Charlotte, North Carolina, was first settled after colonists made their way down the Great Wagon Road. Northern colonies in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia had become crowded, so settlers went south to seek religious and economic freedom, as well as to take advantage of quality farmland. Native Americans used this trail for hunting, trading, and war long before the settlers used it to migrate south. The Native Americans named the trail “Warriors Path.” 

Conestoga Wagon, courtesy of Wikimedia. 

Before Charlotte was chartered in 1768 by the colonial North Carolina General Assembly, settlers called the area “Charlottetowne” after Queen Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The settlers sought to honor Queen Charlotte’s husband, King George III, as well as to sway Assemblymen into making Charlotte the site of the county courthouse as a political bid. Courthouses enabled cities to grow economically by serving as a hub for visitors and business during quarterly sessions. The Assemblymen chartered the city of Charlotte in 1768 and entitled the city to a courthouse and a prison.  

The charter reads: 

“Be it therefore Enacted, by the Governor, Council, and Assembly, and by the Authority of the same, That the said Three Hundred and Sixty Acres of Land, so laid off by the Commissioners or Trustees as aforesaid, be, and the same is hereby constituted, erected, and established, a Town and Town Common, and shall be called by the name of Charlotte.” 

-- Acts of the North Carolina General Assembly, 1768; North Carolina. General Assembly; November 07, 1768 - December 05, 1768; Volume 23, Pages 759-783; CHAPTER XI. 

1766- The First Mecklenburg County Courthouse (modern interpretation). Courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room. 

Mecklenburg County, the county in which the city of Charlotte exists, was also named in honor of Queen Charlotte. Charlotte’s birthplace was Mecklenburg-Strelitz, which is a province in present-day northern Germany. Queen Charlotte never actually visited our city, but one of her handwritten letters is housed at the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room in the Main Library: 

Queen Charlotte Letter, 1812. Courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room. 

 

Who was Queen Charlotte anyway?   

George III (1738-1820), Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) and their Six Eldest Children. Courtesy of Zoffany Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2014. 

Queen Charlotte Sophia was born in Mecklenburg-Strelitz (in the Holy Roman Empire) in 1744, to Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg and Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen. As a child, she was educated by a priest in botany, natural history and language, but focused her studies in housekeeping and religion. As demonstrated by the letter above, Charlotte learned how to read and write. These were rare skills for women during that time—her royal status permitted her to have access to education through multiple tutors.  

Unfinished portrait depicting the marriage of George III to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on 8 September 1761, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Courtesy of Royal Collection Trust. 

At 17 years old in 1761, Charlotte was engaged to King George III. She was an attractive option to wed because she was born in an “insignificant” part of Europe and would likely have no interest in politics; she was instructed by George III after their wedding “not to meddle” in politics, which she obeyed. However, she did have indirect political influence—she used her closeness to George III to keep herself informed and to recommend office appointments, as well as keep German interests in mind. She did not speak English at first but learned quickly. One observer commented, "She is timid at first but talks a lot, when she is among people she knows."  

View of Buckingham House from WH Pyne, The History of the Royal Residences, 1819 (Courtesy of the British Library).

Although St. James Palace was the official Royal residence, Queen Charlotte fell in love with Buckingham House, which she and George III moved into shortly after purchasing. She gave birth to 14 of her 15 children in the house that eventually became known as “The Queen’s House.” This property is now popularly known as Buckingham Palace. 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Opus 3 Dedication Page. Courtesy of Bibliorare. 

Queen Charlotte had a passion for music, so she brought a harpsichord with her from Germany and took lessons from Johann Christian Bach, son of Johann Sebastian Bach. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once played the organ as Queen Charlotte sang on a family trip to England when he was 8 years old. Mozart later dedicated his Opus 3 to his beloved queen. On the dedication page he wrote, “Filled with pride and joy at daring to offer you a tribute, I was finishing up these sonatas to be laid at the feet of your Majesty [Queen Charlotte]; I was, I confess, drunk with vanity and thrilled with myself, when I spied the Genius of Music at my side.”  

Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) by Sir Allan Ramsay, ca. 1761-1769. Courtesy of Royal Collection Trust, https://www.rct.uk/collection/402413/queen-charlotte-1744-1818 

According to some genealogists, Queen Charlotte is informally considered the second biracial Queen of England. She was purportedly a direct descendent of Margarita de Castro e Sousa, a member of the African branch of the Portuguese Royal House. Early portraits of the Queen show that Charlotte had hints of African physical attributes. Sir Allan Ramsay painted many portraits of Queen Charlotte, seen above. Writings from the period also alluded to her “mulatto” appearance, meaning “one with mixed black and white ancestry.”  

