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 open today, April 15th, at 3:30pm, which is when teens will be able to view available opportunities and apply. Applications 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. Teens 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!
Employee Access
Adult Services
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Don’t Throw That Away! A Spring-Cleaning Guide to Preserving Your Family History
April 16, 2025
This blog post was originally written by Shelia Bumgarner, edited and updated by Chauna Carr, RSCR Digital Production Librarian
Spring is a time for fresh starts and often, fresh piles of old stuff! While you’re sorting through closets, attics, and boxes of family mementos this season, don’t be too quick to toss things out. Some of those forgotten items may be more than just clutter; they could be important pieces of your family’s story or local history.
The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is here to help you figure out what to keep, what to toss, and what to consider donating. Plus, we’ll share how you can preserve those meaningful items for years to come.
What to Keep (and How to Keep It Safe)
Not sure if something’s worth keeping? When in doubt, hold onto anything with:
- Names, dates, or locations written on it
- Local or regional relevance (especially Charlotte/Mecklenburg County)
- Clear connections to your family’s story
- Visual or handwritten elements—photos, letters, drawings, etc.
Once you've decided to keep something, follow these basic care tips:
1. Handle items with care
Use two hands when lifting fragile objects and avoid excessive bending or folding. Take your time when turning pages, unrolling documents, or unfolding old fabrics. If it feels brittle, it probably is.
2. Wear gloves
Nitrile gloves are best for handling photographs, negatives, or anything with delicate surfaces. Clean, dry hands work in a pinch. And don’t forget to identify who’s in your photographs—use a soft pencil on the back, not ink!
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3. Work in a clean space
Keep snacks, drinks, and clutter far away from your materials. Work on a clean, flat surface with plenty of light and room to move things gently.
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4. Skip the tape and glue and metal fasteners.
Avoid using adhesives like Scotch tape, rubber cement, and Elmer’s glue. These can yellow, dry out, and stain your materials over time. If something needs repair, use archival-quality products or consult a conservator. Steer clear of metal fasteners like paper clips, staples, and pins. These can rust, snag, or tear delicate documents. Instead, use plastic paper clips or archival-quality folders to group materials safely.
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5. Store smart
Acid-free boxes, folders, and sleeves provide the best protection. Don’t overstuff boxes, and remember: books, diaries, and albums should be stored flat—not upright, to prevent stress on the spine. Label clearly and store in a cool, dry, and dark space (think bedroom closet or under-the-bed storage).
🚫 Avoid attics, basements, garages, and direct sunlight.
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6. Document as you go
Context is everything! A photo is more meaningful when you know who's in it, when it was taken, and why it matters. Jot down family stories, memories, names, and places while they’re still fresh in your mind—your future relatives will thank you.
What to Toss (With a Second Look)
We get it, not everything can (or should) be saved. But before you haul that box to the curb, consider:
- Other homes for your stuff: Thrift stores, vintage shops, and specialty museums might want household items like linens, furniture, or art.
- Appraisals: If an item looks valuable or unusual, it may be worth getting it professionally appraised.
- Historical societies: Even if the Carolina Room can’t accept an item, other institutions might.
If your family materials help tell the story of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County, we’d love to hear from you. The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room collects:
- Audiovisuals and home videos
- Business, club, and organization records
- Family papers and correspondence
- Maps and manuscripts
- Music (recorded or produced in Charlotte)
- Photographs and postcards
*All items must relate to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County history.
What we typically do not collect:
- Family Bibles (except copies of genealogical pages)
- Newspapers, Textbooks or Magazines (unless historical)
- Polaroids, large scrapbooks, or oversized 3D items
- Clothing or textiles (i.e. bedding, quilts, uniforms)
If you have something to share or want to learn more, email us at [email protected].
You can also explore our archival collections and digitized materials anytime by browsing our Finding Aids and The Vault.
Cover image caption: Members of Project ME Chapter participate in a clean-up at Keyway Apartments, c. 1975. African American Album Image Collection, AA.2004.05.0855.16, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.
North County Regional
16500 Holly Crest Lane
Huntersville, NC 28078
United States
Contact us:
(704) 416-6000 Hours:
Sunday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
After Hours Book Drop | Available
North County Regional is closing at 12:00pm today, April 17 due to a facility maintenance issue.
What We Offer
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Library Leadership
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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 April 24, 2025 to include new dates and remove dates that have already passed.
Welcome Spring!
Each sale will have a unique selection. You won’t want to miss a single one! Plus, we have a special mid-week sale in June: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 –Bank of America Founders Hall 100 N Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 - lower lever – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bring your book club group! Pick up some beach reads! Kids heading to camp – pack a book. Support your local library and expand you mind. See you at the sales!
We are filling the carts with fiction, non-fiction, children’s, young adult, cook books, and coffee table books. Prices start at $1.00 Bring a friend and remember to buy for yourself and others! Gifting a book is a literacy treasure that lasts a lifetime!
Start marking your calendar today! Book sales are 9 a.m. – 1 pm.
- Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Cornelius Library
- Saturday, May 17, 2025 – Davidson Library
- Saturday, May 31, 2025 – West Boulevard Library
- Wednesday, June 4, 2025 –Bank of America Founders Hall 100 N Tryon St STE 170, Charlotte, NC 28202 - lower lever – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, June 7, 2025 – Allegra Westbrook Regional Library
- Saturday, June 28, 2025 – South Boulevard
- Saturday, July 19, 2025 – South Park Regional Library
- Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Pineville Library
- Saturday, September 13, 2025 –Hickory Grove Library
- Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Mountain Island Library
- Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Myers Park Library
- Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Mint Hill Library
- Saturday, December 6, 2025 – North County Regional Library
As new dates are scheduled – the listing will be updated. Hope to see you soon!!
HOW CAN I DONATE BOOKS?
Book donations are currently accepted at all open Library locations.
NOTE: Smaller libraries may have limited storage capacity. 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
- Textbooks
Have a large donation? Please contact Kim Arlia by phone at (704) 416-0751 or by email at [email protected] to make an appointment.
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.
CAN I VOLUNTEER AT A BOOK SALE OR AT THE LAC?
SURE CAN!!! Complete a profile here: https://www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer Make sure you select to work with the Book Donation and Book Sale Team Member. Having problems with the CERVIS site – contact Kim Arlia by phone at (704) 416-0751 or by email at [email protected]