230 of 1123 results

Midwood Elementary School, Drum and Bugle Corps, 1938-1939 Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room

Behind the Vault Doors: Midwood Elementary School scrapbook

August 19, 2019

Midwood Elementary School was founded in 1934 and was located on 1817 Central Ave. in Charlotte, North Carolina. Midwood Elementary reached its prime years during the 1950s with 1,000 students enrolled. Several decades later in 1983, the school began to fall into disrepair and closed. After a 1985 arson fire at Albemarle Elementary, seventy workers brought Midwood Elementary back up to code in a speedy three days so children could attend a relatively-local school.

Midwood Elementary School, 1935

Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room

Midwood Elementary School, 2019

Courtesy of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission

By the early 2000s, Midwood Elementary was an alternative school for students who dropped out of traditional schools for academic or personal reasons. Another part of the building served as a hot lunch program for the elderly and was also home to Teenage Age Parents Services (TAPS), a group dedicated to keeping pregnant teen girls in school.

Midwood Elementary School

Drum and Bugle Corps, 1938-1939

Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room

In 2012, the former Midwood Elementary School building became home to the International House. Founded by the Charlotte Area Clergy Association as the Community College and International Ministry of Charlotte, Inc. in 1981, the organization changed its name to “International House” in 1989. International House opened a multicultural campus to house Language Academy, League of Women Voters and All Ethiopian Community Center, among others. These organizations provided a variety of services, including direct services such as foreign-language conversation hours, cultural events, citizen workshops and legal services, to Charlotte’s growing international population.

Midwood Elementary School, Miss Marion Price and her

Kindergarten Group, Sponsored by our PTA, 1958.

Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room

This scrapbook provides patrons a look back at Midwood Elementary during its active years. Clippings celebrate student and staff achievements and thank you notes show how much Midwood’s teachers were appreciated.

To learn more about Midwood Elementary, the Midwood scrapbook, and our other collections, please visit us at www.cmstory.org/ or on the third floor of Main Library.

A Charlotte Mecklenburg student engages in conversation with a careerwoman during the Library's "Bigger than High School" event in July, 2019.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library helps students think Bigger than High School

August 20, 2019

What do you want to be when you grow up?

On Friday, July 26, deserving middle and high school students in the Charlotte community had the opportunity to consider that question on a larger scale. Students who participated in the “Bigger than High School” event hosted at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s (UNCC) Cato College of Education were able to explore and discuss various career options with professionals in rotating five-minute increments. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Outreach Coordinator Jasmine McNeil partnered with Jimmeka Anderson with the Urban Education Collaborative, at UNCC to bring the event to life, hoping to spark excitement and curiosity in local students about their futures.

Program participants were challenged to think about life beyond high school and were introduced to African American business professionals who represented a variety of careers from leadership in the banking industry and educational leadership to social work, marketing, communications and even the possibility of serving the community as a librarian, through speed mentoring. The youth were also able to ask questions to panels of African American PhD students, UNCC undergrad students, participated in a tour of the campus and so much more.

Parents and guardians of program participants attended parent sessions where they learned about financial aid, Library resources, College 101 and spoke with a high school guidance counselor. One parent noted that the Library resources session was her favorite of the day because she wasn’t aware of all the tools the library had to offer. Other speakers, parents and guardians stated this event was helpful and something they wish they could’ve experienced when they were younger.

As a keepsake, students received take-home booklets with a yearbook theme.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Outreach Department would like to give a special thanks to the Library staff that participated and demonstrated several of the Library’s FOREWARD culture principles such as WE OVER ME, LOVE WHAT YOU DO, THINK AND ACT FORWARD and BE A HERO. Thank you to: Asha Ellison, De’Trice Fox, Shannon Page, LaShai Thompson and Holly Summers for your amazing contributions to the Bigger than High School Event.

This blog was written by Jasmine McNeil, outreach coordinator at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Make a movie with the help of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Charlotte Unconventional Film school !

August 21, 2019

Are you looking to improve your filmmaking skills or just curious about the process of video and film making? If so, you may be interested in attending one, or all, of our new workshops starting in September. As part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s burgeoning Community Media Strategy, and in partnership with the Charlotte Unconventional Film School, we are excited to announce Make-a-Movie workshops. Beginning in September and running through December 2019 , these FREE in-person workshops will take place at various Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch locations and will bring together filmmakers, professors and professionals to provide insight into the art of movie-making and this exciting industry.

Registration for all sessions is recommended as space is limited.

