Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
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| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1903 |
| Location | Mecklenburg County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°13′43.32″N 80°50′25.98″W / 35.2287000°N 80.8405500°W |
| Branches | 20 |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | Books, movies, audiobooks, etc. |
| Access and use | |
| Access requirements | Residence in Mecklenburg County or annual fee as well as a library card |
| Population served | approximately one million citizens |
| Other information | |
| Director | David Singleton |
| Staff | 486 staff members (355 full time and 131 part-time) |
| Website | www |
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is the public library system of the city of Charlotte and County of Mecklenburg in North Carolina
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is one of America’s many urban public libraries, serving a community of approximately one million citizens in the city of Charlotte and the towns of Matthews, Pineville, Mint Hill, Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville – all located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
The roots of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library can be traced to 1891 when, during a period of Charlotte history characterized by boom and civic pride, a group of prominent citizens organized the Charlotte Literary and Library Association. This subscription library operated in rooms above a bookstore on South Tryon Street for nine years, under the direction of Librarian Bessie Lacy Dewey. In 1901, directors of the Association transferred control of the Library to the City School Commissioners, so that the general public and students would have access to the collection. The Library was now the Charlotte Public School Library, located in two rooms in City Hall at the corner of North Tryon and East Fifth Street. The arrangement lasted two years, with Librarian Sallie H. Adams in charge.
In 1901, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie agreed to donate $25,000 for a library building, if the city would furnish a site and taxes to support operations. The tax was approved by vote of citizens on May 6, 1901. The building was dedicated and opened to the public on July 2, 1903 in the 300 block of North Tryon Street. The new building had the typical Carnegie look. Outside was an imposing classic facade with four Ionic columns. Inside, dark oak furniture and paneling set a somber mood. The interior was divided into a reading room, a book room, a children's room and an office. There was also a room containing historical materials and memorabilia and a basement.
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