Category Archives: Library

Celebrating National Library Week

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the side of a blue mobile Library truck with the Charlotte Mecklenburg logoNational Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In addition to books, libraries also connect communities to each other and offer opportunities to connect with technology, programs, ideas, and classes.

Central Piedmont Community College celebrates National Library Week by connecting with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new Mobile Library, endearingly referred to as “MoLi” (pronounced “Molly”).

The Mobile Library seeks to connect people of all ages to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library by lowering access barriers to library services. When you see MoLi, know that convenient access to Library service is nearby.

Please join us on April 8th, from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm to tour MoLi and grab some cool library giveaways!

Save your spot today! Registration is open.

Expand Your Resources with O’Reilly for Higher Education

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red and white O'Reilly learning platform logoTheCentral Piedmont Library now has trial access to O’Reilly for Higher Education. The O’Reilly digital platform includes books, videos, proven learning paths, case studies and audio books. Users also get access to exclusive O’Reilly content and as well as resources from more than 200 of the world’s best publishers. Topics range from programming to IT networking to project management to graphic design to business strategy. The content includes code snippets, certification preparation materials, practice exercises, training videos, and much more.
 
To access the trial, follow the steps below.
  1. Select the link: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/temporary-access/
  2. Select “Institution Not Listed”. (You will be presented with a screen with a dropdown list of institutions. Central Piedmont is NOT listed here.)
  3. Enter your Central Piedmont email address when prompted.

Access to this trial will only work with a current Central Piedmont email address. Trial access expires on April 14.

Need help accessing the trial or have questions? Please email doug.short@cpcc.edu.

It Takes a Village: “Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope”

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Three women on panel
March is Women’s History Month – an observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Central Piedmont Community College Library presents: 

It Takes a Village: “Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope” on March 23, 11:30am-12:45pm. Join us virtually via Zoom!

Come learn about many ways in which women have provided healing and promoted hope in our community and culture. The program will begin with a few engaging stories from The Mama Stories Writing Project about women who have been ‘healers” and provided hope in various capacities. The program will be followed by a panelist discussion about the importance of writing and sharing these stories.

Health and Wellness of African Americans – Past, Present, and Future

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audience of studentsEvery year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a national theme to bring attention to important developments in the Black narrative that merit emphasis. Medical racism is the systematic and wide-spread racism against people of color within the medical system, including the disparity in health coverage by race, and the biases held by healthcare workers against people of color in their care. This year’s theme focuses on Black Health and Wellness and will consider activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

In case you missed it, check out a virtual panel discussion on the Health and Wellness of African Americans in Health held on February 22 by Central Piedmont Library.

“Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina” Traveling Exhibit Begins February 28

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Join Central Piedmont Libraries for, “Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina” Traveling Exhibit between February 28- May 6, 2022.

Created by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (AAHC), a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resource, this traveling exhibit features impactful stories from oral histories and showcases sites important to, and personal memories about, American travel during the “Jim Crow” era of legal segregation. “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” published between 1936 and 1966, was both a guide and a tool of resistance designed to confront the realities of racial discrimination in the United States and beyond. The book listed more than 300 North Carolina businesses—from restaurants and hotels, to tourist homes, nightclubs and beauty salons—in the three decades that is was published. The exhibit highlights a complex statewide network of business owners and Green Book sites that allowed African American communities to thrive, and that created “oasis spaces” for a variety of African-American travelers.

Library Host Sites:

  • Central Campus Library:  February 28-May 6, 2022
  • Cato Campus: February 28-March 11, 2022
  • Harper: March 14-March 25, 2022
  • Harris: March 28- April 8, 2022
  • Levine: April 11 -April 22
  • Merancas: April 25- May 6, 2022

Eight vibrant panels form the traveling exhibit, showcasing images of business owners, travelers, and historic and present-day images of North Carolina Green Book sites. The words of African-American travelers and descendants of Green Book site owners are featured prominently in the exhibit.

Free Hotspots and Chromebooks Available Through the Library

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image of Chromebook with central piedmont logo as the screen saver

Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots are available for loan — at no cost —  to help you continue in your classes this spring. If you need technology, we’re here to help you get the equipment and tools you need.

All student hotspots and Chromebooks will be managed by the library. Student hotspots and Chromebooks will be made available at all campus libraries for checkout. View all campus hours and locations. 

