All Library locations and book drops will be closed on March 29th and March 31st for Good Friday and Easter. 

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Engage 2020 hosts educator, historian, and scholar Brenda Tindal.

Engage 2020: Summer Series with Historian Brenda Tindal

June 9, 2020

This summer, as part of Engage 2020 programming, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will introduce a Summer Series in which historians, professors, activists, and community members will provide thought-provoking virtual presentations online through our website and social media channels.

Engage 2020 seeks to bring diverse audiences together through facilitated conversations around important civic issues.  Historian Brenda Tindal will be our first presenter on Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m.  Please join us for her presentation, Sister Soul-diers: African American Women and the Long Civil/Human Rights Struggles, in which Tindal discusses African American women and their long civil and human rights struggles—with a focus on elevating the experiences and voices of the African American women whose activism and advocacy shaped national social justice discourses from the 19th through the 21st centuries.

Brenda Tindal is an awarding-winning educator, scholar, and museum practitioner.  She currently serves as director of education and engagement at the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC.  Her previous positions include director of education at the Detroit Historical Society, and staff historian and senior vice president of research and collections at the Levine Museum of the New South here in Charlotte, where she was the first woman and African American to serve in these roles.

Tindal’s presentation will be streamed live on the Library’s Facebook page and will be available afterward for viewing.  We hope you will join the conversation. See event details here.

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

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 6/15/20

June 10, 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 6/15/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 6/15

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Register

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

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

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

French for Beginners – 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

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 6/16              

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Register 

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

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

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's 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

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

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 Year Olds  – 2 p.m.  (Adult 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)  learn more

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

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

 

Wednesday 6/17

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)  Register 

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

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

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

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 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.   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)  learn more

Teens LIVE: Career Conversations – 4 p.m. (Teen programming)  Learn more

Charlemos Charlotte: Spanish-English Language Exchange – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

 

Thursday 6/18

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

Teens LIVE: How to Make Candy Sushi – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)  learn more

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

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

 

Friday 6/19

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   Register

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

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

Baby 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  

Engage 2020: Juneteenth Lunch and Learn (Virtual) – 12 p.m. (Adult/Teen programming)   register

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

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

Writers Conversation Hour – 7 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

 

Saturday 6/20

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

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

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Put the fun back in summer learning with these cool activities from the Library

Exciting virtual summer activities from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

June 12, 2020

Welcome to Week 3 of our Summer Break challenge: Summer Break: At Home! Did you know that people of all ages can participate in the Summer Break program? We hope that all the members of your family are having a great time participating and logging reading time and activities. Summer Break: At Home will run until June 30. Our next challenge Summer Break: Reading Takes You Everywhere starts July 1. If you have any questions about Summer Break, check out how the program works and sign up here

If you’re looking for even more fun learning activities to do this summer we have lots of suggestions! Check out our Digital Branch, Read Charlotte’s Reading Checkup, or our virtual programs. 

Digital Branch  

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but if you are ready to beat the heat, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has you covered. Stay in the cool air conditioning and access our digital branch any time! Available 24/7 here, the Digital Branch has a variety of offerings for all ages. Find fabulous reads, literacy extension activities, and Active Reading tips on the Storytime Train. Or tune in and try out one of our four podcasts. You can also view library programs or learn about library resources. The Digital Branch has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the time or location! 

Reading Checkup with Read Charlotte 

Curious about your child’s reading level? It’s time for a Reading Checkup! Visit Read Charlotte’s new page for more information. This assessment tool is quick and completely free and will provide you with resources and activities specifically geared for your child’s reading level.  

Once you find or know your child’s reading level, you can find targeted activities here. Within these activities, you can tailor them to whether you can assist your child or your child can do it on their own. You can also adapt them to your child’s personality, interests, and behaviors.  

Exciting Programs  

This summer the library is hosting some wonderful programs online. Check out the available programming on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library calendar.   

Comments? Questions?  

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.    

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Library resources exploring social injustice and race relations

Library resources exploring social injustice and race relations

June 12, 2020

At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, our mission is to improve lives and build a stronger community. Our staff focuses their work every day to accomplish this goal by providing the resources, spaces, information and materials to everyone in our community. Everyone is welcome in our libraries.

In late spring 2020, people across the city, state, nation and world gather in large and small groups to protest the murder of George Floyd and the ongoing problem of systemic racism and injustice. Even though many may be feeling helpless, the Library is committed to providing resources and events, to facilitate conversations and to encourage all voices to be heard. Here is a brief listing of the materials that explore social injustice and race relations.

The Library participated in a conversation on race with WSOC on Thursday, June 11 where Outreach Leader Meryle Leonard discussed 2019 Community Read and our featured title, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. You can view that show here

Print & Digital Resources

  1. Reading List on Library Website/Catalogue:
  • Black YA & LGBTQ
  • Race and racial awareness for parents
  • Black teens in America
  • Movies to educate yourself on racial justice
  • Board book featuring faces of color
  • The Skin I’m In
  • 24 race-related graphic novels
  • Picture books featuring African American boys
  • And many more.

