Nora Shalaway Carpenter
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Digital Inclusion Week at the Library
October 4, 2023
*Written by Erin Kisiel*
Happy Digital Inclusion Week!
This week, October 2-6, is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration. This time is dedicated to increasing community engagement and awareness about digital equity.
There are a lot of new terms used during Digital Inclusion Week so here are some definitions:
Digital Equity: Every person deserves to have equal access to digital technologies, including internet access. The Internet should be a right, not a privilege. We’ll have achieved digital equity when every person and community has access to the necessary technology to thrive in our society, democracy, and economy. Everyone should be able to access the internet and technology and have the ability to use it.
Digital Inclusion: The steps we take to achieve digital equity.
The five elements of digital inclusion are:
1) Affordable, robust broadband internet service
2) Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user
3) Access to digital literacy training;
4) Quality technical support; and
5) Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.
Digital Literacy: Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.
Digital Divide: The gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don’t or have restricted access.
Digital inclusion is vital to education, job opportunities, and vital services. It gives a voice to people who are being left out. Building connected communities is key for everyone to thrive.
The Library is working towards digital equity and inclusion. Our digital literacy brand: ‘DigiLit’ provides a range of technology training options. Whether you are just getting started with learning technology or looking to improve your skills, we have something for you.
We offer a variety of learning paths for every type of user:
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Workplace Tools - Practice the skills you need to succeed in the job market
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Basic Digital Skills - Learn the basics of using technology and accessing the internet
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Social Media - Learn to use social media safely and connect with friends and family
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Mobile Devices - Learn to download apps, access the internet, and even read books from your device
To find out more about DigiLit, please visit: DigiLitCLT.org
At its core, #digitalinclusion is about creating a society where every individual can fully participate in the digital world. It's a journey toward equality, access, empowerment, and a brighter future!
Sources
https://ndia.my.canva.site/diw23
https://www.digitalinclusion.org/digital-inclusion-week-2023/
*Written by Sydney Carroll of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room*
As a native-Virginian, I quickly learned that BBQ is the root of a lot of disagreement in the Carolinas. There are endless "rights and wrongs” to BBQ preparation, sauce, how the meat is smoked, what side dishes to serve... the list goes on.
It’s a fascinating discussion that all Carolinians, North and South, should contribute to. Read on to learn about the history of barbecue in the Carolinas and some fun facts to share at your next barbecue.
How did BBQ find its way to the Carolinas?
BBQ was “discovered” in North Carolina in the late 16th century by Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1585, Raleigh sent men to the coast of present-day North Carolina. While there, John White sketched Croatan Indians “broiling their fish over the flame—they took great heed that they bee not burnt”. What White witnessed was the Croatans using a “Barbacoa”, a framework of sticks that supported meat over a fire. Barbacoas were used by the Spanish in the Caribbean after they saw locals using the contraption to smoke their meat.
Photo courtesy of Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue
Historians believe that German settlers who traveled via Great Wagon Road during the mid-to late-18th century from Pennsylvania influenced the style of barbecue in the North Carolina Piedmont. Catawba College history professor, Gary Freeze, developed this theory on the basis that Pennsylvania Germans barbecued the shoulder of the pig and braised it in a fruit-flavored liquid like the Lexington style North Carolinians pride themselves on today. Freeze further argues that early prominent barbecue-ers had German names (e.g., Weaver, Ridenhour, Swicegood), and that some of the Piedmont’s earliest barbecuing occurred in German cotton mill villages.
North Carolina: Home to the “Original” BBQ Recipe
According to Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue, BBQ in North Carolina must meet these three qualifications:
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The meat must be barbecued, meaning cooked at a low temperature for a long time with heat and smoke flavoring the meat from a fire of hardwood and/or hardwood coals.
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The meat must be pork (whole hog, shoulder, or occasionally ham).
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The meat is always served with a thin vinegar-based sauce.
Photo courtesy of Chairgatin
There are two main styles of BBQ in North Carolina—Eastern and Lexington (“Piedmont”). Eastern-style BBQ uses the whole-hog (“every part of the hog but the squeal”) with a lemon juice or vinegar, pepper-based sauce. Eastern style incorporates zero tomatoes in its recipe. Food critics are careful to say it is the “truest” form of BBQ, but many refer to Eastern Style as the “original” recipe [Our State article].
Piedmont-style became popular in the WWI era and uses meat from the pork shoulder with vinegar, ketchup, and spice-based sauce. Five men of German descent are credited with the adaptation of the Eastern-style recipe.