As anti-slavery movements in England became more prevalent, royal portrait painters were instructed to soften “undesirable” features in their subjects’ faces. This included making Queen Charlotte’s skin tone appear lighter and manipulating other physical features. In fact, Ramsay’s Coronation portrait of Charlotte was distributed in England and the colonies to subtly stoke anti-slavery sentiment due to the prevalence of Charlotte’s African features.  

A photo of Kew Gardens, the royal botanical garden Queen Charlotte helped maintain. Photo by Kew Gardens. 

Queen Charlotte had a keen interest in botany and played a large role in expanding and preserving Kew Gardens, the Royal botanical gardens in Kew, England. She was known by the British public as the “Queen of Botany,” and botanists named the Bird of Paradise, a flower native to South Africa, the Strelitzia reginae in her honor. Charlotte turned to botany when she struggled with her mental health, which is when she planned the gardens of the Frogmore House in Windsor.  

Queen Charlotte was also a philanthropist, founding several orphanages in England. She founded and was named the Patron of the General Lying-in Hospital in London, which was later named The Queen’s Hospital and is now known as The Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. Queen Charlotte was also known to offer aid to poor families, as well as helped struggling musicians. 

--

Sources:  

Blakemore, Erin. “Meghan Markle Might Not Be the First Mixed-Race British Royal.” History. https://www.history.com/news/biracial-royalty-meghan-markle-queen-charlotte. Accessed August 2019. 

Cooper, Jean L. and Angelika S. Powell. “Queen Charlotte’s Letters.” http://people.virginia.edu/~jlc5f/charlotte/letter_intro.html. Accessed August 2019.  

“England’s 18th Century Black Queen, Sophie Charlotte born.” AAREG. https://aaregistry.org/story/englands-first-black-queen-sophie-charlotte-born/. Accessed August 2019. 

Fraser, Flora. “Princesses: The Six Daughters of George III.” New York: Knopf, 2005. (CML Call No. 941.073 Fraser) 

Hanchett, Tom. “The History of Charlotte.” Charlotte. https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/articles/history/the-history-of-charlotte. Accessed August 2019. 

Hedley, Olwen. “Queen Charlotte.” London: J. Murray, 1875. (NCR B C479c H455) 

“History Timeline, Rural Beginnings 1730-1772, 1776- The First Mecklenburg County Courthouse.” Charlotte Mecklenburg Story. https://www.cmstory.org/exhibits/history-timeline-rural-beginnings-1730-1772/1766-first-mecklenburg-county-courthouse. Accessed August 2019. 

“History Timeline, Rural Beginnings 1730-1772, 1768- Charlotte Chartered.” Charlotte Mecklenburg Story. https://www.cmstory.org/exhibits/history-timeline-rural-beginnings-1730-1772/1768-charlotte-chartered. Accessed August 2019.  

Jackson, Marshall R., III. “Great Wagon Road.” NCPedia.  https://www.ncpedia.org/great-wagon-road. Accessed August 2019.  

“Queen Charlotte (19 May 1744- 17 November 1818.” The Royal Family. https://www.royal.uk/. Accessed August 2019. 

Valdes y Cocom, Mario de. “The Blurred Racial Lines of Famous Families: Queen Charlotte.” South Carolina etv. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/secret/famous/royalfamily.html.  

Walk-Morris, Tatiana. “Five Things to Know About Queen Charlotte.” Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews-arts-culture/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-queen-charlotte-180967373/. Accessed August 2019. 

Have you ever wanted to manage your holds from home but weren’t sure what to do? As Charlotte Mecklenburg Library prepares for its phased approach to re-opening, now is a great time to review the list of holds on your account and determine whether you still want or need those items. This post will explain the difference between canceling and suspending/pausing a hold and show you how to take care of both from your computer, tablet or mobile device. Please note: In this case, we are referring to physical items that you placed on hold, not requests for e-books or e-audiobooks.

Canceling a hold

Were you able to check out the e-book version of a print title that you had on hold and find that you no longer need the print copy? Did you request items to help with a school project that you no longer need? Canceling a hold means that you no longer need that item and want to remove it from your holds list. You can cancel holds through the Library’s website or through the Library’s mobile app. Find steps to manage your holds below or here.

Canceling holds through the Library’s website on a PC, tablet or smartphone

 1) Visit www.cmlibrary.org and click the account button at the top of the page.

