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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.

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.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Job Help Center offers weekly personalized coaching sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Talk it out: Why you need coaching in your life

June 22, 2020

Have you ever had an idea that you couldn’t wrap your head around? Have you ever struggled with how to present yourself confidently in interviews? Or maybe you just needed to talk with someone who could offer objective career development strategies. In the initial stages of any project, idea or career advice opportunity, there are points of confusion or discontentment that lead to frustration. Sometimes, you need a listening ear that will provide sound guidance to help you along or confirm your efforts.

This moment is when most people seek out a coach.

Friends and family have a good ear and offer advice, but what is most needed for someone seeking options for growth and improvement is the assistance of someone who can provide objective insight, helping to identify goals, achieve perspective, supply effective feedback, and furnish support.

Coaching can key into personal potential that leads to maximized performance in career, entrepreneurship, personal, professional and business growth. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers such “talk it out” sessions in the form of Career Development Intensive Coaching. Coaching sessions occur weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This coaching service primarily helps Library customers by assisting with:

Resume/cover letter/LinkedIn coaching
Mock interviewing and interview strategies
Strategizing the job search
Negotiating salaries
Career changes and transitioning
Talking out ideas and projects for entrepreneurs and small businesses

The Library’s Career Development Intensive Coaching is geared towards coaching individuals on personal and professional growth and development, career confidence, small business ideas, resources, business development and enhancing the entrepreneurial mindset. At some point, everyone is looking for growth and improvement in their life and you can talk it out with a coach at your local Library.

This blog was written by De'Trice Fox of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

The Charlotte Journalism Collaboration will host a two-part, virtual program, including a watch party and community conversation for "Black South Rising" in June-July 2020.

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative encourages viewing and discourse of ‘Black South Rising’

June 23, 2020

Over the past few months, the United States has found itself gripped by a wave of emotions, ranging from weariness and frustration to combustible love and empathy. As protests and demonstrations in response to years of police brutality and centuries of racial injustice boil over, the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC) finds themselves wanting to connect with the local community and steer the conversation towards a better tomorrow. They believe there’s no better time than now to inspire change that truly fosters justice for all.

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, the CJC, comprised of a partnership of six major media companies and other local institutions including The Charlotte Observer, La Noticia, Qcitymetro, qnotes, WCNC, WFAE, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and more, will kick off the first event in a two-part, virtual program meant to foster a greater community discussion on the racial iniquities and injustice plaguing the nation. The first event, a watch party for the Vice special Black South Rising, provides a look at Black Americans living in the United States and the centuries-old prejudice many experience within systems that significantly impact their human rights, civil liberties, access to education and healthcare, socio-economic wellbeing and more – with an even sharper focus on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. As the Collaborative continues to report on the affordable housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, a wider lens is necessary to recognize the intersections of racial inequality and to investigate workable solutions. The screening will run from 6-8 p.m.

Then, on July 2, 2020, at 6 p.m., the Collaborative will conclude its Black South Rising program with a virtual community discussion. Participants are encouraged to bring conversation ideas and suggestions to influence anti-racist policy and equitable change forward. Attendees might consider solutions implemented by other cities, states or countries and revisit suggestions Charlotte community members, government and other city institutions have yet to execute.

Do not miss your chance to watch this eye-opening film and participate in important dialogue with members of a community sourced panel including Justin Perry, licensed clinical social worker and community therapist and Tina Marshall, community activist.

Please be sure to register for both events. Links to register are provided below:

Looking to access Black South Rising before or after the weekend? View the film on Vice’s website here.
Feel free to still join in on the July 2 Black South Rising discussion at 6 p.m. Register here.

This blog was written by Asha Ellison of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Teens use their creativity and voices for social change at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Teen IGNITE: Art & Writing for Social Justice

September 1, 2020

At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, we believe that every voice counts. In recent years, we’ve witnessed teens stepping up more than ever, establishing and amplifying their voices for the causes that speak most to their hearts. Are you a passionate teen who wants to change the course of history? Do you know one? A good place to start is through the Library.

Teens of all skill levels are invited to join us online for bi-weekly meetings as we IGNITE our inner creativity and voice to promote social change. Each month, we will highlight a different social challenge, with meetings alternating between an art and writing focus. In order to attend this program, you will need to provide a valid email address at registration. Instructions and links to join the program will be provided the day before the program begins.

The first Teen IGNITE meeting kicks off on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Click here to register for the Teen IGNITE program.

Questions? Contact :
Tobias Dean, Plaza Midwood Library
704-416-6200
[email protected]

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

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 9/7/20

September 2, 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 9/7/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 9/7

LABOR DAY- NO PROGRAMMING

Tuesday 9/8

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

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

Getting Started with Microsoft Powerpoint – 11 a.m. (Adult 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

Active Reading Training for Caregivers of 2-5 Year Olds – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Adult Fanfiction Writing Club – 6 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Wednesday 9/9

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

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 11 a.m. (Children’s programming) register

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

Virtual Reading Buddies – 12 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 2 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 - 3 p.m. (Children's programming) register

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

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 4 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Teens LIVE on Instagram: Pumpkin Spice Latte – 5 p.m. (Teen programming) learn more

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment - 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 5 p.m. (Children's programming) register

One-on-One Tutoring and Enrichment – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Virtual Reading Buddies – 6 p.m. (Children's programming) register

Learning Circle: The 1619 Project – 6 p.m. (Adult programming) register

Thursday 9/10