Annual Impact Report FY22 - Palm Beach County Library System

From the Library Director

The Palm Beach County Library System had an exceedingly busy and successful Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). The Library has seen multiple accomplishments and we are proud of this progress.

In-person activities resumed in January 2022 and returned to full activities by Summer 2022. Three of our branches reached milestone anniversaries: Acreage Branch celebrated 10 years, while both the Clarence E. Anthony Branch and Greenacres Branch celebrated 30 years. Meanwhile, both the Wellington and Lantana Road branches were renovated and opened to the public in November 2021 and January 2022, respectively. The Main Library, Gardens, Acreage and Belle Glade branches hosted early voting and general elections during the 2022 cycle. Two Florida Library Association awards were presented to the Library among other accolades (see pages 10-11).

All Palm Beach County Library System locations were honored with an Autism Friendly Business certification. This certificate was awarded by the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities to businesses where 70% of staff members completed training to understand the sensitivity about autism and related disabilities.

As we celebrate our FY22 accomplishments, we look forward to our next ventures. We are excited to announce the construction of the next location in the Palm Beach County Library System: the Canyon Branch in West Boynton. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Sept. 24, 2022, followed by a ribbon cutting for the new District Park. It will house the largest meeting room of all the branches, include the latest technology and amenities and have a front-facing beautiful green plaza. The building process is moving steadily along with a projected opening in FY24.

Although we work out of 18 locations and serve different and diverse local communities, our combined efforts continue to make a huge, positive impact in the community. Thanks to support from the Board of County Commissioners and County Administration, Library Advisory Board, the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System, our outstanding library staff and supporters in the community, we are able to thrive in our mission to connect communities, inspire thought and enrich lives.

Architectural rendering of Canyon Branch coming soon to West Boynton

Opening

Opening minds to a world of unlimited possibilities.

Goals

Connect communities

Enhance the role of the library in the community and offer services beyond the library’s walls. Build partnerships that best leverage Library and partner resources.

Promote inclusivity and embrace diversity in collections, services, activities and spaces.

Provide opportunities for community members to become involved with the Library.

inspire thought

Provide access to technology, services and activities designed to meet the digital literacy needs of Palm Beach County citizens.

Provide access to a collection of print, non-print and electronic resources for borrowing and research that supports the needs and interests of Palm Beach County citizens.

Spark creativity and stimulate thoughtful conversation by providing a welcoming environment and collaborative process with the Library.

enrich lives

Design family learning opportunities to improve a child’s ability to achieve academically. Provide a Summer Reading Program to people of all ages. Offer opportunities for adults to improve basic literacy skills for success in everyday life.

Design activities that allow the community to learn and develop new skills.

our Mission Connect communities, inspire thought and enrich lives.

Making a difference. Empowering community. Learning and growing.

Connect communities, inspire thought and enrich lives.

difference. Empowering community. Learning and growing.

minds to a world of unlimited possibilities.

Library Advisory Board

LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD LEADERSHIP

Our Library Advisory Board consists of 14 members, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Each member serves a three-year term and is required to reside within the Library District. The Board meets on a monthly basis and members serve on a voluntary basis.

The Advisory Board represents the Library to the Board of County Commissioners and works with the Library Director to improve and expand Library service throughout the County. Its role is to provide policy, budget and other recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

Library Advisory Board Members

Megan Bob Chair

Cathe North Vice Chair

Linda Knox

Perri McDowell-Demps

Lisa Seymour Regis Wenham Marsha Cohn Wilkins Ellen Winikoff

Gloria Kelly

Sam Manuele

Marina Desiderio

Friends Board

The Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System serves to create an association of people interested in books and libraries. They serve to focus public attention on Library services, facilities and needs. They raise funds for scholarships and special projects and to stimulate donations, gifts, endowments and bequests.

They assist in the development of activities for the extension and improvement of Library services and resources to adequately serve the needs of the community.

