward 50,000 words. All writers are welcome, even those not enrolled in the official challenge. Enjoy the supportive writing space available in the Library!

Main Library, Plaza Midwood and other Library branches will have additional special events, including a NaNoWriMo Quick Tips course on November 6, 2019, writing workshops and author events. Check our calendar of events for times and locations.

Eager and curious writers can even access Charlotte-themed writing prompts from the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room here.
 

Special Events

• NaNoWriMo Quick Tips, Wednesday, November 6, 2019, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Main Library

Local Author Surabhi Kaushik shares tips and tricks from her experience for getting the words on the page to finish your writing project. Register here.

• Never Abandon Imagination, Saturday, November 2, 2019, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Mint Museum Randolph

Join us at the Mint Museum Randolph for a journey into creativity. Find ways to recover and reclaim your deepest source of inspiration. This writing workshop will guide us playfully through exercises designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Participants will view the exhibit “Never Abandon Imagination” as part of the workshop experience. Register here.

• Writers' Workshop: Exploring Story through Identity, Community and Purpose, Saturday, November 9, 2019, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Independence Regional Library

Join Louis B. Smith, a local writer, architect and conceptual thinker on a two-hour journey into story. Learn to create more complicated believable characters, clearly realized contexts for those characters and to express a sense of purpose for each. Whether you are writing about romance, adventure or personal histories this framework may help you better connect to your audience. The workshop will include free writing on each aspect. Register here.

• Creative Writing Workshop: Finding Transparency, Voice and Creativity, Thursday, November 21, 2019, 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Matthews Library

Join Glenn Proctor for this creative writing workshop. Learn how to uncover individual creativity as it applies to writing about life and truth. Register here.

• Library Resources for Writers, Monday, November 25, 2019, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Main Library

How can the library help you with your writing project? Whether you are writing for pleasure or business, we have several resources to support you. We will cover them all briefly in this program, including an introduction to Pressbooks and Self-e. Register here.

Write-ins
Any library is a great place to work on a novel, but these locations have coordinated events. Come write with fellow writers!

• Monday nights 5 – 7:30 p.m. North County Library
• Tuesday nights, 5 - 7:30 p.m.  Myers Park Library (except Nov. 23 and 30)
• Tuesday night, November 26, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Matthews Library
• Wednesday nights, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Morrison Library and Mountain Island Library (except Nov. 27)
• Friday mornings, 10 a.m. – noon Scaleybark Library (except Nov. 29)
• Saturday mornings, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Mountain Island Library (except Nov. 9)
  North County Library

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This blog was written by Pamela Turner, senior library assistant, of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Mark I. West, Professor and Chair, Department of English at UNC-C and EpicFest volunteer shares his thoughts about EpicFest and the continued importance of sharing and creating stories within families:

The phrase storied family is generally used when referring to a famous family that figures in historical narratives, such as the Kennedy family or the Bush family.  However, I like to use this phrase when referring to families that are held together by a web of stories.  Such families read stories together, tell stories at the dinner table, and are always ready to enjoy a good yarn. 

Children who grow up in such families are lucky.  Research in the emerging field of family literacy indicates children are more likely to succeed in school if they grow up in families where books are available, stories are told, and reading is valued.  Barbara Bush, an early leader of the family literacy movement and the founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, is famous for having said, “Let your children see you read.”

When families engage in literacy activities together, everyone in the family benefits.   It not only promotes children’s reading skills, but it also facilities family communication.  Families who have stories in common have something to talk about, and they can make references to characters and phrases that they all understand.  For a family who has read the Harry Potter books together, for example, the phrase “constant vigilance” takes on a special meaning since it figures so prominently in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I think that all families should be storied families, and one way to accomplish this goal is to gather one’s family together and go to EpicFest 2019 at ImaginOn.  Billed as “Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s free literary festival for children and their families,” EpicFest will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   As a member of EpicFest’s steering committee, I know that the organizers of this festival have arranged for many opportunities for families to engage in literacy-related activities together.  Participants can interact with children’s authors and illustrators, and they can participate in literature-themed craft projects.  For more information about the details of this year’s festival, please click on the following link:  https://foundation.cmlibrary.org/events/epicfest

I think it is fitting that Charlotte’s premier family literacy event came into existence because of a storied family from Charlotte.  EpicFest is the Preston family’s gift to the community.  Long-time supporters of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Jim and Libby Preston had a passion for reading, which they shared with their daughter.  Libby Preston worked for many years as a librarian in the public schools, and this experience contributed to her commitment to promoting literacy in the Charlotte community.  When she died in 2014, her husband wanted to honor Libby’s passion for reading and literacy education, so he approached the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation about making a gift to help carry on his wife’s life work.  The result is EpicFest.  Jim died in 2016, and today EpicFest honors both Jim and Libby Preston. 

