Introduction to Brightspace and Microsoft Office for students

library
Get hands-on with Brightspace before your first class
Nervous about your first online course? Central Piedmont Community College has you covered.
The Central Piedmont library is hosting a virtual instructional session to help students get comfortable using Brightspace, the college’s learning management system.
  • Sat., Oct. 18, 2025
  • 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Online (hosted by Central Campus Library)
  • Pre-registration is required
What you’ll learn:
  • Navigate Brightspace
  • Opt in for email notifications
  • Download and use the Brightspace Pulse app
  • Take quizzes
  • Upload assignments
  • Post in discussions
  • Complete the Enrollment Verification Activity (EVA)
Who should attend:
  • New students at Central Piedmont
  • English as a Foreign Language students
  • Anyone who feels unsure about using technology
For extra support, explore the Brightspace Guide.

Need help with Microsoft Office?
Students can also access free Microsoft 365 training through Brightspace.
To enroll:
  • Log in to Brightspace
  • Click Discover in the top menu
  • Search for Student M365 Transition Training
  • Self-enroll in the course
Additional resources:
The college is here to support your success—let’s get started together.

Explore what’s new at the library

bookshelves in libraryStudents can now browse the latest additions to the Central Piedmont Community College library collection. Whether you’re looking for something to support your studies or just want a good read, the library has something fresh for everyone. 

What’s available 

  • Newly added books across a range of subjects 
  • Educational and documentary videos 
  • Electronic resources, including journals and databases 

Where to find it 

  • Visit the library’s “New Titles” page  
  • Available at all campus library locations, including Central Campus 

Why it matters 

  • Stay current with academic resources 
  • Discover new perspectives and ideas 
  • Find materials that support your coursework and interests 

Check back regularly—new titles are added often. 


Find your space at the library 

Whether you need a quiet corner to study or a creative space to build something new, Central Piedmont Community College libraries have you covered. 

What’s available: 

  • Study rooms
    Reserve a study room for individual or group work at any of the six campuses. 
  • Makerspaces 
    Each campus library features a Makerspace—free for faculty, staff, and students. Visit your campus library to explore tools and materials, and check out what’s available at the Central Campus Library Makerspace. 
  • Quiet spaces 
    Looking for a peaceful place to read, rest, or recharge? There’s a space for you in the library. 

Stay informed with October’s Hot Topics 

Need a quick way to stay up to date with current events? Central Piedmont Community College students can access monthly research overviews through NewsBank’s Hot Topics — a helpful resource for busy schedules and current-events-based assignments. 

What’s covered: 

  • Key global issues 
  • Business and economics 
  • Crime and politics 
  • Science and health 
  • Sports and the arts 

Why it matters: 

  • Supports class assignments and research 
  • Offers reliable, curated content 
  • Helps students stay informed on trending topics 

Where to find it: 

Check back each month for new updates.

 

📚 What’s New at the Library?

Girl looking at books in library

Central Piedmont’s library just dropped new arrivals — and they’re worth checking out. Whether you’re into page-turners, documentaries, or e-books, there’s something fresh waiting for you.

🔗 Browse the latest books, videos, and e-resources

The library’s “New Titles” list makes it easy to:

  • 🔍 Discover new study resources
  • 🎥 Stream documentaries and educational films
  • 📖 Explore fiction and non-fiction books
  • 💻 Access digital materials anytime, anywhere

Take a look and get inspired for your next paper, project, or break-time read!

📚✨ Self-Care Collection at the Central Piedmont Library!

Library stacks and tables with chairs and computer stations

Looking for a new way to de-stress and recharge? The Central Piedmont Library is excited to introduce its Self-Care Collection, designed to help you relax, refocus, and refresh! 🌿💆‍♂️

🧘 What’s Available for 7-Day Checkout?

📦 Morphee Sophrology Box – Meditation & sleep aid 💤
💡 Happy Light LED Therapy Lamp – Boost your mood ☀️
🔊 Dohm Sleep Aid/White Noise Machine – Improve sleep & focus 🎶
🪨 Peaceful Pebble – Mindfulness breathing techniques 🌬️
🎨 Buddha Board – Zen water painting for relaxation 🎭

🔗 Learn more about these self-care tools here: Self-Care Collection

📍 Where to Find Them?

These self-care tools are available at each campus library for 7-day checkouts!

🙌 Special Thanks

A huge thank you to the Central Piedmont Foundation for making this collection possible!

📩 Questions? Contact Jennifer Arnold at jennifer.arnold@cpcc.edu.

