By our Smarty friends at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Hello, 2019! It’s a new year and a great time to try out a new hobby or expand on existing skills. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has resources for both children and adults who are trying to expand their horizons this year. The Library can help guide you or your children toward books and online resources that will spark excitement, create lifelong passions or introduce a new hobby this year. Below, we’ve highlighted some books that will help your child learn new skills, as well as an online language-learning resource that works for all ages.
Do you have a little tech guru on your hands? Does your child love online gaming or exploring different apps? The Library has excellent books and programs that can help channel your child’s interest into hands-on learning.
Get Coding! provides a nice introduction to computer programming for beginners of all ages. This book specifically focuses on learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Using fun, interactive “missions,” this book teaches children how to build websites, apps and games. If your child is interested in a specific program, the Library also offers books dedicated to a single computer language, such as Python or Ruby, for example. One book we love is Coding from Scratch by Rachel Ziter, which focuses solely on coding games, animation and musical projects using the Scratch coding language.
Perhaps you have a child who loves to help in the kitchen. Capitalize on that enthusiasm with some great cooking books from the Library! Kids Cook! by Good Housekeeping is a great place to start. With more than 100 easy and yummy recipes, your child will be whipping up breakfast for your family in no time. If you’re looking for a resource for a slightly more sophisticated young chef, New Favorites for New Cooks by Carolyn Federman should fit the bill. The recipes included here focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, each accompanied by beautiful (and mouthwatering) photographs. Both books include an overview of food safety, how to measure ingredients and, most importantly, detailed information on how to use knives.
Do you or your child have an affinity for words? Do you want to travel more this year? Get a start on learning the local language! The Library has an excellent online resource to help with this endeavor. Mango Languages is free to Library cardholders, and users can access it anywhere with an internet connection. With more than 70 world languages to choose from, ranging from Spanish to Japanese to Bengali, you’re sure to find one that piques your interest. Mango engages students with an interactive style that helps them become familiar with the conversation and culture of a foreign language
Finally, check out Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s calendar of events for fun, educational activities at your local library. From science programs to homework help, there are so many ways the Library can help you learn, grow, and be your best self this year. Cheers to a skillful 2019!
