Job Help Center Opens at Main Library

State Librarian Mary Boone speaks at Job Help Center grand opening.

Hundreds of guests were in attendance at the grand opening of the new Job Help Center at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Main Library. Speakers at the grand opening included Library Director Charles Brown, County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts, and North Carolina State Librarian Mary Boone  See the photos posted on Flickr.

The past few days have been a flurry of activity preparing not only for the opening of the center, but also for computer classes that were scheduled to take place at 9:30 this morning in the center. Mary Boone referred to the center as a “showcase” job center for other libraries, and congratulated the efforts of library staff for continuing to innovate to meet the needs of the public, especially during what has been a challenging financial year not only for libraries but also for those who need us most in the community.

The Job Help Center will be open during Main Library hours, M-Th 9-9, F-Sat. 9-6 and Sun. 9-1.

Looking for North Carolina State Tax Forms?

The N.C. Department of Revenue (www.dor.state.nc.us) has opted not to provide tax forms to public facilities like libraries and post offices this year.

However, they are offering several options:

• You can request tax forms by mail at no charge by calling 1-877-252-3052 or visiting www.dor.state.nc.us/request

• You can go to the N.C. State Tax Office for forms:

5111 Nations Crossing Rd. Bldg 8, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28217
(Off of Woodlawn near I-77.)
Please call 704-519-3000 for directions.
The office is open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

• You can e-file from home.

• You can download the forms from www.dor.state.nc.us and pay-per-print at this location.

We hope this information will be of help as you prepare and file your tax returns this year.

Library gift will help at-risk children

The Spangler Foundation presented the library with a $250,000 grant on Thursday, December 17. Read the press release.

New Hickory Grove Library slated to open Feb. 6

For the past year, a 16,000-foot replacement for the current 5,100-foot Hickory Grove branch has been under construction across the street at 5935 Hickory Grove Road, near Food Lion. To prepare for the opening, the old branch will close three weeks before the opening of the new branch.

• Jan. 16, 2010: Old branch closes so the books and materials can be moved to the new building.
• Feb. 6, 2010: Grand opening of new Hickory Grove Library.

Your Library is a Five Star!

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has once again been designated a “Five-Star” library. This is a due in large part to the support and patronage we receive from you, the people of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Thanks!

Wondering what a Five-Star Library is? It’s the highest possible rating given out by the Library Journal, and it’s similar to the Michelin and Mobile guides used for restaurants and hotels. They’ve actually given it to use twice: first in February 2009, then again in November 2009. You can read more on our website.

Come on in to the Library or visit our website at www.cmlibrary.org to find out what’s going on at the Library. Not only can you help us celebrate our five stars, but your very presence can help us keep our Five-Star designation in the future! How’s that, you ask? The Library Journal Index is based equally on four things: visits, circulation, program attendance, and public Internet computer use.

Barnes & Noble to host book fair to benefit the Public Library

The Charlotte-area Barnes and Noble stores (Sharon Road, Carolina Place, Arboretum and Birkdale) are hosting a book fair to benefit the Public Library on Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th. Shoppers at any of the Charlotte area Barnes & Noble stores simply have to mention the Public Library at the register during checkout to have a percentage of their sales go to the Library. Proceeds from this fair will be used by the Library to purchase much needed new books for its circulating collection.

Also, don’t miss these special related events Saturday, Dec. 5, at the B&N on Sharon Road:

• 10 a.m. to noon: Author Art Chansky signing his history of UNC Basketball, Light Blue Reign: How a City-Slicker, a Quiet Kansan, and a Mountain Man Built College Basketball’s Longest-Lasting Dynasty
• 10 a.m. to noon: Children’s Author Judy Stead signing The Twelve Days of Christmas in North Carolina
• 11 a.m.: Children’s Storytime with the Library’s Frontline Storytellers

‘Tween running and reading, girls find worlds of self-esteem

The Fit Girls practice for the run. Photo courtesy the Charlotte Observer.

There’s a great article in today’s Observer about the ‘tween girls who will be running in tomorrow’s uptown race. It’s part of a national running and reading program called “Fit Girls” which has a chapter at the Steele Creek Library Branch. The coordinator of the Steele Creek chapter, Jennifer France, and Steele Creek Library manager Susan McDonald are thrilled with the program’s outcomes. Susan comments, “It truly has been a successful program – and I say this as a proud manager and a proud mom since my daughter has been one of the participants!” If you’re in the uptown area on Saturday, be sure to cheer on the girls! Read the article.

Learn how to download from your library

Millions of people are already downloading audiobooks, eBooks, and more from their public libraries, and you can too. Find out more when the Main Library hosts the Digital Bookmobile for a special event on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. With instructional videos and interactive computer stations, readers of all ages will experience new ways to enjoy digital books and more from their public library. Learn more at DigitalBookmobile.com or start downloading right away at http://downloads.plcmc.org.

Reading beyond reality

Area teens will be reading some exciting stuff as celebrate Teen Read Week, October 18 – 24, 2009, with the theme, “Read Beyond Reality.” Part of this celebration includes a lineup of exciting sci-fi and fantasy themed events including author visits, book clubs, the Amazing Race Library Edition (how fun is that!), movies, scavenger hunts, and more. It is the Library’s hope that teens will join in the fun, and rediscover just how enjoyable reading can be. See the Teen Read Week Event Schedule.

What’s the future of reading?

Library Director Charles Brown chats with WFAE’s Mike Collins about the role of libraries in a digital age. Other guests include Stanley Wilder, University Librarian for UNC Charlotte and Sarah C. Michalak, Assoc. Provost for Libraries and University Librarian at UNC Chapel Hill.

Listen online: http://bit.ly/4j6MCQ