Hotspots will be checked out for one semester at a time. Most of the Chromebooks will also be available for one semester at a time. Hotspots and Chromebooks will be available for checkout at your local campus library starting January 10, 2022.

All student hotspots and laptops will be due back to the library on or before the last day of the spring semester (May, 20, 2022).

The number of available equipment is limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please be aware we are not able to take reservations, either online or over the phone. 

For questions, please email Martin House at martin.house@cpcc.edu.

Brightspace Orientation Available for all Students

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Nervous about taking your first online course in Brightspace, Central Piedmont’s new Learning Management System?

We can help! Our one hour, virtual instructional sessions will give you hands-on experience with Brightspace.

masked female student looking at laptop

These sessions will demonstrate how to:

  • navigate Brightspace
  • turn on notifications
  • download the Brightspace Pulse app
  • take quizzes
  • upload assignments
  • post discussions
  • complete an Enrollment Verification Activity 

These sessions are open to all students. We think you should strongly consider signing up for this additional help if you: 

  • are new to Central Piedmont
  • are an English as a Foreign Language student
  • do not feel comfortable with technology

We also encourage you to use the Brightspace Resource Guide for extra help if needed.

Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable with the tools you need to be successful in class. We can’t wait to see you there!

View the Brightspace practice sessions schedule and register today. 

Native American Heritage Month

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Native American Heritage month text on black backgroundWhat term or terms are preferred to refer to the indigenous people of the Americas? Do you know how many Indian tribes exist in the Carolinas?  What is the history of Native American Heritage Month? Check out the library’s Native American Heritage Month guide to learn the answers to all of these questions and more!

Also, be sure to visit one of our campus libraries to check out Native American Heritage books on display.

Theresa Thompson Library Scholarship Available for Students 

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student sitting alone reading a book on Levine CampusCould you use $500 for college? The Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Theresa Thompson Library Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance for currently enrolled students pursuing a two-year degree at Central Piedmont . The scholarship is restricted to books and/or tuition assistance. This scholarship award is made possible through library fundraising projects.

  • Two $500 scholarships will be awarded in the fall and spring semester.
  • Completed applications and supporting documents must be received by November 12, 2021.
  • Incomplete and late packets will NOT be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

  • not have previously received a Theresa Thompson Library Scholarship
  • not a library employee, including work-study student
  • full-time student (currently enrolled in 12 credit hours or more) in an approved program leading to a two-year degree
  • completed at least one full-time semester at Central Piedmont
  • cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher

Find out more: https://cpcc.libwizard.com/f/libraryscholarship

Join a Conversation about America’s Freedoms on June 15

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Juneteenth Freedom Day

Join the Central Piedmont Libraries on Tuesday, June 15, from 9:30 -11 a.m., for the third session in the Civics 101 Series, “Putting YOU in the United States of America,” a candid conversation about the meaning of freedom in America.

Our featured conversationalists, Dr. Hugh Dussek, a history professor at Central Piedmont, and Mr. Reggie ‘Baba’ Singleton, founder and executive director of The Males Place, will provide a contextual overview on the history of Independence Day and Juneteenth.

This interactive dialogue will also include a discussion on the cultural differences and similarities, the significance of becoming a national holiday, and understanding why we celebrate.

Learn how to join the event via Zoom.

Black History Month Event Series

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students in authentic African attire dancing in quad on Central Piedmont campusJoin Central Piedmont Libraries, Student Life, and Man Up male mentoring program throughout February for a series of Black History Month events to learn about some of the many facets of history and culture that have had an impact in shaping the tapestry of black family life. Black History Month acknowledges and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black Americans and their significant role in the designing of “America’s quilt.” The national theme, developed by Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALAH), highlights The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.

All events are free and open to all. Check out the event calendar to learn more about how you can celebrate this month.

Central Piedmont Library Opens Individual Study Spaces for Students

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The library has re-opened study rooms for individual student use! We recognize that students have missed having a quiet place to study and complete assignments, and we are pleased to offer these spaces for use again. To keep both students and staff safe from COVID, we ask that everyone follow these important guidelines:

• Only one student per room (no exceptions).
• Masks are strongly recommended, but may be removed while alone in the room only.
• The door to the study room should remain closed.
• No food or drink

Study spaces can be reserved at Central, Levine, Cato, Harper, and Harris Campus Libraries (and coming to Merancas in January). See our Reserve a Computer or Space page to book a study space.