2) Enter your Library card number, ONE Access ID or username; then enter your PIN and click Log In. If you’ve never accessed your account through the Library’s website before, you will be asked to create a new account. Tip: When you create an account in Bibliocommons (the name for the Library’s catalog system), you will be asked to create a username. For future logins, you can use either your Library card number/ONE Access ID or the username you create.

3) You’ll see a box labeled My Borrowing on the left side of your screen. This includes access to materials you have checked out, your holds, your borrowing history (if that feature has been enabled) and any fees associated with your account. To access your list of holds, click where it says On Hold.

4) The next page displays your current hold requests. If you only want to cancel one hold, click the Cancel hold button next to the appropriate item. 

 If you want to cancel multiple holds, check the box next to each of the items you want to cancel. You should see that a red box has appeared at the bottom of your screen. Click on Manage Items, then click on Cancel holds. The system will ask you to confirm that you do want to cancel those holds.

 

How to cancel holds using the Library’s mobile app

If you do not have the Library’s mobile app, you can download it for free through the app store on your tablet or smartphone.

1) Log in to the mobile app using your Library card or ONE Access ID and your PIN.

2) The items you currently have checked out will be listed first. Scroll down to the section titled Waiting on Availability. Press the Cancel button next to each item you want to cancel.

Pausing/suspending a hold

Do you tend to place a lot of materials on hold and then find that they all come in at one time? Have you ever been on vacation only to find that the materials you requested came in while you were away, causing you to miss the opportunity to check them out? When you suspend/pause a hold, your name continues to move up the holds list, but your hold will not come in for you until after the date that you set. Tip: If you are managing your holds through the website, you will see the term “pause hold,” but the Library’s mobile app uses the term “suspend holds.” They both accomplish the same task – this is just one of the quirks of the system.

How to pause holds using the Library’s website on a PC, smartphone or tablet

If you want to pause your hold for only one item, or if you want to pause holds for multiple items using different dates, follow steps one through three listed under “Canceling a hold using the Library’s website on a PC, smartphone or tablet” above. Click Pause Hold next to the appropriate item. Then, choose Select a date and use the calendar tool that appears to pick the date after which you want to receive your hold. Please note: This does not necessarily mean that your hold will come in for you on that date. When your hold arrives still depends on where you are on the request list as well as the availability of the item. This just means you can be assured that your hold will not come in until sometime after the date you choose.

If you want to pause multiple holds using the same date, check the box next to each item you want to pause. You should see that a red box has appeared at the bottom of your screen. Click on Manage Items, then click on Pause holds. You’ll have the opportunity to Select a date from a calendar, then click on Yes, pause holds.

How to suspend holds using the CMLibrary mobile app

1) Log in to the mobile app using your Library card or ONE Access ID and your PIN.

2) The items you currently have checked out will be listed first. Scroll down to the section titled Waiting on Availability. Press the Suspend button next to each item you want to suspend.

3) Select your Resume Date and press Ok.

We understand that managing holds can be confusing, so please reach out to Library staff for help at any time. Staff can also assist you with canceling/suspending holds on e-books and e-audiobooks. While the Library is physically closed, staff are available Monday-Friday through our Ask a Librarian chat service from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Click here to learn how to connect with staff if you’re new to online chat.

In 1887, local philanthropist Jane Renwick Smedberg Wilkes (1827-1913) enabled the Right Reverend Joseph Blount Cheshire (1850-1932), a representative of the North Carolina Episcopal Diocese, to purchase a plot of land at 411 W. Hill Street for the construction of a black hospital. On December 18, 1888 the first cornerstone of Good Samaritan Hospital was laid in a ceremony attended by both black and white Charlotte residents. Construction of the hospital finished in 1891 and, on September 23 of the same year, the hospital opened for business. Good Samaritan Hospital was the first privately funded black hospital in North Carolina. 

Fundraising for this hospital was largely left to local black churches and community leaders like Mrs. Wilkes, who worked tirelessly on behalf of the hospital. She wrote to every Episcopal diocese in the country, as well as to many of her friends and family members who lived in New York, her home state. She sent so many bequests for financial support that one of her brothers asked her to cease. Intense fundraising efforts by black churches, Mrs. Wilkes, James Buchanan Duke (1856-1925) and W.R. Bier led to the construction of a modern addition that doubled the size of the hospital in 1925. 

