Davidson College’s Douglas Houchens Professor of English Alan Michael Parker is a man of many talents. While he is an accomplished novelist, poet, critic and scholar, Alan Michael is also getting attention for his avant-garde cartoons.
Take a look at some of his creations along with some recommendations you don’t want to miss.
During the pandemic, book clubs have been a lifeline. Those literary-focused, often-virtual social events were a welcome distraction from the upheaval in work, school, families, children, and life. Even now when the new normal is starting to become the “normal” normal, our book clubs reignite the joy of friendship and help us rediscover the magic in books.
There is a reason why Tamil is thought to be the oldest language in the world. Charlotte Tamil Library Volunteer Group (a.k.a. Charlotte Tamil Noolaga Kuzhu) have devoted time and gifts to bring 150 Tamil books to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library patrons — and they don’t plan on stopping. Their limitless energy and dedication to learning and language enriches our entire community.
There are countless treasures hidden in attics, basements, garages… and even Uptown Charlotte office buildings. A recent law firm’s relocation unearthed a rare map and launched a Carolina Room investigation.
As we begin to survey the landscape the pandemic has left behind, our focus has been pulled to the impact made on our national education system. Nationally, children returned to the classroom with at least six to eight months of learning and educational development lost to time. The great pivot from in-person to online revealed how ill-prepared U.S. education systems were for such a massive shift in teaching and learning.
But it also uncovered a well of resilience.
Currently a volunteer at the Matthews branch, Betty Verner can’t remember a time when the library wasn’t part of her life. She was moved to tears by a thoughtful birthday gift from her son Ritch and daughter-in-law Susan. See what they gave her.
Charles Bowman believes, “Libraries are the land of opportunities. Places where people come together.” Today we celebrate Charles’ retirement of a celebrated career with Bank of America and the many ways he has helped make our community a better place for families. Charles can be described in many ways: attorney, community leader, friend and advocate but our favorite way is library champion.
#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event on April 6th, with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to donate.
Connecting people with the information and tools they need to thrive is what libraries do. In May we shared Miranda’s story, a new resident who was unemployed and supporting five children. She was able to get a refurbished laptop through the MeckTech program and start building a better life for her family.
This fall, a new vehicle hits the road – with a Library inside!
NC Humanities grant funds website to house archive
“Libraries hold the tools and support to make dreams come true.”
Partnership with Community Building Initiative facilitates dialogue across difference
Titles will augment Library collection
Merancas Foundation investment reduces MeckTech waiting list by 25%
“Until everyone has these tools, we have a lot of work to do.”
With funding from Google Fiber, new partnership brings Wi-Fi to neighbors experiencing homelessness
“an important resource as we work toward a more equitable future”
from Library trustee Charles Thomas
Reflections from Lee Keesler, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library CEO
Together we can provide information and opportunities to engage
Commitment to a more equitable community
Library Director Caitlin Moen reflects on her new role and what lies ahead
On equity, access, diversity, inclusion and democracy
Libraries are a recurring character in the lives of readers and writers.
from Library Foundation board member Gene Cochrane
Knight’s largest commitment to date in Charlotte.
Libraries are those special places you can go to get exactly what you need and come out with so much more.
NBC Charlotte reports on a Library program changing a neighborhood.
What are kids not doing if they are on devices a good part of the day?
The Library doesn’t focus on who you know or what stock you come from.