Holiday hours
All libraries will be closed on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 and Christmas on Wednesday, December 25. All branches will close early at 5pm on Monday, December 23. See schedule.

All libraries will be closed on New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31 and New Year's Day, January 1.  See schedule.
 

December 2013

"How did it get so late so soon? 
Its night before its afternoon. 
December is here before its June. 
My goodness how the time has flewn. 
How did it get so late so soon?" 

- Dr. Seuss
  
December Highlights
Because of my Library, I can...

This month the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library debuted our vibrant and exciting new brand, an identity that celebrates the world of possibilities in every person who uses the Library. We also launched the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, which supports the Library. The new brand and the Foundation will help transform us into a Library of possibilities that's more relevant, engaged, accessible, digital and sustainable. We hope you will enjoy this two-minute video about the Library, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help us create a community that says, "I can."
I Can...
 
Enhancement to online services is good news for users

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has made enhancements to our online fine and fees payment system. With the new system, library users can choose which fines they want to pay. In the past, patrons were required to pay their full balance. The enhanced system also requires a PIN at login. Additionally, this system can be used in both English and Spanish and cardholders can change their PIN numbers online. 
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New online language learning service 
Pronunciator will replace Mango Languages on Dec. 1

On December 1, we will begin offering a new online language learning service to our customers called "Pronunciator". This service will replace Mango Languages because it has many advantages that our customers have been seeking.

 

Advantages of Pronunciator include:

  • More content. Pronunciator covers 80 languages offering a range of language skills -- reading, writing, listening, and speaking -- in a structured, building-block approach.
  • More learning options. Within each language, Pronunciator offers up to 10,000 phrases; 354 hours of audio lessons; 10 types of interactive drills; and 6 types of scored quizzes.
  • Greater functionality. You don't have to have great technical skill to use Pronunciator -- it's easy to use! It offers a fully-integrated, kid-friendly platform and is accessible remotely including via mobile devices as well as Android devices.

Look for Pronunciator in the list of online resources on our web site beginning December 1st at www.cmlibrary.org/online.
  
  Affordable Care Act - Health Reform Information
With implementation of the Affordable Care Act underway, many people have questions 
about how the changes will impact them. Join the Library for discussions of what's 
in the law, how it's being implemented in NC and how you may be affected. Learn more. 
Did you know that in addition to eBooks and eAudiobooks, we also offer music and video downloads? 
ereader With a library card, you can access a wealth of free downloads through our partners, like Freegal, a downloadable music service offering access to Sony Music's catalog of legendary artists. 

Simply visit cmlibrary.org/downloads and choose a digital download option to browse our collection of downloadable media. You can read, watch or listen on a computer, a portable music player or other mobile devices in a variety of formats. To get started, you will need your library card. (Some services require creation of additional account.)
For kids

Preschool Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later™
Preschoolers learn about financial literacy skills through making choices and decisions. They also learn that people, things and money have value. Audience: Preschool (3-5) 

This program was made possible thanks to the generous support of
PNC's national Grow up Great initiative.   
 

Attend Preschool Storytimes virtually via Livestream!

Our staff at ImaginOn has launched an exciting new way for you to attend their fantastic children's events -- virtually. The first of many Livestreaming events debuted on November 30 with a special Family Storytime, and more are planned. 


Family Storytime: For Me, For You, For Later - Livestreamed

This a special Family Storytime focusing on learning financial literacy skills through making choices and decisions. This event will be LIVESTREAMED! Audience: Preschool (3-5)

 

First Friday Family Storytime - Livestreamed

Every first Friday of the month Family Storytime is broadcasted LIVE. Enjoy favorite stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skills from home! Audience: Preschool (3-5)


If you want to follow ImaginOn on Livestream, you can do so by 2 different ways:
  1. Follow ImaginOn on Facebook, and add the "Livestream" App right from Facebook to view their Livestreams right from the ImaginOn Facebook page.
  2. Go to https://new.livestream.com/accounts/5969766 and create a Livestream Account to follow ImaginOn on Livestream. 
We invite you to tune in and support this exciting new audience platform! 
 