During a time when many businesses did not employ people of color, Good Samaritan Hospital offered an opportunity for black doctors to practice medicine in Charlotte. Dr. James A. Pethel worked at the hospital from 1904-1950. Dr. J.T. Williams and Dr. D.E. Caldwell were the first two doctors at the hospital, and Dr. Blackman was one of the first, and only, surgeons to practice at Good Samaritan. 

Separate was never equal. Good Samaritan struggled to maintain services as they depended on the community to donate blankets, food and other supplies. The lack of basic diagnostic tools, such as a pathology lab or an x-ray department, in the hospital often hindered doctors and nurses in the practice of medicine. But today, many black Charlotteans will proudly say they were born at “Good Sam.”   

The Old North State Medical Society, a society established for black physicians who were prohibited from joining the American Medical Association, was established around the same time that Good Samaritan was built. In 1903, Good Samaritan Hospital established its own School of Nursing, with the goal to train nurses to work in the hospital, as well as give young black women the opportunity to work in an “honored” profession. 

As one of the only black hospitals in North Carolina, Good Samaritan Hospital served Charlotte’s black community in addition to black patients throughout North Carolina and surrounding states, including South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and one patient from Wisconsin in 1902. In 1911, the hospital treated 81 patients from a train crash in Hamlet, NC which cemented the hospital’s reputation in North Carolina as a prestigious black hospital. 

The Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary was another source of community support. The auxiliary offered assistance to hospital staff and patients. 

The decline of Good Samaritan coincided with the Civil Rights Movement. Under the leadership of Dr. Reginald Hawkins, protests outside of the hospital led local leaders to finally decide the fate of the facility in 1962. Shutting the hospital down and selling it became a huge goal of Charlotte’s black community, as they hoped integration would provide access to the tools and methods previously unavailable to black patients at Good Samaritan. 

Good Samaritan Hospital was sold to the City of Charlotte in 1961 for one dollar and became the Charlotte Community Hospital, which was an integrated hospital associated with Charlotte Memorial Hospital (now known as Atrium Health). In 1982, the hospital was shut down and converted into Magnolia’s Rest Home, and in 1996 the Rest Home was torn down to make way for Ericsson Stadium, now known as Bank of America Stadium, in 1996. 

Though the building is gone, the memories remain. The story of Good Samaritan is an integral part of the history of Charlotte during the era of segregation. It is a testament to all black men and women who worked tirelessly to provide for the needs of others regardless of race, in spite of the limitations thrust upon them. 

 --

Citations 

Lunsford, Brandon. “Good Samaritan Hospital.” The Charlotte Museum of History. Accessed March 2020. 

https://charlottemuseum.org/good-samaritan-hospital/ 

“Old Good Samaritan Hospital.” Historic Landmarks Commission. March 6, 1985. Accessed March 2020. 

http://landmarkscommission.org/2016/11/09/old-good-samaritan-hospital/ 

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

We really missed you! Beginning June 1, 2020, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library begins phasing in services. The Library will be open during its regular summer hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 At each branch location you’ll find limited services - holds pick-up and returns only. We allocated space inside the front entrance in each branch to serve one customer at a time, with a 6-foot distancing line outside. While customers are in line outside, staff will encourage social distancing and explain the available services.

During our initial opening phase, all Library staff will wear face masks or coverings, and, as of June 26, 2020 at 5 p.m., customers are required to wear masks or face coverings in accordance to North Carolina state guidelines. We’re moving from virtual-only services to in-person services in a responsible way that focuses on safety. We’ll continue to bring back in-person services over the next weeks and months as it is safe to do so, and as we build our capacity to provide service in a new way that meets the safety requirements as outlined by the State and the County. 

We are taking extensive precautions to ensure a safe space for our customers and staff. Stay tuned for more information on the continued re-opening of services.

Thank you for your patience. Click here for the complete Library Re-Opening Plan.

Here’s what’s available during our initial opening phase:

•  All Library staff will wear face masks or coverings, and, as of June 26, 2020 at 5 p.m., customers are required to wear masks or face coverings in accordance to North Carolina state guidelines.
• Only one customer allowed inside a branch at a time.
• Minimized footprint in locations.
• Streamlined self-checkout designed for quick in-and-out and safe, socially distanced interactions.
• Staff interaction minimal and at a distance.
• Materials and holds are available for pickup inside the branches.
• All checkouts are self-checkouts. You can scan your card (physical or on the app) and the materials. You will not need to enter your pin.
• Mobile printing is available for pickup from the branch. Learn more here.
• All material/book drops remain closed. Please return materials and books to the designated receptacles located at your branch during the Library’s open hours. There are signs that will direct you to the proper bin where returned materials will be received to begin the materials quarantine process.
• Fines and fees are suspended during Phase 1.
• Restrooms will not be open to the public.

