|
Library Hours | | |
All libraries will be closed Sunday,
April 8, for Easter.
or
|
A great story needs great characters. Become a library volunteer!
|
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.
|
Want a sneak peek
at what's coming
to your library?
|
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. |
| Reminder... | | |
Dine Out for Books at Zink the third Thursday.
Zink American Kitchen will be hosting a Third Thursday for Books at its restaurant located in the SouthPark area, 4310 Sharon Road.
Mark your calendar for these dates to participate:
- April 19, 2012
- May 17, 2012
- June 21, 2012
Call 704.909.5500 or go online to make your reservations. |
| Join Our List |
 | |
|
| Thank you, volunteers! | |
 | |
Janice explains why she volunteers: "I feel like it's important that as a part of the community I do this." |
In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), we'd like to share our sincere appreciation for what library volunteers do each and every day to contribute to exceptional library service in our community.
 Our volunteers are amazingly generous with their time! For our most recently completed fiscal year (July 2010-June 2011), 890 volunteers gave 57,840 hours of time. That's amazing!
But more importantly, volunteers are really now part of our team that makes it possible for library services to be delivered in 20 locations and through our Outreach Services initiatives. Here is a video that captures both the staff and volunteers at our Matthews library location talking about the impact of volunteers.
If you would like to become a library volunteer, check out the current menu of volunteer opportunities at www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer.
Thank you! |
|
Children | | |
 | |
Author
Alma Flor Ada |
Día de los niños, Día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
2012 marks the 16th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), also known as Día. Día is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates each year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
On April 28 join us at ImaginOn from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a celebration of children, families and reading, featuring Alma Flor Ada the author of many wonderful children's books in English and Spanish. Enjoy storytelling, music and much more. For information call 704-416-0558 or learn more.
Also, check out a schedule of other Dia events happening in late April at various library branches.
2012 Día events were made possible thanks to donations from individuals who supported this project in the Arts & Science Council's "Power2Give" campaign.
 Meet the Authors-Walk on the Wild Side!
Celebrate reading and meet the authors of The Jaguar Stones Series, Jon and Pamela Voelkel. Learn about their fast-paced and humorous books for boys and girls ages 10 to 14. Registration is preferred.
4/11/2012 at 4:30 PM: South County Regional Learn More
Every Child Ready to Read: Fun with Math and Science This workshop presents the five early literacy practices, along with interactive activities that parents and caregivers can use to help their children devleop math and science skills. Come prepared to play and learn with your child. (For ages 4 to 6)
4/19/2012 at 2:00 PM: South County Regional Learn More
5/12/2012 at 11:00 AM: South County Regional Learn More
Every Child Ready to Read
Children and their caregivers or parents will explore the fundamentals of reading in this hands-on workshop. This workshop is for parents and caregivers of toddler and preschool-age children. Registration required, please call 704-416-6030. Audience: Toddlers (1-2), Preschool (3-5)
4/18/2012 at 2:00 PM: North County Regional Learn More
Find many more programs for children of all ages at www.cmlibrary.org/programs.
Día de los niños, día de los libros
(Children's Day, Book Day)
|
| Teens | |
 | |
A teen summer volunteer helps children with a craft project at Cornelius branch. |
Apply now to be a Teen Summer Volunteer
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is looking for a select group of teens ages 13-17 who want a meaningful volunteer experience and the opportunity to give back to their community.
Teen Summer Volunteers help manage and organize library materials, create dynamic displays to market library services, guide children and teens through the Summer Reading Program, lead programs and workshops, learn new technology and so much more! Interested teens should apply online at libraryloft.org, the library's web site for teens. Applications will be accepted through Monday, April 30, 2012.
Project Creative Mind (5th-8th graders)
Youth will have a chance to work with Mrs. Elizabeth (a children's specialist) on their school visual projects such as dioramas, posters, etc. Register by phone or in person. Youth must bring their own supplies.
4/10/2012 at 5:00 PM: Steele Creek Learn More
Earth Day Herpetology Program
Come learn about reptiles & amphibians with the Herpetology Club from Independence High School. See live animals and learn how to interact with them safely for their continued survival in our area. Audience: Teens (12-18), Family/Youth & Caregivers
4/21/2012 at 1:00 PM: Matthews Learn More | Register Online
Hands on Charlotte presents Homework Help
Join Charlotte's premier volunteer service organization as they bring tutors to assist young people with all of their homework woes. This successful program will benefit youth and teens grades K-12 in building skills for a successful school year. Audience: Elementary (5-11), Teens (12-18)
Mondays at 6pm at Beatties Ford Road Library. Learn more.
Find many more programs and events for teens. |
|
Adults | | |
Learn to use your eReader
The Working Writer: Tommy Tomlinson Discusses Writing as a Career
Charlotte Observer columnist Tommy Tomlinson discusses his experiences as a professional writer and how he came to write for a living. There will be an open reception before his talk, which begins about 7:00 after the library closes to the public. Audience: Adults, Teens, Seniors
4/10/2012 at 6:30 PM: Matthews Learn More | Register Online
Introduction to Genealogy
If you have ever wondered about your family heritage, this class will teach you how to do genealogical research! Learn about the many resources available through the library that can help you get started.
Did you know? 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. Find information on tax forms and free income tax assistance at cmlibrary.org/taxes.
