This is part of our Smarty reading series written by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
By now your children are settling in to a new school year. Homework has begun, grades are in the works. Did you know that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library connects youth, ages 12-18, with free resources such as library materials, creative programs, websites and databases, and volunteer opportunities? Through the transformative power of information, imagination and ideas, the Library strives to inspire the teens of our community.
Most of the twenty library locations offer regular events and activities for teens. From art workshops to book and writing clubs to discussion groups, gaming and even hands-on workshops to learn about animation and robotics. Check out the Library’s programming page for all of this and more. (Librarian tip: search by age, location and interest to find the perfect program for your teen)
The Library also serves as an extension of the classroom, offering resources students need to succeed in school.
– STEM programs – hands-on workshops that spark interests in science and technology. Search by keyword on our Programs page.
– Live homework help – A free, online tutoring service for grades K-12 powered by Tutor.com. (Librarian tip: download the Tutor.com To Go app from your app store)
– Places for teens to study and learn at the Library.
– Online homework resources and information.
– Books, movies and magazines on every subject imaginable, in the Library and online.
– Free computer use and Wi-Fi access at every Library location.
– Friendly librarians to guide students to the books and resources they need.
Is your child getting ready for college? The Library can help with that too.
– College 101 – an annual series of FREE workshops designed to provide you with the information you need about the future beyond high school.
Your favorite librarian can always offer book recommendations for your teens. Call or visit to talk to a teen librarian!
(Librarian tip: get your teen involved in the Library’s Community Read program. Teens can engage in this year’s program by reading or listening to the book The Book Thief, talking about it, attending Library programs, engaging with the Library on social media (using #cmlibrary #communityread), and sharing an enthusiasm for reading. Find our more!)
As you may have heard, if your student is enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, they can now use their student ID as their library card. Our ONE Access program was put into place to ensure that students in Mecklenburg County have as much access to the resources the Library has to offer as possible. Learn more about this new initiative.
And, if your teen has fines on their library card, we understand. We have programs to help teens pay down their fines so they can continue using the Library. Ask a librarian for details.