Computer rooms – computers will not be available during Phase 1 of the Library re-opening.

Community room – all events and room reservations have been cancelled until further notice.

Outreach programming – continues online or virtual, as coordinated between our Outreach team and the organization.

Programming and events – all programs and events for children, teens, adult and the Job Help Center have moved to online or virtual formats.  Check here for the weekly schedule or visit the Calendar page on our website.

Materials Holds - here’s what to keep in mind:

• Books are quarantined for 96 hours before they are checked in*.
• No need to ‘clean’ or disinfect your materials.
• Materials that were on the holds shelf at the time of the Library’s closure will expire during the week of June 15
• Holds:
  •  If there are holds (physical or print items) you no longer need, you can update your account. Now is a great time to review the list of holds on your account and determine whether you still want or need those items. Click here for the How to manage your holds at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog post and find the information you need. This post explains the difference between canceling and suspending/pausing a hold and shows you how to take care of both from your computer, tablet or mobile device.

We’re here for you online or on the phone.

You can reach our online chat during regular operating hours at cmlibrary.org and click on Ask a Librarian. Starting June 1, our telephone reference resumes during normal operating hours at 704.416.0101, or, you can contact your local branch location directly - visit the Branches page for more information.

Follow us on social media or visit the Library’s blog for updated information: cmlibrary.org/blog

*Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is working to keep materials safe by using a quarantine method. All items are held for four days upon return before check-in. Customers will see items they have returned stay on their accounts for at least four days. Please be patient as we work to keep our collection as safe as possible. No overdue fines will be assessed during this time.

Items checked out from the Library have gone through quarantine before being placed on the Holds shelf for pickup. Please refrain from cleaning or disinfecting materials as this may damage items. Customers who wish to ensure safety of checked-out materials may do so by placing the materials in a safe space at home and letting them sit for at least 96 hours.  

Services are subject to change. 

La biblioteca comienza a incorporar sus servicios el 1 ^o de junio del 2020

¡Lo hemos extrañado! A partir del 1 ^o de junio del 2020, la Biblioteca de Charlotte Mecklenburg comienza a incorporar sus servicios en fases. La biblioteca estará abierta durante el horario regular de verano: de lunes a jueves de 9 a.m. a 8 p.m. y viernes y sábado de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m.

Se espera que la primera fase de la reapertura dure de tres a cuatro semanas antes de expandirnos a nuestra segunda fase. En cada sucursal encontrará servicios limitados: solo puede recoger artículos en reserva y devolver sus materiales. Asignamos espacio dentro de la entrada principal en cada sucursal para atender a un cliente a la vez, con una línea de distancia de 6 pies afuera. Mientras los clientes hacen cola afuera, el personal fomentará el distanciamiento social y explicará los servicios disponibles.

Durante nuestra fase inicial de apertura, todo el personal de la biblioteca usará mascarillas o cubrebocas, y alentamos (pero no exigimos) que los clientes hagan lo mismo. Estamos pasando de servicios virtuales a servicios en persona de una manera responsable que se centra en la seguridad. Continuaremos brindando servicios en persona durante las próximas semanas y meses, cuando sea seguro hacerlo, y a medida que desarrollamos nuestra capacidad para prestar servicios de una nueva manera que cumpla con los requisitos de seguridad establecidos por el Estado y el Condado.

Estamos tomando amplias precauciones para garantizar un espacio seguro para nuestros clientes y personal. Esté atento para obtener más información sobre la continua reapertura de servicios.

Gracias por su paciencia. HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA LEER EL PLAN COMPLETO DE LA REAPERTURA DE LA BIBLIOTECA.

Síganos en las redes sociales o visite el blog de la biblioteca para obtener información actualizada: cmlibrary.org/blog

Esto es lo que está disponible durante nuestra fase inicial de apertura:

• El personal usará mascarillas faciales / cubrebocas y equipo de protección. Las mascarillas faciales son opcionales para los clientes, pero se recomiendan.
• Solo se permite un cliente dentro de una sucursal a la vez.
• Huella minimizada en nuestras sucursales.
• Préstamo de materiales optimizado, diseñado para entradas rápidas y seguras e interacciones socialmente distanciadas.
• Interacción del personal mínima y a distancia.
• Los materiales en reserva y algunos otros materiales están disponibles para recoger dentro de nuestras sucursales.
• Todos los préstamos son automáticos. Puede escanear su tarjeta (física o en la aplicación) y los materiales. No necesitará ingresar su PIN (número de identificación personal).
• Todos los buzones para devolver los materiales seguirán cerrados. Devuelva los materiales a los receptáculos designados ubicados en cualquier sucursal durante el horario de atención de la biblioteca. Hay letreros que lo dirigirán al contenedor adecuado donde se recibirán los materiales devueltos para comenzar el proceso de cuarentena de materiales.
• Las multas y tarifas se suspenderán durante la Fase 1.
• Los baños no estarán abiertos al público.