Search and view all book lists here by searching “CMLibrary Suggests” and a keyword in the list search.

There are also curated anti-racism reading lists available through OverDrive.

  1. Book Club Kits & Book Bundles
    • The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
    • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
    • Sorting Out the New South City by Thomas Hanchett
    • And more

Reserve a book club kit here.

  1.  Podcasts
    • Dianne English — The Ties That Bind: On Life and Meaning
    • Charles Thomas — A More Beautiful World: On Life and Meaning

Find a podcast here.

 

 

 

 

 

Programming & Outreach Events

  1. Book Clubs
    • Social Justice Book Club – The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
    • Adult Book Club - How to Be Antiracist by Abram X. Kendi
    • Engage 2020
  2. Learning Circles
  3. Coffee & Conversation
  4. Teen Summit: Boost for A Better Tomorrow
  5. The Robinson Spangler Carolina Room
  6. Black South Rising Watch Party and discussion
  7. Let’s Talk Together (CBI)

Find an event here in the calendar page.

 

Your support allows Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to quickly respond to unplanned needs with timely and relevant resources. Please consider making a gift to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation to continue this important work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff members participate in the 2019 Charlotte Pride Parade.

A proud perspective

June 16, 2020

One year ago, I attended my first pride festival, and it was one of the most transformative events I’ve ever attended in my life. I’m from a small town in South Carolina, and I was raised in a family of activists. Protesting and advocating for those that are facing injustices has always been a necessary way of life. The idea that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything is embedded in my soul. My love for the community has transcended into my work as a teen librarian.

Even though I'm from a small town, I did not know what it meant to be a part of a true community until I moved to Charlotte. And while advocating for marginalized groups is vital, it is just as important to celebrate and show love to everyone. Charlotte is a melting pot of different people and cultures. As a librarian, I've been able to learn so much about how we're all working together to make the community a stronger and inclusive place where we can all thrive.

My first pride festival also marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn which was a popular gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid led to a riot and many protests. This uprising was one of the leading factors in the gay rights movement in the United States. And I felt honored and privileged to walk through the parade with my colleagues.

As I reminisce about that day I am flooded with happy memories. From dancing in the street with my coworkers to learning about other organizations fighting to make Charlotte inclusive, all I can do is smile because love radiated the air. As a librarian, I acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done in the community, and I’m proud that I was able to stand with my sisters and brothers and show my pride. 

At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, our mission is to improve lives and build a stronger community. Our staff focuses their work every day to accomplish this goal by providing the resources, spaces, information and materials to everyone in our community. Everyone is welcome in our libraries.

While the Charlotte Pride Parade is cancelled this year, here are some great resources and book lists to help celebrate the month:

Happy Pride and Rainbow Read Month!

-- This blog was written by Cearra Harris with support from Laura Vallejo, both of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library users streamed over seven thousand movies from Kanopy last month.

5 movies to watch today on Kanopy

June 16, 2020

Kanopy has a vast array of independent films, documentaries, children’s movies and free access to the Great Courses. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library users streamed over seven thousand movies from Kanopy last month. There is something on Kanopy for the whole family.

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

Here are the top five movies streamed on Kanopy by Library users in the last thirty days:

  • I Am Not Your Negro (2016) Oscar-nominated documentary narrated by Samuel L Jackson that explores the continued peril America faces from institutionalized racism. Run time: 94 minutes  
  • Lady Bird (2017) Directed by Greta Gerwig and nominated for five Oscars, Lady Bird is a warm, affecting comedy about a high schooler (Saoirse Ronan) who must navigate a loving but turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother (Laurie Metcalf) over the course of her eventful and poignant senior year of high school. Rated R. Run time: 94 minutes  
  • Race – The Power of an Illusion (2003) The first episode in a series that challenges our commonsense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits.  Run time: 58 minutes  
  • Black Orpheus (1959) Camus’ Black Orpheus brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to twentieth-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Run time: 108 minutes  
  • What We Do in the Shadows (2014) Housemates Viago, Deacon and Vladislav are three vampires who are trying to get by in a modern society; from paying rent and doing housework to trying to get invited to nightclubs.  Rated R. Run time: 86minutes

 

--

This blog was written by Serena Guest of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

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Engage 2020 Presents Dr. Tom Hanchett: Women Changing Charlotte

June 17, 2020

Dr. Thomas Hanchett is serving as the Historian-in-Residence for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. In this role, he has given frequent talks at libraries around the county, until the COVID-19 shutdown put an end to any such gatherings. Tom hasn't let that stop him, though. He will give a talk on "Women Changing Charlotte" live on the Library's Facebook page this Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. 

The talk will focus on women who changed Charlotte, focusing on the 1970s and 80s. In the public as well as the private sector, women seized the opportunity to lead, proving that they belonged, opening the way for women to come, and changing the city of Charlotte. To register for this event, click here.