Turners & Burners: The Folk Potters of North Carolina
Dr. Charles 'Terry' Zug III, retired UNC Chapel Hill professor & author, will discuss the folk potters of the region, based on his book Turners & Burners: The Folk Potters of North Carolina. Lecture followed by Q&A, reception, and demonstration. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Clayworks are proud to co-host this special literary and artistic event at Clayworks, 4506 Monroe Road, Charlotte. For more info call (704) 344-0795. Audience: Adults, Seniors
4/28/2012 at 12:00 PM Learn More
Find many more programs and events for adults at www.cmlibrary.org/programs.
|
| April is National Poetry Month | |
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
~Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
Celebrate the art, beauty, creativity and humor of poetry -- with free poetry events for all ages at the library!
|
| Friends of the Library | | |
 Friends of the Library Book Donation Week at the Cotswold Chick-fil-A
Support the Friends of the Library's Upcoming Spring Benefit Book Sale and get a FREE Chick-fil-A Sandwich! Take your gently used books, CDs and videos to the Chick-Fil-A at  Cotswold (4431 Randolph Road) during the week of April 2 - 7 between 5 - 8 pm and get a free Chick-fil-A Sandwich* with a donation of 4 or more gently used books.
*Limit 1 sandwich per person, per visit. Offer valid in-store only. For more information visit www.cfarestaurant.com/cotswold or call 704-366-0073.
Or, donate at the sale site!
Book donations can also be dropped off from 10 AM -2 PM, Monday through Saturday, through April 25th at CBRE SouthPark Towers, 6100 Fairview Rd, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC (located on the corner of Fairview and Barclay Downs). All donations to Friends of the Library are tax deductible. (No sales will occur during the book drives.) See www.cmlibraryfriends.org for details.
 Book Sale coming soon.
The Friends of the Library book sale will take place April 27-May 5, with a special preview night on April 26 for Friends. See www.cmlibraryfriends.org for details.
Funds raised by the Friends of the Library book sale will benefit Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries.
|
| National Library Week, April 8- 14 | | |
 You Belong At Your Library!
Have a specific interest? Looking for something you can't find anywhere else? Your library has something for everyone, including you! Whether you are looking for resources to help you land a job, free activities for children, or just looking for your next favorite book, your library has what you need.
April 8-14 is National Library Week, so visit your library today - in person or online. You belong at your library!
Here are a few helpful facts that show how much our community values libraries.
The Library improves the quality of life in the community.
96% of the community agrees that by providing free materials to all residents, the Public Library improves the quality of life in this community. (Source: Marketwise survey of Mecklenburg County residents and library users, Jan. 2011)
The Library provides access to information.
76% of Mecklenburg County residents have used the Library in the last year. Of those, 81% use lending materials; 78% use staff help to find books or information; and 68% use the Library to read, work or study. (Source: Marketwise survey, Jan. 2011)
People turn to libraries when searching for jobs.
In FY11, job searchers used nearly 30,000 computer sessions in the Library's Job Help Center, plus another 33,000 interactions with staff. This does not include the many people who use Library computers for job assistance at our 20 total locations. (Source: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Statistics)
The Library is an educational resource year-round.
97% of the community agrees that the Public Library is a valuable educational resource. (Source: Marketwise survey, Jan. 2011) The Library supports literacy and educational success through its early literacy efforts to prepare children for school, student-oriented programs and homework help after school, teen programs to help transition to college and the workforce, and summer reading programs to help students maintain academic achievement levels during summer break.
The value of a Library is different for each individual.
If you would like to calculate the value you get from the Library, you can use the Library's value calculator. You might be surprised! |
| Early Voting | |
Early voting for the May 8 Primary Election
 The Board of Elections will use eleven libraries for one-stop early voting from April 30 - May 5, 2012 (Beatties Ford Road, Independence, Main, Matthews, Morrison, Mountain Island, North County, South County, Steele Creek, University City, and West Boulevard).
See a printable schedule of early voting locations, dates and times.
For complete information on voting in Mecklenburg County, please visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections Office web site, or call 704-336-2133. |
| Library News | | |
Future of the Library Task Force Update
It's been one year since the Task Force made it's recommendations for the Library. At the March 20 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Library and County commemorated the 1-year anniversary of the Future of the Library Task Force report, along with Task Force Chair Dr. Jim Woodward and current Library Board/former Task Force members Ed Williams and Gloria Kelley. You can watch the meeting here.
Mecklenburg County has highlighted the work of the Future of the Library Task Force in the 2011 Mecklenburg County Performance Report, which reflects work to redesign and reshape County government to best fit current resources after the economic effect of the Great Recession. We are very pleased that the County chose to highlight the collaborative efforts of the Task Force, the Library Board and the Mecklenburg BOCC.
'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart' to rent ImaginOn during 2012 DNC
 On April 2 the Library board approved a contract allowing "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" to rent ImaginOn during the 2012 Democratic National Convention. ImaginOn is the home of both Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children's Theatre of Charlotte. The revenue from the rental "will support two cherished Charlotte organizations that have experienced funding challenges due the recession," said Library Board Chair Charles Bowman. (Read more about the rental.)
Tickets for the Daily Show tapings were available by request from the Daily Show web site, but all available tickets were snapped up within the first hour following the announcement. Neither ImaginOn nor the Library will distribute tickets.
Last year, the Library board voted to close the Library's two uptown locations, ImaginOn and the Main Library, to the public during the convention because of safety and parking concerns. Normally closed on Sunday, Sept. 2 and Labor Day, Sept. 3, these two locations will likely stay closed for most of that week, though dates haven't been finalized.
World Book Night
World Book Night, April 23, 2012, is an annual celebration in which tens of thousands of people go into their communities to spread the love of reading by giving out books donated by publishers and individuals. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will receive about 400 books which Library staff will deliver to people unable to come to the library due to access issues. Learn more about World Book Night. |
|
 |
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! |
|
|