Take a break. Take care of yourself. You deserve it! 💙

🎨 New Archives Exhibit: The Visiting Artists of Central Piedmont

Reads, "The visiting artists of Central Piedmont" with a collage of artist photosIn addition to “Read All About It: Student Publications at Central Piedmont, 1965-2005,” the Central Piedmont Archives has unveiled a new exhibit on the third floor of Hagemeyer Library—and it’s a must-see for art lovers!

🖼️ About the Exhibit

📍 Location: Central Campus, Hagemeyer Library, 3rd Floor
📅 On View Until: End of 2025

“The Visiting Artists of Central Piedmont” explores the Visiting Artist Program, a statewide initiative launched in 1971 by the North Carolina Arts Council and the NC Community College System. This program brought talented artists to community colleges across North Carolina to offer free workshops, lectures, and performances, enriching local communities and deepening their appreciation of the arts.

✨ What You’ll See:

🎨 Artworks created by former visiting artists
📰 Newspaper clippings covering their impact
📸 Photographs & archival materials from 1971-1992
📚 Interactive components showcasing their work

This exhibit celebrates creativity, history, and the role of art in education—don’t miss it!

Library Makerspace: Crafting

Student measuring fabric on the floor

🧶 Calling all crafters!  Want an extra push to work on your project?  A group of other textile enthusiasts to encourage you to complete your current work in progress?  Then look no further!  This close-knit community offers time and space for you to work on your current project. While we don’t teach you how to knit/crochet/sew, we offer encouragement, tips, and camaraderie!

📍 Central Campus, Parr Center Hagemeyer Library Makerspace, Room 2250
📆 Last Monday of every month, Noon – 1 p.m.

For additional information, contact Faith Wahlers, Makerspace Librarian

📚 Explore the Latest Arrivals at the Library! 🎥

Central Campus library stacks

Looking for something new to read, watch, or explore? Our library is constantly updating its collection, and we’re excited to share the latest additions with you! From captivating books and must-watch DVDs to cutting-edge electronic resources, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🌟

Discover:

  • Fresh titles in fiction and non-fiction 📖
  • Educational and entertaining DVDs 🎬
  • E-resources to support your learning and research goals 🌐

Why check out the new arrivals?

  • Stay updated with the latest trends and topics.
  • Expand your knowledge with fresh perspectives.
  • Dive into exciting stories or discover your next binge-worthy watch.

Take a moment to explore all the new additions by visiting our New Titles Guide.

Don’t miss out—your next favorite read or resource could be waiting for you at the library! 🛋️📖

From the Library: Central Piedmont Instructor, Author Sean Quarmby visits Central Piedmont’s Archives

The Central Campus Library added Room 23, a novel by Criminal Justice Technology Instructor Sean Quarmby, to their book collection.

Sean Quarmby signing a bookQuarmby visited the Parr Center’s Hagemeyer Library on Nov. 20 and signed both books, one of which will be part of the main circulation while the other will reside in the Archives for in-library use.

If you’d also like to own a copy of Quarmby’s novel, visit Barnes & Noble and other bookstores.

📚 Library Resources at Our Six Campus

Student reading a book in the stacks at the libraryLooking for a spot to study, collaborate, or get creative? The library has you covered at all six Central Piedmont campuses! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

  • 📝 Need a study space? Whether you’re working solo or have a group project, we’ve got study rooms available. Reserve your space now.
  • 🎨 Feeling creative? Check out the Makerspaces at each campus! They’re free for faculty, staff, and students. Stop by and unleash your inner artist or inventor. ✂️🛠️
  • 📖 Need some quiet time? Our libraries offer peaceful areas where you can relax, read, and recharge.

👉 Check out the current library hours and discover when your campus library is open.

Your campus library is here to help you succeed—whether you need to study, create, or just unwind.

Get Acquainted with the Digital Literacy Learning Space 💻

A student receives help from a staff member in the libraryLooking to boost your tech skills? The Digital Literacy Learning Space is here to help you build essential technology know-how! Whether you need help with a specific tool or just want to improve your overall tech confidence, we’ve got you covered. 🚀

Here’s what we offer:

  • One-on-one or group technology training to meet your immediate needs 🤝
  • Appointments available in-person at all six campus libraries or online via MS Teams 💻 (Please note: WebEx and Google Meet are being phased out.)
  • Real-time, mini-course sessions that focus on the technology skills you need to complete your assignments 📚

How to connect:

  • Get referred via email or Library appointments
  • Sessions are 30–60 minutes long, designed to help you master course technologies.

We’re here to make tech easier for you! Need additional help? We also offer recommended training videos and extra resources as needed.