Jim and Libby Preston’s daughter, Mary Lane Lennon, serves on the EpicFest steering committee.  She and I often sit next to each other during the committee meetings.  We are the two non-librarians on the committee, but we both feel at home on the committee.  After all, we are all united by a deep belief in the power of family literacy.

On October 26, 2019 North Country Regional Library celebrated its Fall Fest and Grand Re-Opening. It was a successful unifying event that brought together approximately 200 community members to celebrate literacy and learning in northern Mecklenburg County. Attendees had a blast touring the new library!

North County was previously closed for renovations from July 2018 unitl October 6, 2019 when the branch re-opened its doors to excited customers.

Renovations to North County consisted of a new teen loft for ages 10-18, a calming room that offers a quiet place for nursing mothers, a makerspace, an expanded community room, conference room, study room, more accessible entrances, café, outdoor lounge area, new exterior book drop, efficient checkout system, automated materials unit and a public art display.

Fall Fest kicked-off with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony. From 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., guests toured the new space and participated in programs in and outside of the library. The fun festivities included a chance to enjoy Wrap ‘N’ Roll food truck and sweet treats from Johnson and Wales University, jumbo darts, basketball toss, face painting, performances from the Bailey Middle School Band and a raptor center where participants learned how raptors influenced artists. Participants also got to make their own owl sculpture and play a game guessing what artwork represented that kind of raptor..

Additionally, attendees were able to participate in a scavenger hunt, storytime, create in the makerspace, take photos with Queens Charlotte, Storm Troopers and navigate children's exploration maps.

Pictures from the event and the community turnout speak volumes of how much North County impacted the north Mecklenburg County community. Staff are excited to share all the resources the library has to offer so be sure to visit the new North County and experience the changes yourself.

View photos of the event below or visit our photo gallery here. 

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This blog was written by Julia Zwetolitz, marketing & communications intern, with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. a free screening of the silent Harold Lloyd comedy classic The Freshman (1925) will take place at the uptown Mint Museum’s atrium. Local musician Ethan Uslan, a specialist in the art of “silent film live performance”, will provide live piano accompaniment.  

Harold Lloyd’s The Freshman, one of the milestones of the Silent Film Comedy Era, will be introduced by film programmer Sam Shapiro. The film tells the story of a college freshman trying to become popular by joining the school football team. The Freshman is widely considered to be one of Lloyd’s most hilarious, well-constructed films and was his most successful silent film of the 1920s.  

Hailed by the Chicago Tribune for his “vivid musical imagination” and “deep understanding of far-flung performance practices,” Ethan Uslan is a ragtime/jazz pianist and raconteur. His vast repertoire includes original arrangements of Civil-War era songs, African-American spirituals, New Orleans Jazz, 1920s Charlestons, blues, stomps, Harlem stride piano, swing, Cuban rumbas, and jazzed-up versions of classical masterpieces.  

This event is part of the Mint Museum’s “Live at the Mint” series. This series celebrates Charlotte’s dynamic arts community.  

Location: 

Mint Museum Uptown (Atrium)  

500 S. Tryon Street 

Charlotte, NC 28202 

This event is a partnership between the Library and Mint Museum. Hopefully, the success of this program will open the door to future successful programming partnerships between these two organizations. 

For more information about Library film programs, please contact Sam Shapiro at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library at [email protected] or at 704-416-0252.  

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This blog post was written by Jospehine Justin, marketing & communications intern, with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The opening of the renovated North County Regional Library last month marks another milestone in the history of library services in northern Mecklenburg County.

A brief history of Huntersville

Huntersville, the town that the North County Regional Library branch serves, is a historic area of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County that is named after the Hunter family. This family settled in what was originally known as “Craighead,” but, in 1873, the town was renamed “Huntersville.” The Hunter (and Ranson) families were early settlers of the region and influential in many areas. Both families were farmers who owned large tracts of land in and around Huntersville, which is where the original relationship between the two families began.

The Hunters were also merchants, owning the first home and store along the railroad. In addition to farming, the Ransons operated the Ranson Brothers Gin Company, Huntersville’s primary cotton gin. The Hunter family continued to influence the development of the Huntersville community into the 20^th Century through property deals, education, social work and commitment to local organizations.

