The Charlotte County Library is a public library system serving the residents of Charlotte County, Florida. The library system consists of six branches located in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Murdock, Rotonda West, and Charlotte Harbor. With a collection of over 350,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs, the library offers a wide range of materials to support the educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community.
History of the Charlotte County Library
The Charlotte County Library has a rich history dating back to 1963, when the first library branch was established in Punta Gorda. The library was initially housed in a small building and had a collection of just over 1,000 books. Over the years, the library system has grown and expanded to meet the needs of the community, with new branches opening in Port Charlotte, Englewood, and other areas of the county. Today, the library system is a vital part of the community, offering a range of programs and services for children, teens, and adults.
Services and Programs
The Charlotte County Library offers a wide range of services and programs, including:
- Free access to Wi-Fi and public computers
- Research assistance and instruction
- Children’s storytime and other youth programs
- Author readings and book discussions
- Computer classes and technology training
- Test preparation and career resources
In addition to these services, the library also offers a variety of online resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and databases, which can be accessed from home or on the go.
| Branch Location | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Gorda | 424 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 | (941) 205-2160 |
| Port Charlotte | 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952 | (941) 205-3160 |
| Englewood | 3450 N. Access Rd., Englewood, FL 34224 | (941) 205-2165 |
| Murdock | 15101 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 | (941) 205-3170 |
| Rotonda West | 13900 Marjorie Ln., Rotonda West, FL 33947 | (941) 205-2175 |
| Charlotte Harbor | 6250 Ventura Dr., Punta Gorda, FL 33982 | (941) 205-2180 |
Community Outreach and Partnerships
The Charlotte County Library is committed to outreach and partnerships with other community organizations and agencies. The library works closely with local schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations to provide resources and support for community members. Some examples of community outreach and partnerships include:
- Summer reading programs for children and teens
- Partnerships with local literacy organizations to provide adult literacy services
- Collaborations with local businesses to provide workforce development resources and training
- Outreach services to homebound residents and those in nursing homes
By working together with other community organizations, the Charlotte County Library is able to provide a wide range of services and programs that meet the unique needs of the community.
Collection Development
The Charlotte County Library has a diverse collection of materials, including fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library’s collection is developed and maintained by a team of professional librarians who work to ensure that the collection is relevant, up-to-date, and meets the needs of the community. Some of the ways that the library develops its collection include:
- Purchasing new materials based on community demand and requests
- Participating in interlibrary loan programs to borrow materials from other libraries
- Donations from community members and organizations
- Weeding and removing outdated or damaged materials to maintain a relevant and useful collection
By continually developing and maintaining its collection, the Charlotte County Library is able to provide community members with access to a wide range of materials and resources.
What are the hours of operation for the Charlotte County Library?
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The hours of operation for the Charlotte County Library vary by branch, but most branches are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Does the Charlotte County Library offer free Wi-Fi and public computers?
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Yes, the Charlotte County Library offers free Wi-Fi and public computers at all of its branches. Community members can use the library’s public computers to access the internet, check email, and work on documents.
Can I borrow e-books and audiobooks from the Charlotte County Library?
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Yes, the Charlotte County Library offers a wide range of e-books and audiobooks that can be borrowed and downloaded to your device. Community members can access the library’s digital collection through the library’s website or by using the library’s mobile app.