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Our partners at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation are planning a festive event for the whole family on Saturday, December 7, in Romare Bearden Park, from 11 AM to 4 PM The Library is part of the fun with storytimes for the kids at 1,  2 and 3:15 PM See the full event schedule here.

 
For teens
Want to go to college, but not sure how? Our free Operation College Launch workshops can help.

All workshops are designed to provide teens (and parents) with the information they need about their future beyond high school. Workshops are held at various libraries through April. 


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Books Come to Life: Grimm's Tales
Bring Grimm's tales to life at the Mint Hill Branch. Activities include creating a gingerbread house.

Learn, Connect, Play: Board Games
Participate in board games that encourage cooperation, problem solving, letter and word recognition, and critical thinking skills.
For adults
Job Help at West Boulevard Library
Join the West Boulevard Library for an informational session about job help services at the library, a showcase of Jacob's Ladder Job Center (a program with the Urban League), and a class on interviewing skills.

Google: Beyond the Simple Search
Learn how to improve your Google skills by using features such as images, maps, news alerts and book search.
Movie: It's a Gift
A classic, uproarious comedy from 1934, starring the legendary W.C. Fields as a henpecked husband who receives an unexpected inheritance. He decides to take off for California, but hilarious obstacles (including children and dogs) get in the way.
 
From Page to Screen: Celebrating Irving Berlin, "White Christmas"  
Come join us for a fun-filled holiday afternoon. We will watch a presentation on the life and works of famed songwriter, Irving Berlin, then stay to watch the 1954 musical, "White Christmas", with Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney. Refreshments.
Your input is needed at the LYNX Blue Line Extension public meetings
Charlotte Area Transit Systems (CATS) and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department are hosting public meetings on the LYNX Blue Line Extension light rail project.

Blue Line Extension Progress Meeting
Thursday, December 5, 2013, 4:30 PM. - 6:30 PM
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall)
101 W. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28213

Transit Station Area Plans Workshop:
University City Boulevard, McCullough and JW Clay Boulevard Station Areas
Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 4:30 PM. - 6:30 PM
Oasis Shriner's Center
604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262

Both meetings will provide an opportunity to have your Blue Line Extension questions answered. The December 10 meeting includes a workshop to collect input on the three University City transit station area plans and to share information about the supporting infrastructure program for the Blue Line Extension. If you have questions about these meetings, you may contact CATS at 704-336-7433 or bluelineextension@charlottenc.gov.   

CATS is also hosting a series of open house public meetings to solicit input regarding proposed adjustments to several routes. Open houses are designed for you to drop in anytime during the meeting hours. CATS wants your feedback and encourages transit customers and members of the community to attend the meetings to hear about proposed changes to these routes.  

 

Visit the Charlotte Area Transit System web site for details on upcoming public meetings. 

 
Library Foundation on its way with significant donations and more

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The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is well underway after its official launch November 14 where $175,000 was collected, spearheaded by a hefty challenge grant from Bank of America. 

  • the Foundation received a $200,000 grant from PNC Bank for Early Financial Literacy. 
  • the Charlotte Bobcats and Lowe's provided a $20,000 gift to help raise awareness and double the usage of the free online tutoring service, www.tutor.com. 
  • the newly formed Friends Council helped the Foundation raise awareness with a series of successful "pop-up" book sales.
Currently the Foundation is reaching out to library lovers to contribute to its Annual Fund Drive.  Please consider giving today.  
Donate Online

Created a year ago, the Library Foundation was established with the primary focus of raising awareness and private support to ensure that libraries will continue to be beloved and well-used institutions in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.  Funds raised will be used to meet needs that include:

 

  • General library services
  • Books and materials
  • Programs in the critical areas of literacy, educational success and workforce development
  • Endowment for future needs
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