Sauce is another point of contention in North Carolina. The ingredients for the standard NC BBQ sauce vary from family to family, but the “official” recipe is along the lines of this description found in Martha McCulloch-Williams' recollections:
“Two pounds of sweet lard, melted in a brass kettle, with one pound beaten, not ground, pepper a pint of small fiery red peppers, nubbed and stewed soft in water to barely cover, a spoonful of herbs in powder- he would never tell what they were [of course!], -- and a quart and pint of the strongest apple vinegar, with a little salt.” - Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue
South Carolina: Home to the Four Sauces
South Carolina also believes that barbecue was “founded” in the Palmetto State, so I guess we will never truly know which Carolina BBQ calls home. We do know that South Carolina features all four sauces throughout the state, a trait they pride themselves on.
Photo courtesy of Discover South Carolina
1) Mustard: Found throughout the midland part of the state down toward the lower coastline. Distinct tasting sauce traced back to German settlers.
2) Heavy Tomato: Found in the western and northwestern part of the state. Popularly known and sold in grocery stores (Kraft, Sweet Baby Rays, etc.)
3) Light Tomato: Found in the Pee Dee and upper part of the state. A light mix of the vinegar/pepper sauce with ketchup or tomato added.
4) Vinegar + Pepper: Found along the coast. Spicy vinegar and pepper sauce.
Photo courtesy of Charleston City Paper.
So, what’s up with the tomatoes, and why is there so much controversy around adding them to BBQ sauce? South Carolina farmers began growing “love apples” in the 18th century and food historians believe that German settlers began to add ketchup to the Eastern-style BBQ. The addition of the sugary ketchup made the BBQ recipes closer to the sweet-sour taste that is common in German cooking.
The only thing both Carolinas agree on? The meat must be smoked.
“You can put barbecue sauce on it and call it barbecue. You can cook it in a Crock-Pot and put sauce on it and call it barbecue. But it’s not. Now, I get chastised on that all the time—about being old-school and a purist and all that. All I’m saying is, there’s a totally different flavor when you’ve got the fat of that meat dripping onto live coals. The smoke it creates to season that pig—that makes the difference.” -Jim Early, Charlotte Magazine
We know that Carolinians eat BBQ, but how do we celebrate the dish?
Photo courtesy of Lexington Barbecue Festival, 2019.
The Carolinas celebrate BBQ big time. Lexington, North Carolina throws a huge BBQ Festival every October. Lexington felt so strongly about hosting the official BBQ festival that they even submitted a House Bill to the General Assembly in 2005. Two days later, the bill was approved and the Lexington Barbecue Festival was adopted as the state’s official BBQ festival. South Carolina also celebrates BBQ with a variety of festivals.
If you want to decide if North Carolina or South Carolina BBQ is supreme, take a long drive along the Historic BBQ trails. You can always use the Carolina Room’s cookbooks to find mouthwatering BBQ recipes to try at home, too!
References
Garner, Bob. “Bob Garner’s Book of Barbecue: North Carolina’s Favorite Food.” Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 2012.
Garner, Bob. “North Carolina Barbecue: Flavored by time.” Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 1996.
Lacour, Greg. “What’s Our Barbecue Story?” Charlotte Magazine. June 2019. Accessed August 2019. http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/June-2019/Our-Barbecue-Story/
Quine, Katie. “Why Are There Two Styles of NC Barbecue?” Our State. May 2015. Accessed August 2019. https://www.ourstate.com/nc-barbecue-styles/
Reed, John Shelton. “Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue.” The University of North Carolina Press, 2008.
"South Carolina Barbecue.” Discover South Carolina. https://discoversouthcarolina.com/barbecue
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Autism Acceptance Month – the joys of Adaptive programming
March 24, 2022
April is Autism Acceptance Month and the Library has an array of resources to explore as we work towards developing a more inclusive community. I have had the privilege of learning how to facilitate meaningful programs for neurodiverse populations, which is by far my favorite part of my job. Neurodiversity is defined as “the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population” and a term that reflects personal preference. To me, neurodiversity is when we value and accept (not tolerate) the many ways we can process life.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has dedicated its mission to developing inclusive services, and talented staff have pioneered Library services that are now replicated around the world – and the ripple effect of that sharing of knowledge has started to close the gap on inclusion. From increasing accessibility in our branches, developing an accessible digital collection, procuring adaptive technologies and facilitating adaptive & sensory programming, we strive to be an agency that serves with intention. Through a partnership with The Autism Society of Charlotte, the Library has developed a robust Autism Resource Collection located at the Spangler Library in ImaginOn.
