WHAT: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will give the Library a financial gift – the largest foundation grant in its century of service – to improve technology access and help residents conduct job searches. Knight Foundation believes that libraries are an important community resource. This gift will impact the Main, ImaginOn, Freedom Regional and Mountain Island libraries. Members of the media and the community will hear firsthand how the library will use this gift and why it is important.

WHO: County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts
Public Library Trustee Chair Darrel Williams
Director of Libraries Charles Brown
Knight Foundation Charlotte Program Director Susan Patterson
Library managers from Main, ImaginOn, Freedom Regional and Mountain Island Library will also be on hand, along with select members of the community who have been positively impacted by Library resources. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

WHEN: 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2

WHERE: ImaginOn: The Joe & and Joan Martin Center™, located in Uptown Charlotte at 300 E. 7th Street. Parking is available beneath the building (accessible from 6th Street). ImaginOn is also located on the LYNX light rail line.

NOTE: To ensure sufficient seating and space availability, media are requested to contact Angela Haigler if planning to attend. Email ahaigler@plcmc.org or call 704-416-0704.

About the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
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.

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote community engagement and lead to transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.