Charlotte County Libraries & History

🦸 We may not have laser vision, but we do have makerspace superpowers! Our laser cutter can engrave beautifully detailed designs in wood, metal, stone, and more.

Customize a gift, commemmorate an event, or create a unique art piece. The possibilities are endless!

📣 Know someone who struggles with computer basics? Spread the word! Our new Tech Savvy class begins September 4 at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library.

This is an introductory class for those with little to no computer skills who'd like to start getting comfortable at the keyboard, learn to operate a mouse, use email, and more.

The class meets each Wednesday in September to build skills through practice. Register once and plan to attend all four sessions.

Call 941.833.5460 to sign up, or register online at the link below.

Tech Savvy: Essential Computer Skills for Beginners In this hands-on workshop series designed to empower individuals with little to no computer experience, you'll be able to learn basic computer skills like operating a mouse and...

True book lovers know the magic of being surrounded by bookshelves! Between the Lines Reading Challenge #16 is to read a book set in a library or bookshop.

We're reading 24 books in 2024! Take the challenge at https://bit.ly/BTLchallenge

These furry friends are the best listeners! Readers of all ages can read one-on-one with trained therapy dogs at our Dog Tales program. It's a 🐾paw-some way to build reading confidence and lifelong literacy skills.

This program is offered at all three library branches. See dates and times at https://bit.ly/DogTalesCC

😍 We love to see it! Experienced chess players are sharing the game with a new generation.

Want to play?

♟️ 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays - Punta Gorda Charlotte Library
♟️ 4 p.m. Tuesdays - Englewood Charlotte Library
♟️ Any time (just ask for the board at the desk) - Port Charlotte Library

Need a little tech help? Whether you're frustrated with your phone, wondering about the web, or ready to read an eBook, our library staff are here to help!

Our Advice for your Device program offers one-on-one coaching and in-depth troubleshooting for all your technology needs:

💻 Saving files on your computer (and finding them again)
📱 Installing apps on your new smartphone
📧 Getting started with email
🎧 Listening to eAudiobooks on your phone
🛒 Shopping online safely.. and whatever else you're wondering!

Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop, or use one of the library's public computers. Our patient staff are ready to help you use technology more confidently.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/AdviceForYourDevice

There is still time to register for the Preschool Prep Program at Charlotte County Libraries! 🌟 This program is perfect for children aged 3-4, helping them improve their listening and group interaction skills while getting a feel for the preschool and school environment.

Space is limited, and registration is required!

Visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/libraries for more information.

Twenty years ago, American swimmer Michael Phelps won six gold and two bronze medals in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, setting five Olympic or world records and becoming just the second athlete to win eight medals at a single Olympic Games.

Although Phelps fell short of breaking American swimmer Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in one Olympics (Munich 1972), he did tie Spitz’s record of four individual golds in one Olympics.

Four years later, during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Phelps made history by winning eight gold medals and finished his career with a total of 28 medals across five Summer Games.

Did you know that each of our libraries have meeting rooms available for public use? When these spaces aren't hosting our awesome library programs, they could be your group's meeting space.

See all the rooms, fees, and available equipment at
https://charlottefl.ent.sirsi.net/meetingrooms

You've probably admired these beautiful geometric patterns, but have you ever been curious about their meaning? Dive into the fascinating world of mandalas at Mandala History and Making on Thursday, August 22 at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library!

You will learn not only about the creation of this design but also how it can be used as a tool for self-reflection. Then, you'll even be able to make one of your own.

Register to join us at https://charlottecountyfl.libcal.com/event/12784130

📍 401 Shreve St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950
🕐 1 p.m. Thursday, August 22

Mandala History and Making Dive into the fascinating world of mandalas with this fun program. You will learn not only about the creation of this design but also how it can be used as a tool for...

Our Summer Concert Series at the Port Charlotte Library continues this Wednesday, and it's sure to be another fabulous performace with Hot Club of SRQ! Reserve your seat at https://charlottecountyfl.libcal.com/event/12712218

It was a packed house at our first concert of the series! The talented Steve Rand delighted the crowd with a jazz guitar performance.

Here are a few rave reviews from the audience:
⭐️"A fine way to break up the routine of a hot, wet week with some lively melodies!"
⭐️ "Steve Rand shared his talents in an intimate setting. The sound, volume, clarity, selection of pieces, and his humble personality filled the patrons and room with joy filled noises! Thank you for the event!"
⭐️ "Very talented guy, enjoyed his music!"

In case you missed it: We're cooking delicious dishes in our countertop appliances! Catch the recording, now streaming on YouTube at the link below.

What's Cooking? Small Appliances This event was recorded live on August 3, 2024.What’s Cooking? Charlotte County Libraries and History is! Every month, the What’s Cooking team comes up with ...

Our Between the Lines Reading challenge continues! Prompt #15 is to read a book centered around a holiday other than Christmas.

We're reading 24 books in 2024! See all the challenge prompts at https://bit.ly/BTLchallenge

August 7, 2024, marks the 60th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. On the evening of August 4, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation in a televised speech in which he announced that two days earlier, U.S. ships had been attacked twice in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin near North Vietnam.

August 7, 2024, marks the 60th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. On the evening of August 4, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation in a televised speech in which he announced that two days earlier, U.S. ships had been attacked twice in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin near North Vietnam. est Gruening) dissenting.

