April 9, 2009 (Charlotte, NC) – National Library Week, April 12-18 2009, is an annual celebration of our nation's libraries, and the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) is taking the opportunity to reacquaint the community with the library system, its services, and the 24 library locations in Mecklenburg County.

The nation and our community are currently grappling with a serious economic recession and increases in unemployment. In January, 43,606 Mecklenburg County residents were unemployed among the county’s labor force of 460,090, according to the N.C. Employment Security Commission. During tough times like these, individuals in our community may feel a lack of personal empowerment, and the public library can be a valuable resource. The library can help with job seeking, educational needs, or just a free and safe respite from daily stress. And the best way to harness that power is to Be a Power User.

A library Power User …
• Has a library card and knows that they can use their card at any of the 24 libraries in Mecklenburg County
• Benefits from free library computers, materials, online resources, staff expertise, workshops and classes
• Knows that the library offers online resources 24/7 – like live chat with a librarian and downloadable audiobooks

The number of library Power Users is growing: compared to last year, the library has seen increases such as 18% in requests, 8% in items lent, 9% increase in questions answered, 11% in library computer use, and 5% in website use.

Your public library knows that we are powered by the citizens of Mecklenburg County, as well as donors, volunteers and other sources of support. PLCMC will be honoring its volunteers beginning in National Library Week, and launching a grassroots fundraising campaign with donation boxes at all libraries in Mecklenburg County locations. You can also show your support for public libraries by purchasing “green” reusable shopping bags with the slogan “The Library. Be a Power User” for just $1.50 each, also at all libraries.

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC has been recognized as a “Five Star” library in a national index of public library service from Library Journal and was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.4 million volumes, 79,000 DVDs, CDs and audiobooks, and a vast selection of titles available to download from the library’s web site, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.