Update: This blog was updated on September 2, 2021 to include information about new sites serviced by Project Outpour

When we think of ways to give back to our community, our minds often go to the usual efforts: donating clothes, money, supplies, time and food to people in need of resources. These contributions are integral in providing aid to our community members, but I’d be remiss to not mention a local nonprofit that's taking their assistance to another level.  Project Outpour provides showers and hygiene services to Charlotte residents experiencing homelessness – and they’re doing it from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library branch located at 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216.

What ties the work of Project Outpour to the Library is the strength of their collective missions and core values. Not only do they believe in the work they're doing - they're passionate about it.

The goal of Project Outpour, founded by Laureen Sherwood in 2018,  is to help others while acknowledging their existence. As advocates for human rights and organizations with overlapping core values, it makes sense that this partnership, committed to preserving the dignity of those helped by ensuring access to mobile showers, alleviating suffering and holistic health and wellbeing, was established to care for the community in April 2018.

“This particular service doesn’t judge you or ask you (questions), it’s free,” Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library Branch Leader Hannah Terrell told WFAE. “I think it’s perfectly aligned with our model of access for the community.”

According to the same WFAE article, more and more Charlotte residents are experiencing homelessness. According to 2021 Mecklenburg county data, 3,022 people were experiencing homelessness in January with and 3,263 people experiencing homelessness by the end of April. It’s evident more than ever that services provided by Project Outpour and Hope Vibes are vital to the local community.

Access the Project Outpour mobile trailer

Those in need of Project Outpour services can find the mobile trailer, managed by Project Outpour’s Chief Dignity Officer Laura Gorecki, four times a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The weekly schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday - First Christian Church in Dilworth, 1200 East Blvd., Charlotte, 28203
•  Wednesday -  Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library – Beatties Ford Road, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, 28216
• Thursday - Memorial Methodist Church, Charlotte, 28205
• Friday - Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, 28215

Click here to learn more about Project Outpour

Recipients of Google Fiber Digital Equity Funding

In addition to mobile showers and hygiene services, Project Outpour, along with Hope Vibes Charlotte, another local nonprofit providing mobile laundry and hygience services to people experiencing homelessness in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, recieved Google Fiber Digital Equity funds through Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to outfit their mobile units with Wi-Fi access - helping to reduce barriers to equitable digital access to resources and information in the community. Hope Vibes, founded by Emmanuel and Adrienne Threatt, operates the "The Hope Tank" which provides services, accompanied by a Hope Vibes volunteer. You can follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HopeVibesCLT to stay current on Hope Tank dates, times and locations.

Want to learn more about Hope Vibes? Click here.

Photo of Adrienne and Emmanuel Threatt with The Hope Tank courtesy of thebestofclt.com.

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This blog was written by Asha Ellison, marketing and communications specialist with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

Civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s transparent yet daunting quote about time is as fitting as ever for today’s American society — “The time is always right to do what is right.”

When reviewing the historic troublesome relations between the police and African American communities and the cases of questionable fatalities caused by the police, too often with unarmed individuals, the two sides can be fraught with distrust. News reports of Black citizens killed during encounters with over-aggressive police practices have garnered large media attention.  

Events reached a crescendo with the videotaped death of George Floyd in police custody last year in Minneapolis. Large protests followed with copycat protests around the country and abroad. Floyd’s death became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and led a shift in the public eye to focus on improper police conduct as an issue.

The sentiment is aptly covered by the comments from Andreana Sawyer in “Wake Up, White America.”: "I can't bring myself to watch yet another video, not because I don't care, but because we're all just a few videos away from becoming completely desensitized. The public execution of Black folks will never be normal."

Congress is involved now with a proposed bill named after Floyd and is currently in deadlock as it faces opposition in the Senate. Can this problem be handled mostly by legislation? The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 enhances “accountability for law enforcement misconduct, restricts the use of certain policing practices, enhances transparency and data collection, and establishes best practices and training requirements.” 

