More than just books: Charlotte libraries offer these services across Mecklenburg
What do you do when your internet goes out and you need to get something done online? Where do you get started if you want to put together a family tree? And where can you get help finding a job or filing for unemployment in the interim?
In the Charlotte area, public libraries offer help with those services and many other things.
Here’s a look at what you can get done at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations, and where you can find them.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library services
Voter registration forms are available at all public libraries.
If you’re looking to start or join a book club, libraries offer kits and other resources, as well as clubs for kids, teens and adults.
If you’re an aspiring author, the library system offers writing groups where you can get feedback on your work, as well as panels and opportunities for getting your book into circulation.
Students can get access to free homework help and test prep online and in-person.
Library staff can help you apply for unemployment. Some locations have a Job Help Center, where you can get expert help with formatting a resume and searching for jobs.
If you want to start or grow your own nonprofit or business, libraries offer training as well as data on the local market and demographics.
While some in-person access has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library system can help you get access to many resources that can help you with tracing ancestry and genealogy, such as Ancestry.com, the Observer’s archives and real estate records.
Want to start a podcast? You can borrow a kit with the equipment you’ll need to get started for free for three weeks at a time.
If you find yourself in need of a computer or internet access, you can access free Wi-Fi at all libraries or reserve computer time. Wi-Fi hotspots are also available for rent.
You can find other services available at Charlotte libraries at cmlibrary.org/services. Not all services are available at every branch.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches
There are multiple public library branches located throughout the Charlotte area:
Allegra Westbrooks Regional: 2412 Beatties Ford Road
Cornelius: 21105 Catawba Ave.
Davidson: 119 S. Main St.
Founders Hall: 100 N. Tryon St., Suite 290
Hickory Grove: 5935 Hickory Grove Road
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center: 300 E. Seventh St.
Independence Regional: 6000 Conference Drive
Main Library: 310 N. Tryon St. (Closed for construction)
Matthews: 230 Matthews Station St.
Mint Hill: 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Mountain Island: 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way
Myers Park: 1361 Queens Road
North County Regional: 16500 Holly Crest Lane
Plaza Midwood: 1623 Central Ave.
Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room: 310 N. Tryon St.
South Boulevard: 4429 South Blvd.
South County Regional: 5801 Rea Road
SouthPark Regional: 7015 Morrison Blvd.
Steele Creek: 13620 Steele Creek Road
Sugar Creek: 4045 N. Tryon St., Suite A
University City Regional: 301 East W.T. Harris Blvd.
West Boulevard: 2157 West Blvd.
In addition to those locations, there’s also the fully online CMLibrary Digital Branch and a mobile library that travels throughout Mecklenburg County.
This story was originally published February 16, 2022 at 6:05 AM.
