Did you know April 7-14 is National Library Week? To showcase the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and all it has to offer, we’re sharing services you may not know about.

First, you need a library card. Mecklenburg County residents can get a library card for free. If you live nearby, a card comes with an annual fee. Pro tip: be sure to bring your photo ID or driver’s license + a piece of mail with your address (like a utility bill).

If you want a card but don’t live or own property in Mecklenburg County, you can apply for a non-resident card. Online applications are available and there is a $45 annual fee.

“Having a library card gives you options,” says Chantez Neymoss, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Senior Program Manager. “Instead of paying for different services, you can go to our library, go online, and access all sorts of data tools and resources. It really opens the door once you have a card.”

Without further adieu, here are some services they provide to the community:

Libby and Hoopla

Having a library card means free access to Libby and Hoopla. Hoopla has a catalog of audiobooks, eBooks, movies, music, graphic novels, and comics.

“It's a really nice format to read graphic novels online,” says Neymoss. “You can zoom in and look at the pictures in more detail. They're formatted so you can do it on your phone, on a tablet, or on a bigger screen.”

Libby is similar to Hoopla. It offers free eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines.

Both are available in your favorite app store for downloading onto phones, tablets, and computers. Editor’s note: you will need to make an account to access available content.

Pressbooks

Pressbooks is a self-publishing platform. Whether you are an aspiring writer or a local author looking to publish the next great true-crime thriller, this service allows you to put your eBooks into the world. In the site, you’re able to edit your work, create chapters, and format your book just like the best authors do.

BiblioBoard

If Pressbooks is the start of the publishing world, BiblioBoard is the next chapter. It curates content by authors near and far by helping you create a library of local content. Through BiblioBoard, you can search for Charlotte-based, indie authors to read.

“A lot of our readers like to read local stuff, and it can be hard to find physical copies of local authors,” says Neymoss.

For aspiring authors: BiblioBoard is running its Indie Author Project Annual Contest. Local authors can submit their work. If chosen as a winner, they win a cash prize and have their books promoted at public libraries. The contest runs through Friday, May 31.

“It's a really cool thing a lot of people don't know about,” says Neymoss. “It’s a great way to get discovered as a local author.”

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers more than books, eBooks, audiobooks, and movies. | Photo via Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Conversation Clubs

Many libraries across the county have informal group meetings called “Conversation Clubs.” During this event, people meet at the library and converse in another language.

“I would say English and Spanish are our biggest clubs.” Neymoss adds. “We do have Arabic at our Independence library branch. We also have a club for American Sign Language.”

Editor’s note: skill level should not stop you from going. This is meant to provide practice and conversation in a positive, no-pressure environment.

If speaking to others is overwhelming, you can learn on your own through Transparent Language. This is similar to Duolingo. It gives users the chance to listen, read, write, and speak in 110 languages.

Continuing Education

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers a number of different classes and clubs to expand your knowledge about any topic. | Photo via Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

The Char Meck library has several services to expand your education, no matter your age and skill level.

College & Career Connections – This service provides a checklist for teens 12-18 preparing for college and the workforce. There are downloadable checklists to help every step of the way + study groups and contests to keep students excited about the next part of their journey.
LinkedIn Learning – If you’re in the workforce or looking to expand your skills, your library card gets you access to these tutorials and content a LinkedIn user would pay for.
Universal Class – From human resources, business, psychology, computers, to Microsoft Office help, this service provides 600+ courses to learners. The self-paced courses help continue your education and obtain certificates marking your achievement. Pro tip: take advantage because this regularly costs $189 a year.
DigiLit – This resource is all about keeping up-to-date with technology. Classes about Microsoft, computer basics, Canva, and more, are taught by library staff in-person and virtually. At the end of the digital literacy course, assessments can be taken to attain certifications.
For the seasoned learners, the library has partnered with AARP to develop Tech Titans. The program allows students 50 and older learn new technology and skills in a welcoming environment.

Book Clubs

Did you know the library offers pre-built book club kits? Each kit contains 10 books and discussion questions for your next club meeting. The bags can be requested at any library location, just like requesting a regular book.

“A lot of our book clubs we do virtually, so you can join from zoom,” says Neymoss. “We actually have people that join our book clubs and other events from all over the world. They found us during the pandemic and just enjoy talking with other people from different countries in different cities.”

Don’t worry, the books are paperback so it’s not as heavy to carry.

Podcast Kits

Along with book club kits, the library also lends podcast kits. The kits include everything you need to record your own program including:

Mic stands
Mic cables
Microphones
Windscreens
A quick start guide
Carrying case

These kits can be requested at any library location and checked out for three weeks.

Accessing Technology

Char Meck also offers library card holders the opportunity to check out laptops and hotspots, the same way you check out a book. People can check out Chromebooks and hotspots for up to two weeks.

“We have public computers in all of our library branches you can use. But if you’re needing something to take home with you and work, those both are in high demand.”

While the library got rid of late fees for overdue books in the early days of the pandemic, you need to have less than $10 in outstanding balance before you can check one of these items out. Once you check out the tech, it must be returned to a staff member, not dropped off in a book return bin.

Mobile Library

MoLi, the library's mobile library connects people of all ages by driving to different parts of the county and providing library services in their backyard. | Photo via Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

If you can’t physically get to the library, there is also MoLi. The mobile library allows anyone to register for a library card, provides access to borrow books and movies, allows use of chromebooks on site, and even carries free Wi-Fi.

“They really go to places where they're filling the gap where there may not be a library nearby. So anytime you see them, give them a wave as they're driving around Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, serving library customers,” says Neymoss.

Needless to say, there’s something for everyone on every page at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.