Questions? Chat with us or give us a call at 704-330-6885.

Could You Use $500 for Books or Tuition?

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The Theresa Thompson Library Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance for currently enrolled students pursuing a two-year degree at Central Piedmont Community College. The scholarship is restricted to books and/or tuition assistance.

This scholarship award is made possible through library fundraising projects.

  • Two $500 scholarships will be awarded in the fall and spring semester.
  • Completed applications and supporting documents must be received by November 13, 2020.
  • Incomplete and late packets will NOT be considered.

Learn more today!

Available Library Services Fall 2020

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Welcome to the Fall 2020 Semester! The library is here to support your academic success both in-person and online:

On-Campus Services:

Beginning Aug. 10th, we are pleased to offer a limited range of in-person services at all campus libraries:

  • Book and material check-out
  • Printing/Scanning
  • Computer use by appointment (for urgent academic needs)
  • Interlibrary loan

Library Hours:

  • Central Campus: Monday: 9 am to 7 pm, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm
  • Cato, Harper, Harris, Levine and Merancas Campuses: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 1 pm
  • All physical locations are closed on Friday (online services available)
  • The Cato Campus Law Library is also currently closed.

Online Services:

The library will continue its robust slate of online services, including:

We also wanted to note that a few services will be unavailable until we are able to enter future phases of re-opening. These services include:

  • Textbook/class material reserves
  • Individual and group study spaces

Check out our short tutorial highlighting our Fall 2020 services! The library’s full re-opening plan is available on our Covid-19 library guide. If you have any questions, call us at 704-330-6635 or chat with us here.

Library Offers Contact-less Holds

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The Library has been accessible remotely since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now offer physical materials through contact-less holds.

Students and faculty/staff can search for and request items through the Library catalog – making it easy and convenient to locate the materials you need. Items can be picked up at either Central, Levine, or Merancas campuses or the library will mail your request directly to your home.

Students can select delivery options during the request process. Do not go to campus until you receive confirmation that your request has been processed. Requested materials will be managed by using lockers that students can access directly.

Locker locations:

  • Central: front vestibule of the library (OLD ATC)
  • Levine: in the vestibule between Levine 2 and 3 (behind the flag circle)
  • Merancas: in the Claytor building in the alcove between the Registration and Information desks

For any further questions, please contact the Library through chat or phone at 704-330-6885.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore Available Online, Submit Summer Textbook Orders Now

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Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Barnes & Noble bookstore is closed for in-store purchases until further notice; however, all purchases and inquiries can be submitted on the Barnes & Noble website during regular business hours.

Textbooks, Central Piedmont gifts and clothing can still be purchased online at https://cpcc.bncollege.com/shop/cpcc/home

If you are planning to attend the summer term, now is the time to submit your textbook order to Barnes & Noble.

Financial Aid students may submit their orders on the Barnes & Noble website.  Once financial aid eligibility is confirmed for the summer term, your order will be shipped.

Need to sell your college books?

Barnes & Nobles has partnered with MBS Textbook Exchange, the nation’s largest textbook wholesaler, to offer you the best prices for your used books. You can pack and send your books free of charge, and receive payment within 3 weeks. Learn more here.

Rentals for this semester can be returned at any time but no later than May 12. Please click here to access Rental FAQ’s or feel free to contact your bookstore at any time with questions.

Get Help Online from the Library

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Get Help Online

There are many ways the Library can provide you with expert help and services remotely. Always check the Library’s website for the latest info about our hours and services.

  • Chat
    The library will operate chat from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday, and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday starting on March 23rd.
  • Get Research Help Online
    Need help with research or finding peer reviewed articles? Last minute citation question? Ask us! You can email us, text us, or chat with a librarian from the convenience of your home.
  • Schedule a Consultation with a Librarian
    Subject librarians with expertise in specific areas are available for remote consultations  via phone, email, or online (e.g. Webex).

If you have further questions, we encourage you to reach out to us, either by phone or email.

Also, visit learnremotely.cpcc.edu to discover what you need to know if you’re taking online courses or if your courses are moved online.

Hotspot Checkouts to End, Learn About Low-Cost Internet Service

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Central Piedmont Library will be ending the checkout of hotspots after the end of the fall 2019 semester. Hotspots will be not available after December 11, 2019. Information about low-cost Internet service can be found here: www.lifelinesupport.org. Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for eligible consumers.