News and Events
 
October 2014
October Holidays: All libraries will be closed on Columbus Day, Monday, October 13.
Top News: Many Library Locations will be Early Voting Sites
Early voting starts Thursday, October 23 and many library locations will take part as community voting sites. For more information about voting in Mecklenburg County, visit the Board of Elections' website. 
Featured Digital Service: Just in Time for Homework, World Book Online Offers eBooks

Browse eBooks, which are mostly nonfiction homework help eBooks, by animals, history, space, and lots more. These eBooks can be viewed online or downloaded to a tablet (supported devices: iPad®, Google Nexus 7™, Samsung: Galaxy Note® 10.1, Galaxy Tab™ 2 10.1). Check out World Book Online now!

Rock & Read 5K Raises More Than $25,000 for Library


On September 6, the Friends Council raised more than $25,000 for the Library during the Rock & Read 5K Run/Walk. More than 500 runners participated in the fifth annual race. Thanks to volunteers, race participants, and corporate sponsors, the race was a huge success!


Read more about the Rock & Read and view photos from the race. 

Customer Satisfaction Survey Results

 


The results are in! More than 1,600 customers participated in the Library's annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, and 96% agreed or strongly agreed to statements about customer satisfaction. Thank you to those of you who participated and provided your valuable feedback. Library leadership will be reviewing comments later this month, and identifying action items to further improve customer service. 

 

Respondents also gave the Library a Net Promoter Score of 82. A Net Promoter Score is based on responses to the question: "How likely is it that you would recommend our company/product/service to a friend or colleague?" Again, the Library will use this feedback to design an experience that will encourage customers to return and bring a friend.

 

Thank you!
October 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

Turning to Clay: The Historic Pottery Industry of North Carolina
Join Dr. Linda Carnes-McNaughton to discover the latest archaeological finds from Old Salem, the Jacob Weaver Kiln site, and the St. Aspah's District. Part of the "Bringing History to You" series of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.
Saturday, October 4, at 1 p.m. | South County Regional | Learn More | Register Online

Made in 1984: Hollywood Movies from 30 Years Ago
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's new, annual film series picks up where the 2014 summer series left off, with eight more terrific films from Hollywood's "banner year" of 1984. The first screening, Places in the Heart, will take place at the Main Library on Saturday, October 4; check out the full schedule here.
Saturday, October 4, showtime at 2 p.m. | Main | Learn More

Meet the Author: Chuck McShane

Local author and historian Chuck McShane will discuss his new book A History of Lake Norman: Fish Camps to Ferraris.
Tuesday, October 7, at 10:30 a.m. | Cornelius | Learn More | Register Online

Meet the Author: Paul Leonard
Join us to discuss When the Spirit Moves, a collection of essays, poems, and reflections about the work of the Spirit in our lives, by local author Paul Leonard.
Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. | Davidson | Learn More | Register Online

Watch the Skies! Book Discussion: H.G. Wells' The Time Machine

The first part of a two-part series on The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Read the book, then come to this lively discussion open to both adults and teens. Refreshments served.

Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. | Matthews | Learn More | Register Online


 Celebrate Family History Month

Whether you are new to genealogy, or have devoted a lifetime to it, celebrate Family History Month with your family this October by trying one of these wonderful ways to craft and commemorate your past.

  • Get started tracing your family tree. If you have been curious about your family tree but just aren't sure where to start, your public library can help. Our genealogy experts in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Main Library have expertise and tools to help you get started. You can call them at 704.416.0150 or sign up for one of our upcoming free genealogy workshops happening in various library branches. Learn more.
  • Record family stories. Each family has its own history, and you can help ensure that your family stories will be preserved for future generations. Don't know how to start? We're offering a workshop on October 15 at our Steele Creek branch in which you can learn the basics of conducting family history interviews. Learn More.
  • Experience the joy of another family's discovery. Experience one Charlotte family's attempt to trace their roots on an all new edition of "Carolina Impact" on local PBS station WTVI, October 7. Our own Carolina Room will be included in the episode. Learn more.
  • Go further in your search. The State Library of North Carolina has a long tradition of service to researchers who have undertaken the challenging and rewarding mission to trace their families' roots. Visit their web site to find a wealth of resources. 

Watch the Skies! The Movie: The Time Machine

In the second part of our Watch the Skies series, we will watch the popular 1960 film The Time Machine starring Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux (rated-PG). For adults and teens. Refreshments served.

Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 p.m. | Matthews | Learn More | Register Online 

Teens

During Teen Read Week, turn dreams into reality! 
Nationally, Teen Read Week is observed October 12-18, but here at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, we are extending the celebration of reading for two weeks, with events taking place October 5-18. Here are the types of programs being offered. Click here to see a schedule. 
  • Now showing! Join us for a special showing of a select movie.
  • Hold Shelf Surprise. Fill out a sheet about your reading interests along with your library card number and the Teen Librarian will put a random surprise book on hold for you.
  • Dream Jar. What is a dream jar? It is a mason jar filled with slips of paper with your hopes and dreams for the future.
  • End Cap Bucket Lists. What is a bucket list? It is a list of places you want to go and things you want to do in your lifetime.
  • Dream Quotes. Pick up your copy of our Teen Read Week quotes and see if you can match the quote to the author. Turn it in to receive a sweet treat. 
  • Booktionary. Play this guessing word game by identifying book titles through sketched clues.
  • Turn It Up: Teen Radio. Listen to a radio show created by the Library's "Turn It Up: Teen Radio" and discuss the topics of the show.
  • READ Bookmarks. Make your own READ bookmarks using ALA graphics and the portable app GIMP.
Children

Parents and grandparents, are you looking for great children's books? Check out our new blog Books for Kids on the Charlotte Parent website. This twice-monthly reading recommendation blog is authored by the talented children's specialists at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.   

 

Books for Kids: Fall Favorites

Autumn is just around the corner, bringing with it colorful leaves, crisp apples, busy squirrels, and a harvest of new books at the Library! Here are some choices that are just right for this season. Read more.

 

Library Branch Fall Festivals for Children

Enjoy these hands on activities, literacy games, and much more as we celebrate the season at these children's Fall Festivals. Click on Learn More for ages and details.

 

Saturday, October 25, at 11 a.m. | Beatties Ford Road | Learn More

Tuesday, October 28, drop in from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | University City Regional | Learn More

Thursday, October 30, at 10 a.m. | South County Regional | Learn More

Thursday, October 30, at 11 a.m. | ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center | Learn More

Thursday, October 30, at 2 p.m. | Morrison Regional | Learn More  

Thank you for attending Summer Programs at ImaginOn!

As summer closes, we thought we would take this time to thank you for attending Summer Programs at ImaginOn. Check out the results!

  • More than 38,416 attended the "Once Upon a Time" exhibit
  • 166 educational and literacy programs were implemented and attended by almost 
    9,000 patrons
  • Terrific Tuesdays found about 3,100 attending the performances
Thanks again, and let's get ready for the Fall!
Coming in November...

Holiday Closing: All libraries will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 and will be closed Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving Day.

Mark your calendars for International Game Day, which takes place on Saturday, November 15. Stay tuned for details in our November issue!
     
  
    

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