They advocate on the Library’s behalf in order to inform elected officials, as well as the public, about the services that the Library provides to our community and their continued need for funding.

Danese Sloan-Kendall

Marc Bressman (President & Treasurer)

Jane Blevins

Joyce Smith

Connie Kist

Anne Bressman

Mary Ellen Beck (Vice President)

Sue Sim (Secretary)

Not pictured: Damon Webb

Writers LIVE!, the Library’s flagship author event series, returned for another season of bringing the community together with authors and their books. The 2022 line-up of bestselling, critically acclaimed and award-winning authors discussed their work both in-person and virtually via Zoom.

Jayne Allen

“Black Girls Must Be Magic”

Shobhan Bantwal

“The Unexpected Son” & “The Forbidden Daughter”

Tyler Barton

“Eternal Night at the Nature Museum”

Dr. Tameka Bradley-Hobbs

“Democracy Abroad, Lynching at Home: Racial Violence in Florida”

Robin Broad & John Cavanagh

“The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed”

Olivia Dade

“All the Feels”

Claire McNear

“Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider’s Guide to Jeopardy!”

David L. Robbins

“Isaac’s Beacon”

JoAnn Ross

“The Inheritance”

Marc J. Straus

“One-Legged Mongoose: Secrets, Legacies and Coming of Age in 1950s New York”

Thrity Umrigar

“Honor”

Missouri Vaun

“The Mandolin Lunch”

“Escape!: The Story of the Confederacy’s Infamous Libby Prison and the Civil War’s Largest Jail Break” & “George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation”

Dr. Robert Watson

Membership Survey

Overall Library Experience Rating

92%

4.6 out of 5 stars

Percentages below are calculated on a scale of 1 to 5 ratings, with 5 being the highest positive rating.

How Important is the Library to you?

“The Library System teaches GET INVOLVED WITH WHAT YOU WANT. If you can't find that something right now, write your thoughts down. It could be in journal form or essay form or even a dissertation for a book and the Library System's staff will help you to the right resouces both in-person and online to publish them. Gotta love the Library System.”

“I love the staff, the books I check out & the facility. I enjoy using a study room for tutoring my student. The staff makes it easy for me to reserve a space each week. The Children’s Library staff makes amazing suggestions for books to read to my grandsons.”

94% I learned something by participating in this Library activity.

Activity Rating

92%

I feel more confident about what I learned.

“When money was tight, I could come here and always say “yes” to whatever my boys wanted. And the staff is incredible−they always went above and beyond with us. They showed such a personal interest and assisting us with library materials.”

How satisfied are you with the customer service you received?

93%

How well do Library services meet your expectations? 90%

How satisfied are you with the Library facilities?

90% I intend to apply what I just learned.

Reasons for Using the Library

Member Quote

Member Quote

Member Quote

Awards & Scholarships

2022 Outstanding New Librarian

Presented by: Florida Library Association

To: Katrina Brockway

Katrina Brockway received her MLIS in 2020, exhibiting the qualities sought in new librarians: enthusiasm, dedication, creativity and knowledge. She excels in creating dynamic activities. Additionally, she actively serves on committees, prioritizes equity and provides exceptional customer service. She embodies the future of librarianship.

2022 Intellectual Freedom Award

Presented by: Florida Library Association

The Palm Beach County Library System increased access to books featuring black girls as lead characters through adopting the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign. Displays, bibliographies and a catalog-searchable hashtag raise awareness on representation. The staff’s ingenuity and perseverance now give young black female library members a strong presence in the Library’s collection.

2022 Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award - Children

Presented by: Florida Library Association

Virtual Sensory Story Time (VSST) provides an inclusive virtual story time experience with books, songs and sensory activities. It is a highly attended virtual activity, averaging 22 weekly attendees. Since May 2021, 523 individuals have attended and 342 have passively watched. VSST has become a valuable source of enrichment for the special needs community.

