ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is a premier youth destination in Charlotte’s cultural arts district, offering a unique blend of library services and professional theatre programming. This collaborative facility between Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte spans 102,000 square feet and is ranked as the #1 children’s library in the United States. The center features two state-of-the-art theatres, dedicated library spaces tailored for different age groups, four ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is a premier youth destination in Charlotte’s cultural arts district, offering a unique blend of library services and professional theatre programming. This collaborative facility between Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte spans 102,000 square feet and is ranked as the #1 children’s library in the United States. The center features two state-of-the-art theatres, dedicated library spaces tailored for different age groups, four multi-use classrooms, a multimedia production studio, and interactive exhibit spaces that engage children from infancy through their teen years.
The facility offers comprehensive programming for every developmental stage, from Baby Storytime and early literacy activities for the youngest learners to sophisticated offerings like D&D One Shots and the Art-in-Action Teen Club for older youth. Programs include storytelling sessions, Drama Rama acting games, STEAM 101 art in nature activities, multimedia production opportunities, interactive exhibits (including the Curious George exhibit), computer and gaming stations, and specialized activities like the VolunTeen Book Rec Scavenger Hunt. Homeschool Social Hours provide community connection, while the multimedia production studio and makerspace offer hands-on creative experiences.
With extended operating hours throughout the week and special summer programming running from May through August, ImaginOn provides flexible access to enriching cultural and educational experiences. The facility includes age-specific spaces such as the Early Literacy Space for younger children and The Block for preteens, ensuring age-appropriate environments. Parking is available on-site, and the center welcomes both individual families and group registrations, making it an accessible resource for the entire Charlotte community.
Special Features
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Activities
Baby StorytimeToddler StorytimeFamily Storytimeearly literacy activitiesstorytellingDrama Rama acting gamestheatre programsmultimedia productioninteractive exhibitsCurious George exhibitSTEAM 101: Art in Nature activitiesArt-in-Action Teen ClubD&D One ShotsVolunTeen Book Rec Scavenger HuntHomeschool Social Hourscomputer and gaming stationshands-on engaging activitieslibrary activities
Best For
Families seeking a comprehensive creative and educational experience combining theatre, library services, and multimedia production for children of all ages, particularly those interested in STEAM activities, storytelling, and performing arts
Parent Considerations
No counselor ratio information provided
Registration requirements vary by program type (individual families may not need to register for some programs, but groups must)
Newsletter subscription recommended for event notifications
Facility serves a wide age range which may require careful program selection
Special needs accommodations available including Braille books and accessible resources
