Spring has sprung, and you know what that means—spring cleaning! Many of us are using this time to start cleaning out old closets, drawers, basements and attics.  

The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is here to offer some general advice on how to properly handle and preserve your family treasures.  

1. Handle every item with care. Use both hands while moving fragile items to prevent any damage.  
   
   
   
   
   
   Courtesy of Burke Museum 

1. Wear nitrile gloves while handling photographs or negatives to prevent natural oils from transferring to the surface. Be sure to identify anyone in your photos on the back so future generations know who is pictured. 
   
    

1. Keep a clean working space free of food, liquid, and any obstructions that could cause documents to rip or crinkle.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    

1. Avoid using adhesives that are not archival quality, like Elmer’s glue or Scotch tape. These adhesives will yellow and dry out over time. 
   
   
   
   
   
    Courtesy of Massillon Museum 

1. Remove all metal fasteners, such as paper clips and staples. These materials will rust and could permanently damage your documents. Try using a plastic fastener instead. 
   
   
   
    
   
   Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution 

1. Store your materials in properly sized containers (preferably in acid-free boxes and folders). Old books, diaries and albums should be stored flat.  
   
   

1. Arrange your family treasures in a way that makes sense to you, that will also be easy for future generations to access and use.  
   
   
   
   
   
    

1. Store your boxes and other family treasures in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid basements, attics and direct sunlight.  
   
   
   
   
   
    

For those who feel strongly about donating your family treasures to the Carolina Room instead, here’s a brief list of items* we collect: 

1. Annuals (K12 and college) 

1. Business records 

1. Family papers 

1. Clubs and organization records 

1. Manuscripts and correspondence 

1. Maps 

1. Music (recorded/produced in Charlotte) 

1. Historical photographs and postcards 

*All items must relate to Charlotte/Mecklenburg  County history.  

If you have any questions or want more information on how to donate to the Carolina Room, please email the archivist at [email protected]. To see what archival collections we currently have, take a look through our Finding Aids. 

Stay tuned for an in-depth program on spring cleaning and preserving your family’s decorative art early this summer, hosted by Independence Regional Library! 

Written by Kristi Madron, children’s librarian at SouthPark Regional Library

Summer is in swing, and for most parents, that means leaving behind all the pressures of school until the fall. But these last couple of years have had an outsized impact on some kids. Reading proficiency scores, which determine how well a child will do in school overall, have completely dropped significantly. Only a small percentage of kids are now reading on grade level. If your child is one of those kids who needs some help to level up, the library and some amazing volunteers have a couple programs to help kids in kindergarten through fifth grade improve their literacy this summer.

Paws to Read is an in-person program where volunteers with licensed therapy dogs help children practice reading skills. Studies show that time spent reading and an environment of enjoyment around reading has a measurable impact on a child’s reading abilities. Therapy dogs provide an uncritical ear and reduce stress hormones and anxiety. Kids will get one on one attention and an experience of reading that isn’t high-pressure.

Currently, six libraries are offering regular and on-going Paws to Read therapy dog sessions: Matthews, Mountain Island, North County, South County, SouthPark and Steele Creek. Schedule a session here

Reading Buddies is available in-person this summer in select locations. Children set up a regular weekly appointment to read 30 minutes with a specific volunteer. The summer sessions begin on June 21st and last until July 30th, for a total of six weeks. A responsible adult should remain in the library during the session, and attendees should arrive a few minutes before their session is to begin so they can select a book and get signed in. Adult volunteers will use Active Reading practices to ask questions, build vocabulary and connect to the child’s world.

This program is available this summer at four locations: Matthews, North County, SouthPark, and University City. You’ll need to contact the children’s department by phone or in-person to schedule your child for their weekly slot. See cmlibrary.org/branches for phone numbers and addresses of these locations. There are also virtual Reading Buddy appointments. To set up a virtual regular appointment, click here

Masks are currently required for all one-on-one sessions. All adult volunteers have passed a background check and have received training for these programs.