The training for police proposed with the bill will “prevent and remedy” racial profiling, a sticky competent of this process. During an interview following his confirmation in April, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke to the issue of race and policing. He said, “Well, look, racism is an American problem. We do not yet have equal justice under law. And as I said, (earlier) I think this is an important part of the role of the Justice Department.” 

The obstacle of equal justice under the law would go to properly conducting law enforcement in Black communities, which has been a historical and cultural problem. To better understand this and to get a fuller perspective, check the Library for these above mentioned titles and more in the booklist entitled “Policing in Black Communities” which also includes young adult titles and streaming videos.   

(from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Flickr page—by Sabrina Robinson)

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This blog was written by Lawrence Turner, adult services librarian for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

Did you know that teens can join in on the fun of Summer Break too? Summer is such a great time to read all the books you’ve wanted to read - no assigned books here! This summer explore the world around you through books, resources and online programs. New opportunities for learning are everywhere. The Library is here to help you find inspiration to try something new. 

When you register for Summer Break, you will find activities to complete to earn virtual badges. In addition to reading, some of our activity ideas include: 

Create:  

• Cook something using a new recipe 
• Make a time capsule to open in five years
• Create art in any medium you would like

Write: 

• Create a book list using BiblioCommons, the Library’s online catalog
• Write a letter to a senior at a nursing home or assisted living facility 
• Send a card to a friend or family member

Play: 

• Play a board game
• Try to get out of one of the digital escape rooms
• Hold a mini Olympics with your friends 

Explore: 

• Find a book recommendation from a library booklist  

• Plan your future by using the Library’s Road Map to Success 
• Follow us @cmlibraryteens on Instagram and explore books, college and career resources, podcasts, meet Teen Services Staff, watch Teens Live programs and more!

Give: 

• Help with the chores – those dishes won’t wash themselves!
• Participate in a virtual Teen Advisory Council or Community Service Project activity for the Library and earn community service hours

• Draw something encouraging on your sidewalk or driveway

Programs for Teens 

Our libraries are hosting some exciting online programs this summer for teens. 

Here are just a few of the wonderful programs being offered:

Esports 101 for Teens: Attention all gamers, girls, and boys! Are you a gamer interested in competitive gaming or curious about knowing more about the gaming industry? If so, then join us for a new Esports 101 program series created just for teens.

Remembering the Holocaust: Irving Bienstock was six years old when Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power in Germany and life changed dramatically over the next six years. Come and hear his story in more detail - and have the unique opportunity to ask questions of a Holocaust survivor.

Mock Interviews: Participants will experience a live 1 on 1 virtual interview and receive feedback on how they performed as well as suggestions for improvement. 

Visit our calendar for even more upcoming online programs that you can access from home! 

Comments? Questions?  

Are you having problems with the Summer Break website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Feel free to call your local library for assistance or email [email protected].  

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation with Spanish translations sponsored by Norsan Media.

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This blog was written by Angela Arnold, Summer Break team co-lead for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Actividades y programas para adolescentes 

¿Sabías que los adolescentes también pueden participar en el Programa de vacaciones de verano? El verano es la época ideal para leer todos los libros que siempre quisiste leer, ¡y no hablamos de los que te asignan en la escuela! Este verano, explora el mundo que te rodea a través de los libros, los recursos y los programas en línea. Las oportunidades para aprender algo nuevo están en todas partes. La biblioteca está aquí para ayudarte a encontrar inspiración para probar algo nuevo. 

Cuando te registres en el Programa de vacaciones de verano, encontrarás actividades para completar y ganar medallas virtuales. Además de la lectura, algunas de nuestras ideas de actividades incluyen lo siguiente: 

Crear:  

• Cocina algo usando una receta nueva 
• Haz una cápsula del tiempo para abrirla dentro de cinco años
• Crea arte en cualquier medio que prefieras

Escribir: 

• Crea una lista de libros usando BiblioCommons, el catálogo en línea de la biblioteca
• Escríbele una carta a una persona mayor que viva en una residencia de ancianos o en un centro de vida asistida 
• Envíale una tarjeta a un amigo o a un familiar

Jugar: 

• Juega a algún juego de mesa
• Trata de escapar de alguna de las habitaciones de escape digitales
• Organiza una miniolimpíada con tus amigos 

Explorar: 

• Encuentra un libro que te interese en una lista de libros de la biblioteca  

• Planifica tu futuro con la Hoja de ruta hacia el éxito de la biblioteca 
• Síguenos en @cmlibraryteens en Instagram y explora libros, recursos para la universidad y la carrera profesional, podcasts, conoce al Equipo de Servicios para Adolescentes, mira programas de Teens Live, ¡y mucho más!