Salas de computadoras – las computadoras no estarán disponibles durante la Fase 1 de la reapertura de la biblioteca.

Salón comunitario – todos los eventos y reservas de los salones se han cancelado hasta nuevo aviso.

Programación de extensión – continúa en línea o virtual, según lo coordinado entre nuestro equipo de extensión y la organización.

Programación y eventos – todos los programas y eventos para niños, adolescentes, adultos y el centro de ayuda laboral se han trasladado a formatos virtuales o en línea. Consulte aquí el horario semanal o visite el Calendario en nuestro sitio web.

Materiales en reserva - esto es lo que debe tener en cuenta:

• Los materiales se ponen en cuarentena durante 96 horas antes de procesarse *.

• No es necesario "limpiar" o desinfectar sus materiales.

• Los materiales que estaban en reserva en el momento del cierre de la biblioteca expirarán durante la semana del 15 de junio.

• Materiales en reserva:

Si ya no necesita algunos de los materiales que puso en reserva (elementos físicos o de impresión), puede actualizar su cuenta. Ahora es un buen momento para revisar la lista de reservas en su cuenta y determinar si aún desea o necesita esos artículos. Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo administrar sus reservas en el blog de la Biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg y encontrar la información que necesita. Esta publicación explica la diferencia entre cancelar y suspender / pausar los materiales en reserva y le muestra cómo hacer esto desde su computadora, tableta o dispositivo móvil.

Estamos aquí para servirle en línea o por teléfono.

Puede comunicarse con nosotros a través de nuestro chat en línea durante el horario de atención habitual en cmlibrary.org haciendo clic en el botón titulado “Ask a Librarian”. A partir del 1 ^o de junio, nuestra referencia telefónica se reanudará durante el horario normal de atención. Puede llamar al 704.416.0101, o comunicarse directamente con su sucursal local. Visite la página de información sobre nuestras sucursales para obtener más información.

 * La Biblioteca de Charlotte Mecklenburg está trabajando para mantener los materiales seguros mediante el uso de un método de cuarentena. Todos los artículos se guardan durante cuatro días a su regreso antes de procesarlos. Los clientes verán que los artículos que han devuelto en sus cuentas permanecen ahí durante por lo menos cuatro días. Tenga paciencia mientras trabajamos para mantener nuestra colección lo más segura posible. No se impondrán multas por materiales vencidos durante este tiempo.

Los artículos extraídos de la biblioteca han pasado por la cuarentena antes de ser colocados en el estante de reservas para ser recogidos. Por favor absténgase de limpiar o desinfectar los materiales, ya que esto puede dañar los artículos. Los clientes que deseen garantizar la seguridad de los materiales retirados pueden hacerlo colocando los materiales en un lugar seguro en casa y dejándolos reposar durante al menos 96 horas.

Los servicios están sujetos a cambios.

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 6/1/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Sunday 5/31

International Authors Book Club for 20-30 Somethings (Virtual) - 4 p.m.   LEARN MORE

Monday 6/1

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN More

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)    LEARN MORE

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Mindful Mondays – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)

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

One-on-One Homework Help - 1:30 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 Homework Help - 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)   REGISTER

Career Connections: Meet a Local Textile Store Owner – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)    REGISTER

Tuesday 6/2              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN More

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 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

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Engage 2020: Learning Circles: Women Have Always Worked (Part 1) – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

WBL Book Club – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

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

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

One-on-One Homework Help - 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

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

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

One-on-One Homework Help - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Anime Club – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)    REGISTER

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

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

Spanish Conversation Club – 5 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Confident Career Moves with Ericka Spradley (virtual) Session 4 – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 6 p.m.   REGISTER

Graphic Novel Book Club – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Murderino Book Club – 7 p.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Wednesday 6/3

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN More

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help - 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

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

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Lunch & Munch Book Club - 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Poetry in Pajamas – 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 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 Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Engage 2020: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  

Teens LIVE: Career Conversation – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)  LEARN  MORE

