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.

our Values

Opening minds to a world of unlimited possibilities.

Goals

Connect communities inspire thought

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.

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.