The Tonkin Gulf Resolution became the subject of great political controversy in the course of the undeclared war that followed. It stated that "Congress approves and supports the determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent any further aggression. As a result, President Johnson, and later President Nixon, relied on the resolution as the legal basis for their military policies in Vietnam.

Continue reading at https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/tonkin-gulf-resolution

Dream it, design it, and print it in plastic! The 3-D printers in our library makerspaces have been producing delicate designs, fun figurines, and gear fit for a galaxy far, far away--and so much more.

Ready to bring your own dream to life? Come create with us! Our makerspaces are free to use, and our knowledgeable staff are ready to help you get started.

Learn more at https://charlottefl.ent.sirsi.net/makerspace

Calling all writers! Whether you're just starting to write or have been writing for years, our monthly writing groups are a fun and supportive way to hone your craft. Check one out!

🖊 New! Write on @ The Writing Lab - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8 - Punta Gorda
🖊 Jump Write In - 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 13 - Punta Gorda
🖊 Port Charlotte Writer's Club - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 28 - Port Charlotte
🖊 Fiction Writers Group - 10:45 a.m. Saturday, August 10 - Englewood

Learn more at https://bit.ly/CCWrites

It's been a summer to remember at the library! Charlotte County kids embarked on all kinds of reading adventures and awesome programs. Then, we celebrated our success with some spectacular finale parties and grand prize drawings.

Congratulations to all our readers, and to our prize winners! Here are the results:

Englewood
📖 83,430 minutes read
🏆 Penny R. (littles)
🏆 Adaline J. (middles)
🏆 Maverick S. (teens)

Port Charlotte
📖 102,005 minutes read
🏆 Liam (littles)
🏆 Nevaeh (middles)
🏆 Anna (teens)

Punta Gorda
📖 122,200 minutes read
🏆 Abigail G. (littles)
🏆 Judah G. (middles)
🏆 Cora B. (teens, not pictured)

Calling all music lovers! Don't miss this year's summer concert series, coming this August to the Port Charlotte Library.

Performers include:
🎸 Aug. 7 - Jazz Guitar with Steve Rand
🎻 Aug. 14 - Hot Club SRQ
🪕 Aug. 22 - Clover's Revenge

These performances are free, but registration is required. Reserve your seat at https://bit.ly/SummerConcertsCC

ICYMI: Save the date! Registration for our 2024-2025 Preschool Prep classes opens at midnight on August 1. Spaces fill quickly in this popular program.

If your child will be 3 or 4 years old on September 1, Preschool Prep might be right for you! Kids attend once a week for the school year to learn skills needed to succeed in preschool. Learn more at https://bit.ly/PKPrep

On July 27, 1816, a combined force of US troops and Creek allies attacked and destroyed the “Negro Fort” on the Apalachicola River. The fort, originally built by the British during the War of 1812, was occupied by African Americans formerly allied with Great Britain. It had become one of the largest communities of free blacks prior to the Civil War.

Although Florida was still part of Spain, white southerners in the United States viewed the fort as a threat to their interests in newly opened lands in Mississippi and Alabama. General Andrew Jackson issued ordered to attack and destroy the fort, which proved successful after “hot shot” cannonballs hit and ignited the powder magazine. Survivors were either enslaved or able to flee into the Florida interior. A new fort, Fort Gadsden, was built on the site.

😍 The new mural in the Englewood Charlotte Library's makerspace is coming along, and it's looking SO GOOD! We can't wait to see the final result.

We ❤️ our library patrons! Thanks for your generosity in donating through our Food for Fines program. Every food item donated goes directly to feed the hungry in our own community.

You go above and beyond, and we're so impressed. Last year, over 7,000 *additional* items were donated by patrons who didn't have any remaining fines to pay.

Got library fines? Waive them by donating food in Charlotte County As part of an initiative to increase food donations, Charlotte County is renewing its "Food for Fines" program.

Ready to take a more hands-on approach to your investments? Start at Value Line, where you'll find the data you need to make smart investments.

📈 Daily market updates
📈 Stocks ranked for performance and safety
📈 Industry analysis
📈 Instructional videos and how-to guides

It's free when you log in with your Charlotte County library card! Use our subscription at https://bit.ly/ValueLineCC

We don't mean to ruffle any feathers, but a-parrot-ly, the library has some of the most im-peck-able programs around.

Staying in the know is no bird-en when you sign up for our email updates. We'll keep you in the loop about our upcoming events, hot new book releases, and more.

Join the flock at https://charlottecountyfl.libconnect.com/public/signup

It's ~TIME~ for another Between the Lines Reading Challenge prompt! This week, read a book about time or time travel.

We're reading 24 books in 2024! It's not too late to start. Learn more at bit.ly/BTLchallenge

Charlotte County kids and families had a blast meeting Alex Willan, author of Dragons are the Worst! and other fun picture books. Alex read a story, led kids in a drawing lesson, signed autographs, and brought so many smiles! Thanks to all who attended this awesome event.

❗️There's still time to wrap up your summer reading adventures, kids and teens! Reading logs are due tomorrow, July 20.

Turn in your completed log at your local library branch to be entered to win a fabulous prize bundle! Big kids will also get a ticket to attend your branch's finale celebration.

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