It’s summertime. It’s hot. Kids are out of school. What a perfect time to turn to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for summer fun inspiration. Visit the Library online or in person anytime you need a respite from the heat (our air conditioning and Wi-Fi are free!).
Here are a few ways you can make the most of your summer with the Library.
1. Read, learn and explore with Summer Break
Challenge yourself and your family to read and learn new things all summer long with the Library’s summer learning program, Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore. You can earn incentives, be eligible for prize drawings and add to the number of books the Library donates to children in need in our community. It’s free for all ages, and easy to participate. Find out more at summerbreak.cmlibrary.org.
Summer Break is made possible in partnership with Carowinds. Additional support comes from Wendy’s and The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.
2. Bring the family to the Storyland exhibit at ImaginOn
Beloved children’s books come alive with Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites, an imaginative, book-based experience for children ages birth to 8 years old. The exhibit runs through September 9 at ImaginOn, and admission is free! Plan your visit at imaginon.org.
3. Escape the heat with a great (free) film
The Library and Charlotte Film Society are proud to present the seven unique masterpieces that Hal Ashby directed between 1970-1979 during a summer film festival at ImaginOn and Main Library. Beginning July 7, you can experience ‘on the big screen’ all of Ashby’s seventies classics in chronological order. And the price of admission? Why, it’s FREE, of course! See the full lineup on cmlibrary.org.
4. Assemble at ImagiCon, July 21
Calling all superheroes, supervillains, super friends and super foes, get ready for a day of fun fandom celebration as ImagiCon takes over ImaginOn, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly festival celebrates the culture surrounding comic books, graphic novels, anime, fandoms and gaming, and is geared towards fans ages 0-18 and their families. Learn more at cmlibrary.org.
5. Download an audiobook, and have a great read wherever you go
Audiobooks are the perfect entertainment for all of your summertime activities! The Library has a variety of resources, both physical and digital, for finding the perfect audiobooks for summer. Start listening to your next favorite read today!
6. Hang out in the Teen Space at Main Library
Main Library is a welcoming space for all, and with a newly renovated Teen Space on the second floor, teens have even more reason to spend time at Main Library this summer.
In addition to fun programming (like a photo booth!) in the FLEX room, teens can find engaging reading materials and spend quiet time in the STUDY room. Group visits are also welcome at Main Library this summer through tours, visits to Idea Box Makerspace and an escape room experience called Escape the Box in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room. Find out more at cmlibrary.org.
7. Help choose America’s best-loved book
The Great American Read is an eight-part PBS series and competition that explores the joy of books and the power of reading through the lens of America’s 100 best-loved books, as voted on by the public. The Library has gathered the 100 books into a list, all available for checkout at your local branch, and be sure to vote for your favorite at any library location throughout the summer. Find out more at cmlibrary.org.
8. Download the CMLibrary app to have your library on the go
Whether you are at the beach, on the bus or in your own backyard, your library card can be nearby. If you don’t have the latest version, download it today, and take your library with you wherever you go. Search cmlibrary wherever you download apps.
9. Learn the power of Active Reading
You know that reading is important for children’s development. Studies even show that babies benefit from reading with their caregivers well before they can even grasp language. But, there is something simple you can do to significantly improve the language and reading skills of the children in your lives. It’s called Active Reading. Sign up for an Active Reading workshop to learn fun ideas and activities that can be used to support early literacy at home.
10. Take a (Story)walk in the park
Books in parks? What a novel idea! StoryWalk is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. StoryWalks engage young readers, and is a great way to practice Active Reading skills with special activities highlighted along the story. If you’re ready to brave the heat, take a walk at a local park and read a story along the way.
These are just a few of the many ways you can make the most of your summer with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. We look forward to seeing you at the Library soon!