The impact of libraries in northern Mecklenburg County
Funding for new libraries in Huntersville and four other towns came from the Julius Rosenwald Fund in 1931, when the country was in the grips of the Great Depression.

In 1956, a new brick building was constructed for the Huntersville Library. Civic leaders who had helped raise money for the library branch marked the occasion by carrying a librarian across the threshold and into her new domain. The spacious, modern library was so impressive that its builders featured a photograph of it in an advertisement.

Beginning in the 1990s, the Charlotte/Mecklenburg community saw the introduction of “regional” libraries, which were large branches that served a wide geographic area. The library moved in 1991 to add a regional library in the northern end of the county. The plan called for the new regional to replace small community libraries in Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. Residents, loyal to their town branches, expressed opposition. The story of how this conflict was resolved is told in the Library’s family of websites.

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This blog was written by Tom Cole, librarian, with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.

Are you considering alternatives to a four-year college degree? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for the College  & Career Connections: Trade School Fair at Sugar Creek Library on November 16, 2019 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Explore programs offered at trade school organizations, educational institutions and colleges in the Charlotte area.  

Participating schools and organizations include: 

• Empire Beauty School 

• Southeastern Institute  

• Goodwill Opportunity Campus 

• Hedrick Automotive Group 

• Carolinas College of Health Sciences 

• Carolina School of Broadcasting 

• Central Piedmont Community College 

• Year Up 

• Road to Hire 

• Just for You Barber & Styling Academy & more! 

*schools and organizations are subject to change  

The College & Career Connections: Trade School Fair is a chance for community members to partner with the Library to prepare for lifelong achievement through higher education and vocational training. Participants will receive swag bags and there will be prize drawings.  

This event will relaunch the College & Career Connections program which includes free workshops and programming by in-field experts with topics ranging from financial aid to applications, admissions essays, and even services such as free ACT and SAT practice tests offered by The Princeton Review. 

In addition, the program offers a brand-new road map to help participants answer three very important questions – Who am I? What do I want to do? and How will I get there?  

Sugar Creek Library is located on 4045 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206. For more information or questions call Sugar Creek Library at 704-416-7000.  

Register online today.

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This blog post was written by Jospehine Justin, marketing & communications intern, with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Did you know that the famous peanut butter sandwich was accidentally created by Philip Lance in Charlotte, North Carolina? In 1913, Mr. Lance, a coffee salesman, purchased 500 pounds of peanuts for one of his customers. When the shipment arrived, the customer had no use for them anymore. Lance did not want to waste the peanuts, so he roasted them at home and sold each bagful for a nickel.

 Over time, the peanut-roasting operation outgrew his home, so the flourishing business moved to College Street. This new location allowed enough space for a mechanical roaster, which eventually led to the production of peanut butter. His customers trusted his roasted peanuts but were a bit skeptical about the peanut butter at first. To demonstrate its quality, Lance spread the peanut butter onto a cracker as a free sample before each purchase. Thus, the famous peanut butter sandwich was born. 

Before machines, Lance made their own salted peanuts, crackers and peanut butter. Shells would be cleaned, graded, shelled, cleaned again, then processed. This was part of Lance’s policy to have the highest standards in quality and price.  Now machines can do what human can do – “from mixing dough, cutting, stamping , trimming and baking crackers; cleaning and roasting peanuts;  grinding and salting peanut butter; grinding cheese and reducing sugar to powder; make fill, and heat seal salted peanut bags; mix chocolate, beat creams and marshmallows ; cook, mold, cut, wrap, and heat seal candy bars and deposit peanut butter uniformly between crackers.” 



Mr. Lance and his son-in-law, Salem Van Every, delivered the delicious peanut butter sandwiches on foot with baskets until they acquired funds and resources for a delivery system in 1924.  



By 1924, the delivery system majorly upgraded due to the efforts of postal carriers, truck drivers and railways. Delivery trucks operated around Charlotte, with each salesman owning their own truck to sell the fresh products. With weekly shipments of 125,000 pounds of goods delivered to the 50 full-time drivers, over one million miles were put on the trucks each year from deliveries.  

In 1926, Mr. Lance tragically died in an automobile accident in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Newspaper reports state that he “swerved his machine in effort to avoid hitting wagon while touring territory served by his company in the lower part of South Carolina.”  



