Library has ways to keep reading easy on the eyes

Large print books available now.
Large print books available now.

Keeping reading easy on your eyes. If you or someone you know needs assistance with reading due to vision impairment, there’s good news: The latest books are now available in large print. Stop by the library to sample the selection or request titles.
If you’d like to consider an audiobook option, you can also try out the Talking Book demo at the library. This playback equipment reads audiobooks (called talking books) and magazines, which are circulated to patrons by postage-free mail.

Programs and activities

Please note that some programs take place at the library, some on Zoom and some offer both options.

‘Reuniting America’ film and discussion
Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m.
Join Braver Angels Vermont chair, Lincoln Earle-Centers, for a discussion of this film that launched the Braver Angels work. The film introduces the small-town community members who took part in the first Braver Angels workshop following the 2016 election — their political differences, what they said to each other, what they learned. It’s a great preparation for the Charlotte workshop on May 15 that launched the organization’s mission to “bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.” Register for the in-person event online.

Short Story Selections
Thursday, May 12, 1- 2 p.m. via Zoom
Join library director Margaret Woodruff to share and discuss short stories old and new. The reading list will include a variety of authors, and one or two stories will be featured each session. Copies of the stories are available at the library circulation desk or via email. Register online.

May garden chat: Getting started
Friday, May 13, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
Join seed library coordinators Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton to share fun progress and seek answers to puzzling questions about your vegetable garden as it starts up this year. Register online.

‘Depolarizing Within’ workshop
Sunday, May 15, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
The “Depolarizing Within” workshop is designed to foster skills to help you lessen the effects of polarization when you encounter them in your political conversations. Note that by “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy; we are talking about how we regard large groups of ordinary people on the other side of the political aisle. Register online.

Mystery Book Group: ‘Arsenic & Adobo’
Monday, May 16, 10 a.m.
When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She’s tasked with saving her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant, and she must deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case. Join the discussion via Zoom.

Preschool story time resumes
Tuesdays, April 5-May 17, 10-11 a.m.
Join us Tuesday mornings in the library for preschool story time fun with stories, crafts and play time. The program will be held in the program room unless it is warm enough to be held on the library porch. All children two years of age and over and their guardians must wear a mask at all times per library policy when indoors. No registration required.

Be a pollinator ally
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.
Join us to learn how we can all help put Charlotte on the “Pollinator Pathways” map. Julia Parker-Dickerson, who designs and manages the pollinator gardens in East Charlotte, brings her experience to help plan next steps forward in our public spaces and personal gardens. This is a hybrid event. No registration for in-person participation. Register here for Zoom participation.

Men’s book group: ‘The Lincoln Highway’ by Amor Towles
Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
In June 1954, 18-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother and head west where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future. Copies available at the library circulation desk. Join the discussion.

ReUse Workshop
Thursday, May 19, 2-4 p.m.
Follow up the senior center film showing and put your reuse skills to the test. Can you make a dog toy from a T-shirt or a coaster from a tile set? You can — and all materials available during this drop-in workshop session. In–person event, no registration necessary.

Pollinator potential workshop
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.-noon
Do you want to promote and protect pollinators in your garden and yard? Chloe Silverman from the Charlotte Energy Committee is leading a family-fun workshop to create wildflower seed balls and Mason Bee “hotels.” All materials supplied. In-person event, no registration necessary.

After school maker challenge: Make it fly
Thursday, May 26, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Make catapults, paper airplanes and more. How far can your catapult launch a marshmallow? How long does your airplane stay in the air? For 4th grade and up. Register at eventbrite.com/e/after-school-maker-challenge-let-it-fly-tickets-330731325297.

Ongoing programs

Free little art gallery opening
Come by the circulation desk to visit the smallest art gallery in Charlotte. Feel free to take a piece that you like, add a piece of your own artwork, or both! All media is welcome, as long as it fits inside. Use your own materials or pick up the April Take & Make for supplies to make your own masterpiece.

Knitting drop-in
Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.
Swing by for knitting night at the library. Dust off those old projects you’ve been wanting to finish, start a new project, or even pick up a new skill. Jessica won’t be able joining this month but come to knit with fellow fiber enthusiasts.

Book Chat
Fridays beginning May 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Join Margaret Friday mornings on Zoom to discuss new books, old books and books we might have missed. Each week, Margaret selects a theme and highlights related titles from the library collection. Register online

Library contact information
Margaret Woodruff, director
Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian
Susanna Kahn, tech librarian
Phone: 802-425-3864
Email us

The Charlotte Library Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. For information about agenda and Zoom access, please contact the library director.