Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Main

Free books. Free Wifi. Free computers. Free classes. Free movies. Free cds. Free access to many many great online resources. Awesome staff. What’s not to love?

It’s bad karma to give a library of all places a bad review, but this one was such a disappointment. Our family could spend hours at Barnes n Noble and are regulars our local library, so we were so excited to visit this library! We came in and immediately asked about the children’s section and were directed to corner where the children’s section was. Check out my picture with a small handful of mixed matched books sitting randomly on a few dusty shelves. my small town library has a better children’s section.
We walked around the library and the disappointed didn’t end with the kids section. There was nothing impressive about this library.
It wasn’t until we asked a lovely young lady, that she directed us to the Imagine On library. go check that one out if you have kids.

Was expecting a bit more from the «main» library of a city the size of Charlotte. Yes, there are computers that supposedly have Internet access, but good luck trying to use their wifi on your own devices. Hopefully it was broken just today and not an everyday problem. Also, a big lack of power outlets and more than a few sketchy characters. These things, taken together, mean that I probably won’t be going back. Try Morrison branch for an easier experience.

Nothing spectacular. Hard to find some items. Nice atmosphere and environment. More of a selection of course, due to larger sized building. Parking sucks if you don’t live uptown.

This is my first time visiting Charlotte. (A three-​month stay) I was very surprised that 51 books I may read are in the Charlotte-​Mecklenburg Library system. True enough, someone from Los Angeles (like myself), New York or Boston would not be completely delighted with the range of subject matter, you can find something. Upon entry and departure, I enjoyed reading the quotes on the pillars. Happy hunting!
p. s. A word of caution, bring a sturdy bag from home to carry your books. The library hasn’t designed their own bags and give those flimsy ones from the grocery store.
This location is closed Sundays and Mondays during the summer.

As an avid book reader (more like book inhaler!) I love the Charlotte library system but I sure don’t love this location. Yes, they have a larger selection than any of the regional branches. Yes, they have more (and perhaps better trained) staff than the regional branches. And yes, they have more computers than the regional branches.
But wow, do they have a completely different customer demographic. How many libraries do you know that have a security office? And the stalls in the men’s room have doors that are barely half-​height?
If you’re in the neighborhood, then sure, stop in. But I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip. You’ll have a much better experience at almost any of the regional branches.
Note — there is a drive-​up book drop in the back.

Oh PLCMC Main location – you are an interesting character. While I feel compelled to love you since I visit you every week, I have mixed feelings. You’re a great location for those who live or work Uptown… but that’s about it since you’re in the center of Uptown with no parking lot which could isolate yourself from a lot of patrons who would like to visit you.
I love how I can go to B&N, write down the names of the books I am interested then go to your convenient online catalog to see if you have the books. And even if you don’t have the books, you’re kind and order them for me! Free books with just a little wait? Who wouldn’t love that?! Of course unless it’s a James Patterson book, then I am usually stuck behind 500+ people who always are waiting to read the same book. I love your up to date music selection as well – you have just about everything along with a wide DVD library that allows me to check out comedy’s, drama and documentaries for free most of the time but sometimes you want to charge a rental fee on movies that are a year or two old – what gives? Another thing I love? You let me pay my late fees on line and email me when an item is ready or about to me due – you got my back PLCMC! I love the literary quotes you have on the pillars walking into the library-​they always bring a smile to myself and I think sometimes you change them on to keep our relationship saucy.
But you must do something about the people there-​you got some real sketchers inhabiting your space. I would say about 20% normal, 80% not so much. I don’t feel safe walking up to the second floor without a man by my side. And I really don’t like super sketcher who sees me there and follows me around with his hand down his pants sometimes. That foolishness needs to end.
PS-​Please add sanitizer dispensers!

The «Main Library» recently moved many circulations around and it’s hard to find someone who knows where everything is now? I went their recently and finally found a fiction book in the nonfiction after 20 minuted of looking with 2 staff members. Not ideal, but with all the movement I guess I have some extra tolerance. For overall choice and selection, this is still the Public Library system’s best option. That said, I will continue to go here and support the many libraries.

When I was a kid, the library was my most favorite place to read a billion books, check out movies and read the magazines my mom didn’t want me reading at 9 years old. Good times. Hence, I was looking forward to checking out the Main Meck Library Uptown.
Before you go, know that parking will likely be an issue. Your free or reduced cost parking options are: take the light rail in, check out the parking options on the library’s website or pray to the parking gods that you find a spot on the street.
Inside, this is a decent sized library with a good amount new releases mixed in with media, DVDs and plenty of classic literature. While the staff here are very helpful and willing to help you find what you’re looking for, I highly recommend searching online and putting your books on hold for easy pickup and reading! You can also choose to pickup your books at a different library branch if that works better for you.
As the other reviewers mentioned, this isn’t the best spot to sit down and read through a pile of books. Regardless, I hope that this branch continues to supply the local community with great online access, helpful staff members and a boatload of interesting literature. Due to the funding cuts, make sure you pay attention to all Meck library branches’ hours of operation. This particular branch is closed all day on Fridays, as of July 6, 2010.

They have redone the library in the last few months, apparently trying to shift the focus away from the books. The majority of books are now upstairs in the north wing, with the ground floor specializing in music and movies. I expect it is an attempt to make the library more relatable for a populace that reads less each year; unfortunately the building barely feels like a library anymore.
This library also has a large number of internet-​connected computers, free for all Mecklenburg County residents. I regularly see signs for computer-​familiarization lessons, and around tax time they run a number of tax seminars. I don’t know what level these programs are pitched at, but details can probably be found on their website.
If you a looking for book, check first on their website. Even popular titles may not be represented here, as they try to spread their books over the system’s 24 libraries. It’s easy enough to reserve a book from a distant library, and they can bring it to your local one in 24 – 48 hours, but don’t expect to just walk in and find what you are looking for. As a source of books, the library is pretty good. You may have to plan a couple days ahead or pick one up from a distant branch, but on the whole they’ll be able to get you what you need.
This particular branch is not the most prestigious facility. The carpet is old, the furniture is worn, and it is typically crowded. I get books here from time to time, but I have never felt inclined to read here.

This is a nice place with ample amount of space to study, read, or just play around on the internet. The establishment is full of great books, probably the biggest selection that I have seen since being a student at Appalachian State University. If there is a line for the computers they only give you an hour to be online, but this is usually not a problem. Everyone keeps pretty quiet and I would recommend it for studying or an afternoon read.