One-on-One Homework Help – 5 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Thursday 6/4

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN More

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Homework Help - 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

One-on-One Homework Help - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Non Profit Services: Intro to Proposal Writing – 12 p.m. (Adult programming)  

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

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

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

Spanish Conversation Club – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 year olds – 2 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

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

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

One-on-One Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) - 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Book Talk: Children's - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN MORE

North County Regional Wordsmiths - Technology – 5:30 p.m.  REGISTER

Spanish Conversation Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

PM Book Club Crawl – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

English Conversation Club - 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Friday 6/5

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)   LEARN More

Nonprofit Services Coffee & Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   

One-on-One Homework Help – 10 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

Favorite Books Book Club – 10:30 a.m. (Adult programming)   REGISTER

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

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

One-on-One Homework Help – 11 a.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

One-on-One Homework Help – 1:30 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 Homework Help – 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)   REGISTER

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

Saturday 6/6

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN More

Learning Circle: The Science of Wellbeing – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)    REGISTER

Plaza Midwood Writing Group – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)    REGISTER

Teens LIVE - Tie-Dye for Summer – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

It's that wonderful time of year - Summer Break!  Take your summer learning to the next level with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Summer Break 2020 Challenges.  We’re already well into week one of our first challenge: Summer Break: At Home.  

Fun Challenges and A New App 

Our first summer learning challenge Summer Break: At Home starts June 1 and ends June 30. Everyone is challenged to read 15 million minutes together. 

Register for the challenge online by visiting our website or downloading our new app, Beanstack Tracker.   Your free account allows you to track reading time and learning activities to collect virtual badges.  

Stay tuned for more information about our second challenge Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere launching July 1. Everyone registered for the first Summer Break challenge will be automatically registered for the second challenge. 

Exciting Programs 

Though our Summer Break 2020 program can be completed entirely online, our libraries are hosting some wonderful virtual programs this summer.  Check out these upcoming programs that you can access from home. 

Comments? Questions? 

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2020 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 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. 

It seemed like the school year would never end, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel!  To be sure you don’t get bored, download our interactive calendar that is filled with engaging online activities for teens to do at home. 
 

• Celebrate National Egg Day by watching How to Not Crack an Egg.
• Honor Donald Duck’s birthday by visiting lynda.com and learning how to draw cartoon characters.
• On National Best Friend Day, explore Mango Languages and learn a new language with a friend. 
• Try your problem-solving skills at the Digital Escape Rooms.
• On Let it Go Day, seek non-judgmental advice from Teen Health & Wellness.

Explore, discover and enjoy learning something new! You can take virtual tours, prepare for college and your career, learn how to play the guitar and/or participate in STEM activities. It’s all just a click away.

If you catch yourself doing any of the suggested activities, be sure to tag us on social media @cmlibrary.

To access the Library’s resources from home, you must have your ONE Access ID number, Library card number and PIN.

Ready to explore? Download our June online activities calendar today!

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 6/8/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 6/8

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

French for Beginners – 11 a.m. (Adult programming)  REGISTER

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

Tuesday 6/9              

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Engage 2020: Learning Circles: Women Have Always Worked (Part 2) – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)  REGISTER

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

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

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

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

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

Story Explorers Enrichment – 2 p.m.   (Children's programming)  Register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 2:30 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Anime Club – 3 p.m.  (Teen programming)  Register

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

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

Spanish Conversation Club – 5 p.m. (Adult programming)  Register

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of K-3 Students – 6 p.m.   Register

Wednesday 6/10

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Bridging the Social Distance: A Community Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)   Register

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 11 a.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 p.m.  (Adult programming)  Register

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

Finding Home: A Community Conversation – 2 p.m. (Adult 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: School Age Stories – 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  REGISTER

Thursday 6/11

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  Register

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

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

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

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

Spanish Conversation Club – 1 p.m. (Adult programming)   Register

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 year olds – 2 p.m. (Adult 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

Elevator Pitch (Virtual) - 3 p.m. (Adult programming)  Register

Book Talk: Children's - 3 p.m. (Children's programming)  Register

Spanish Conversation Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming)  Register

English Conversation Club - 7 p.m. (Adult programming)  Register

Friday 6/12

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Nonprofit Services Coffee & Conversation – 10 a.m. (Adult programming)  Register

Baby Storytime – 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming)  Learn more

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

Saturday 6/13

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m.  (Children's programming)  LEARN MORE

Learning Circle: The Science of Wellbeing – 9:30 a.m.  (Adult programming) REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 10 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Register  

Virtual Reading Buddies – 11 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Register

With the vast number of careers available, it can be hard for teens to decide on a career path, let alone know which careers best suit them. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s College & Career Connections team has put together a podcast series interviewing a wide variety of professionals in the workforce. Most of the interviews are with professionals working in Charlotte, and each person gives an account of what steps led them to their career and offers advice for anyone interested in pursuing that path. 