His death dissolved the partnership he and Van Every shared, resulting in a corporation being formed. The business moved to 1300 South Boulevard to occupy a two and a half story warehouse that previously served as a hosiery, Duck pants factory and lumber plant. 



Following Mr. Lance’s death, Van Every served as president until 1943. His golden rule principle was to “put to work the minds, enthusiasm, and ingenuity of loyal and experienced men and women around him.”



When we hear “Lance,” the brands Nekot, Captain’s Wafers, Van-O Lunch and Toastchee also come to mind. Each version of the original peanut butter sandwich is still wildly popular today. 

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This blog was written by Sydney Carroll, archivist of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room,  and Julia Zwetolitz, marketing & communications intern, of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. All photos are courtesy of the Robison-Spangler Carolina Room.

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 6/28/2020* below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

*There will be no programming on 7/3 and 7/4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. 

Sunday 6/28

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Presents: Black South Rising - Watch Party – 6 p.m.  (Adult programming)  learn more

Monday 6/29

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)  register

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming)  register

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian – Technology – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Tuesday 6/30              

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Engage 2020: Learning Circles: Women Have Always Worked (Part 3) – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Teen Anime Club – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)   register

Traditional Storytelling – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Wednesday 7/1

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Learn more

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Teens LIVE: Wonder Woman Diadem Cosplay – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

Charlemos Charlotte: Spanish-English Language Exchange – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Thursday 7/2

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Cuentos Virtuales en Español – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   learn more

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 3 p.m.  (Children's programming)   register

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Book Talk: Children's – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Presents: Black South Rising Conversation – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  learn more

Friday 7/3

LIBRARY CLOSED – NO PROGRAMMING 

Saturday 7/4

LIBRARY CLOSED – NO PROGRAMMING

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH TITLES

ADULT NONFICTION:

The Only Plane in the Sky, by Garrett Graff
Winner of Audiobook of the Year

Award-winning journalist and author Graff paints a comprehensive, minute-by-minute account of the September 11 attacks, told in the words of those who experienced that dramatic and tragic day. From the firefighters who streamed into the smoke-filled stairwells of the Twin Towers to the fighter pilots scrambled from air bases with orders to shoot down any hijacked commercial aircraft; from the teachers who held their fear at bay while evacuating terrified children from nearby schools; to the stricken family members trapped helplessly on the ground, Graff weaves together the unforgettable testimonies of men and women caught in an unprecedented human drama.

The judging panel praised this unique production: “The Only Plane in the Sky is an extraordinary achievement that takes a gut-wrenching and almost unimaginable text and re-injects its humanness. Graff has created a historical document with the deftness of a poet and this production only builds on it, adding a narrative propulsion that never seems exploitative and an emotional depth that's never overwrought.”

Grace will Lead us Home, by Jennifer Hawes
Winner, Nonfiction

On June 17, 2015, 12 members of the historically black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina welcomed a young white man to their evening Bible study. He arrived with a pistol, 88 bullets, and hopes of starting a race war. Dylann Roof’s massacre of nine innocents horrified the nation. Two days later, some relatives of the dead stood at Roof’s hearing and said, “I forgive you.” That grace offered the country a hopeful ending to an awful story. But for the survivors and victims’ families, the journey had just begun.

“This audiobook achieves an exceptional performance of an important work on a difficult subject - mass murder and its aftermath.”—AudioFile magazine
 

ADULT FICTION:

Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alex E. Harrow
Winner, Fantasy

In the early 1900s, in a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place. Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure, and danger.

“January LaVoy's breathtaking narration shines in a fantasy in which Doors offer infinite possibilities for adventure.”—AudioFile magazine
 

CHILDREN:

Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
Winner, Middle Grades

Brought to life by Meryl Streep and a full cast, this beloved book by E. B. White is a classic of children's literature that is “just about perfect” (New York Times). Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.

“Every portrayal of every character, major and minor, bursts with personality.”—AudioFile magazine
 

New Kid, by Jerry Craft
Finalist

Riverdale Academy Day School is every parent's dream for their child: it has a beautiful sprawling campus, a rigorous academic curriculum, and ample extracurricular activities. It's also distinctly lacking in diversity. African-American new kid Jordan Banks would rather go to art school, but his parents have enrolled him, so he dutifully commutes to the Bronx from his home in Washington Heights, Manhattan. When he's not being confused with the few other students of color, he is being spoken to in slang, is receiving looks when financial aid is mentioned, or is forced to navigate many more micro-aggressions. Artwork by Craft interweaves the story with

Jordan's sketchbook drawings, which convey the tension of existing in two markedly different places. The sketches show him being called "angry" for his observations, feeling minuscule in a cafeteria, and traveling by public transportation across different socioeconomic and racially segregated neighborhoods, changing his outfit and demeanor to fit in. This engaging story offers an authentic secondary cast and captures the high jinks of middle schoolers and the tensions that come with being a person of color in a traditionally white space. Ages 8-12.
 

