The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) was one of six nationally known institutions to receive a prestigious award for excellence. The 2006 National Award for Museum and Library Service, presented by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is the nation’s highest honor for the extraordinary public service provided by libraries and museums. PLCMC received $10,000 and was presented with the award by First Lady Laura Bush at a special ceremony in Washington.

At the ceremony, Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS Director, said: “As the largest public library system in the Carolinas, [PLCMC] manages 24 library locations, numerous outreach programs, and a family of 18 Web sites, serving more than 850,000 county residents, 26,000 area users, and Web visitors from all over the world. Whether in its new ImaginOn Center or one of its smaller neighborhood branches, the public library exemplifies an approach to service and programming that can transform lives.“

The public library also received congratulations and well-wishes from several North Carolina representatives: U.S. Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, and Congressional Representatives Sue Myrick and Mel Watt.