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Charlotte Author Conversation: May 4 at the Pineville Library
March 13, 2024
This blog was written by Amanda Goldson, adult services librarian at Pineville Library.
Join six award-winning Charlotte authors on May 4 at 11 am at the Pineville Library for a conversation about their recent books—what they’re about and how they wrote them—and hear their writing tips and lessons learned.
Register for this event here.
This author event is co-sponsored by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Charlotte Readers Podcast. Featured authors include Sarah Archer, Joy Callaway, Mark de Castrique, Kimmery Martin, and Cathy Pickens. The panel is moderated by author Landis Wade, founder of Charlotte Readers Podcast. The books and writing topics include mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, true crime, romance, comedy, and literary fiction.
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Landis Wade is a trial lawyer turned author of thrillers, mysteries, and essays who founded Charlotte Readers Podcast(where he has conducted 500+ author interviews). His novel Deadly Declarations won ten awards, including Winner in the 2022 American Fiction Awards (Cozy Mystery category). With the help of his podcast co-hosts, he published The Write Quotes series, an 8 book collection that features inspirational and practical author quotes about writing and the writing life from authors in more than 33 U.S. states and four countries, and he co-wrote a comedic mystery with podcast co-host Sarah Archer about the dangers of podcasting with author guests titled Death by Podcasting. His short work has appeared in Writersdigest.com, The Charlotte Observer, Flying South, and in several anthologies, and his short story, The Deliberation, won the 2016 North Carolina Bar short story contest. He is a past board member of Charlotte Writers Club. To learn more about Landis, his books, and the podcast, click here.
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Sarah Archer's debut novel, The Plus One, was published by Putnam and optioned for television. As a screenwriter, she has developed material for MTV Entertainment, Snapchat, and Comedy Central, and been recognized by the Black List, the Tracking Board, the Motion Picture Academy, and the Austin Film Festival. Her short stories and poetry have appeared in numerous journals and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She also co-hosts the award-winning Charlotte Readers Podcast.
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Joy Callaway is the international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society, Secret Sisters, The Grand Design, All The Pretty Places, and What The Mountains Remember. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her family.
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Mystery writer Mark de Castrique has authored twenty-three books. His novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. His Washington, DC thriller SECRET LIVES was one of five finalists for the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgars 2023 Sue Grafton Memorial Award. Mark lives in Charlotte, but he and his wife Linda can be often found in the NC mountains or the nation’s capital.
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Kimmery Martin is an ER doctor whose novels have been praised by People, Newsweek, and The New York Times. She also teaches Narrative Medicine at the local medical school and authors a column on Substack covering medical disinformation, humor, parenting, and social topics.
Kimmery speaks frequently at medical and literary events around the United States and honors her passion for public libraries by serving on the Board of Trustees of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Her most recent novel, Doctors and Friends, received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
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Cathy Pickens, a lawyer and college professor, now writes about crime, fact and fiction. Her first novel, Southern Fried, was St. Martin’s Best New Traditional Mystery. (Now available from Joffe Books as The Blue Ridge Mountain Mysteries, with audiobook.) Professor emerita at Queens University, she is writing a series of Carolina true crime accounts for History Press, starting with Charlotte True Crime Stories. Author of CREATE, she offers coaching and workshops on developing the creative process.
We invite you to come and join us for a special event revealing the Living Archives Mural to be hosted at Lions Services on April 18, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Register Here
Over the last three years, the Living Archives project successfully collected stories of marginalized communities in Mecklenburg County through the COVID-19 pandemic. Those stories - in the form of video, audio, art, text and more - will be preserved by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's digital archive, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, in perpetuity. Focused on equity, the project gathered stories from Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous residents with a focus on those who are essential workers, housing insecure, immigrants, formerly incarcerated residents, small business owners, families with children, teens, college students, the elderly, LGBTQIA, veterans and people with disabilities. The initial project goal was to collect 200 stories and currently, we have been able to collect over 340+ stories, going well above and beyond what we first imagined. Transitioning from a story collection phase, the project shifted gears towards a more community-focused phase where community focused exhibits were available to the public, events and programming provided, as well as the completion of a permanent mural.