Dar: 

• Ayuda con las tareas del hogar, ¡esos platos no van a lavarse solos!
• Participa en un Consejo asesor para adolescentes virtual o en una actividad del Proyecto de servicio comunitario para la biblioteca y gana horas de servicio comunitario

• Dibuja algo inspirador en tu vereda o frente a tu casa

Programas para adolescentes 

Este verano, nuestras bibliotecas tienen programas en línea geniales para adolescentes. 

Estos son solo algunos de los maravillosos programas que se ofrecen:

Esports 101 para adolescentes: ¡Atención, gamers! ¿Eres un jugador al que le interesa competir o eres curioso y quieres saber más sobre la industria del videojuego? Si es así, acompáñanos en nuestra nueva serie de programas Esports 101 creada solo para adolescentes.

Recordamos el Holocausto: Irving Bienstock tenía seis años cuando Hitler y el Partido Nazi llegaron al poder en Alemania, y su vida cambió drásticamente durante los siguientes seis años. Ven a escuchar todos los detalles de su historia y a aprovechar una oportunidad única de hacerle preguntas a un sobreviviente del Holocausto.

Simulacros de entrevista: Los participantes tendrán una entrevista individual virtual en vivo y recibirán comentarios sobre su desempeño y, también, consejos para mejorar. 

Visita nuestro calendario para ver más de nuestros próximos programas en línea a los que puedes acceder desde tu casa. 

¿Tienes comentarios o preguntas?  

¿Tienes problemas con el sitio web del programa de vacaciones de verano o con tu cuenta? ¿Tienes preguntas sobre el programa? No dudes en llamar a tu biblioteca local para pedir ayuda o enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected].  

El programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.  Contamos con respaldo adicional de Wendy’s y de la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg, con traducciones al español patrocinadas por Norsan Media.

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Este blog lo escribió Angela Arnold, colíder del equipo del Programa de vacaciones de verano de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

Welcome to Week 7 of Summer Break! Did you think Summer Break with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is just for children and teens? Summer Break is a program for all ages! Adults are enjoying extra-relaxing reads, exploring and playing in their world, creating, writing, and giving, all summer long. New opportunities for learning are everywhere. Let the Library give you some inspiration for all those activities.

When you register for Summer Break, you will find activities to complete to earn virtual badges. In addition to reading, some of our activity ideas include:

Create:

• Invent a new sandwich
• Complete a crossword puzzle
• Take some interesting photos of your neighborhood

Write

• Write in a journal
• Take a course or check out an eBook on fiction writing using Library resources
• Write a new ending to your favorite book or story

Play

• Ride a bike or take a walk
• Color with a family member
• Play a video game online with a friend

Explore

• Book a librarian for 1-on-1 help with technology, business, or non-profit assistance
• Download a free song from Freegal
• Go geocaching at a local park

Give

• Donate food or supplies to your local animal shelter
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup
• Video chat a friend or family member to cheer them up

Programs for Adults

The Library offers hundreds of programs on dozens of topics. You are sure to find something to interest you! Here is a sampling of activities for adults being offered.

Multicultural Book Club - The Multicultural Book Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the best novels from the world's many cultures.

Independence Library History's Mysteries - Offered on the last Wednesday of the month, History's Mysteries is presented by Independence Regional Library staff. Come discover humanity's hidden past and explore a historical mystery.

Basic Computer Skills - Learn to use the keyboard and mouse and get a basic overview of computer terms and concepts in this class for people with little or no previous computer experience.

Visit our calendar for even more upcoming virtual programs that you can access from home!  Choose “Select tag(s)” on the right to narrow down by age.

