A library, any library really, is a happy place in my world. All those books and knowledgeable, helpful librarians just waiting for you to ask them to help you with some information hunt. It's wonderful.
Judging by the packed parking lots at the libraries I frequent, libraries are a lot of people's happy place. For some, they function as offices. For others, they're a lifeline; they represent the connection they have with their family, friends and job prospects thanks to the free Internet access. I'll tell you, though, what I really love to see at libraries are kids. The children's section of most of the libraries I visit, and I visit a lot of them, is usually hopping and full of giggling word lovers. It's fantastic.
With that, I'm delighted to tell you about National Library Week, which begins on Monday and runs through April 16. This year's theme is "Create Your Own Story" which I love. (Everyone has a story, or more likely stories.)
If you're a library-junkie, like I am, be sure to take a minute next week to thank your librarians for being awwwwesome. And, if you haven't been to your area library lately, go! They really are places of wonder.
Here's what Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library has planned to celebrate:
Creating a Usable Past: A Study of the Civil Rights MovementStratford-Robinson YMCA teens,in partnership with Pfeiffer University,engaged students in an in-depth study of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighted by a week-long tour of the South. This exhibit, in photographs, expresses their experiences. Audience: Teens (12-18), Family/Youth & Caregivers, Adults
- 4/5/2011 - 4/15/2011 at 9:00 AM: Steele Creek Learn More
Celebrate literacy with local authors Elizabeth Spann Craig, Mary Kratt, Paula Lester, and Joyce and Jim Lavene. Readings at the fireplace with local celebrities Mayor Jim Taylor, Commissioner Nancy Moore and TV's Moira Quinn. Movies,games & more! Audience: Adults, Seniors, Family/Youth & Caregivers
- 4/9/2011 at 11:00 AM: Matthews Learn More
Drop by any Sunday during the school year for Study Zone Sunday (SZS). The goal of SZS is to provide teens with a place to spread out and get some school work done, study for tests, work on group projects, get homework help or free online tutoring. Audience: Teens (12-18)
- 4/10/2011 at 1:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
Studio i: Bring Stories to Life with Digital Media
Learn 21st century communication skills by combining storytelling with blue screen technology, animation, or music production software. Library staff or teen interns will help guide you through steps of the production process. Audience: Family/Youth & Caregivers
- 4/10/2011 at 2:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Audience: Pre-school (3-5)
- 4/11/2011 at 2:00 PM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Get In Touch With Trees is a "hands on" activity that uses "Mystery Boxes" to allow children to explore with their sense of TOUCH. They will discover different shapes and textures in nature while learning about trees and how important they are.Presented by the NC Division of Forest Resources. Audience: Elementary (5-11)
- 4/12/2011 at 4:00 PM: Mountain Island Learn More
Learn to write Japanese-style verse poetry. Join other writers to learn about the history of the haiku form and practice writing haikus of your own. Audience: Teens (12-18)
- 4/12/2011 at 5:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Audience: Toddlers (1-3)
- 4/13/2011 at 10:15 AM: Morrison Regional Learn More
- 4/14/2011 at 10:15 AM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Children enjoy favorite stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skills. Help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Audience: Pre-school (3-5), Toddlers (1-3)
- 4/13/2011 at 11:00 AM: Morrison Regional Learn More
- 4/16/2011 at 11:00 AM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Storytelling for Adults with Sylvia Payne
Sylvia Payne grew up in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains listening to family stories told by her mother. Come hear and enjoy her folktales and stories of history and North Carolina legends that captivate adults. Audience: Adults
- 4/13/2011 at 1:00 PM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Storytelling with Sylvia Payne
Experience the joy of language through storytelling! ImaginOn welcomes noted storyteller Sylvia Payne, who will present a program of humorous and heartwarming tales for all ages. This special program is part of our National Library Week celebration Audience: Family/Youth & Caregivers, Elementary (5-11), Pre-school (3-5)
- 4/13/2011 at 4:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
The McCrorey YMCA Senior African Drum Troupe