Ready to level up your digital literacy? Reach out today to schedule your session!

✍️ Help Transcribe Central Piedmont’s Archives!

Student typing on a laptop

Celebrate American Archives Month with a fun afternoon of transcribing historic student publications! Join us to transcribe The Spark, which ran from 1976 to 2005. All participants will receive a free Central Piedmont-branded tote bag and cup! 🎁

  • Dates: Wed., Oct. 23, & Thu., Oct. 24
  • Time: 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Hagemeyer Library, Room 3250 (3rd floor)

No registration required! Open to students, staff, and faculty. For questions, email archives@cpcc.edu.

 

📚 Library Resources at Central Piedmont

  • A student receives help from a staff member in the libraryStudy Rooms: Need a space for solo or group study? Reserve study rooms at any of the six campuses.
  • Makerspaces: Get creative at campus Makerspaces, available for free to students, faculty, and staff. 🎨🛠️
  • Quiet Spaces: Looking for a peaceful spot to read or recharge? The library has you covered.

For current library hours, visit Library Hours.

 

Explore Central Piedmont’s History Through the Archives 📚✨

Three images from the archives, side-by-side. First, a bronze statue of an eagle. Next, an open book of old black and white photos. Last, a record with news clippings on top of it.

Discover the rich history of Central Piedmont with the new exhibition in the Archives, featuring books and artifacts that connect to the college’s past.

  • Highlighted Titles:
    • They Changed the State: The Legacy of North Carolina’s Visiting Artists by Joseph Bathanti
    • Hezekiah Alexander and the Revolution in the Backcountry by Norris W. Preyer
    • The Longer I Live, the More I Learn by Katherine Harper
  • Artifacts on Display: Letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, poems, and awards from our archival collections.

📅 When: Now through Dec. 2024
📍 Where: Hagemeyer Library, Central Piedmont Archives, Room 3250 (3rd floor)

👉 Don’t miss this chance to dive into Central Piedmont’s storied past!

Access Library Resources

libraryCentral Piedmont offers tailored library support services to enhance your academic journey, and they are available at all campus locations.

Here’s how you can get the help you need:

  • 🚶 Walk-in: Visit the service desks across all locations for quick queries.
  • 💬 Chat & Text: Immediate assistance via online chat or text for those on the go. Text 704-707-4960.
  • 📧 Email: For non-urgent matters, email us your questions.
  • 🗓️ Make an appointment:
    • Research guidance
    • Citation clarifications
    • Digital tech help, including Brightspace assistance
  • Review the Library Policies for Student Appointment guidelines to be fully prepared.

Stay informed and make the most out of Central Piedmont’s comprehensive library services. 📖

📚 Celebrate National Library Week 2024 🎉

libraryNational Library Week 2024 is taking place from April 7 to 13. This special week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate libraries and library workers’ essential role in our communities and educational institutions.

🌟 Highlights of National Library Week at Central Piedmont:

  • Event Dates: April 7 – 13, 2024
  • Special Day to Note: Tues., Apr. 9, is National Library Workers Day!

Why You Should Join the Celebration:

  • Discover Our Libraries: Central Piedmont boasts a library on each campus, offering a wealth of resources and spaces designed to support your educational journey.
  • Connect and Relax: Our libraries are perfect for connecting with others, finding a tranquil space to unwind, or enjoying a good book.
  • Learn and Create: Explore new skills in our Makerspaces, where creativity meets technology.
  • Support and Inspiration: The Central Piedmont library staff is dedicated to inspiring, teaching, encouraging, and assisting you in achieving success.

📅 Special Invitation for Tues., Apr. 9: Join us on National Library Workers Day to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our libraries welcoming and resourceful spaces. Stop by any Central Piedmont library to enjoy the space and extend your thanks to our librarians.

💡 Discover More: Want to learn more about National Library Week and the planned celebrations? Check out the details through the following link: Explore National Library Week 2024 Celebrations

This year’s National Library Week theme is “Ready, Set, Library!”—reflecting the dynamic, ready-for-anything spirit of libraries and their staff. Whether you’re a frequent library visitor or new to what the library offers, this week is the perfect time to explore, learn, and appreciate the vast resources at your fingertips.

Join us in celebrating National Library Week at Central Piedmont. Let’s honor the places and people who support our quest for knowledge and growth. See you at the library!

Did You Know That You Can Get Support from The Library?

library helpAll libraries feature a diverse staff at the service desks who are here to assist you.
We are available via online chat and texts for research assistance, citation help, and digital technology assistance, including Brightspace help.