Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC

www.plcmc.org
Press Contact: Rita Rouse, 704-336-2074, rrouse@plcmc.org

A colorful mobile draws attention to the Story Jar, where visitors can digitally store and share their stories

The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County strives to expand minds, empower individuals, and enrich its community. As the largest public library system in the Carolinas, the library has plenty of individuals to serve. It manages 24 library locations, numerous outreach programs, and a family of 18 Web sites, serving more than 850,000 county residents, 26,000 area users, and Web visitors from all over the world.
Whether in its new ImaginOn Center or one of its smaller neighborhood branches, the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County exemplifies an approach to service and programming that can transform lives.

U.S. Representative Mel Watt (NC_12) said, “I am pleased to congratulate the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County on receiving the National Award for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This award will help the library continue its educational service to our community and rightfully recognizes the contribution the library’s staff has made to expand the minds of our future leaders.”

U.S. Representative Sue Myrick (NC_09) congratulated the library, saying, "I'm thrilled that the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County has received this prestigious award. Their innovative programs and technologies and their commitment to lifelong learning makes them such a tremendous asset to our community."

“Congratulations to the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County on this well-deserved honor,” said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (NC). “Our libraries play such an important role in fostering the development of strong reading skills and encouraging lifelong learning. This award truly is a testament not only to the quality of programs and services PLCMC provides, but also to the support and commitment of the community it serves.”

“Libraries are a cornerstone of learning in every North Carolina community,” U.S. Senator Richard Burr (NC) said. “They improve the communities they serve and provide lifelong educational opportunities to everyone. I am so pleased the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County was chosen to receive the 2006 National Award for Museum and Library Services. The library’s commitment to literacy initiatives for young people and adults and its focus on outreach programs and community partnerships improves the quality of life in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.”