Live colorfully with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
April 8, 2020
We’ve seen brighter days and, surely, we’ll see them again. As early as this weekend it seems.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you to stay home while staying connected to Library resources and each other with an all-day “In Living Color” virtual activity day on Saturday, April 11, 2020! Anyone can participate in this event, which features fun, color-themed activities and lists we’ve curated to help enliven your spring, despite our collective circumstances. You can enjoy all of the activities listed below from the comfort of home, on your own time.
Our commitment to improve lives and build a stronger community is not limited by distance and we hope that however you spend your weekend, you know that your Library is thinking of you during this critical time.
Come along with us for your personal adventure. You can post your photos and videos to social media, tag @cmlibrary and use the hashtags #CMLinlivingcolor and #icanwithCML.
Remember, we’re all in this together.
So, what can you look forward to on Saturday, April 11, 2020? Try any (or all!) of the following*:
Go for a color walk
What’s a color walk? Pick a color of your choice and go for a relaxed stroll near home. Look for things in nature, and in your surroundings, that match the color you picked! Find color walk instructions here.Spell your name
Have a long name? You’re in for a ton of fun this weekend! Choose the letters that comprise your name and complete the actions assigned to each one. You might not finish them all in one day, but, then again, you might. Besides, who doesn’t want to make an orange creamsicle smoothie or play a game of Trouble online? Click here to spell your name.Get into the groove
Our colorful Freegal Music playlist is head-bob worthy. We encourage foot-tapping as well. Listen here (hint: you’ll need your Library card number or ONE Access ID to access this list. Need one? Apply for a Library card here).
Head to class
That’s Universal Class, if you were wondering. Sign up for a class such as Face Painting 101, Cake Decorating 101 or Digital Photography 101. If you’re going to be home, you might as well learn something you’ll love. Find the perfect class for you here.
Put on your game face
Everyone wins with this colorful game list. Don’t have a suggested boardgame on hand? That’s ok – we’ve thrown in some online games as well. Find a game you love here.Recline and rewind
If watching a film or movie is more your speed, we have that covered for you as well. The hue-named titles on this list are a good pick on any day. Explore movies for children and for older teens and adults.Let’s get cooking
Whether you know your way around the kitchen or you’re a novice to the stove, these tasty, vibrant and handy recipes will ensure your everyone’s favorite chef by summertime. Find yummy recipes here.
Get ready to read color titles
Are you an avid reader? Great! Because we dove deep to find the perfect books for you. Access your next favorite color-themed read here: Adult reading list, Children’s reading list, Teen reading list.
Have an active day and don't forget to tag your social media posts! #CMLinlivingcolor #icanwithCML
*Please remember that borrower checkout limits apply for digital and online resources
This year's theme truly aligns with our mission of improving lives and building a stronger community. It illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise as we move to online and virtual offerings. Libraries also normally provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. National Library Week is an opportunity to highlight the changing role of public libraries in our society. Libraries are about more than just the services they offer; they are about the people they serve.
We invite our community to follow along, share and comment on social media at 
Jenn Kwiatkowski & Koda, Paws to Read
Mariana Morini, Job Help Center at Main Library
Matthew Wagner, South County Regional Library (in memoriam) 
At the library, my eyes darted to the flyer about the weekly writing group, Write Like You Mean It. 
As a fresh off the boat immigrant, one of the challenges I faced was making good friends. Thanks to my writing group and my involvement in Library writing programs, I met many like-minded people. I now have a diverse and trustworthy group of friends, most of whom are writers. They have inspired me through their writing and supported me at my programs. I would love to mention all their names, but I am afraid I might forget someone. That gives you an idea of the number!