A link for each session can be found with the corresponding descriptions below:

Hands-On Make a Movie One-Day Workshop

This day is all about ACTION! The day will begin with camera exposure, lenses, framing, movement and simple lighting techniques. We will film a very short scene (about one minute) with 2 actors. The script will come from a local person. The actors will be local talent and chosen in advance. This workshop is meant for adults who have little to no experience being on a movie set. A participant can only attend one of these sessions. Because it is hands-on, there is a limit of 15 students per session. Each session will take place on Saturday afternoons, from 12:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Click here to register for Sept. 7, 2019 – University City Regional Library

Click here to register for Oct. 26, 2019 – University City Regional Library

Click here to register for Nov. 16, 2019 – West Boulevard Library

Click here to register for Dec. 7, 2019 – Sugar Creek Library

Make a Movie: Telling Stories for the Screen

Rodney Stringfellow currently teaches courses in screenwriting, film history and video production at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. An educator and screenwriter, he has written episodes for Nickelodeon, PBS, Disney Channel and more. Stringfellow designed this class to help students craft stories specifically for the screen. The workshop teaches story structure, screenplay formatting, idea development and what happens after you have finished your script. This session will run from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Click here to register for Sept. 28, 2019 – Main Library

Hands-On Make Your First Short Documentary (Session A)

This is an opportunity for adults to wrap their heads around the steps required to make a short, low budget documentary from scratch. There will be an emphasis on peer-to-peer support and working together on individual projects. We will learn by doing. These sessions will be led by the Director of Charlotte Unconventional Film School, Julie McElmurry. McElmurry is self-taught and has completed six documentaries. This workshop is for adults who already have an idea for a very short documentary and need some guidance and deadlines. We will utilize a short, free online seminar on our own time in addition to our class time. Over four sessions, students will be given deadlines for figuring out and arranging tasks. They will be given basic video editing software, taught to interview, taught how to create an outline for the documentary and shown some examples of other short documentaries that are engaging and informative. By the end of the workshop, we will have created several two-minute videos about the Library branch where we are meeting.

Each session will take place on Thursday evenings, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Click here to register for Oct. 10, 2019 – Main Library

Click here to register for Oct. 17, 2019 – Main Library

Click here to register for Oct. 24, 2019 – Main Library

Click here to register for Oct. 31, 2019 – Main Library

Hands-On Make Your First Short Documentary (Session B)

This is another opportunity for adults to learn the steps it takes to make a short, low budget documentary from scratch. There will be an emphasis on peer-to-peer support and working together on individual projects. This session is also led by the Director of Charlotte Unconventional Film School, Julie McElmurry. Please read the description for “Hands-On Make Your First Short Documentary (Session A)” above for more information.

Each session will take place on Thursday evenings, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Click here to register for Nov. 7, 2019 – University City Regional Library

Click here to register for Nov. 14, 2019 – University City Regional Library

Click here to register for Nov. 21, 2019 – University City Regional Library

Click here to register for Dec. 5, 2019 – University City Regional Library

Downton Abbey Tea and Trivia Night—We’ll Get You Ready for the Movie!

August 22, 2019

Mountain Island Library will be hosting a Downton Abbey Tea and Trivia Night on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6 p.m. If you, like some of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Staff and the millions of Downton fans worldwide, were sad to see the program end, you’ll no doubt be excited that Downton Abbey: The Movie is set to open in theaters in the United States on September 20, 2019!

Here’s what we know so far- it’s 1927. The series ended on New Year’s Day 1926. Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, receives a letter informing him of an impending visit by King George V and Queen Mary—causing a stir amongst the Crawley Family and servants alike. Downton has been tightening its purse strings and running with less staff than before. However Carson, the former head butler, is returning for this important royal visit.

This British historical period drama film is written by series creator, Julian Fellowes, and directed by Michael Engler. It is a continuation of the six-season television series, Downton Abbey, that ran on PBS from 2010 to 2015.

This Tea and Trivia Night will be both fun and fact-filled as we explore the historical world events that took place (the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the 1918 Flu Pandemic, and the dawning of women’s rights—just to name a few without giving too much away) throughout all of Downton’s six seasons.

So, whether you’re new to Downton Abbey or a die-hard fan, join us for an evening where you’ll reacquaint yourself with an in-depth peek of the many aspects of the post-Edwardian era in which the TV series was set—as well as offering insights into the remarkable events that shaped the world during this time.

Come for a fun-filled evening, challenge your knowledge, meet fellow fans and make new friends. Of course, tea and English treats will be served. Let the festivities begin!

Registration is recommended as seating is limited. Register here.

STEAM Month

Read more about STEAM Month

Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 7/20/20

July 15, 2020

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 7/20/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 7/20

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

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 7/21

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

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

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

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

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

Road to Medicare – 1 p.m. (Adult programming) register

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

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

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 Year Olds – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) 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

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

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

Wednesday 7/22

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

Effective LinkedIn Strategies – 10 a.m. (Adult 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

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

Engage 2020: 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge – 6 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Teens LIVE: Summer Break Felt Pens – 6 p.m (Teen programming) learn more

Thursday 7/23