October 14, 2008 (Charlotte, NC) – The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) invites all interested citizens to participate in any one of series of community workshops from November 1 through November 6 about a new Library Facilities Master Plan.

This master plan will set the direction for library system and establish a comprehensive series of recommendations and goals for the next 10 years. It will concern all aspects of library facilities in Mecklenburg County. These workshops will be conducted by the PROVIDENCE Associates LLC team, which has drawn master plans for many library systems across America. The purpose of the meetings is to garner vision, insight and opinions from any citizen. Interviews and focus groups with various groups also will be conducted. The public library considers all citizens to be “stakeholders” in the library for this purpose.

Workshop attendees will be asked about their satisfaction related to library facilities. Questions may include which branches participants use, the strengths of those libraries, and what could be improved to provide them with a more satisfying experience. Participants also may be asked how the library could be a more convenient resource; for example, citizens may give ideas on locations for future library branches.

Workshops have been scheduled across the county to encourage participation from all sections. Citizens are invited to attend and speak at any of the following sessions, at the following dates and places:

• Saturday, Nov. 1, 9-10 a.m., Carmel Library, 6624 Walsh Blvd., (704) 416-3400
• Saturday, Nov. 1, 12-1 p.m., Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, (704) 416-5200
• Monday, Nov. 3, 7-8 p.m., Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive, (704) 416-4800
• Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Beatties Ford Road Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, (704) 416-3000
• Thursday, Nov. 6, 7-8 p.m., North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, (704) 416-6000

Advance sign-ups are not required. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Sarah Poole at spoole@plcmc.org or (704) 416-0702.