The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is like Blockbuster’s backup for movies
I really freaking miss Blockbuster. I never know what to watch on Netflix and approximately 77 percent of the time, I start streaming a movie, decide I don’t like it, start another one, decide I don’t like it, and then just give up. Redbox is nice, but Blockbuster had it all — the huge movie selection, the array of TV shows and the ability to sift through the shelves of options by hand.
It was a beautiful thing.
Then I realized we basically have Blockbuster’s backup: The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. If you get a library card, you have access to movie rentals across the 20 library branches (though ImaginOn doesn’t necessarily have DVDs geared toward adults, a Library staff member clarified).
The offerings
The DVDs you see across the branches have been selected by Amy Richard, Supervisor for the Materials Management department of the Library, for three years.
Such as the DVDs packing the five long shelves at the Morrison Regional branch, where comedy selections include “A Long Way Down” with Pierce Brosnan, “In Case of You” with Justin Long, and the ever popular “Forrest Gump” with Tom Hanks. New rentals (the ones that go for $2) include “Burnt” with Bradley Cooper, “Far From the Madding Crowd” (so good) with Carey Mulligan, and “Steve Jobs” with Michael Fassbender (still need to see this).
The rental details
How the selection process works
“When selecting (physical) DVDs for the Library collection I look at box office figures, reviews and popularity of the film or of actors in the film,” said Richard, who wouldn’t call herself a “movie buff” but definitely likes movies and could be a solid competitor at movie trivia night. “When selecting nonfiction DVDs I look for relevant documentaries, self-help and educational films to supplement the print collection. Popular and educational DVDs are selected for youth.”
The library’s DVD vendor, Midwest Tapes, also sends her suggestions of movies to consider. So do library customers. To top it off, she checks industry sources like “Entertainment Weekly,” “Variety,” Rotten Tomatoes and library sources that provide reviews such as “Library Journal” and “Booklist.”
As for tracking down the goods? The library’s DVDs are considered part of a “floating collection,” meaning the materials belong to all locations and are moved based on demand and where they are requested and/or returned. In March, the Main Library, South County Regional Library and University City Regional Library had the largest number of check outs for DVDs.
While you may need to stick to Netflix for binging on TV series and mini-series (you won’t find them at the library), you can finally get back to your Blockbuster days. Time to start prowling the shelves at the branch nearest you for movie night.
Photos: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is like Blockbuster’s backup for movies."