By uniting these stories in a single artwork, our mural recognizes our shared experiences. The vibrant imagery highlights the themes often shared in the narratives – themes of self-reflection, community commitment, and the weight of uncertainty – echoing and amplifying the viewers own pandemic story. The Living Archives Mural stands as a testament to the enduring values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a legacy for the entire County, ensuring that the stories of our neighbors will be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Local artist Abel Jackson is responsible for the mural which is located at Lions Services Inc. at 4600 N Tryon. Continue reading to learn more about the different components of the mural in his own words:
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“Each person is symbolic of various emotions and experiences. I tried to capture a variety of emotions in each person. Each individual gives some representation of ethnicity/ race and gender in hopes of displaying diversity:
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Black man representing vision impaired and essential worker. This design illustrates the idea of finding peace in the midst of adversity. In the scene, he is playing his favorite music on a record player as he deals with everything that is going on around him.
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Beneath him is a Hispanic woman crying with her hands covering her face. She represents sadness and depression.
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On the left side of the door adjacent to her is an Asian man. He is a business owner. Not only is he concerned with the survival of his business during the pandemic he is also worried about all those who depend on him including his family and workers. He represents anxiety and stress.
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To the left of him is an indigenous Lumbee woman handing out meals and food to the elderly. She represents community service and helping those in need.
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Above the Black man is a mother looking out the window. She has quarantined herself in her own home because she has Covid. She is wearing a mask in her room looking out the window. She represents isolation and fear of uncertainty.
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Lastly, is a woman who is looking up and taking a deep breath. She is enjoying what she once took for granted. She represents strength and resilience."
This event will include the unveiling of the Living Archives mural, Charlotte Mecklenburg Mobile Library (MoLi), guest speakers, and various food trucks. This event is free to the public.
Cassie Chaney
Les Hutchens
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Summer VolunTeen Applications Now Open - Apply Today
April 17, 2024
Looking to earn community service hours this summer as a teen volunteer? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is looking for responsible teens (ages 13-17) who enjoy working with the public, helping others, and giving back to their community. Applications opened on April 15 and will be accepted until the end of the month or until a branch reaches capacity.
If you do not see a position posted for your preferred location, then a position is no longer available, and you will need to apply to another location. While there are a limited number of opportunities, almost all locations are participating in this program. You may only apply to one location per semester. Please note that applying does not guarantee a position.
After you apply, someone from the library will contact you to set up an interview if you meet qualifications. If you wish to inquire about your application, please reach out to the branch where you applied to follow up. Please apply on the Volunteer page. Click on Become a Volunteer and search for “Summer VolunTeen” opportunities.
Still have questions? Check our VolunTeen FAQs for more details! We look forward to seeing your application soon!
Jenna Marotta
This blog was written by Chauna Wall, volunteer coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Today we enter into a week-long celebration called National Volunteer Week which runs from April 21 - 27.
I would like to take this opportunity to shine a light on the people that inspire us to serve. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When you answer the call to make a difference, we make progress in “Improving Lives and Building a Stronger Community,” our core mission.
This week, we celebrate our volunteers for giving their time to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the many volunteers who stand with us in promoting inclusion, education and literacy to the entire community.
We had some very exciting milestones this year which were powered by very dedicated volunteers. These include:
Student Success Centers: a physical learning space that are open in branches at least once a week. Trained volunteers work with Kindergartners – 5th grade with Homework Help, Skill practice and tutor.com. Volunteers responded to our request to help our students succeed in an overwhelming way. Recruiting more volunteers than the number of registered students.
The Living Archives needed volunteers to transcribe the stories of People of Color and their experiences during the pandemic. Again, an abundance of individuals came forth to offer their skills.
You may have heard of MeckTech; an effort to close the Digital Divide in which we gave away 20,000 free laptops to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. We didn’t do it alone; we tapped the skills of over 900 volunteers over the course of a year. Individuals, families, groups, corporate volunteers and teens rose to the occasion for this very sizeable and far-reaching project.
You can clearly see the exceptional ways in which our citizenry responded to the needs of the Library and broader community.
Every day our volunteers inspire us and help us create a more educated and literate community. Never doubt you make a measurable difference. Last year you gave us over 31,000 hours of your time which equates to a value of over $1million.
Hear from some of our volunteers on why they do this work below:
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"The Library is a safe space, for teens especially to be able to exist peacefully and authentically without the stress of whatever else is happening in their life."
Máire B., VolunTeen at North County Regional Library
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"Not only did my service at the Library strengthen my leadership skills, it also introduced me to other aspects of that I hadn’t initially been aware of."