The Summer Break program is wonderful for all ages! We have activities and book suggestions for babies/children, teens and adults. 

Comments? Questions? 

Are you having problems with the Summer Break website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Feel free to call your local library for assistance or email [email protected]. 

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation with Spanish translations sponsored by Norsan Media.

¡Bienvenido a la semana 7 del Programa de vacaciones de verano!

¿Creíste que el Programa de vacaciones de verano con la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg era solo para niños y adolescentes? ¡El Programa de vacaciones de verano es para todas las edades! Los adultos disfrutan de lecturas sumamente relajantes, exploran y juegan en su mundo, crean, escriben y hacen sus aportes durante todo el verano. Las oportunidades para aprender están en todas partes. Permite que la biblioteca te inspire para hacer todas esas actividades.

Al registrarte en el Programa de vacaciones de verano, encontrarás actividades para completar y ganar medallas virtuales. Además de la lectura, algunas de nuestras ideas de actividades son las siguientes:

Crear:

• Inventa un nuevo sándwich
• Completa un crucigrama
• Saca fotos interesantes de tu vecindario

Escribe

• Escribe un diario personal
• Haz un curso o retira un libro electrónico sobre escritura de ficción usando los recursos de la biblioteca
• Escribe un nuevo final para tu libro o historia favorita

Juega

• Monta en bicicleta o da una caminata
• Colorea junto con un miembro de tu familia
• Juega a algún videojuego en línea con un amigo

Explora

• Reserva a un bibliotecario para recibir asistencia personalizada sobre tecnología, negocios u organizaciones sin fines de lucro
• Descarga una canción gratuita de Freegal
• Juega al geocaching en un parque local

Da

• Dona alimentos o suministros al refugio de animales local
• Organiza una jornada de limpieza del vecindario
• Haz una videoconferencia en línea con un amigo o un familiar para alegrarlo

Programas para adultos

La biblioteca ofrece cientos de programas basados en docenas de temas. ¡Seguro que encontrarás algo que te interese! Esta es solo una muestra de las actividades para adultos que se ofrecen.

Club de lectura multicultural: El Club de lectura multicultural se reúne mensualmente para hablar sobre las mejores novelas de todas las culturas del mundo. Participa con nosotros del Club de lectura multicultural el cuarto jueves de cada mes a las 6:30.

Misterios de la historia en la Biblioteca Independence: El último miércoles de cada mes, el equipo de la Biblioteca Independence Regional presenta Misterios de la historia. Ven a descubrir el pasado oculto de la humanidad y a explorar misterios históricos.

Habilidades informáticas básicas: Aprende a usar el teclado y el ratón y obtén un panorama básico de términos y conceptos informáticos en esta clase destinada a personas con poca o ninguna experiencia en computación.

Visita nuestro calendario para ver los próximos programas virtuales, a los que puedes acceder desde tu casa.  Elige “Seleccionar etiqueta(s)” a la derecha para filtrar la búsqueda por edad.

¡El Programa de vacaciones de verano es genial para personas de todas las edades! Tenemos actividades y recomendaciones de libros para bebés o niños, adolescentes y adultos. 

¿Tienes comentarios o preguntas? 

¿Tienes problemas con el sitio web del programa de vacaciones de verano o con tu cuenta? ¿Tienes preguntas sobre el programa? No dudes en llamar a tu biblioteca local para pedir ayuda o envía un correo electrónico a [email protected]. 

El programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.  Contamos con respaldo adicional de Wendy’s y de la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg, con traducciones al español patrocinadas por Norsan Media.

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Este blog lo escribió Larisa Martin, miembro del equipo del Programa de vacaciones de verano de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

Each summer Charlotte Mecklenburg Library encourages people of all ages to participate in our summer learning program, Summer Break. There are lots of reasons why! We think one of the best parts of Summer Break is hearing from participants about all the wonderful, little, powerful, or unexpected ways that the program has impacted their lives. From encouraging participants to further explore the city, to motivating students to read all summer long, we’ve compiled some notable stories. Keep reading for inspiration.

