ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center | Charlotte

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is a state-of-the-art cultural and educational facility located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. It is a unique collaboration between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system and the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, combining the resources of a modern public library with a professional performing arts venue tailored primarily for children and families. Opened in 2005, ImaginOn spans approximately 102,000 square feet, making it one of the largest and most innovative children’s cultural centers in the United States.

Purpose and Vision

ImaginOn was created with the vision to inspire imagination, creativity, and literacy among children and teens by blending traditional library resources with interactive and theatrical experiences. It serves as a dynamic community hub where education, entertainment, and arts seamlessly intersect to foster lifelong learning and engagement for young audiences and their families.

Main Components and Features

1. Spangler Library for Children:
This library space is designed specifically for children aged 0 to 11 years old. It offers an extensive and carefully curated collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and digital media aimed at encouraging early literacy and a love of reading. The space is bright, colorful, and welcoming, featuring child-friendly furniture, storytime areas, and interactive exhibits that engage kids beyond traditional book borrowing. The library regularly hosts storytimes, reading programs, and educational workshops tailored to various age groups.

2. The Loft – Teen Library:
A separate area dedicated to teens and young adults, The Loft provides a quiet, modern, and inviting space for older children to explore a broad collection of books, graphic novels, manga, and multimedia resources. It includes study areas and collaborative workspaces designed to support academic work, creative projects, and social interaction among teenagers. The Loft also hosts events such as book clubs, tech workshops, and creative writing sessions aimed at engaging the teen demographic.

3. Studio i – Multimedia Production Studio:
Studio i is an innovative facility within ImaginOn that equips youth and families with the tools and technology for multimedia storytelling. Here, visitors can learn animation, video production, audio recording, and digital editing. Studio i encourages creative exploration by allowing participants to create their own digital stories, music, podcasts, or films, fostering technical skills alongside artistic expression.

4. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte:
This professional theatre company operates two fully equipped theaters inside ImaginOn: the Hugh McColl Family Theatre and the Wells Fargo Playhouse. The theaters host a wide variety of performances, including plays, musicals, puppet shows, and touring productions, many of which are geared specifically towards children and family audiences. The theatre programs not only entertain but also support educational outreach by providing workshops and interactive performances that enhance arts education in the community.

5. Interactive Exhibit Spaces:
Throughout ImaginOn, various hands-on exhibits and activity zones invite children to engage with science, art, literature, and technology in immersive ways. These exhibits often complement current library programs and theatre productions, reinforcing learning through playful, exploratory experiences.

Hours of Operation

ImaginOn is generally open to the public during these hours:

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

These hours may vary during holidays or special events, and visitors are encouraged to consult the official ImaginOn calendar for updates.

Parking and Accessibility

Located in downtown Charlotte, ImaginOn offers convenient access via public transit and private vehicle. There is an underground parking garage with 90 minutes of free parking for ImaginOn and Children’s Theatre visitors, with affordable fees thereafter. The center is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, providing ramps, elevators, and assistive listening devices in theatres to ensure inclusivity.

Educational and Community Programs

ImaginOn offers a robust schedule of free and ticketed events designed to engage children, teens, and families in learning and creative expression. Notable programs include:

Super Saturdays: Free family-friendly performances, storytelling, and interactive shows on select weekends.

EpicFest: An annual literary festival connecting young readers with authors, illustrators, and storytellers through workshops, book signings, and interactive activities.

Active Reading Workshops: Sessions that promote reading skills and comprehension strategies for families and children of different ages.

Creative Arts Workshops: Opportunities in theatre, music, digital media, and visual arts led by professionals and educators.

Community Impact

ImaginOn has become a cornerstone of Charlotte’s cultural landscape by providing a multifaceted space that champions literacy, creativity, and arts education. It is a safe and welcoming environment where children and teens can explore their interests, discover new talents, and experience the joy of storytelling in its many forms. By bridging library resources with performing arts and digital media, ImaginOn addresses the diverse needs of a modern, digitally connected generation while fostering a strong sense of community.

Location

ImaginOn is centrally located at:

300 East Seventh Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

This prime location in Uptown Charlotte makes it easily accessible for residents, school groups, and visitors, allowing the center to serve as a vibrant gathering place for families citywide.

In summary, ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is an exceptional institution that goes beyond the traditional concept of a library. Its combination of expansive children’s and teen library spaces, a professional theatre, multimedia production facilities, and interactive exhibits creates a dynamic environment dedicated to inspiring imagination, learning, and creativity among Charlotte’s youth and their families.