Rachel J., VolunTeen at West Boulevard Library
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"The Library is important because for others It is a place of both knowledge and enrichment. I have learned a lot from the Library."
Ashritha N., VolunTeen at Matthews Library
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"Volunteering at the Library has shown me how important it is that we have a place to gather, reflect, read, and connect."
Elliott K., VolunTeen at Matthews Library
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"Volunteering at the Library is a chance to give back. The staff at Mint Hill are Wonderful!"
Lance, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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"I have always loved to read. I feel like I’m giving back some of the good things people have done for me."
Lee, Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library
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"The Library supports literacy and education in addition to cultural learning. Books open the world to children."
Barbara, Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library
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"One of my Reading Buddies said to me at the end of our half hour, 'I'm not ready to go!' - it touched my heart!"
Lori, Reading Buddy at Mountain Island Library
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"The library is a safe space for all people. Stories inspire creativity and without creativity society would be lost.
Katy, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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"Volunteering at the Library is incredibly rewarding—seeing school-aged students grow in reading confidence over time is wonderful. To think that Wicked and I might have played even a small part is simply amazing and makes every moment worth it!"
Kelsey & Wicked, Paws to Read volunteers at Mountain Island Library
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"Sometimes kids are nervous around dogs or about reading and it’s so rewarding watching them become comfortable and confident and light up when they sit and read to Phineas."
Lauren A. & Phineas, Paws to Read volunteers at SouthPark Regional Library
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"Watching kids learn to read and making verbal connections in real-time is really neat...kids light up and smile when they see Pippa! Knowing that I’m making a small difference in a child’s ability to read is really cool!"
Courtney S. & Pippa, Paws to Read volunteers at SouthPark Regional Library
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"Volunteering to me means making a difference. Also, having an impact in children’s lives and families.
Ashlyn, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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"Volunteering is fun for me since I am retired and I like giving back to the community.
Cindy, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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"It feels good to think someone might enjoy reading a little better because I volunteered.
Kathy, Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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Rachel S. and Dumpling, Paws to Read volunteers at Hickory Grove Library
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Sue, Reading Buddy Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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Krissy, Volunteer at Hickory Grove Library
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Anna, Volunteer at Matthews Library
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Kelly, Reading Buddy Volunteer at Mountain Island Library
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Don, Volunteer at SouthPark Library
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Daniel, Volunteer at SouthPark Library
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Russ, Reading Buddy Volunteer at SouthPark Library
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Kurt S., Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
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Lori D., Volunteer at North County Regional Library
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Marci., Reading Buddy Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library
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"The library offers a variety of programs and children’s storytimes. Volunteering gets me back into the environment that I love!"
Gail Z., Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
You will see our volunteers helping with…
- Adopt an Aisle which include families and children 12 and under.
- Tech Tutoring-Classes and one on one learning
- Providing Plant Care
- Leading Writing Groups
- training to be Reading Buddies
- shelving, pulling holds and helping with morning deliveries
- English as a Second Language programs
- Filling Free Little Libraries all over Mecklenburg County
- The ever-popular Paws to Read program where even your trained dog can volunteer!
If I may give a respectful nod to those of you who help our staff shelve in the Children's department (which isn’t for the meek), and a special thank you to the 32 staff who have taken on the role of Volunteer Point Person (VPPs) who guide and engage with our volunteers daily. They have worked diligently to make the Library a great experience for our volunteers.
Thank you for being a Library volunteer and helping deliver the magic of books, stories, technology and lifelong learning. You are a treasured and valuable part of our story.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
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ImaginOn and Founders Hall Library to Close for Lovin’ Life Music Fest
May 1, 2024
ImaginOn and Founders Hall Library will be closed May 3-5 for the Lovin’ Life Music Fest that will be held in Uptown over the weekend. This closure includes the book drop at ImaginOn.
Both locations will operate on a normal schedule on May 2 and are expected to resume regular operating hours on May 6. The Founders Hall location is normally closed on the weekends.
The parking garage at ImaginOn will also be closed at the end of the day on May 2 and will reopen the morning of May 6.
For information regarding the Charlotte Children’s Theater, which is inside of ImaginOn, please visit ctcharlotte.org or call 704-973-2800.
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Hope Street Food Pantry Visits Sugar Creek!
May 2, 2024
PSA: The Library continues to partner with Hope Street Food Pantry! Join us at Sugar Creek Library on May 21 at 11am. Learn more at hopestreetfoodpantry.com.
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