This discussion is part of the Engage 2020 summer series, which will prepare us for the August 26 centennial of the 19th Amendment. This amendment guaranteed women the right to vote. In this election year, the Library is partnering with the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) offering programs like this one to encourage everyone to look back at what has been accomplished in the past and to move forward with empowerment to make a difference in one's own community. 

Engage 2020 runs from May through November 2020 online and at community locations around Mecklenburg County as allowed by the COVID crisis. Read more about Engage 2020 here.

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

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 6/22/20

June 17, 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 6/22/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

 

Monday 6/22

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

French for Beginners – 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

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 6/23              

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

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

Active Reading to Read Words: Building Phonemic Awareness  – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m.   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

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

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

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

Career Connections: Meet an Online Entrepreneur – 4 p.m.  (Adult, Teen, Children's programming)  register

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

Engage 2020 Presents Dr. Tom Hanchett: Women Changing Charlotte – 7 p.m. (Adult programming)   register

 

Wednesday 6/24

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

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

Learning Circle: Getting Started with Microsoft Excel - 1 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.   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

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

Charlemos Charlotte: Spanish-English Language Exchange – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming)  register

 

Thursday 6/25

Virtual Reading Buddies – 9 a.m.  (Children's programming)   register

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

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

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

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

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)  learn more

Teens LIVE: DIY Wrapped Headphones – 6 p.m. (Teen programming)   learn more

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

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

 

Friday 6/26

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 

Baby 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

 

Saturday 6/27

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

Laundry Day – 11 a.m.  (Adult programming)   register

Spanish Basics – 12 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

Social Justice Book Club – 2 p.m.  (Adult programming)  register

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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room tells the story of famously conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton.

Violet and Daisy were more than conjoined twins

June 17, 2020

In 2014, the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room’s Senior Librarian, Shelia Bumgarner, met Shelagh Childs who visited all the way from Brighton, England. The purpose of Childs’ visit was to research and learn more information about her great aunts, Violet and Daisy Hilton, who were conjoined twins. At that time, Childs had only recently discovered her connection to her famous aunts from a genealogist in England.  

 

 

Violet and Daisy Hilton 

Born in 1908 to Ethel Skinner, the twins were raised by the mid-wife who would frequently take the conjoined twins to local bars and charge people to look at them. They weren’t given the surname Hilton until several years after birth. The sisters learned to sing, dance and play musical instruments for public entertainment.  

 

 

 

 

Violet and Daisy Hilton 

After traveling throughout England, the twins eventually came to America where they performed on vaudeville and appeared a couple of movies. The duo was left stranded in Charlotte by their manager in Charlotte sometime in July 1962 while on a promotional tour at the old Carolina Theater. The twins had visited this same venue in 1945, but the 1962 visit did not result in the same level of success. Despite the best efforts of William Morris, the late owner of Morris Costumes, the twins’ show-business career ended.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hilton twins at Park-N-Shop 

With the assistance from Charles Reid owner of the Park-N-Shop, Violet and Daisy found work at the produce counter at the Park-N-Shop grocery on Wilkinson Boulevard and became a fixture in Charlotte’s cultural history until their deaths in 1969.  

Shelia arranged for Shelagh and her husband, Bruce, to meet with former Charlotte Observer writer, Mark Washburn. Washburn connected Childs with locals who knew her great aunts so she could learn more about them. After placing flowers on her great-aunts’ grave, Shelagh Childs returned to Brighton where the story piqued the interest of Alf Le Floic, a Sussex historian working with Brighton University. He launched into a research project and began a fundraiser to pay for a historic marker to be placed on house where the twins were born over 100 years ago.    

Alf, Shelia and Meghan in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room 

Alf recently reached out to the Carolina Room staff and explained about the project and his plan to come to Charlotte and see what other information he could learn about the twins. He provided copies of some photographs of the twins as infants, as well as some additional historical research. Here is a picture of Alf Le Flohic posing with two NCR staff members, Shelia Bumgarner and Meghan Bowden that was taken during his visit in November 2019. 

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Get inspired with summer reading selections from the Library.

Get inspired with summer reading selections from the Library.

June 22, 2020

When we started our first Summer Break challenge, our initial goal was to read 15 million minutes together. To date, we’ve read 1,450,111​ minutes. Let’s keep READING! 

If you need some inspiration for your next great read, or are just looking for something new and different, our librarians have carefully selected reading lists for all ages.  You certainly don’t have to read the books listed here, but if you do and you find something you like let us know on our Summer Break Story of Impact Form.  We always love to hear what you think! 

Adults Bibliocommons List  

Teens Bibliocommons List  

Childrens Bibliocommons List 

Do you need help selecting books for your young student?  Families have faced many challenges over the past few months but increased reading loss for kids this summer doesn’t have to be added to the list. Learn the most effective way to meet YOUR child’s specific reading needs with a #ReadingCheckup! It’s free of charge and for families with rising Kindergarten through 4th grade students. You can also find targeted activities to do with your child, or for them to do on their own, with Read Charlotte’s new resources and activities page. #ReadCLT  

Comments? Questions? 

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 to share about the library and Summer Break? 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.