The biggest byproduct of our mission is the countless opportunities we, as Library staff, have to celebrate neurodiversity. The Exceptional Experiences team identifies areas of advocacy and develops programming partnerships that extend the reach of the Library beyond our walls and increase inclusion in our community. We have had the utmost pleasure of developing partnerships with the Autism Society of North Carolina, Greater Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte, Parks & Recreation Therapeutic services and many other agencies. Our desire, joy and goal is developing strong connections with the community-at-large, housing resources that can serve everyone and making sure our program participants know they are valued stakeholders.
For information relating to adaptive & sensory programming at the Library, see below:
Adaptive & Sensory Programming
Children’s Book Recommendations and Resources for Autism Acceptance Month:
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This blog was written by Amrita Patel, outreach specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
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Celebrate reading beyond National Read Across America Day with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
March 25, 2022
Calling all readers! Did you miss National Read Across America Day on March 2? Don't fret, we still have a list of recommended reads to get you through the months ahead. Before we share the titles, let's explore a bit about the history of National Read Across America Day.
The holiday, launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, commemorates the birthday of beloved children’s book author, Dr. Seuss, and celebrates the joys of reading. It’s a special day set aside to “stop, drop, and READ.” Dr. Seuss was well known for his love of rhymes and rhyming is one of the building blocks to learning how to read. Although the day has passed, we always encourage reading as literacy is a building block to a life well-lived. Be sure to grab your favorite Dr. Seuss book and snuggle up for an adventure.
With younger readers doing a read aloud, or taking turns reading aloud, or having dedicated Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) time is beneficial. While you can employ these techniques at any time, we hope you'll get the chance to participate in the next National Read Across America Day! It’s a day for modeling, discussing and connecting with others over a shared love of reading. You could even be playful (like Dr. Seuss)! Serve green eggs and ham or dim the lights and read with a flashlight! If you have a reluctant reader, think outside of the box (like Dr. Seuss)! Instead of reading a book, try some of these interactive alternatives:
- Recipes
- How-to-manuals
- Cartoons or comic books
- Page-a-day calendars
- Children’s magazines or newspapers
- Reader’s Theater
Looking to expand your reading horizons? You could also branch out and try some Dr. Seuss-like children’s books. Here are some popular classics and contemporary options:
1. A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
Originally published in 1998, “A Bad Case of Stripes” follows Camilla Cream, a young girl who loves lima beans but refuses to eat them in order to fit in with her fellow classmates, who don’t like them at all. But all that worrying about fitting in causes her to develop a case of the stripes, with her body covered in different colored stripes. It’s recommended for children between the ages of four to eight.
2. Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons
“Tiara’s Hat Parade” is centered around young Tiara and her mother, who gives up her dream of owning a hat shop when another hat shop opens up nearby with much less expensive hats. Tiara ends up helping her mother in this illustrated children’s book that’s recommended for ages five and six.
3. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Another classic, “The Rainbow Fish” follows one fish who has glittering scales and learns how to be less selfish and share with others. Throughout the story, the fish ends up giving away his famous scales and gaining friends. The book was first published in 1992 and is recommended for 4- to 8-year olds.
4. Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller
In this picture book, Aria deals with strangers and strange creatures like mermaids and aliens always touching her curls until, one day, she decides that she’s had enough of it. The book is recommended for children who are 2- to 5-year-olds.
5. A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein is well-known for his poetry, including collections like “Where The Sidewalk Ends.” Characters like Sourface Ann and Exactlywatt could keep kids entertained for years to come. Another classic that kids might love from Silverstein’s is “The Giving Tree.”
Happy reading!
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This blog was written by Elizabeth Willen, library assistant at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
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Our gift to you!
March 29, 2022
This promotion has ended.
It’s National Library Week and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wants to celebrate by giving you access to e-books and audiobooks with no waiting! We are gifting our customers a small collection of e-books and audiobooks that will be available instantly with no waiting in our OverDrive/Libby resource. This collection will be available April 4-9, 2022.
This week only the below titles will be available to check out with no holds. If you currently have one of these titles on hold, your hold will be immediately filled! You can check out up to three of these titles. Enjoy!
