This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

This month, our nation will celebrate the 92nd birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To say that Black lives mattered to Dr. King would be an understatement — not only did he recognize the importance of Black lives, but he fought and paid the ultimate price for them with his own life. It is only fitting that we celebrate his birthday every January to commemorate his life and legacy.

In 1967, Dr. King delivered a speech entitled The Other America to students and staff at Stanford University. In his speech, Dr. King cites two stark realities for American citizens. He describes one America as "overflowing with the milk of prosperity and the honey of opportunity. This America is the habitat of millions of people who have food and material necessities for their bodies; and culture and education for their minds; and freedom and human dignity for their spirits." This America, according to Dr. King,  allows young people to "grow up in the sunlight of opportunity." But there is also the “Other America”. Dr. King states this Other America "has a daily ugliness about it that constantly transforms the ebulliency of hope into the fatigue of despair." This America is besieged by unemployment, poverty, and despair, and as we fast forward to today, one might ask if the “Other America” is still prevalent today?

In 2011, Michael Moore revealed in his piece The Forbes 400 vs. Everybody Else that the Forbes 400 boasted more wealth than the bottom 50% of U.S. households combined. With an even timelier topic, we also know that the African American and Latinx communities are disproportionately affected by police violence as reported by the Washington Post this month. The Other America seems just as relevant today as when Dr. King first spoke of it over 50 years ago.

The American Library Association (ALA), Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Task Force, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) will host its first-ever virtual Martin Luther King Jr. Sunrise Celebration scheduled for Monday, January 25 at 11 a.m. The keynote speaker for the celebration will be V.P. Franklin, author of The Young Crusaders: The Untold Story of the Children and Teenagers Who Galvanized the Civil Rights Movement, with the Call-To-Action delivered by Librarian of Congress and past ALA-President Carla Hayden. This virtual event is in conjunction with Beacon Press and OCLC and will be livestreamed on ALA's YouTube Channel. The theme of the event is fittingly The Other America. “As a co-chair of this event, I would like to invite all of you to join us for this rare opportunity to experience an event that has become a hallmark celebration at the annual ALA Midwinter meetings,” says LaJuan Pringle, branch leader at West Boulevard Library. “Regardless of whether you register for the virtual 2021 Midwinter Meeting, you can still gain access to this event. Please join us if you can!”

This blog post was written by LaJuan Pringle, branch leader at West Boulevard Library.

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 online programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 1/11/2021 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Daily appointments for Reading Buddies and Tutoring and Enrichment for school-age children can be accessed by clicking here. Adult Book Clubs, Writing Groups and Conversation Clubs happen weekly too!

Monday 1/11

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

Davidson Branch Family Storytime – 10 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Career Talk Over Coffee – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Baby Sing and Sign Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Technology Tutoring – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Steele Creek Branch Creating with Books: Preschool STEAM – 2 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

University City Family Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Stronger Together: Support for Your Job Search – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Davidson Story Explorers – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

My Next Step for Teens – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Independence Regional Branch STEAM 101: Gourmet Hot Chocolate for Teens – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)   register

Clayworks Workshop – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  register

Mountain Island Branch Evening Storytime – 5:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Avoiding Eviction: Know Your Rights and Resources Presented by LegalAid of North Carolina – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Tuesday 1/12       

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

Matthews Branch Family Storytime – 10:15 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Sugar Creek Branch Preschool Storytime: Just for Me – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Hickory Grove Branch Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn  more

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

Healthy Living for Brain and Body – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Parent Lunch and Learn: Emotional Support for Young Families – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

History's Mysteries: How our Post Office Created America – 1 p.m. (Adult programming) 

Technology Tutoring – 2 p.m.   register

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

Mock Interview for Teens – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

West Boulevard Branch Family Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Writing Group for Teens – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Hickory Grove Preteen Scene: Comic Book Club – 4:30 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

Matthews Branch Chess Club – 5 p.m. (Children’s programming) register

South Boulevard STEAM 101 Art Club for Teens – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Teen Trivia Night: JackBox Games – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Plaza Midwood Branch Pajama Storytime – 7 p.m. (Children’s programming)  learn more

Wednesday 1/13

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

Cornelius Branch Family Storytime – 10 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Mountain Island Branch Family Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Mint Hill Branch Family Storytime – 11:15 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Finding Your Roots Using Ancestry.com: Library Edition – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)

Answering Interview Questions – 1:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   

Technology Tutoring – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

South Boulevard Branch Listen and Move Storytime – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

North County Regional Preschool STEM Program – 4 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Random Fandom Teen Trivia – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

French Conversation Club for Teens – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Hickory Grove Branch Community Service for Teens – 4:30 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

News Literacy with Checkology – 5 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Welcome CLT: Citizenship – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Learning Circle: The 1619 Project – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Thursday 1/14

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

South Park Branch Family Storytime – 10 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Allegra Westbrooks Branch Family Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Independence Branch Family Storytime – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

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

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

Technology Tutoring – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Sugar Creek Branch Story Explorers – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Learning Circle: Functional Fitness – 4 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Artists at Home: Basic Photography Program for Teens – 4:30 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Allegra Westbrooks Clayworks Pottery Workshop – 5 p.m. (Children’s programming)  register

