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.

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.

Renovations

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.