News and Events
 
September 2014
September Holidays: All libraries will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st.
TOP NEWS
Many libraries now open more days to serve you!
Thanks to the support of Mecklenburg County, Library hours are expanding from five to six days a week for the community/neighborhood libraries (Cornelius, Davidson, Hickory Grove, Matthews, Mint Hill, Mountain Island, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood, Scaleybark, Steele Creek, Sugar Creek, West Boulevard) and from six to seven days a week for the central libraries (Main Library and ImaginOn).  

 

In addition, all libraries throughout the system will have consistent hours of operation. The change takes place Sept. 2.

 

New Library hours for all locations:

·         Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 

·         Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

 

Sunday service (1-5 p.m.) will continue to be provided at Main, ImaginOn and the regional libraries (Beatties Ford Road, Independence, Morrison, North County, South County, University City) during the school year.

 

To view the schedule, click here: 

Library operating hours beginning Sept. 2, 2014
Click the image to view larger.
Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is officially September 21-27, but here at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library we're expanding the celebration to September 14-27.  That's two weeks of great programs and displays that highlight the value of free and open access to information. Learn more about Banned Books Week and see the lineup of Banned Books Week events.

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month

Library and CMS partner to bring cards to kids

September is the perfect time to recognize the value of a library card as libraries across the country join together for National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

 

It's also the perfect time to highlight Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to get library cards into the hands of as many Pre-K to 3rd grade students as possible.

 

Launched last month, this initiative aims to supply some 51,000 Pre-K to 3rd grade students with library cards for the 2014-2015 school year. Later in the year, the partners will pilot a Library "eCard" for students in grades 6-12 in the Project L.I.F.T community. Learn about both programs here. 

 

And since families that read together, succeed together, don't forget to make sure you've got a card for yourself by visiting this link. 

   

The Pre-K to 3rd grade student library card initiative is funded in part by Foundation For The Carolinas.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

For children! Cultural Exploration: Hispanic Heritage Month
Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Learn the basic steps for and history of Latin dance styles, including salsa, bachata, and merengue. Audience: Elementary (5-11), Preteen (8-11)

9/16/2014 at 4:00 PM: West Boulevard    Learn More | Register Online

 

For adults! Poetry Reading Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Please join us for a poetry reading by Kurma Murrain-Collins, a Colombian-American poet and philologist. Her works include a book of poems titled Esta Soy and various other literary works. Her poetry has appeared in international journals and online magazines, and she has translated many books from English to Spanish. She is also a founding member of the poetry groups ArteSanos de la Palabra and Voz Es. Audience: Adults

9/29/2014 at 6:30 PM: Scaleybark    Learn More

 

For teens and adults! A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with "Bless Me, Ultima"
Join us for this lively look at Hispanic culture in the arts. See how this culture has added a wonderful dynamic to our way of life! Watch a presentation about Hispanic literature, then stay to watch the movie, "Bless Me, Ultima." Refreshments. Audience: Adults, Seniors, Teens (12-18)

10/10/2014 at 1:30 PM: Matthews    Learn More 

College 101 (formerly called "Operation College Launch")

 

We've changed the name, but it's the same great series of FREE workshops designed to provide you with the information you need about your future beyond high school. The College 101 series covers topics that will take you from start to finish in the college process. This month we're offering free practice exams for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and a workshop to help you locate scholarships. We'll also host a visit from CPCC. 

See a list of College 101 workshops in September. 

 
September Program Highlights
We have hundreds of programs scheduled this month; these are just a few of the highlights. Find more at www.cmlibrary.org/programs

Adults

Book Talk: Title Swap for Twenties and Thirties, or "TNT"
Looking to learn about great new books without having the commitment of a book club? Join us for a Title Swap for Twenty and Thirty somethings, or "TNT". Share something you are reading now, such as a favorite book or author, in an informal setting. A selection of books will be available for check-out. Light refreshments will be provided. (This program is intended for 18-35 year olds.)

9/25/2014 at 6:30 PM: University City Regional  Learn More 

From Page to Screen: John Grisham 
Join us to watch a presentation on the life & works of famed author John Grisham, followed by the film adaptation of his best-selling book The Client, with Academy-nominees Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones (Rated PG-13). Refreshments will be served.

8/29/2014 at 1:30 PM: Matthews    Learn More / Register Online 

Elder Care: Transitions in Aging
Aging brings many transitions for families. This discussion will let attendees learn strategies to understand the obstacles and how to meet their needs of the aging. Scott Tenbroeck is an Instructor at CPCC. Please join us; refreshments served.

9/4/2014 at 3:00 PM: Matthews    Learn More / Register Online  

Back to Basics: Business Organization and Record-keeping - What You Need to Know
Learn about sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations. We'll discuss the importance of record keeping and how long to keep items. Get an overview of tax responsibilities as a small business, NC tax updates and changes to the state withholding requirements.
Teens

Teen Anime and Manga Interest Circle 
Join us on the first Monday of the month to discuss manga, anime and related titles.

