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Library Hours | | |
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All libraries will be closed Monday, January 16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. |
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.
See a sample weekly newsletter. |
Donor Perk Card Featured Partner
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille was created in 2004 as a meeting place for family and friends in a fun and relaxed environment. For donors who give at least $100 to the Library, DNG will give a free appetizer or desset with the purchase of an entree with the Donor Perk Card.
learn more. It welcome families, neighbors and private events all the same!
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| Please note... | | |
Library catalog software upgrade means limited services Jan. 16 and 17
Please be aware that we will be upgrading our library catalog software on January 16 and 17. Part of this upgrade will occur when libraries are closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Day holiday. On this day, access to many remote services will be unavailable, including telephone renewal, access to customer accounts and portions of the library catalog.
Libraries will re-open to the public on Tuesday, January 17, with limited services. Customers will still be able to check out books and use public computers, but the Library won't be able to issue new library cards. In addition, telephone renewal and access to many customer account services will remain unavailable and access to portions of the library catalog will remain limited.
No overdue fines will be charged during these two days.
Thank you for your patience during this catalog software upgrade. We expect to return to normal service on Wednesday, January 18.
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January Reading Recommendations | | |
New Year: New You
Looking for ways to jump-start your life in the New Year? We asked our library staff to share their ideas on books that can help you get inspired. Here are their picks!
 The Happiness Project
by Gretchen Rubin
Recommended by Lois
Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. "The days are long, but the years are short," she realized. "Time is passing, and I'm not focusing enough on the things that really matter." In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.
 It's all too much: an easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff
by Peter Walsh
Recommended by Sarah
Filled with real-life examples and advice for homes of all sizes and personalities, It's All Too Much will set you free from the emotional baggage that goes along with clutter and help you lead a fuller, richer life with less stuff.
 The book of awakening: having the life you want by being present to the life you have
by Mark Nepo
Recommended by Shelia
"A year's supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends." -Oprah Winfrey
 Not buying it: my year without shopping
by Judith Levine
Recommended by Lydia
Funny, smart and self-deprecating, Not Buying It is a close look at our society's obsession with shopping and the cold turkey confession of a woman we can all identify with -- someone who can't live without French roast coffee and expensive wool socks, but who has had enough of spending money for the sake of it.
Find more recommendations for 'New Year: New You'.
And check out these book lists by topic, created by our library staff.
Parenting Self-Help Titles - A list by Megan
Teen Self-Help Books - A list by Michele
Positive Self-Help Books - A list by Frank |
| Winter Film Series | |
Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant in "His Girl Friday."
Showing Saturday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. at ImaginOn. Learn more. |
"EXTRA! EXTRA!"
Celebrating the Newspaper Picture
The clatter of typewriters and the rattle of whiskey bottles in desk drawers; the haze of cigarette smoke in the air; the fedoras and notepads, the sleeve garters and eyeshades; the cries of "Copy!" and "Get me rewrite!"
Since the advent of "talking pictures" in the late 1920s, there has been no shortage of Hollywood films depicting the environment of the newspaper. This nine-part film series will showcase the various genres by which the Newspaper Picture has been represented, from screwball comedy (HIS GIRL FRIDAY) to hard-hitting drama (ACE IN THE HOLE) to investigative crime (ZODIAC).
See the schedule.
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Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Winter Film Series
was made possible thanks to donations from
Melva Hanna, Sally Serenius, Jane Ratteree, Henry Pharr, David Singleton, Sarah Goldstein, Eric Whiteside, Daisy Shapiro-Rieke, Debbie Mueller, Hafeeza Muhammad, Cricket Weston, Joyce Crabtree and David Langmeyer.
These individuals supported this project in the
Arts & Science Council's "Power2Give" campaign.
Thank you!
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| A look at history | |
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Trolley entrance gate to Myers Park, 1912, at Fourth and Queens Road. The main gate is gone, but the side shelters remain.
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American Decades: 20th Century in Literature, History, Politics and Culture
Join us for a lively, informative and educational look at the 20th century - its books, its politics, its history and its culture-changing events. A three-part series, each examining a different era.
Audience: adults, seniors and teens (grades 7 and up).
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| Tax Help | | |
"Next to being shot at and missed, nothing is really quite as satisfying as an income tax refund."
- F. J. Raymond, humorist
Tax Fact: This year, Tax Day is April 17.
That's because April 15 is a Sunday, and April 16 is the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Bottom line? Two extra days to file and pay your income tax. Sweet.
Free Tax Preparation and E-FilingThe Family Financial Literacy Coalition is coordinating free income tax assistance for low to moderate income seniors and families (income no more than $50,000). Sessions will be at various locations in Mecklenburg County, including Main Library. Learn more.