These programs could make a big difference for how your child approaches reading this fall. If they are all full, however, please stop by the children’s desk at your favorite location and ask for recommendations, it’s one of the best part of the job!

Summer means school is out, family is on vacation and there’s plenty of time to read or enjoy other educational activities. Take your summer learning to the next level with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Summer Break 2022 Challenge. Our Summer Break 2022 programs can be found online and IN-PERSON! This summer, the Library is hosting some wonderful programs online. Check out the available online programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar.   

Thursdays at 11 a.m., the Library will host fun presenters on the ImaginOn Facebook page such as Center for Puppetry Arts, Charlotte Mecklenburg Frontline Puppeteers, Japanese Folktales & Origami and Will Parker and the Make Believe Band. Here is a full listing of events in the Summer of Stories series. 

Wanting to join the Library for some in person programs? We have that too! Check out the available in person programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar. Some branches are having in person storytimes for little ones as well as fun STEAM programs! There are a variety of gaming programs offered if you want to explore chess, board games, or video games. 

 Reading, Fun Activities  and an App  

Visit our website or download the app, Beanstack Tracker to track your reading time and learning activities to collect  virtual badges and prizes. This summer we challenge everyone to log 1200 points. At least 600 of those points must be earned through reading (equal to 10 hours of reading). Each activity is worth 20 points and may be used to supplement a program. Continuing to read throughout the summer will help us reach our goal of reading 10 million minutes as a community. 

Comments? Questions?  

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2022 website or your account?  Do you have questions about the program?  Feel free to chat with us online or email us at [email protected]  for help or feedback.  

The 2022 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Charlotte Football Club's Greater Goals and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. 

Did you know hoopla Digital and Freegal Music have a vast array of music you can borrow and listen to? Everything from alternative to world music is at your reach. They even have fun categories to discover music like Groove Thing: House Music Anthems and The Sounds Of Stranger Things.

Discover new artists and reconnect with your favorites!  All you need to join in the fun is your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card or One Access ID number!

Learn more about hoopla and checkout limits here.  Need a library card?  Sign up here.

Access hoopla here                 Access Freegal Music here

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This blog was written by Darrell Anderson, marketing & communications specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This blog written  by Abrar Alkusaimi, Teen Librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Mountain Island Branch is in the Mountain Island Village at NC Highway 16 and Rozzelles Ferry Road at 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. Located in the northwestern part of Mecklenburg County and Charlotte, the Mountain Island neighborhood is a home to many natural recreation areas and lakes. It is approximately 3 miles north of Mount Holly and on the border of Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

Mountain Island neighborhood and branch are named after the local Mountain Island Lake. The name comes from the mountain which sits in the middle of the lake. Located on the southwestern end of the lake, the island is mainly used as an anchor point for recreation, picnicking, and camping. The lake is the smallest of the three man-made lakes that border Mecklenburg County.

The Mountain Island Branch Library was redesigned in early 2019. This redesign created defined spaces for Teens, Tweens, and Families.  Also, a reading space with comfortable seating and a view of the pond behind the branch.  The vision for this project was to create welcoming and preferred spaces for customers of all ages.  These spaces can also be used for programming and special events. The building features one Community Room, two Study Rooms, and a Computer Lab with 17 public PCs, and open space for reading, studying, and collaboration. In addition to its regular collections for all ages, the library hosts a foreign language collection mainly in Spanish for Children, Teens, and Adults.

A great place to eat is found not too far from the branch. La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant is a restaurant that is highly suggested by the Mountain Island Staff. It’s within walking distance from the branch and sits at the other side of the business complex.

The Mountain Island Area is surrounded by amazing outdoor and nature centered attractions such as the Carolina Raptor Center, Latta Nature Preserve Waterfront, the Rozzelles Ferry Nature Preserve, and the Mountain Island Park Trail.