Some of the interviews include: 

Dekina, Shelter Community Manager with Charlotte Family Housing - Dekina gives an account of managing the shelter phase of the Charlotte Family Housing program. She discusses the how rewarding her job is when she can change a person’s circumstance “with a simple act or simple words of encouragement.” The changes she can see in other people’s lives is the most meaningful aspect of her job. 

Michael, a College Counselor at Central Piedmont - Michael talks about counseling and advising students at CPCC. He works one-on-one with students doing academic coaching as well as mental health counseling. He discusses the need to remain organized every time he meets with a student. Writing is very important for his career as well as self-reflection. 

Isaiah, a Travel Nurse - Isaiah discusses what it is like to be a travel nurse in North Carolina and outside the state. He works as a nurse with short contracts with different hospitals depending on which area he would like to go to. His job is very rewarding with the connection he makes with his patients. He also gives some advice for everyone to keep them healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Tyler, a Cash Management Accountant - Tyler works for a hospital chain in Charlotte as a Cash Management Accountant. He likes the structure that comes with this type of position, and his career requires a lot of detail-oriented work. He discusses how he started out as a Pharmacy Major in college and then discovered a passion for accounting, while taking accounting courses. He wants to debunk the myth the Accountants are boring; he shares how much fun he and his coworkers have. 

Amrita, an Outreach Coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - Amrita has a unique position in the Library system. Within the Outreach department, she spends her time mostly in the community providing Library services and programming. She works with a wide variety of people and age ranges. Her day could be doing a “storytime for kids or book clubs and reading groups for school age children” as well as "sensory programming for adults, teaching technology programs, providing discussion groups for adults who are unable to read and write”. She says her job is a “really worthy challenge” which she and her coworkers gets excited by. 

For the rest of the Career Exploration Spotlights, please visit our Teen Services Digital Branch. 

For more information about future planning for teens, please visit our College and Career Connections website. 

Welcome to Week Two of Summer Break: At Home! We hope that your summer is off to a great start and you are recording all the time you have spent reading and learning. New this year is a two-part summer challenge - Summer Break: At Home (June 1-30) and Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere (July 1 – August 8).  

Looking for Reading Suggestions?  

Description automatically generated" src="data:image/png;base64,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" style="border:none;vertical-align:baseline;width:134px;height:99px;" unselectable="on">We all know that reading is important, but did you know that children and teens who do not read over the summer may experience 2-3 months of learning loss by the time school starts back in the fall? This summer that will be felt more than ever as most children have not been in a school learning environment since March. Reading is just as important for adults as it keeps adult brains flexible and nimble. Plus, adults who read serve as great role models for kids. That is why the Library recommends 20 minutes of reading per day for everyone – of all ages – all summer long. 

We know it can be hard to come up with a great list of books to read, so library staff are here to help! We have created new lists for summer 2020 for kids, teens and adults so you can keep your brains active. These recommended reading lists can be found on our website at summerbreak.cmlibrary.org. (After you register for an account or Sign In, select “Recommendations” in the menu on the top left.) This summer you can also sign-up to receive book recommendations though our Summer Break site. Keep reading and remember to record your time on your Summer Break account. 

CMLibrary Suggests: Happy Birthday Storytime for Toddlers or Preschoolers 

Cornelius Branch Library celebrates 90 years in the town of Cornelius and 20 years in our current building! These birthday stories and songs are perfect for toddlers or preschoolers. 

CMLibrary Suggests: Graphic Novels for Raina Telgemeier Fans

If you loved Smile, Sisters, Guts, Drama or Ghost by Raina Telgemeier, you will also likely enjoy these other graphic novels! Great for grades 3rd-6th. 

CMLibrary Suggests: Books for Boys (8-11) 

Have you read all the DOG MAN books and need something that'll tickle that same funny bone? Check out some of these digital resources. 

Exciting Programs 

Exciting Programs - This summer the library is hosting some wonderful virtual programs this summer as well. Check out the available programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar.

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2020 website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Do you have a wonderful story about the library and Summer Break? Feel free to chat with us online, call your local branch or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.   

The 2020 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.