Provided by The Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System

Kelley Bassinger

Jessica Calaway

Joseph Dellosa

Sharon Ennist

Jennifer Gallagher

Melissa Gift

Tiffany Gresh de Berry

Kayla Murray

Eric Nguyen

Melanie Norberto

Keisha Phillips-Daley

Maria Pineda

Jennifer Ramos

Michael Reff

Kari Smith

Kimberly Sullivan

Amanda Taylor

Briana Thomas

Jessica Waters

2022 Spectrum Scholar

Presented by: American Library Association Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

To: Joseph Dellosa (ALSC Scholar in honor of Ellen Fader), Florida State University

Since 1997, ALA has awarded more than 1,300 Spectrum Scholarships. In the most recent application cycle, the Spectrum Scholarship Program received four times as many applications as there were available scholarships and the majority of this year’s applicants were deemed highly fundable. A prestigious committee of jurors selected this year’s Spectrum Scholars based on their commitment to community building, leadership potential and planned contributions to making social justice a part of everybody’s everyday work in Library and Information Science.

2022 Minority Scholarship

Presented by: Florida Library Association (ALA)

To: Joseph Dellosa

Joseph Dellosa is a Library Associate IV at the Clarence E. Anthony Branch and scored highest among this year’s applicants. The committee was impressed by his professional application and passion for the Glades community. His essays aligned with ALA and FLA core beliefs and demonstrated his commitment to the community.

2022 Team PBC Golden Palm Awards for Expanding Diversity in Children’s Collection

Recipients: Jennifer F. Gallagher, Doris Mendez-DeMaio and V. Amberdenise Puckett In response to Marley Dias’ national campaign, Amberdenise expanded the collection to include over 1,100 books featuring black girl protagonists. Jennifer made it accessible by cataloging with the hashtag #1000blackgirlbooks. Doris worked on selection and displays, making it a popular destination for girls and teens.

USF Alumni Association LGBT Scholarship

To: Melanie Norberto $2000 scholarship awarded for outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community.

The USF Alumni Association LGBT Scholarship is a university-wide scholarship designed to assist USF in achieving and sustaining the educational benefits of diversity. This $2,000 scholarship is awarded for contributing outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community.

2022 Savvy Award for Printed Publications

Annual Reports (101,000 and Up)

Presented by: 3CMA (City-County Communications & Marketing Association)

Grants

$1,171,488

State Aid to Libraries

Grantor: State of Florida, Department of State

Amount: $876,656.00

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Grantor: State of Florida, Department of State

Project: Flex Tech

Amount: $276,694.00

Objective: Improve educational, skill-building and recreational technology access to Library members with a special focus on parents with young children.

Literary Grant

Grantor: Almeda Leake Toomey Literary Foundation

Project: Reading is So Delicious

Amount: $10,000.00

Objective: Provide free books to children during the summer lunch program.

Literacy Opportunity Fund

Grantor: ProLiteracy

Project: English Exchange Kits

Amount: $6,000.00

Objective: The Adult Literacy Project created an English Exchange kit for each of the Library System’s 17 branches. These kits contain educational resources and activities that enhance the opportunity to provide information and conversational practice relevant to the students’ lives in a non-judgmental setting. The remaining funds were spent to expand the literacy program’s hi/lo nonfiction supplemental collection, which are often requested by ELL students to help them prepare for job interviews, citizenship tests and further education.

TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED

Autism Services Grants Council

Project: Virtual Sensory Storytime Kits

Amount: $1,250.00

Objective: Purchase “Sensory Storytime Bags” to be offered to our members at all 17 branches of the Palm Beach County Library System to use in conjunction with Virtual Sensory Story Times (VSST). To enhance the curriculum created by staff and in order to enhance members’ experience with VSST, these bags will be made available to pick up and use in conjunction with all VSST offerings.