A very popular local attraction is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Activities at the center include whitewater and flatwater paddling, climbing, running, cycling, hiking, fishing, and more. Other attractions easily accessible through highway 485 include North Lake mall, only 15 minutes away.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

RESOURCES:

• Mountain Island Branch Library | 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-416-5600
• Carolina Raptor Center |6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-875-6521
• La Fiesta Grande | 10916 Black Dog Lane, Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-595-3632
• Latta Nature Preserve Waterfront | 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 980-314-7878
• Mountain Island Park Trail | 304 Mountain Island Rd, Mt Holly, NC 28120 |
• Rozzelles Ferry Nature Preserve | 11840 Mountain Island Brook Lane, Charlotte, NC 28214
• U.S. National Whitewater Center | 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214 | 704-391-3900

This blog written by Hannah P. Simmons, library associate for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

If you find yourself cruising down Holly Crest Lane, you just might discover the North County Regional Library, one of the many facilities proud to be part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system. The North County Regional Library has been serving the populations of Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius since 1997, but it got a major makeover in 2019. Situated close to parks, dining, and entertainment, the North County Regional Library is a hub in the community to not only provide traditional library services, but also host community events. This tri-level building offers a little something for every age. On the main floor, you can pick up your Holds, as well as browse the DVDs, Magazines, and New Fiction. The main floor is also where you can return items in the “Book Drop”, and access both the patio and indoor cafe seating areas.

You can take the stairs or elevator up to the 3rd Floor to browse the Children and Teens collection. The North County multimedia collections gives youth access to Chapter Books, Picture Books, Easy Readers, Wonderbooks, Books on Disc, Playaways, and so much more! While you’re upstairs, you might take part in a Scavenger Hunt, an indoor Story Walk, check out the “I-Spy” Tank, or join in a storytime in the Program Room. Also upstairs, you will find the Makerspace! Our Makerspace houses some of the latest creative technology. Stop by during Open Hours to check out the 3D Printer, Carvey machine, and a Recording Studio, to name a few! You can take part in some self-guided STEAM activities with the In-House kits that let you play around with robotics and circuits.

Be sure to take your Teens up to the Loft where they can browse on the computer and check out the Fiction, Nonfiction, and Graphic Novels collections. They can also take a photo for the Selfie Board, and jump in on other interactive displays. Need some study supplies? The Loft has you covered! We’ve also got “Dry Erase” tables for collaborative study sessions.

A trip down to the 1st Floor will bring you to our Adult Fiction and Nonfiction shelves, Audio Books, Graphic Novels, as well as Audio Books. You can also access our Community Rooms for Adult Programming, and several cozy spaces to set up with a book or your laptop. We also have Computers and Study Rooms. Computers can be accessed with a Library Card or Guest Pass, and Study Rooms can be reserved for some private study or work time. Just head to the Circulation Desk, or call ahead that day to reserve your space!

A short distance from the library, you can access shopping, dining, parks, and Downtown Huntersville! Birkdale Village is a short drive up Sam Furr Road, and provides access to many excellent local businesses. At Birkdale, you can see a movie, shop for some clothing or home decor, and grab a bite to eat! In the mood for some amazing pub food? Check out Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar! They not only have a vast selection of signature burgers, but if you’re feeling creative, you can build your own. Feeling a little more adventurous? Head over to Kung Foo Noodle for some of the best Asian-fusion the Charlotte area has to offer. Sushi, pho, banh mi, bubble teas, and more, Kung Foo Noodle delivers amazing flavor along with a bold and colorful interior that makes for an epic dining experience. The NorthCross Shopping Center sits across Sam Furr Road from the Library, which offers several popular lunch and coffee spots, trendy stores to browse, and stores where you can purchase essentials.

Whether you want indoor or outdoor fun, we have the place for you. The North Meck Regional Recreation Center is your go-to place for amazing indoor activities. Swimming, basketball, and volleyball are just a few of the fun things to do inside. Also, North Mecklenburg Park is also only 2 miles away from the library. This park has multiple playgrounds, walking and biking trails, as well as outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields!