The McCrorey YMCA Senior African Drum Troupe will be performing on Wednesday, April 13th from 5:006:00 PM. This troupe has won gold medals at the NC State Senior games. Enjoy multicultural music and multigenerational fun! Audience: Family/Youth & Caregivers, Seniors, Elementary (5-11)
- 4/13/2011 at 5:00 PM: Mountain Island Learn More
Interested in comic books? Learn to stretch your imagination while learning new skills. Eraklis Petmezas and John DaCosta, two Charlotte-area graphic novel artists, will teach you how to create your own comic. Ages 8-12. Registration required. Audience: Elementary (5-11), Teens (12-18)
- 4/13/2011 at 7:00 PM: Morrison Regional Learn More Register Online
Babies experience brain stimulation through language and socialization. New sights and sounds are shared with a parent/caregiver through books, songs, and rhymes. Audience: Babies (0-1)
- 4/14/2011 at 11:00 AM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Learn about electronics by building an interactive fashion piece. This class will help you understand how a basic circuit works so that you can plan projects that are attractive and functional. Books on the topic will be available for checkout. Audience: Teens (12-18)
- 4/14/2011 at 4:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
A Mother & Daughter Bookclub for girls in grades 4-6. Discuss and share opinions on this month's title: "Wish I Might" by Coleen Paratore. Registration required. Audience: Elementary (5-11)
- 4/14/2011 at 6:00 PM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Learn about America's history and culture while improving your English conversational skills. No registration necessary. Audience: Adults
- 4/15/2011 at 10:00 AM: Cornelius Learn More
Learn, Quest, Play: Wordplay Gaming with Would You Rather?
Teamwork, critical thinking and�learning have never been so much fun.� Join your peers to develop your literacy skills and engage with words on a whole new level. Audience: Teens (12-18)
- 4/15/2011 at 3:30 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
CPCC instructors assist speakers of any language who want to improve their English through self-paced instruction using materials checked out from the library. You may register at any class session. For more information, please call 704-330-4861 Audience: Adults
- 4/16/2011 at 10:00 AM: Cornelius Learn More
Children boost reading skills and build confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. Grades K-5. Registration required. Audience: Elementary (5-11)
- 4/16/2011 at 10:30 AM: Morrison Regional Learn More
Studio i: Bring Stories to Life with Digital Media
Learn 21st century communication skills by combining storytelling with blue screen technology, animation, or music production software. Library staff or teen interns will help guide you through steps of the production process. Audience: Family/Youth & Caregivers
- 4/16/2011 at 10:30 AM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
- 4/16/2011 at 3:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
Celebrate National Library Week (Family Storytime & Craft)
In celebration of National Library week, join us at the Belle Johnston Community Center in Pineville (1000 Johnston Drive; Pineville, NC; 28134) on Saturday, April 16 at 11am for a Family Storytime and a make it take it craft" to extend the stories. Audience: Family/Youth & Caregivers
- 4/16/2011 at 11:00 AM: South County Regional Learn More
Operation College Launch:Current College Student Panel
Are you preparing for college? Join other teens who are preparing for college in a discussion with a panel of current college students and recent college graduates. Audience: Teens (12-18)
- 4/16/2011 at 2:00 PM: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center Learn More
Our Story: Connecting The Community With Stories
Please join us to celebrate National Library Week featuring storytellers Sonia "Rocio" Gonzalez and Kali Ferguson for an afternoon of interactive bilingual storytelling, music and dance. Children will come away with new vocabulary and confidence in creating a story ending. The program fosters a love of books and reading and supports the development of literacy skills. Refreshments will be served. Dont miss this fun filled event for the young and young at heart! Audience: Elementary (5-11), Pre-school (3-5), Family/Youth & Caregivers
- 4/16/2011 at 2:00 PM: Scaleybark Learn More
Romare Bearden: Collage, Color, Culture
Rubie Britt-Height, Director of Community Relations for the Mint Museum, will discuss the art and legacy of Charlotte's greatest artist, Romare Bearden. Included in Rubie's presentation will be many examples of Bearden's beautiful collages. Audience: Adults, Teens (12-18)
4/16/2011 at 2:00 PM: Main Library Learn More