Adult selections:
- The Maid by Nita Prose (e-book)
- Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson (e-book)
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear (audiobook)
- It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (e-book)
- The Overnight Guest by Heather Gundenkauf (audiobook)
Youth selections:
- The Good Egg by John Jory (e-book)
- Dino-Easter by Lisa Wheeler (e-book)
- Big Nate in a Class by Himself by Lincoln Pierce (e-book)
- Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya (audiobook)
Teen Selections:
- I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys (e-book)
- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (audiobook)
- Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (e-book)
Promotion ends April 9, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
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This blog was written by Amy Richard, library collections manager at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
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Digital Storyvine Returns for 2022
April 6, 2022
Since 1976, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has been partnering with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to introduce as many children in grades K-5 as possible to the artform of oral and traditional storytelling. A team of Library staffers across all 20 Library branches raise their hands each May to become the Frontline Storytellers, heading into CMS partner schools to tell stories from all over the world to thousands of Charlotte school children in a single day.
Last year this special event transitioned online to our whole community (not only students in CMS) for a full day of traditional oral stories and this year it returns bigger and better than ever!
On Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., there will be more than 10 different storytellers sharing traditional tales on the ImaginOn Facebook page and Library's YouTube channel every 30 minutes from Africa, Ukraine Panama, Bali, Japan, China, The Middle East, Italy, Appalachian and Native American traditions, and more!
DOWNLOAD OUR CALENDAR FOR A FULL SCHEDULE OF STORIES AND VIEWING LINKS
If you’re a teacher or educator who would like to celebrate with us, we’ve created a interactive and educational activity HERE to learn about each story’s country of origin.
On behalf of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, we invite you to join us for this full-day digital storytelling experience!
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This blog was written by Elyse Barrier, library program coordinator.
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Celebrate children, reading and culture with Día
April 6, 2022
Join us in April for Día, a celebration of children, reading and culture.
Get ready to celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) in April 2022 with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Also known as Día, this initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This year's Día programs are virtual and children and families can experience cultural programs from the comfort of their home.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is proud to present, Sonia Manzano as our featured Día guest. Sonia has inspired and educated children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street for many years. She has been named among the “25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever” by Latina Magazine. Manzano contributed to diversity on television and in the educational realm. She is the author of numerous children and adult books including her memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South. She recently created a new television series for PBS titled Alma’s Way. Don’t miss this presentation on April 20th at 6:30 p.m. Register on the Library’s website.
Other Dia programs include an ASL (American Sign Language) storytelling program provided by the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a special story time program presented by, I Can Read Black Stories Día edition. Each of our locations will host a special Día program and beginning April 18th, Día @ Home, take home activity kits, will be available at our locations while supplies last. On Saturday, April 30th Join Mr. Nigel’s Music and Criss Cross Mango Sauce for our grand Día finale!
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates Día as part of its commitment to connecting children and their families to multicultural books, bilingual services, and educational resources. Learn more about the services provided by the Library's Outreach Department.
For more information or booklist about Día and information on our branch programs visit Día 2022.
Día is a celebration every day of children, families and reading, that culminates yearly with celebrations held across the country on or near April 30th. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Learn more.
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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library says 'thank you' to volunteers
April 6, 2022
Grateful is an understatement. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wouldn't be as great of a Library without our wonderful volunteers.
When we closed our libraries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we felt it because we have to say "see you later" to our volunteers, too. Over the last two years, our limited service capabilities allowed us to only bring back a handful of volunteers for special projects. And, while we were thrilled to work with those we could, we missed all of our volunteers - human and canine alike.
This year, for National Volunteer Week (NVW), which runs April 17-23, we'd like to recognize some of the hands - and paws - that use their special gifts wand talents to help us carry out our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. Thank you for inspiring us and encouraging us to take action, work together and creatively meet our communities challenges.
From all of us at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, thank you Volunteers and Happy National Volunteer Week!
Charlie, a Library volunteer for nearly 10 years, serves at SouthPark Regional Library. Charlie says, " I love what public libraries stand for and what they provide. The library and its wonderful staff provide a welcoming environment that allows me to be of some service and to remain involved in a small way in the library's mission."
Teen volunteer Alexis, loves that libraries can be treasure troves. She enjoys finding adventure at every turn on Library shelves.
Julie, a 30-year volunteer loves the Library and has volunteered at both SouthPark Regional and Myers Park Libraries. Julie loves shelving books and magazines. Why does Julie loves volunteering ? " Because I enjoy BEING there, and doing what I am expected to do there."
Nancy enjoys books and organizing. What has been her experience with the Library? She shares this story: "We moved to Charlotte in May 2011. In July 2011, I started volunteering at South County Regional Library. At first, I shelved holds and then I checked in holds sent from other libraries. I must have volunteered there for about 8 years. I started volunteering at SouthPark Regional Library around 2019 until it was closed due to COVID. Just started back up March 15, 2022."
