As a convenience for customers, the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County has begun testing Redbox DVD rental machines at University City and Steele Creek branches. The Redbox machines are located outside of the entrances at these two locations.

The pilot program will test the popularity of the service with Library customers.

Customers can rent the most current titles immediately. Director of Library Experiences, David Singleton added, “Another potential advantage of the program is access to DVDS outside library operating hours, as the machines are fully automated for 24/7 access. We also see this as a way to supplement our DVD supply during the current budget shortfall.” Redbox will also share a portion of its profits with the Public Library.

“Testing this service simply gives us a chance to enhance the experience of our library customers. If they’re already at the library, they can simply stop at a machine and grab a DVD to take home,” said Singleton.

The library will continue to offer DVDs in-house; there are no plans to change the current DVD check-out policy.
The program will be evaluated in six months and then the library board will decide whether to continue the partnership with Redbox.


Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC has been recognized as a “Five Star” library in a national index of public library service from Library Journal and was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.4 million volumes, 79,000 DVDs, CDs and audiobooks, and a vast selection of titles available to download from the library’s web site, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.