Summer Break Helps People of All Ages Discover Love of Reading

One of the things customers share most frequently is how Summer Break fosters a love of reading. One Summer Break completer was so excited that his prize was a book that he could keep.

Find your next read with us!

We have created new lists for summer 2021 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 right.)

Groups Love Summer Break

A group is an organization such as a camp, school, day care or other organization who will participate in the Summer Break program together and not individually. Participating in Summer Break as a group is a fun way to work together to read 15 hours and participate in engaging activities. If the group completes the challenge, the group receives fun prizes. It’s also a great way to keep track of the amount of reading a group is doing during June 7 to August 14. One CMS teacher says it was easy to sign up and all the assistance she received from staff was quick and helpful.

Has Summer Break Made an Impact on You?

If you have a story, you’d like to share about Summer Break we’d love to hear it!  You can email us at [email protected], fill out the contact us form on our website or tell any staff member next time you visit the library.

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation with Spanish translations sponsored by Norsan Media. 

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This blog was written by Whitney Lebron, Summer Break team member for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. 

Cada verano, la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg invita a personas de todas las edades a participar en nuestro programa de aprendizaje de verano llamado Programa de vacaciones de verano. ¡Hay muchas razones para hacerlo! Creemos que una de las mejores partes del Programa de vacaciones de verano es escuchar a los participantes contarnos de qué maneras maravillosas, simples, poderosas o inesperadas el programa ha causado un impacto positivo en sus vidas. Hemos reunido muchas historias interesantes relacionadas, por ejemplo, con participantes que se animaron a explorar aún más la ciudad o estudiantes motivados a leer durante todo el verano. Sigue leyendo para inspirarte.

El Programa de vacaciones de verano ayuda a personas de todas las edades a descubrir el amor por la lectura

Una de las cosas que los participantes comparten con frecuencia es que el Programa de vacaciones de verano fomenta el amor por la lectura. Una persona que completó el Programa de vacaciones de verano estaba tan contenta que, como premio, le regalamos un libro.

¡Encuentra tu próxima lectura con nosotros!

Hemos creado nuevas listas para el verano de 2021 para que niños, adolescentes y adultos puedan mantener sus cerebros activos. Estas listas de libros recomendados se pueden encontrar en nuestro sitio web en summerbreak.cmlibrary.org. (Después de inscribirte o de ingresar, selecciona «Recomendaciones» en el menú de arriba a la derecha).

Los grupos aman el Programa de vacaciones de verano

Un grupo es una organización, por ejemplo, un campamento, una escuela, una guardería u otra organización, que participa del Programa de vacaciones de verano como grupo, no individualmente. Participar en el Programa de vacaciones de verano como grupo es una forma divertida de trabajar juntos para leer 15 horas y realizar actividades entretenidas. Si el grupo completa el desafío, recibe premios divertidos. También es una buena manera de monitorear cuánto lee el grupo desde el 7 de junio hasta el 14 de agosto. Una maestra de CMS dice que fue fácil inscribirse y que la ayuda que recibió del equipo fue rápida y útil.

¿El Programa vacaciones de verano te ha causado un impacto?

Si tienes una historia que quieras compartir sobre el Programa de vacaciones de verano, ¡nos encantaría escucharla!  Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico a [email protected], completar el formulario Contáctanos en nuestro sitio web o hablar con cualquier miembro de nuestro equipo la próxima vez que visites la biblioteca.

El Programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.  Contamos con respaldo adicional de Wendy’s y de la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg, con traducciones al español patrocinadas por Norsan Media. 

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Este blog lo escribió Whitney Lebron, miembro del equipo del Programa de vacaciones de verano de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg. 

Do you love audiobooks as much as me? I’m a recent audiobook convert and am obsessed with finding great narrators and a juicy tell-all. I especially love books narrated by the author. Hoopla recently gave their audiobook player a facelift. Haven’t checked it out yet? What are you waiting for? 

Hoopla is one of the Library’s resources that allows instant access to e-books, comics, audiobooks, music, movies and television – no holds and no waiting! Content can be streamed on computers, tablets, or mobile devices, and can be downloaded to tablets and mobile devices to allow for offline reading or listening any time. New to hoopla?  Check out our Getting Started page.

