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A great story needs great characters. Become a library volunteer!
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If you would like to make a difference in your community as a volunteer at the Library, contact Volunteer Coordinator Chauna Wall at cwall@cmlibrary.org or (704) 416-0711. Visit the Library's volunteer page to see a complete list of opportunities.
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Want a sneak peek
at what's coming
to your library?
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Find out about the Library's latest book, DVD and CD offerings through a free, weekly e-mail or RSS feed. Visit Wowbrary, put in your ZIP code, select "Charlotte Mecklenburg Library," enter your e-mail address, and follow the on-screen instructions!
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County budget reductions could mean library closings
Over the past month, you may have seen news reports regarding Mecklenburg County's current budget shortfall, which will need to be made up before June 30, 2010. The Library receives approximately 92% of its funding from Mecklenburg County, and we have been asked to identify a potential reduction of approximately $1.57 million in our FY2010 budget allocation from Mecklenburg County before June 30, 2010. The cuts are one way to close what has grown into a $34 million shortfall in the current Mecklenburg County budget.
This is still a potential, not actual, reduction. However, if this potential reduction becomes a reality, the Library will be compelled to make very difficult decisions about library operations, including possible layoffs and library closures. Please visit the Library's Community Forum Blog to read more about this budget situation and what you can do to help support Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. If you're interested in giving a financial gift to the Library, please click here.
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Teen Tech Week, March 7-13
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 Local teens will be tuning in at the library this week for the fourth annual Teen Tech Week, March 7-13. This year's theme is "Learn Create Share @ Your LibraryŽ," a phrase that perfectly captures the goal of increasing local teen technology literacy and having fun in the process. During this week, teens can participate in a variety of free technology-related classes in libraries throughout Mecklenburg County. Plus don't miss the free finale event on March 13 at Hickory Grove Branch, at which teens can get hands-on with the library's latest technologies for teens and learn about robotics, digital cameras, video gaming and animation. College representatives from DeVry, ITT, and CPCC will also be available. To see the complete schedule of Teen Tech Week events, visit the library's teen web site www.libraryloft.org.
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Plaza Midwood closed March 15-17
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 The Plaza Midwood Branch will be closed Monday, March 15, through Wednesday, March 17, for maintenance. Though the building will be closed, customers may still return books and materials in the outside book drops during this time.
For those seeking alternate library locations, nearby branches include Independence Regional Branch, Myers Park Branch, the new Hickory Grove Branch, and Belmont Center Branch. |
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Make sure you're counted: Census 2010
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 2010 is the year of the Census, and forms will be mailed or delivered to households in march. Be sure to send your completed forms back in the mail by April 1, 2010. Counting every person is important because funding decisions for schools, roads, and libraries depend on accurate population counts in our community. For more information, visit www.census2010.gov or call the Charlotte Regional Census Center at (704) 936-5300.
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March's featured reads
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Here are some great titles to sink your teeth into this month:
FOR ADULTS:
 Life is Short But Wide by J. California Cooper
"In language both spare and direct yet wondrously lyrical, Life Is Short But Wide is an irresistible story of family that proves one is never too old to chase dreams. Cooper's stories reveal a meticulous attention to the nuances of African-American life." - San Francisco Chronicle
Read it with the Ebony Readers of University City Book Club:
3/24, 7 p.m., University City Regional
FOR KIDS:
 Johnny and the Dead by Terry Pratchett
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Johnny Maxwell is weird. Last year, his computer games started talking to him. This year, he's started to see dead people. The ghost occupants of the Blackbury Municipal Cemetery need his help, and they need it fast. The council is planning to sell off the cemetery to build office blocks, and only Johnny can stop them.
See the review at BookHive
To find out more about the Library's book clubs, visit www.cmlibrary.org. Visit BookHive for reading recommendations for kids, and Reader's Club to find great reads for adults.
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Children's classes at your library
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We
always have some exciting ways for children to enjoy the library. Advance signup may be required, so be sure to contact the
branch for more information.
 Let's Fly
This class is designed to have fun making and flying kites.
3/10, 4 p.m., Belmont Center
Saturday Cinema
Join us for a showing of the film adaptation of Dick King-Smith's classic story Babe: The Gallant Pig.
3/13, 2 p.m., Mint Hill
Plant Selections and Ideas for a Children's Garden
Gain ideas for developing a children's garden using plants that are weird, smelly, or just fancy. Includes informational handout about plants, complete with recommended growing conditions, and another on gardening with children.
3/23, 7 p.m., Matthews
On Broadway!
Introduce children to the excitement of Broadway theater. Special guest Karen Erbe from Carolina Voices VOX Chamber Choir and local community theater productions will perform.
3/30, 3:30 p.m., Independence Regional
Visit our events page for more children's classes. |
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Teen classes at your library
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Most teen classes require signup. Please contact the branch for details.
Operation College Launch: FAFSA Completion Workshop
 Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Join us to actually complete the FAFSA form online with the assistance of OCL. Don't forget parent tax forms and/or W2!
3/11, 6 p.m., Freedom Regional
"The Queen in Me" Teen Seminar
This is a four-hour seminar that teaches teen girls the importance of self-respect, self-pride, and self-worth. The event will consist of guest speaker Miss North Carolina USA, a series of interactive workshops, and prize giveaways.
3/13, 10 a.m., ImaginOn
Scrapbooking for Teens
Make a one-of-a-kind keepsake filled with all your favorite pics, concert tickets, fliers, and more! Use ribbon, colored paper, glitter, and stickers to build a memory keepsake. Materials provided.
3/23, 6:30 p.m., University City Regional
T-shirt Makeover
We will provide the T-shirt and the bling, just bring your creativity! Best design wins a prize.
3/27, 2 p.m., Hickory Grove
There's so much more to do this month. Visit the library's Web site for teens. |
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Adult classes at your library
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Many classes require signup. Please contact the branch for details. We also offer online sign-up for many classes at www.cmlibrary.org/programs.
Generation Engage Movie Night
Discuss hot topics after watching a movie that focuses on various issues facing Millennial and late Gen X generations in today's political world.
3/18, 6 p.m., West Boulevard
 Senior Living Options: Independence at Home
Learn about maintaining your independence in your own home. Get safety tips and an overview of equipment and modifications for your home.
3/20, 2 p.m., Morrison Regional
Are You LinkedIn?
LinkedIn can give you a career advantage by helping you make better use of your professional network.
3/23, 2 p.m., South County Regional
Social Media for Job Hunters in 2010
Jeff Elder, a longtime Charlotte Observer columnist who now writes about social media and networking, will discuss ways you can develop a more progressive, up-to-date job search strategy.
3/23, 6 p.m., Main Library
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There simply isn't enough room here to share all that's going on at your library, so for information on classes, events and everything else, visit www.cmlibrary.org
We hope that you find this e-mail useful. If so, please forward to a friend so they won't miss a thing.
We'll see you at the Library! | |
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