YOUNG ADULT:

Hey, Kiddo, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Winner

In this profoundly moving memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, Krosoczka describes his youth. His mom was an addict, in and out of rehab; his father was a mystery; and Jarrett lived with his grandparents - two very loud, loving, opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.

“A full cast of more than 40 performers brings this powerful graphic novel memoir vividly to life. Narrator pros Jeanne Birdsall, Richard Ferrone, and Jenna Lamia take the roles of the grandparents and the author's birth mother. His father voices himself, reliving the painful memories of their family history. Young Jarrett and his friend Pat are portrayed by Jarrett's and Pat's children, and Jarrett's aunts deliver their own parts as well, making every interaction incredibly authentic.”—AudioFile magazine

June is almost over and that means it’s time for the second half of our double challenge, Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere!  From July 1 to August 8 we are challenging the community to read 20 million minutes. If you participated in our first challenge, you are automatically enrolled. If not sign up today at summerbreak.cmlibrary.org! In June we read 2,265,939 minutes and we know we can beat that during these dog days of summer.

Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere challenges our community to read 20 million minutes together. Log your reading time to be eligible for the following prizes:

• Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupon when you sign up
• Babies and children earn a new book upon completion of the challenge
• Teens earn either a new book or a fun doodle notebook upon completion of the challenge
• Adults earn a library tote bag upon completion of the challenge

Summer Break prize distribution is not available during current library operations and procedures. Keep checking our website for details on when library operations permit prizes to be claimed.

*All prizes will be available while supplies last.

Complete Summer Break during each challenge by reaching 600 points. These points can be obtained by:

Logging at least 10 hours of reading time (600 points)

OR

Logging any combination of reading and learning activities with at least 5 hours of reading for a total of 600 points.

Please note that you can only earn 300 points for doing learning activities, and we encourage you to read all summer long!

Children’s Learning Activities for Summer Break

This summer discover the learning moments all around us. The Library is here to help you get your child ready to read with simple activities every day.

Read:

• Try a new book from one of our Book Talks for children.
• Choose a book from one of our suggested children’s reading lists for Summer Break.

Explore:

• Use the Library resource PowerKnowledge to learn about the animals in your backyard.
• Attend an online concert or play.

Create:

• Save old items to create sensory games and boards
• Try a science experiment with one of these library resources.

Play:

• Create puppets, then use them to act out a play.
• Play a board game.

Give:

• Write a letter to a senior at a nursing home or assisted living facility.
• Draw something encouraging on your driveway or sidewalk.

Write:

• Play "restaurant" and take your family's orders on a notepad.
• Write a new ending to your favorite book or story.

Innovative and Educational Programs for Children

Though our Summer Break 2020 program can be completed entirely online, our libraries are hosting some wonderful virtual programs this summer for kids. 

Read: Book Talks: Children’s (Thursdays at 3 p.m. on YouTube)

Want to know what to read next? Each week librarians recommend new titles for all ages! We’ve got book recommendations for all interests: interactive mysteries, magical creatures, family read-alouds, and more!

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Explore: Story Explorers Enrichment (Tuesdays at 2 p.m. on YouTube)

Learn about a new topic each week with a fun activity you can do with items at home! Discover whirlygigs, fireworks in a glass, and more in these videos!

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Play: Listen and Move Storytimes (M/W at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook Live)

Move your body and discover new stories in this energetic storytime focused on lots of dancing and movement

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Write: StoryWalks at local parks

Need inspiration for writing your own story? Try visiting a local park to enjoy a StoryWalk! All 5 parks have had new stories installed, and it’s great time to get some fresh air, connect with fun stories, and be inspired! If you visit a StoryWalk, please let us know what you think by completing the survey at the end of each StoryWalk.

Learn more

Visit our calendar for even more upcoming virtual programs that you can access from home!  Choose “Select tag(s)” on the right to narrow down by age.

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2020 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program? Do you have a wonderful story to share about the Library and Summer Break? Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.

The 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.