By our Smarty friends at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Though spring isn’t yet officially here, the signs of its imminent arrival are all around us in the colorful form of yellow daffodil blooms and pink flowering trees. Springtime can be a great time for growth and new beginnings. The sun is out, the birds are singing and it’s time to launch exciting things!
Here are a few ways to spring forward, and how your Library can help.
1. Take it from us – these books helped.
Certain books find their way into our lives and make a lasting impact. This is as true for people who work in libraries as it is for anyone else, so we asked Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staff to share a personal story of a book that helped them in some way. The stories we received were touching, funny and inspirational. Maybe they will inspire you too!
2. Have a soon-to-be-graduate? Explore their options.
If your child wants to go to college, but isn’t sure how, check out College 101, our series of free workshops designed to take you from start to finish in the college process, including resources to help pay for college.
Explore alternatives to a four-year college degree at The Fast Track: Trade School Fair on March 18 at ImaginOn.
3. Is your child working on reading skills? Discover the fun of Read-Alongs.
With these narrated e-books, the text is highlighted as the narrator reads – perfect for helping developing readers learn. You will find many new Read-Alongs and e-books in the brand new NC Kids Digital Library. It’s an easy, safe and fun way to browse with your child for the digital titles they want to read.
4. Plan a “crafter-noon” to unleash your creatively crafty side.
Did you know that March is National Craft Month? That means there is no better time to get creative, get messy and get busy making something fun – and your Library is here to help with programs like Adult Coloring Therapy and Culture Blocks art workshops, books like DIY Stamped Metal Jewelry and The Handmade Life: A Companion to Modern Crafting, and online resources like Lynda.com and Universal Class.
5. Unlock the power of a picture book.
Do you care for a young child? We’d like to let you in on a little secret – it’s called Active Reading. It’s the difference between reading TO kids and reading WITH them. Watch a video to learn how easy it is, then come to one of our workshops to practice Active Reading in a fun group setting!
6. Browse colorful magazines to get inspired.
Magazines are so compelling – whether you are browsing glossy photos of home décor; getting inspired to plant a garden; learning more about a favorite hobby; or going in-depth with articles on science, technology and entertainment. Fans of magazines will find a lot to love about Zinio, a digital magazine newsstand that gives you access to the magazines you know and love – free with your library card.
7. Tackle your taxes. (And see if you qualify for free tax prep!)
Did you earn less than $54,000 in 2016? You may qualify for free tax preparation! Find VITA/TCE sites near you (including Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, Sugar Creek Library and Main Library), or call 704-761-8482 or visit our Tax Information Page for general information on taxes and where to find the answers you are looking for.
8. Be a part of the solution to the problem of digital inequity.
Digital inequity is a growing problem in our community, but there are people looking to find solutions. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Digital Inclusion Steering Team will be hosting a set of Community Forums in March. Join us, and help close the digital divide. The Library is also actively seeking partnering agencies to bring DigiLit Community (our customizable, basic computer skills classes) to more people in Mecklenburg County.
9. Get hands-on with creative experiences in our Satellite Studios.
These mini-makerspace experiences give people of all ages the opportunity to explore new technologies. We now have Satellite Studios at Beatties Ford Road Regional, North County Regional – and our newest location: Independence Regional Library.
10. Leap over the homework hurdle.
Struggling to help your elementary-aged child with their homework? You can find free homework help from volunteers at your Library! Students of all ages (including adults!) can also get free access to live, online tutors through Tutor.com.
11. Have a child with special needs? Join us for Adaptive Hour at ImaginOn.
ImaginOn is now open to the public one hour early (at 12 p.m.) on the first Sunday of each month for customers with accessibility needs. This new program serves children, teens and families with special needs, however all are welcome. The idea is to allow those interested to visit the Library and browse for books and materials without the risk of high volume customer traffic that is normal during regular hours. This program is modeled after the Iowa City Library’s Autism Accessible Browsing Hour.