The audiobook experience has been updated for the Android and Apple apps and the hoopla website. If your mobile device is not showing the new features, you probably just need to install an update. What’s great about the new audiobook experience is all features can be accessed from one screen!                                

• Car and Activity Mode is a simplified interface with fewer controls and larger buttons for when you’re on the go.
• Chapter/Book Timer gives users a simple toggle to switch between viewing the time remaining in either the current chapter or the entire book.
• Playback Speed options have been increased to up to four times normal playback speed!
• Bookmark Notes can now be added to any audiobook bookmark, perfect for book clubs or educational listening.
• Sleep Timer has more options, including an End of Chapter option. 

Read more about the new enhancements and watch a short video here. Happy Listening!

Access all the Library’s resources for free with your library card. Don’t have one? Sign up here! If you need more help with resources covered in this blog, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff are available to help by email, chat, and phone. 

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 This blog was written by Amy Richard, digital collections coordinator at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

During the 20^th and 21^st centuries, widespread mass protests have become an essential element of displaying civic engagement in America. Topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, animal cruelty and gun control have elicited millions of people to protest. However, on May 25, 2020, the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin led to the largest protest in the history of the United States. Over 20 million people nationwide gathered to protest police brutality and racial injustice against Black Americans. While many protests related to other subjects have taken place without many limitations, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been subject to extreme censorship by both police and the media.

Even though most BLM protests were peaceful, calls for militarized police were requested on a national level and states went under lockdown in response. Consequently, the usage of pepper spray, tear gas and rubber ammunition further instigated violence. According to the Texas Tribune, during days of protests, police officers used pepper spray and arrested protestors, critically injuring one person and sending others to the hospital. An additional person had been trampled by an officer on horseback. These actions directly contradict the right to peaceful protest indicated by the First Amendment. Under this law, police forces are only allowed to contain individuals if they have witnessed them commit a crime, possess a warrant, or have probable cause. The intense scrutiny under the BLM movement has made it difficult for people to protest peacefully and the police officers that have been deployed on a national level has left protestors unable to use their voices for change.

Nevertheless, censorship comes in more forms than just government control. Last year, Ardrey Kell High School painted the rock in front of the school with symbols of the BLM movement, honoring the victims of police brutality and encouraging students to act. Yet just a week following this gesture, the rock was vandalized and replaced with hate speech. The BLM movement has constantly faced bigotry and the fact that people were so quick to stop others from speaking out illustrates the massive amount of censorship behind Black and POC voices.

This is not the first time the movement has been censored in a school environment. On May 13, 2021, an entire year after George Floyd's death, an Oklahoma School District banned students from wearing a BLM shirt, stating that “politics will not be allowed at school.” According to the National Coalition Against Censorship, students were required to turn their BLM shirt inside out and were prohibited from entering class until they changed their clothes. The school prohibited students from expressing political beliefs, violating the law established in Tinker v. Des Moines which stated that “students’ political speech is protected by the First Amendment”. At another high school in Florida, a yearbook was censored for containing views about BLM and was cited as being “too politically one-sided.” However, this comment seems as though it was only used to silence the editors, as what was posted in the yearbook only detailed the history of the movement and why it was started.

Fortunately, people have been standing up to fight against the censorship and have strengthened the movement in the process. When the rock at Ardrey Kell was vandalized, students organized a repainting session, inviting the entire school to collaborate on making an artistic representation of the BLM movement. Students who oversaw writing the yearbook at the Florida high school distributed a letter maintaining the political integrity of their article and reaching a middle ground to get their book published. In a broader aspect, journalists and protestors have been able to shed light on their experiences protesting and social media apps have been essential for revealing the truth as it is. As the protests continue and people begin to pay more attention to the movement, it is essential to fight back against censorship and show the world what the BLM movement truly represents — fighting racism, police brutality and serving justice to its victims.

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This blog was written by Medha Kowndinya, she is 16-year-old rising high school Junior.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn more about the program and corresponding events here.