Last but not least, you can hop over to Downtown Huntersville for even more family fun! So are you ready to explore and have some fun in Huntersville? We will be waiting to see you at the North County Regional Library.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

RESOURCES:

• North County Regional Library - 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville NC 28078 | 704-416-6000
• Birkdale Village - Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville NC 28078
• Bad Daddy’s - 8625 Lindholm Dr A, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-237-4055
• Downtown Huntersville - 105 S Old Statesville Road, Huntersville NC 28078
• Kung Foo Noodle  - 8625C Lindholm Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-997-8132
• Northcross Shopping Center - 9751 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
• Northern Regional Recreation Center - 18121 Old Statesville Rd, Cornelius NC 28031 | 980-314-6772
• North Mecklenburg Park - 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville NC 28078

This blog was written by Darrell Anderson, marketing and communication specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Did you know there is a new Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch located in the heart of Pineville? Well, now you do!

Located at 505 Main Street in the heart of Pineville, this 18,000 square foot community branch is home to a vast collection of print and digital materials. The building is unique in that it shares space with Pineville's Town Hall which is located on the upper level with the Library utilizing the lower half of the building, making it a true community space. Inside you'll find the same friendly staff and great programming and resource options the Library is known for.

Join us for our grand opening celebration on Saturday, December 10 from 11a.m.-3 p.m. with a day of fun for the entire family. Enjoy programs, games, entertainment and more as we invite the entire community to visit the new Pineville Branch. We hope to see you there!

Check out our schedule of events below:

• Family Storytime 11-11:45 a.m. | Program Room 
• Paw To Read 12-1 p.m. | Program Room
• Face Painting/Henna 12-2 p.m. | Face Painting in Children's area (public floor) | Henna in Teen area (public floor)
• Photo Booth 12-3 p.m. | Vending area
• B-Rad Magician  1-1:45 p.m. | Community Room
• Self-Guided Tour all-day | Goody bag handout after tour is complete at front desk
• Activities (craft) for kids 11-3 p.m. | Program Room & Foyer

Consider helping us stock the shelves at Pineville through a donation to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. A gift of $25 puts a new book on the shelf and will include a bookplate personalized with your name and, if you like, a tribute to a friend or family member.

donate here

This blog post was written by Elyse Berrier, library program coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  

National Family Literacy month is recognized each November, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library plans to celebrate with a systemwide, in-person, “Out of this World” Family Literacy Night on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. Families are invited to visit any Library location (no registration necessary) to participate in self-directed family literacy activities that the whole family will enjoy and be invited to take home. Play literacy games, check out books, read and write together, and learn more about why family literacy is extremely important! Every Library location will also be hosting a giveaway drawing and other fun surprises that you are not going to want to miss!  

While we are celebrating with this “stellar” event on November 30th, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library always strives to provide opportunities and education around families learning together every day all throughout the year. Here are five ways we encourage families to improve literacy together: 

1. READ OFTEN AND ALOUD AS A FAMILY:  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who are read to have better language skills, have more interest in reading, and have better nurturing relationships with their parental figures (AAP, 2014).  Make it a habit to read as often as you can as a family. Visit our physical Library locations to check out books, or read books electronically together! Browse one of our digital book resources, and spend time reading together as a family.  

1. WRITE FREQUENTLY: The practice of writing aids in fine motor skills, self-expression, and language development. There are many ways to practice writing as a family at home. Start a family journal, where family members write back and forth to one another, or simply send notes and letters to each other! Seek inspiration from our storytellers at the Library to write your own story together as a family. Drawing counts too!  Feel free to write a book review as well together as a family and add it to our catalog for others to enjoy! 

1. TALK TOGETHER: Talking about books and what is going on in your child’s life will help to improve your child’s language and vocabulary skills. Cognitive scientists from MIT found that conversation between an adult and a child can actually change and enhance a child’s brain physiology (Association of American Universities, 2018)! Active Reading, or the practice of reading aloud a children’s picture book by asking questions, building vocabulary, and making connections to the child’s world and experiences, is a wonderful way to talk together as a family. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library provides Active Reading Family Workshops and Active Reading Training programs to help you and your family have meaningful conversations about books together.  