Need tax forms? |
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Thank You, Library Volunteers! | |
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Jo, volunteer at Mint Hill |
"I volunteer because of the children. There are so many children who are underpriviledged and don't have the money to purchase a book. The library offers books and things they wouldn't be able to otherwise afford. That's my reason for giving back to the community -- I've been blessed!"
Current Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to make a difference in your community as a volunteer at the Library, visit the Library's volunteer page to apply for these and other opportunities at www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer. For questions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Chauna Wall at cwall@cmlibrary.org or 704-416-0711.
- Beatties Ford Road, Steele Creek, West Blvd, Mountain Island and Main Library are currently looking for tech savvy volunteers to assist in the computer lab and with one-on-one tutoring sessions. Volunteers in the computer lab can help with on-the-fly questions concerning accessing the Internet, operating email accounts and navigating employment websites. Tech Tutors would involve more in-depth subjects such as creating email accounts, using Microsoft Programs, or getting a general introduction to the Internet.
- Homework Zone Monitors at Independence Regional Library. Our ideal volunteer candidates will be people with an interest in education, who are comfortable working with students in grades 6-12, and have a willingness to provide basic homework help during the hours of Monday - Thursday from 5-7:30 pm. As a volunteer you will receive our undying gratitude and free chocolate!
- Urgent need for volunteers to help students and their parents complete the Free Online Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Total time required is approximately 3 ½ hours (1 ½ training and 2 hours at the location). FAFSA Training will be held on February 9 from 2:30 to 4 pm at Beatties Ford Road Library and is required for all FAFSA Volunteers. Choose one or both of the following days to volunteer:
* Independence Library, Thursday, February 23, from 5 - 7pm
* Beatties Ford Road Library, Saturday, February 25 from 10:30 -11:30am
All selected candidates must complete a background check. More information on specific qualifications for each position is listed on the volunteer page.
Your help is greatly needed -- and appreciated! |
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Educational success is within reach | |
 Operation College Launch focuses on the SAT. Taking the SAT is an important step in the college process. Never fear, Operation College Launch offers workshops that can help you prepare. Teens, as well as parents, are welcome to attend.
Operation College Launch: SAT Test Strategies
Come and prepare at your local library with an official Kaplan instructor! Students are given a brief overview of the content and format of the SAT, as well strategies for several of the question types. These strategies will help you succeed!
Audience: Teens (12-18)
2/29/2012 at 5:00 PM: West Boulevard Learn More | Register Online
Operation College Launch: 10 Question Challenge
Come and prepare at your local library with an official Kaplan instructor! Students will experience realistic SAT timing and pacing as they are guided through 10 SAT Questions. Students will learn 10 Kaplan score-raising strategies (one of each question type).
2/2/2012 at 5:00 PM: South County Regional Learn More | Register Online
Operation College Launch: SAT Essay Writing
Stressed about the SAT? Led by a Kaplan Test Prep instructor, this workshop is designed to give students the experience of writing a 25-minute essay under timed conditions, as well as introduce students to effective essay writing strategies and teach students what graders are looking for in high-scoring essays.
Audience: Teens (12-18)
2/18/2012 at 2:00 PM: University City Regional Learn More | Register Online
3/6/2012 at 5:30 PM: Mountain Island Learn More | Register Online
About Operation College Launch (OCL). OCL is an annual series of free programs designed to provide teens with the information they need about life after high school. Programs cover a variety of topics that take you from start to finish in the college process. There are more upcoming workshops - check out the calendar to see where and when an OCL workshop is coming to a library near you. www.cmlibrary.org/programs |
| Library News | |
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Dr. Leland Park |
Library welcomes Dr. Leland Park to Board of Trustees
On December 14, Leland M. Park, Ph.D., Library Director Emeritus for Davidson College, was appointed to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education. His appointment fills a vacancy on the board that opened earlier this year. (Read more in a recent Library press release.)
A new board term began Jan. 1, 2012, and Charles Bowman and Molly Griffin are now serving as Library Board chair and vice chair. Their next meeting is January 19, at which time they will welcome new appointee Dr. Park.
Photo courtesy Bill Giduz. |
| Reminder... | | |
Dine Out for Books at Zink on January 19.
 Zink American Kitchen has planned another Dine Out event on Thursday, January 19. Just like the other Dine Out for Books events, Zink will donate a percentage of its proceeds from the Dine Out day to purchase books and materials for the Library.
Call 704.909.5500 or go to http://www.harpersgroup.com/zink.asp to make your reservations. |
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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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