David Lee King and I once bantered about whose library has the longest name…

Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

or

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

I think I won.

Many of us have commented that PLCMC is the longest library name in the country. It is a mouthful to say! Just watch this video!

So I am happy to share that we have a new name…Charlotte Mecklenburg Library…or CMLibrary for short.

According to the Library’s November 30th press release:

Very few visible signs of the change have been seen yet, due to a gradual rollout process geared toward saving resources in a tight budget year.

The Library has gone by several names over the years. Past names include Charlotte Public School Library (1901-1903), Charlotte Carnegie Public Library (1903-1925), Charlotte Public Library (1925-1945), and most recently, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (1945-2009).

The most recent decision to change the name was made in 2007 as part of a larger initiative to better communicate the impact of the Library. The library’s long name had become an acronym -- PLCMC -- that was meaningless to most customers. This was documented in “person on the street” interviews with average citizens, many of whom did not know the Library’s name or what PLCMC meant. The Library also did a visual assessment of its 24 locations and discovered that many identifying signs were either non-existent, invisible from the road, or so inconsistent that someone would have no idea that their local library was part of a larger system.

The name change represents but one part of a much larger plan which includes better identification of library locations and services, a new visual “look” that will tie everything together, more customer-focused communications, and a unified approach to customer service in all locations. These changes will help make our libraries easier to find and use, and will help customers understand that they can choose between 24 convenient locations. The implementation of this plan is designed to be as cost neutral as possible.

Next steps will include using the new name on printed materials as supplies run out, beginning in December; and switching the look and URL of our Web site (www.cmlibrary.org) in January 2010. The old URL and email addresses at plcmc.org will continue to work for the foreseeable future, so that old printed items can still be used. Also, a new design for exterior signage will debut with the Hickory Grove branch opening in February. This will be the template for all exterior signs in new construction projects going forward. There are no current plans to replace signs at existing locations.

In addition to the new name we have a new logo.

The logo symbol is an “L” shape consisting of two opposing shapes – one straight and reserved, the other curvy and venturesome – symbolizing that the library system comprises the best of its historic traditions and the most creative of contemporary trends.

The new logo will be part of new signs for our libraries. Developing consistent signage inside and outside our libraries will help people find our libraries. New exterior signage will debut at the new Hickory Grove branch when it opens in February 2010, and at other locations as funding permits.

I think the most exciting thing about the whole plan is the opportunity to remind the community that each individual branch is part of a much larger system of resources. It also helps people understand that their Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card can be used at any location.