By our Smarty friends at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Gyms are packed, kale is flying off the shelves – New Year’s resolution season is in full bloom. Now is the perfect time of year to turn to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to get inspiration. You’ve been doing a great job of checking in with us already. Keep it up in 2017 by visiting us online or in person anytime you need a boost.
Here are ten ways to rock the coming year, and how your Library can help.
1. Start building a great 2017 reading list.
And if you need recommendations, come to us. (We’re really good at it.) Speaking of reading, here are the titles that were most borrowed by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library readers in 2016. If you missed them last year, you might want to add these books to your 2017 reading list.
2. Figure out how that new device works.
If you got a tablet or e-reader over the holiday and want to know how to load it up with free e-books from the Library, we can help. Find a class or tutoring session at your nearest branch.
3. Have a conversation in a new language.
Will 2017 be the year in which you learn a new language? It can be! With your library card or ONE Access account, you have free access to a powerful language learning service called Pronunciator. This service covers 80 languages offering a range of language skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Pronunciator makes language learning fun and easy – for all ages!
4. Meet exciting authors and get inspired.
Creative authors enrich the experiences of people of all ages through their work. That’s why your Library aims to bring to you an array of popular and intriguing authors each season. Check out the lineup of author appearances you can experience in the first few months of 2017.
5. Be the candidate everyone wants to hire.
Come to the Job Help Center at Main Library for Job Readiness Week February 27-March 2. Sharpen your skills by attending three evening classes – then attend the Job Fair. This week is designed to give you valuable skills and opportunities for job seeking success.
6. Connect with culture.
The Arts and Science Council’s Connect with Culture Day on January 28 is an opportunity to have fun exploring diverse arts, science and history experiences for FREE. Several libraries will be hosting events, including a musical petting zoo, film screenings, jazz performances and storytimes with ballerinas. Check out the complete schedule of events and be sure to note that some require registration.
7. Play and learn with your little one.
During February and March, six libraries will offer a four-week series workshop on Active Reading. Active Reading is the difference between reading to kids and reading with them. (Find out more with this video from our friends at Read Charlotte!) At these workshops, you can learn fun ideas and activities that you can use to support early literacy with your young child at home.
8. Dive into a great film series.
Join fellow movie buffs at the Library and gain deeper understanding, celebrate filmmakers and connect with others who appreciate and enjoy movies.
9. Share your talents.
Did you make volunteering one of your New Year’s resolutions? Your Library offers many opportunities to give back. Share your talents. Learn new skills. Meet new people. Create a literate community.
10. Explore without limits.
Planning a trip in 2017? Exploring new places can be a great way to expand your mind and learn new things, but sometimes exploring can take you to places that don’t offer the connectivity that you need. Don’t let a lack of internet or Wi-Fi access be a limitation! Rent a portable, wireless hotspot from the Library to ensure connectivity through your travels.