9/8/2014 at 4:30 PM: Matthews    Learn More / Register Online  

Teen Book Club
Join us the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss the selection of the month over snacks. The September title is Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson. To obtain a copy of the book, ask at the circulation desk. 

9/9/2014 at 6:00 PM: Mint Hill    Learn More / Register Online 

Teen Book Club: Special discussion of The Fault in Our Stars
Join us as we discuss The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. A limited number of copies are available at the branch for this book group. Light refreshments will be served.
9/11/2014 at 4:30 PM: Matthews    Learn More / Register Online
Children

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Whether you already love the book or want to watch the movie before reading it, join us for a showing and related activities of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Enjoy Sugar Creeks Chocolate Factory. Audience: Elementary (5-11), Preteen (8-11), Family/Youth & Caregivers

9/6/2014 at 2:00 PM: Sugar Creek    Learn More

Creating With Books: The Story of Salt
Listen to stories and extend learning through a variety of hands-on activities. This month we will explore the historical importance of salt and its place in art and literature, including creating salt paintings. Registration required. Audience: Elementary (5-11), Preteen (8-11)

9/11/2014 at 4:00 PM: Morrison Regional    Learn More | Register Online

Literacy Activity: Hobbit Day 

Happy Hobbits Day! Celebrate Bilbo and Frodo's birthday with us and make your own pair of hobbit ears. Activity will be available as long as supplies last.

Audience: Family/Youth & Caregivers, Elementary (5-11), Elementary (5-11)

9/22/2014 at 12:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center  Learn More

 
SPECIAL CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY FOUNDATION EVENT!

Tickets on Sale for Verse & Vino

Tickets are now available to purchase for Verse & Vino. Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 at the Westin Charlotte, Verse & Vino is presented by PNC and is a new literary and fundraising event that will benefit the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase books from Park Road Books and meet the five New York Times bestselling authors during a cocktail hour and book signing reception. Following the book signing, attendees will enjoy dinner and a program featuring the authors.

 

Learn more about Verse & Vino or purchase tickets here.


 
Independence Regional Library Turns Forty
The Independence Library had its grand opening on September 4, 1974. At that time, the library was located in a strip mall at 6054 Independence Blvd.
The Independence Regional branch is turning forty this year, and this milestone birthday is cause for celebration! To mark the event, the branch will host special events all day on Thursday, September 4, with a commemorative event at Noon and a pop-up Friends Council book sale from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. See the full event schedule here. Please join us! 

"It's going to be a very busy day, and definitely a fun day," said Branch Manager LaJuan Pringle. "I'm looking forward to it. Whenever there are happy people in the library, we're happy."

New Program Series!

Bringing History to You

Explore North Carolina's past, present and future. This year the history experts of the Library's Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room invite you to join them in this exciting series of speakers who will present on a variety of topics relating to North Carolina. Here's a sneak peek of what's to come -- the series will continue into 2015 with new guests and new topics. For more information, call 704-416-0150.

 

Understanding the Climate Change Problem and Seeking Solutions

With Dr. J. Jason West, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences & Engineering Department at UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. West will address one of the most important as well as controversial subjects today, climate change. This program is co-sponsored by the Library and the Sierra Club. 

9/4/2014 at 6:00 PM: University City Regional    Learn More 

 

Taking Another Look: New Views of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Dr. Anne Whisnant of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will speak on "Taking Another Look: New Views of the Blue Ridge Parkway." This lecture will give leaf watchers more to think about this fall.

9/13/14 at 11:00 AM: North County Regional Learn More  Register Online 

 

Turning To Clay: The Historic Pottery Industry in North Carolina

With Dr. Linda F. Carnes-McNaughton, RPA

We'll examine what has been learned from recent research on the historic pottery industry in North Carolina and what is planned for future exploration. 

10/4/14 at 11:00 AM: South County Regional 

 

North Carolina Music: From the 1960s to Today

With Daniel Coston, author and music historian

Daniel Coston is a photographer, writer and traveler, whose works include North Carolina Musicians: Photographs And Conversations and There Was A Time: Rock & Roll In The 1960s In Charlotte, and North Carolina. 

11/22/14 at 11:00 AM: University City Regional

26 Million Minutes of Summer Reading!
Summer Reading success!

Thanks to you, Summer Reading was as successful as ever! Collectively, the Summer Reading community logged 26 million minutes of reading. That's 4 million more minutes than last year and 2 million more minutes than the goal! Your enthusiastic participation continues to demonstrate that literacy is important, even in the Summer. The Library wishes to thank Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for its continued support through the Summer Reading partnership.

 

Thank you to our 2014 Summer Reading sponsors, who support us in these efforts.
       
     
Coming in October...

Holiday Closing: All libraries will be closed Monday, October 13, for Columbus Day. 

Mark your calendars for Teen Read Week, which we'll be celebrating from October 5-18 at all library locations except Main. Stay tuned for details in our October issue!

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