Opened in 2005, ImaginOn is known as the holy grail of children’s libraries. As a collaborative venture of Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library and the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ImaginOn features something for children of all ages. Each level is specific to an age group and features exhibits and activities tailored that age.
The Spangler Children’s Library is located on the first floor and contains a large collection of books and materials for children from birth through 5th grade, including homework resource and early literacy computer stations. There is also a special collection and resources for parents, teachers and caregivers.
The second floor is home is Studio I, an animation and sound studio that teens can use to produce stop-motion and computer-generated animations as well as accompanying sound tracks. Studio I even has an unpaid internship program for children aged 13-18.
The Loft is located on the third floor and is dedicated solely to teens. It contains collaborative spaces for teens to work together on projects and a library with the latest in DVDs, books, graphic novels, and CDs of interest to teens. They also have interactive activities, such as scavenger hunts, theatre classes and more.
ImaginOn is also home to the McColl Family Theatre and Wells Fargo Playhouse, which are both used for Children’s Theatre productions. The McColl Family Theatre seats 570 and the Wells Fargo Playhouse seats 250. Check out their calendar to see what is playing next and to what other activities are happening at ImaginOn.
ImaginOn is located at 300 E 7th (corner of 7th & Brevard) in Charlotte. There is limited parking available in the parking deck under ImaginOn. There is also parking available at the Seventh Street Station.
The best part of ImaginOn? It’s FREE (though tickets are required to see a show)! So take your family and check it out today!