Social (In)Justice Teen Book Club – 6 p.m. (Teen programming) register

Transform Your Resume – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Fragile Democracy: The Struggle Over Race and Voting Rights in North Carolina – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Friday 1/15

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

ImaginOn Branch Family Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

Ted Talk Discussion Group: New Year's Resolutions – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

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

Teen Book Club: Discussion and Digital Games – 3 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Canva Design Class: The Basics – 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Saturday 1/16

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

Let's Get Graphic: A Discussion of the History of Graphic Novels and Comic Books – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

Learning Circle: Let's Get Organized – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  register

I can Read Black Stories (Facebook Live) – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  

Sugar Creek Branch Story Explorers – 1 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn more

South Boulevard Branch Creando con Libros – 2 p.m. (Children's programming)  learn  more

Fundamentals of Chess for Teens – 2 p.m. (Teen programming)  register

Bullet Journal Group – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

In compliance with the latest Mecklenburg County public health directive, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announced it will adjust services starting January 15, 2021. During this reduced phase, the Library limits services to “grab and go” pickups of holds, mobile printing and returns at all branch locations, while programming continues online.

Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Library is always open online at cmlibrary.org.

Find our complete multi-phased re-opening plan here

Customers can expect the following during the Library’s reduced service schedule:

• Customer holds will be available as “grab and go” at the front entrance of each branch.
  Materials can be reserved here through the online catalog.
• Mobile printing is available online and can be picked up at the front entrance of the branch like holds.
• Customers should contact their branch by phone prior to pickup to schedule a time slot. Find your branch location here.
• Access our online program calendar here
• Staff will complete the check-out of materials for customers prior to placing them at the front entrance.
• Staff will wear face masks/coverings and protective equipment. Masks/coverings are also required for customers.
• All material/book drops remain closed. Materials and books should be returned to the designated receptacles located at branch locations during open hours only. Signs will direct customers to the proper bin.
• Fines and fees are suspended.
• Facilities, restrooms and computers will not be open to the public. 
• Access to staff support online and by phone.​​
  • Chat with Library staff at cmlibrary.org by clicking on the “Ask a Librarian” button at the bottom of the screen.
  • Speak with staff during normal operating hours at 704.416.0101. To contact your branch directly, click here.
• Wi-Fi access is available outside Library facilities 24/7.
• Free mobile hotspots are available for customers to place on hold for checkout for seven (7) days at a time.

All programming and events for children, teens, adults, Outreach and the Job Help Center have moved to online or virtual formats. Find our online programming calendar here.

Note: Materials and books will be quarantined for 24 hours before they are checked in. There is no need for customers to “clean” or disinfect Library materials.

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Conforme a la última directiva de salud pública del condado de Mecklenburg, la Biblioteca de Charlotte Mecklenburg anunció que ajustará sus servicios desde el 15 de enero del 2021. Durante esta fase reducida, la biblioteca limitará sus servicios a la recolección de reservas, la impresión móvil y la devolución de materiales en todas las sucursales, mientras la programación continúa en línea.

El horario de la biblioteca es de lunes a jueves de 9 a.m. a 8 p.m. y viernes y sábado de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m. La biblioteca siempre está abierta en línea en cmlibrary.org.

Encuentre nuestro plan completo de reapertura de varias fases aquí

Los clientes pueden esperar lo siguiente durante el horario de servicio reducido de la biblioteca:

• Las reservas para clientes estarán disponibles en la entrada principal de cada sucursal. Los materiales se pueden reservar aquí a través del catálogo en línea.
• La impresión móvil está disponible en línea y se puede recoger en la entrada principal de la sucursal como los otros materiales.
• Los clientes deben comunicarse con su sucursal por teléfono para programar un horario antes de recoger sus materiales. Encuentre la ubicación de su sucursal aquí.
• Acceda a nuestro calendario de programas en línea aquí.
• El personal completará el registro de salida de los materiales para los clientes antes de colocarlos en la entrada principal.
• El personal usará mascarillas/cubrebocas y equipo de protección. Los clientes también necesitan mascarillas/cubrebocas.
• Todos los depósitos de materiales permanecen cerrados. Los materiales y libros deben devolverse a los receptáculos designados ubicados en las sucursales únicamente durante las horas de apertura. Los letreros dirigirán a los clientes al contenedor adecuado.
• Durante esta fase se suspenden multas y tarifas.
• Las instalaciones, los baños y las computadoras no estarán abiertas al público.
• El personal estará disponible en línea y por teléfono para brindarle ayuda.
  • Charle con el personal de la biblioteca en cmlibrary.org haciendo clic en el botón "Ask a Librarian" en la parte inferior de la pantalla.
  • Hable con el personal durante el horario normal de atención llamando al 704.416.0101. Para contactar directamente a su sucursal, haga clic aquí.

Toda la programación y eventos para niños, adolescentes, adultos, el alcance a la comunidad y el centro de ayuda para empleo se han trasladado a formatos en línea o virtuales. Encuentre nuestro calendario de programación en línea aquí

Aviso: Los materiales y libros se pondrán en cuarentena durante 24 horas antes de que se registren. No es necesario que los clientes “limpien” o desinfecten los materiales de la biblioteca.