Destination: ImaginOn!

•The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. One of the premier public libraries in the country – 2006 winner of the National Award for Museum and Library Service.

•Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.One of America’s top arts and education organizations for young people.

ImaginOn Partners

•$27 million bond referendum in 1999

ImaginOn Timeline

•$12 million Endowment Campaign, 2000-2001

County Funded90%

Federal Funds1%

State funds3%

Private funds6%

ImaginOn’s MissionTo bring stories to life through extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire and excite young minds.

ImaginOn’s Vision

ImaginOn is the first place that families and their children think of when they want to spend quality time together

ImaginOn elevates the public perception of the significance of children's literature and children's theatre, locally

and nationally.

Core Values•Young people are our first priority.

•We provide an environment that is safe, nurturing and accessible to everyone.

•We invite young people to lead, to achieve, and to take risks that result in personal growth.

•We create learning experiences that are dynamic, engaging, and fun.

•We seek community collaborations that enrich the experiences we create.

Children’s Theatre Staff39 FTE

Library Staff24 FT/9 PT28.5 FTE

ImaginOn shared staff13 FT/3 PT15.5 FTE

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Kids Like…

• Lots of windows• Colorful spaces – vibrant colors, not childish• A place that “looks like it has something interesting inside”• Both big and cozy spaces• Murals and large artwork• Easy access to the outside, gardens and outside reading

places• Spaces for computers• Signs that tell them where to go• Circular rooms• Play spaces

Kids don’t like…

• Things that look too baby-ish• Dull looking places• Boxy looking buildings• Cramped spaces• Few windows• Places that don’t have enough seats• Not being able to see the bookshelves• Buildings that look like schools

What would you like to see at the library?

• A movie room• Places to be loud and places to be quiet• Fireplaces• Café and snack bars• Moving water or fountains• Clear signs with big letters• Plants• Murals and artwork• People having fun• A place to play computer games• A toy corner for little kids• Fish• A TV• A roller coaster!

Spangler Children’s Library

The Park Family Story Lab

Tech Central

Studio i

Don’t forget low tech!

The Loft for teens

Community

Festivals

Destination: ImaginOn!Exhibits

Design architects:

Holzman Moss

www.holzmanmoss.com

Interactive Designers

Ed Schlossberg Interactive Design

www.ESIdesign.com

Lois Kilkkalkilkka@plcmc.org

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Centerwww.imaginon.org