Arts in My Backyard (AIMBY): Family Saturdays

Grantor: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

Project: Family Saturdays

Amount: $600.00

Objective: Arts in My Backyard (AIMBY) Family Saturdays is an arts exposure program designed for families with children in search of interactive arts activities and cultural experiences. Family Saturdays events invite families to discover the arts together as they connect and create memories while acquiring new skills through visual art, dance, nature, theater and more.

Education Funding

Grantor: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Florida Section

Project: Engineers Week

Amount: $288.45

Objective: Celebrate Engineers Week with an interesting and interactive activity that serves as an introduction to the world of engineering for students.

ARPA: Tech Access for All

Our Computer Resources Expanded in 2022 Thanks to Project Flex Tech

As a result of the pandemic, the Palm Beach County Library System discovered a greater need to enhance the technology resources accessible to the public. With the initial social distancing restrictions and the increasing number of people requiring federal aid and other assistance, Library staff quickly discovered the demand outnumbered the computers available.

Library computers provide vital access to education, job searching and locating health information and enrichment. The Library System is committed to providing essential technology resources to meet the needs of our members in support of the Library’s mission of connecting communities. In order to fulfill that commitment, Library staff developed Project Flex Tech to deliver the public flexible options for accessing computers and tablets.

Funded through the Florida ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant, the Library System was able to accomplish the following:

1. Update currently owned equipment to current standards, extending its usage life.

2. Purchase new laptops and tablets for members and their children to use in various spaces within the Library.

3. Create family-friendly spaces called “pods” where parents and young children can be together while utilizing Library technology.

The Flex Tech program safely supports members’ needs in a current and post-COVID environment, and positions the Library as an essential technology community resource. With this expansion of the Library’s model of lending technology in-house, more members can be served while allowing room to grow in the future.

“Pods”

These family-friendly spaces allow parents to work and use a laptop in a safe area with their young child right beside them. The “pods” give the child an area to play attached to the working desk allowing parents more flexibility when utilizing Library resources.

New Tablets

With the addition of these child-friendly tablets, parents have the option to expand their child’s mind using digital learning tools. Tablets also keep children engaged for long periods of time allowing parents the ability to work on their own projects.

CreationStation

These work spaces have incredible video and sound production capabilities that allow new users to learn and experienced users the ability to create masterful works of art, podcasts, animations shorts, music and more!

New Laptops

Computers have been around for member use for many years. What makes the addition of these laptops so special is they can be used anywhere in the Library. Bring them to meeting rooms, study rooms or anywhere in the building where you want to work.

Anniversaries

Acreage Branch 10th Anniversary

In March 2022, the Acreage Branch celebrated a milestone 10-year anniversary. To celebrate the event, staff created many displays throughout the branch: What We Were Reading in 2012, What We Were Watching in 2012, Big News Then/Big News Now, Happy 10th Birthday Anime Edition, an Anniversary Arc, as well as a selfie station where members were encouraged to take pictures and tag us on social media.

Renovations

Clarence E. Anthony Branch 30th Anniversary

In May 2022, the Clarence E. Anthony Branch celebrated 30 years of serving South Bay. Mayor Anthony grew up in Belle Glade in disadvantaged conditions. He visited the bookmobile to further his education and saw the impact of public libraries on the community. As Mayor of South Bay, he advocated for the creation of a library branch in his community. Mayor Anthony attended the celebration, showing his achievement’s lasting impact.

Greenacres Branch 30th Anniversary

In June 2022, the Greenacres Branch was proud to celebrate 30 years of service to Palm Beach County. Once known as the MidCounty Branch, the branch’s prior locations were leased spaces in storefronts moving several times around the City of Greenacres. After the city joined the Library District, the official name changed to Greenacres Branch Library. The branch found a permanent new home in a 17,000 sq. ft. standalone building in 1992.

Main Library: The entrance to the Main Library received an exterior refresh with inspirational signage design work. Above the entrance is our vision statement, along with other motivational words relating to our strategic plan.