In June 2020, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library made a statement that “systemic racism and inequity have no place in our Library as we stand up for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy.” Library staff has been working to find ways to support our community by creating opportunities to learn and dialogue with one another through Library programs and resources.   

As part of the Library's commitment to Black Lives Matter programming, a new Storytime series, "i can Read Black Stories" launched on Saturday, January 2, 2021. The target audience for the weekly program is families with children between the ages 0-5. During Storytime diverse Library staff members read picture books that feature characters who are Black, African American or people of color. The stories, songs, and movement activities will support empathy and understanding of issues affecting the Black community and offer strategies to foster conversations on equity and inclusivity.

Some books like The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson or Ruth and the Green Book by Alexander Ramsey Calvin have historical overtones, while others like Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke and Sonya’s Family by Elliot Riley feature “everyday diversity.” Books to affirm and empower, like I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and I Am Enough by Grace Byers are also shared often.

Why read Black stories? Educator Rudine Sims Bishop, professor emerita at The Ohio State University, devoted her career to multicultural literacy. In her seminal work, Mirrors, Window, and Sliding Glass Doors she writes, “When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.”

Of the 3,717 children’s books published in the United States in 2019, only 1,094 of them were about Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Color (BIPOC). Data on books by and about Black, Indigenous and People of Color published for children and teens is compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center determines that a book is about characters of a specific ethnicity or racial identity if the main character is BIPOC or if a BIPOC character or real person is featured significantly in the book, even if the main character is white. If the main character is white and there are secondary characters of color who do not play a key role in the story, then a book is not considered to be about BIPOC.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates Día during April. Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds. It is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures. On Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m., join the Children’s Services department for a special Día-themed I Can Read Black Stories program. The program which will be live streamed via the Facebook Page for ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center. It will celebrate Afro-Hispanic and Afro-Latino authors and illustrators and Afro-Hispanic and Afro-Latino characters. To watch live Storytime programs visit the ImaginOn's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginOn/ and choose “LIVE” on the left-hand navigation list. There will be a red dot next to the word “LIVE” to indicate that Storytime is in session.

Learn more about the program here

Programs like Día and i can Read Black Stories help children to embrace diversity by accepting differences in others. Teaching children to accept differences when they are young helps them to have responsible, caring and positive social interactions when they are older. We hope that you will join us for these programs as we further our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community.

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This blog was written by Alesha Lackey, children’s services manager at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library.

Mecklenburg County 7 Recycling FAQs & Answers

On May 11, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will host a FREE webinar to teach our patrons ages 12+ how to Recycle Right! Advanced registration is required to receive the participation link. Recycling resources will be shared with registrants before and after the program.

Register here

Library staff is organizing the event with two residential recycling educators. In preparation for the event we asked the public educators what they most need residents to understand. They didn’t hesitate to explain how materials need to be prepared correctly to be efficiently sorted at the recycling center. Here are their two critical requests:

• Do not bag recyclables! Plastic bags cause tremendous operational and financial challenges for our processing facility. No flexible plastic wraps, films, bags or packaging should ever be put in the recycling cart.
• Recyclables must be loose, clean, dry and empty! Recyclable items must be placed individually in the recycling cart, not in bags, for the separation equipment to function properly. Never put one type of recyclable inside of another (i.e. aluminum cans in a cardboard box.) All recyclables must be non-contaminated. This means every individual item must be clean, dry and empty, with no residue of the original contents (i.e. food.)

Following are the questions solid waste staff receive weekly*:

*Please note these are the recycling guidelines for Mecklenburg County, requirements may differ slightly in other counties.

1. What plastic items can I put in my residential curbside cart?

ONLY plastic bottles and jugs, with a pourable neck or spout that is smaller at the top than the base, are accepted. These are the only pure plastic types that we can sell on the recyclable materials commodity market. Labels do not need to be removed.

Examples include: Water and soda bottles of any colors, milk or juice jugs, laundry jugs, shampoo or lotion bottles (pumps should be removed and trashed first.)