1. LEARN AS A FAMILY: There are many ways to learn together as a family at the Library. Programs are available daily that you can attend together as a family including storytimes, story explorer programs, puppet shows, and more! Check out books and discuss what you learn together as a family and share it with others. Books with step-by-step instructions can teach your family a new recipe, craft, or activity to enjoy, while improving literacy skills.  

1. SPREAD THE JOY OF LITERACY: According to the Handbook of Family Literacy, family literacy refers to the spoken and written communication within a family, as well as the family’s efforts to improve and support a child’s literacy and language development (Van Horn, 2012). When parents, caregivers, and adults in a child’s life share their enthusiasm for literacy, a child’s attitude and perception about literacy improves as well. Allow the children around you to see adults reading, writing, talking, and learning, and they will follow suit!  

We look forward to your family making great use of all that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has to offer! Read often and aloud as a family, write frequently, talk together, learn as a family, and spread the joy of literacy.   

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.

The blog was written by Lawrence Turner, an adult services librarian at South County Regional Library.

An anonymous quote about marriage says: Marriage stands the test of times when both you and your spouse work towards making things better. And we are tested the most when we face adversities. If you can sail through the adversities as one, as a team, then you have won half the battle.

In the United States, that quote is put to the test with the legality of certain marriages.

The Respect for Marriage Act is in its final stages of passing in Congress as ends its session this year. Legislators sponsored the measure to preserve same-sex marriage, as a defense to guarantee it against a possible Supreme Court challenge. Interracial marriages were roped into the legislation proposal for the same reason.

Whereas same-sex marriages received Supreme Court support for legalization nationwide in 2015, and garnered public approval at a new high at 71% according to a May 2022 Gallup poll, interracial marriage is a much older social custom.  In 1967 the Supreme Court validated interracial marriages in the Loving v. Virginia case.  Last year, the Gallop Poll found the public approved interracial marriage at a new high of 94 percent. When the question was first polled in 1958, approval was at four percent.

While interracial unions are accepted to a large degree in the U.S., its early history can stand a brief peek in the spotlight. A genuine timeline of attitudes to interracial marriage should go back to the nation’s founding as it started as colonies. In 1968, the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service reported in a story that contempt for intermarriage grew as the population and influence of white women increased in settlements which previously had very large white male numbers. Herbert Moller, a sociologist, said, “…Through their enhanced influence on family and community life, women became more or less unintentionally the foremost agents in the establishment of racial barriers.”     

As to be expected, laws followed to enforce these attitudes.  In Sheryll Cashin’s book, Loving: Interracial Intimacy in America and the Threat to White Supremacy, she writes Virginia’s first comprehensive slave code in 1705 made that point. Enslaved Africans during that year lost rights they had previously enjoyed equal to white indented servants.  As a result, the white servants—i.e., white individuals—gained new privileges to bond closer to slaveholders. The code “included penalties against interracial marriage” while not doing the same for “master/slave sex, which would become the dominant form of interracial sex in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.”  

Neighboring state North Carolina would follow the model from Virginia as other states Cashin writes. Although in a modest dissention, the North Carolina Digital Collections, a web-based Charlotte Mecklenburg Library resource, shows a documented interracial marriage in a colonial record of a “mulatto” (mixed African and European ancestry—an outdated and offensive term) man and white woman in 1725.  The couple came from Virginia.    

Fast forward several hundred years to the present-day United States and consider the changes. Laws and social norms have made tremendous strides to make formerly enslaved African descendants’ full American citizen in legal standing. What may come next is the question: have those deep-seated attitudes about racial separation in marriage changed too?  On the surface, it appears so. Despite brash voices or newsworthy incidents of racial hate, today there is a bottom line for many to be accepting, or at least tolerant, of individuals of different races marrying.

Returning to the earlier mentioned Gallup poll article, it said: Opposition to interracial marriage still exists, but it is quite small. Future measures will indicate whether 94% is the ceiling for approval, or if there is still room for growth in acceptance.

Find stories about real-life interracial couples, the Loving v. Virginia case and more in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, click to access them here.