Wellington Branch: In November 2021, the Wellington Branch went through some major renovations completed. New interior spaces include a group collaboration room referred to as a Co-Space with a smart board for public use and new colorful sound panels. As part of our capital strategy, we are looking to add Co-Space areas to other libraries in the future. Other interior spaces changes included an additional group study room and a CreationStation (a digital media lab and recording studio). New light fixtures were installed as well furniture such as privacy pod seating, high-top bar style seating with power banks, booth seating with display shelving and new service desks.

Lantana Road Branch: In January 2022, there was a rededication event for the Lantana Road Branch after an extensive redesign and updates to the building. The project involved modernizing lighting, fixtures and flooring; painting and the construction of new interior spaces; an expanded children’s area; the relocation of the teen area; additional study rooms; service desk consolidation; design services and select new furniture items. The branch also added a CreationStation.

Extended Hours at Three Branches

Starting in April 2022, the Palm Beach County Library System started offer extended hours at three branches to better serve our community and members.

Greenacres Branch and Glades Road Branch are now open on Sundays from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Hagen Ranch Road Branch is now open on Thursdays from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Explore All the Possibilities: Our Libraries Are So Much More than Books

When was the last time you thought about what a library has to offer? The first thought for most is just books, but there is so much more! Libraries are a place of ideas, media and activities for adults, teens and children. Unlike the internet where considerable amounts of information needs inspecting, libraries are a trusted source of information. The resources available at your local Library have been continuously expanding to incorporate more technology resources and digital media. The best part is we bring access to information and resources completely for free! Here is more of what our Libraries offer:

Borrow Unique Materials

Wanna go birdwatching? Reserve a birding backpack. Are you eager to teach your child STEM concepts? Borrow a STEM backpack! If you are studying for the ci�zenship test, look no further than a Civics and Ci�zenship Toolkit. A cardholder may borrow up to 50 items.

Get Research Assistance

Our professional Research Librarians an help you find answers and informa�on on whatever topic you need either in-person, over the phone or through our website. Most branches offer in-person Book-A-Librarian sessions for one-on-one assistance.

Computers & Hotspots

Use one of many public computers at any branch to check your email, search the Library catalog, use online resources and surf the internet. Free computer classes are also offered virtually and in-person at some branches. Going on a trip and want reliable internet? Hotspots are available for check out!

Student Success with Tutor.com

Cer�fied tutors offer math, science, social studies and language arts assistance through the Library's website. Every day, live one-on-one assistance is offered in both English and Spanish.

Explore Online Resources

If you are eligible for a Library card, you can have instantaneous access to the majority of our online resources. Our wide range of online resources have accurate, trusted informa�on that you can’t find using your favorite search engine. Use your Library card to find the informa�on you need. We have everything from online phone directories for homes and businesses to full-text magazine ar�cles and informa�on sources with answers to all of your ques�ons on topics such as business, health, science, literature, educa�on, law, current events, the arts, entertainment, regional informa�on and much more.

Learn About Your Ancestors

The Palm Beach County Genealogical Society Library is located in the Main Library and open to the public. Tue - Thu 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Fri 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and Mon by appointment only. Check their website for more informa�on: www.gensocofpbc.org

The Library Comes to You

The Bookmobile travels the County and stops at more than 40 loca�ons. Talking Books is a free service that provides Braille and recorded materials to anyone legally blind, visually impaired or physically handicapped in such a way that they cannot hold a book. Books-By-Mail offers materials for those who are homebound.

Learn to Read

The Adult Literacy Project trains volunteer tutors to teach students to read, write or speak English. One-on-one instruc�on is free and confiden�al. If you know someone who could use this service or would like to become a tutor, please contact the Library.

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners

Gregg K. Weiss, Mayor

Maria Sachs, Vice Mayor

Maria G. Marino

Michael A. Barnett

Marci Woodward

Sara Baxter

Mack Bernard

Verdenia C. Baker

County Administrator

Todd Bonlarron

Assistant County Administrator

Douglas Crane

Director