Please note the following common household plastics are not accepted in Curbside Recycling:

Plastic bags/bubble wrap, produce clamshells, yogurt cups, dairy tubs, takeout food containers, styrofoam, zip pouches, vitamin and medication bottles, disposable utensils and plastic cups, buckets, storage containers, hoses.

1. What recycling symbol numbers (1, 2, 5, 7 etc.) are accepted locally?

None. See question FAQ #1 above listing the only plastics that are acceptable.

The RICs (resin identification codes) listed inside the chasing arrows triangle on the bottom of plastic packaging are, unfortunately, no longer reliable. Therefore, we do not use them anymore.

1. What do I do with lids and caps?

Never place loose lids or caps in the recycling cart. Loose lids and caps are small and fall through our machines and end up contaminating the glass that is collected. Glass mixed with plastic and metal caps (among other things) cannot be sold to processors as raw materials as it is considered contaminated – so keep the plastic caps on the bottles.

It is “ok” to leave securely attached plastic caps and lids on clean, dry and empty cartons, bottles, jugs and jars. Never try to recycle caps by themselves.

1. How much grease is tolerated to recycle pizza boxes?

Somewhere between a smidge and a tad; Yes that is an intentionally vague answer! Of course we prefer to only accept clean and dry cardboard to only process and sell by the ton the highest quality recyclables. We definitely do not want whole pieces of pizza or crust left in the box (yes it happens!) Cheese, sauce and crumbs are also contaminants. If ½ your box is clean, rip that part off to recycle and please trash anything with food or grease residue.

1. Are aluminum foil and pans (pie, lasagna, roasting) recyclable?

No. Our machines can only recognize and sort aluminum cans. Additionally, more often than not these common aluminum food storage items are contaminated with food. Remember we do not want food residue on anything.

1. How do I dispose of household batteries?

Rechargeable batteries must be disposed of properly because they contain hazardous elements such as lithium, nickel, and metal hydrides. Never place rechargeable batteries in your trash or recycling carts as they are the number one cause of fires at our facilities. Please take rechargeable batteries to the household hazardous waste station at one of our full service drop off centers.

Traditional alkaline batteries can be put in the trash to be sent to the landfill, because they do not contain any hazardous elements.

1. What types of glass can be recycled?

Similar to plastics (see FAQ #1), only glass bottles and jars typically used in your kitchen or bathroom are accepted. All colors of glass are accepted. Caps and lids can remain on, if securely attached, (see FAQ #3). Labels do not need to be removed.

We prefer separated glass be brought to our full service drop off centers and deposited into the large yellow dumpsters marked, “Clean Glass Only.”

Please note the following common household glass items are not accepted:

Dishes and glasses, pyrex/corning ware, vases, bulbs, picture frames, windows, aquariums, ceramics, porcelain, crystal.

To learn more and have all of your questions answered live, please register for an upcoming Recycle Right presentation. If you still have questions, email [email protected] or visit wipeoutwaste.com.

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This blog was written by Maitri Meyer, residential waste reduction educator for Mecklenburg County.

Does the clutter in your home have you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Does your home look out of control? An organized home helps you focus more, it relieves stress and saves you time. It improves your overall health.

Join us online as Joanna Clausen, Owner of NEST Organizing in Huntersville, NC, shares her tips and tricks for getting organized. Joanna is a mother of three and a professional organizer. She uses her passion for organization to help others take control of their home and stuff. Learn more about Joanna here.

To learn the NEST organization process for how to reset, declutter, sort, purge and clean:

May 4, 2021 at 7 p.m. Register here.

May 5, 2021 at 6 p.m. Register here

Make cooking meals easier by having a clean and ready-to-go kitchen. To learn techniques to organize your kitchen and pantry:

May 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. Register here.

May 12, 2021 at 6 p.m. Register here.

Turn your home office into a productive workspace. To declutter and sort your home office and papers:

May 18, 2021 at 7 p.m. Register here.

May 19, 2021 at 6 p.m. Register here.

Keep, donate, trash and shred. This is a personal journey. Let’s create organizational habits, reenergize your home and organize for success.