ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center

Plans for ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, began in 1997 when two colleagues had an idea. Bob Cannon, the former Executive Director of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC), and Bruce LaRowe, Executive Director of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC) each led organizations with great programs for young people…and both were running out of space. Bob and Bruce thought it would make sense to consider creating a new, shared facility, to meet the growing needs of both organizations. But not just a combination library/theatre – they imagined a new type of facility, and an original approach to education, learning and the arts. The more they thought about the possibilities, the more they realized PLCMC & CTC shared much more than a need for more space – they also shared a powerful mission: bringing stories to life. In early 2004, Library Director Charles Brown joined the library, and has since worked with Bruce and dozens of library and theatre staff members to ensure ImaginOn’s success. At ImaginOn, young people learn in many ways, through all five senses and “from the page to the stage.” It is the launching pad for remarkable journeys and endless possibilities.