Dylan, a Davidson Library volunteer, loves helping with storytimes and dressing up as characters to bring joy to younger storytime attendees.
Time flies when you're having fun! Don, a SouthPark Regional volunteer, says he enjoys shelving books and showing patrons how to use search portals. He's been a Library volunteer for about five (5) years.
Pretzel Sufnarski has been volunteering with the Library more than 10 years. She started in January 2012 and, since then, has made over 100 visits to the Matthews Library. She has visited along with her owner Tonya Sufnarski, and Tonya’s children, Morgan and Mason. Pretzel patiently listens to many stories from many different children. She also has been involved with some special programs that her owners have implemented at her home branch. This year, Tonya’s youngest son, Mason, will be going to college and Pretzel will retire from her years of service with the library. She and the family will be greatly missed. We so appreciate the dedication of this family in helping the library meet its main goal to build a stronger community.
The highlight of volunteering for Elizabeth? Leading and assisting story times. "Listening to the stories, laughing, and being taken into a whole new storybook world were some of my favorite childhood memories and I am so glad that I got to share it with the next generation. I can't wait to volunteer in person again!"
Rosemary is an avid volunteer, donating her time to community service even while employed with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). After retiring from the school system in 2007, she began volunteering at Atrium Pineville and SouthPark Regionalto keep busy with meaningful activities.
She enjoys searching for "lost" books, shelving holds,and pulling holds.
A retired librarian, has been a Library volunteer since 2019. Susan started volunteering as a Reading Buddy. She paused in 2020 when branches closed as a result of COVID-19 and has looked forward to returning. Is it true that librarians never retire? Susan returned because she wanted to give back to the community and instill a love of reading and curiosity for knowledge in young readers.
Sneha enjoys volunteering as a math mentor. The heartfelt and warm thank you note she received from one of her youngest students made her realize the impact she can have on the lives of others with helpful interactions. And she still has the note!
From the beginning, Sherri has been enthusiastic about the Library and Paws to Read. Sherri and her dog Rudi (therapy dog) began volunteering for Paws to Read at the beginning of 2020. Mountain Island Library is grateful to have them both volunteer. Seeing a cute furry friend like Rudi brought so much excitement and joy to the branch!
Mountain Island thanks Sherri and Rudi for being phenomenal, and for giving time to the library and community even when the world seemed uncertain. Sherri and Rudi toughed it out and continued volunteering virtually for two years.
Susan is a 13-year Library volunteer who currently gives her time and talents to Mint Hill Library. Described by Mint Hill staff as "a treasure," Susan has lived in cities across the nation from Minneapolis and Chicago to Los Angeles, and now calls Charlotte home. Susan's favorite thing about volunteering? Interacting with staff and being able to help her library and city.
As she's doing in this photo, Loren is always reaching to new heights to help at South County Regional Library. With her infectiously positive attitude, Loren is a dedicated volunteer who never hesitates to step in wherever needed. She always asks, “what more can I do?” and always wants to learn new tasks to better assist us. The team at South County feel grateful to have her as one of their volunteers.
Judy jumped right in at Independence Regional Library when she saw help was needed. A 26-year Library volunteer, Judy pulls holds, helps with shelving materials, and got her start when she saw we were short-staffed and wanted to improve our work process. For that, we're forever grateful.
Lance has enjoyed volunteering at the Library for 9 years. Described by the team at Mint Hill Library as "thorough," Lance is a wonderful circulation volunteer, ensuring the community gets its hands on requested items in an efficient manner.
A 12-year volunteer, Patty is described by Mint Hill staff as a "Jack of all trades!" She assists at Mint Hill Library by shelving books, pulling books for reports and is always willing to assist with whatever tasks need completion. What does Patty enjoy most about volunteering? Library staff and the atmosphere.
Patty is glad to be back!
Gail started volunteering with the Library in 2019. An elementary school media specialist for 39 years, she retired in 2010 and still enjoys library work. It was only natural that she wanted to volunteer at the Library and help any way she can!
Beth loves reading - and she loves Mint Hill Library staff and community members even more! According to Beth, retirement is sweet when you have a "job" that fulfills you. A worthy highlight? You bet. Staff appreciate the positivity Beth brings to her role as a volunteer.
Suzanne started volunteering at the Library two months before our initial COVID-19 closure and was excited to return as soon as she could. Celebrated as a super-fast learner, Suzanne says she has always enjoyed libraries and wanted to do something useful with her free time. That, and volunteering helps her keep her must-read list full.