Healing Arts: Mending our Hearts through Creative Expression

Amanda Goldson, Pineville Library

“Healing Arts” is a series meant to serve as an outlet for people to creatively express themselves, identify emotions, and explore a variety of art mediums. The philosophy of celebrating the mending or reintegration of broken things inspired and guides the sessions in this program series.

 

Multicultural Festival Series: Your LIBRARY CARD is your PASSPORT!

Jennifer Williams-Cannon, North Country Regional Library 

Children and their families will get to experience hands-on activities that embrace different parts of the world. Join us as we celebrate various international festivals. This educational program and activity are related to exploration of various cultures. Programming will include a literacy activity, a guest speaker, a tasting, and/or an exhibit activity.

 

Culture of India Series

Cameron Smith, Pineville Library

Program sessions will focus on food/spices, dance, art, and yoga/meditation. Various program presenters for each series will be identified and will develop a presentation that focuses on one aspect of the culture of India. The series will occur monthly from January 2025-May 2025. The purpose of the series is to celebrate Indian culture as well as educate and inform anyone that may not be familiar with Indian culture as well as enrich culture understanding among diverse cultures.

 

Unlocking Hope for Children’s Literacy in Mecklenburg County: “Sentenced” by Stephen and Ayesha Curry Community Impact Film Screening

Elyse Berrier, ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center

Join us for a Community Impact Screening of “Sentenced,” a powerful documentary narrated by four-time NBA champion and longtime Charlotte resident, Stephen Curry. This film documents the stories of four ethnically diverse adults and children who have never learned to read, highlighting the critical issue of childhood illiteracy, a challenge that impacts families and communities nationwide. You will leave feeling motivated and prepared to create change in Mecklenburg County and beyond. A drop-in prescreening reception will take place 4:30-5:30 p.m., with the screening of “Sentenced” beginning at 5:45 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Theatre at ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center. Opportunities to respond to the film will be available through representation of community literacy organization resource tables for discussion and response after the film’s screening.

 

Traditions of Ramadan and Eid: A Cultural Exploration

Abrar Alkusaimi, Mountain Island Library 

Join us for a series of engaging events that delve into the diverse cultural practices of Ramadan and the joyful celebrations of Eid. Through interactive programs, community-led discussions, and cultural experiences, participants will discover how Ramadan and Eid are observed across different regions, with an emphasis on family traditions, festive foods, and community connections. Whether you are interested in learning about these traditions for the first time or sharing your own experiences, all are welcome! This program culminates in an Eid celebration, featuring music, crafts, and sampling traditional treats, making it a memorable experience for all.

 

Goddesses of the West: Intensive Empowerment Institute for Young Women

Rashad Starr, West Boulevard Library

Goddesses of the West is an empowerment program designed to uplift and support young women from underserved areas. Through weekly sessions, participants will build confidence and self-esteem, develop essential life skills like financial literacy, communication, and etiquette, and experience a strong sense of community and support. The program encourages personal growth and leadership, connecting participants with inspiring mentors and role models across various professional fields to broaden their perspectives and goals. This transformative experience will help each young woman recognize her potential and equip her with the tools for future success.

 

Swim for Success: Lifeguard Training for Teens & New Adults

Alesha Lackey, Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library

In partnership with McCrorey YMCA, Swim for Success is an extension of the Library’s workforce development efforts and an extension of a prior Flight Fund program. This lifeguard training program is designed for young jobseekers, to equip them with swimming skills, safety knowledge, and job readiness to become certified lifeguards. This program not only promotes water safety but also fosters leadership, responsibility, and teamwork among participants.

 

West Side HBCU Fair

Sabrina Robinson, Outreach

West Side Corridor HBCU Fair Celebrate the rich legacy and vibrant spirit of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the West Side Corridor HBCU Fair! Join us in March for an inspiring event that brings the energy of HBCU homecoming to our community. This one-day fair encourages students to explore higher education pathways and equips families with essential resources for college success.

 

Generation Exchange: Future Meets Past

April Jones and Teresa Clay, Sugar Creek Library

Generation Exchange: Future Meets Past is an engaging series of programs designed to explore the connections between generations. The series will include interactive workshops, discussions and creative activities that encourages participants to learn, share and build their quality of life

 

BEE the Change: Exploring Beekeeping for a Healthier Future

Tiffany Grantham, West Boulevard Library

Get ready for an exciting adventure in beekeeping for kids and teens in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area! They will learn about the importance of bees for pollination and food production through hands-on activities and workshops. Students will discover how beekeeping and pollinator plants contribute to a healthier planet while gaining valuable entrepreneurial skills. This could be the start of a buzzing career in agriculture!