History:
"You are the best library" is one of the most often heard comments about our library on Clematis Street. From residents to snowbirds, from seniors to preschoolers, all use the services and programs provided free by the Library. West Palm Beach's library is an unparalleled asset in our community.
Cardholders total over 74,000 and more than 500,000 people visit the library each year.
The West Palm Beach Public Library began as the West Palm Beach Reading Room in the Congregational Church at the corner of Datura and Olive Streets in 1894. Soon after, Commodore C.J. Clarke, a Palm Beach yachtsman, donated a houseboat to the Palm Beach Literary Society. The collection from the Reading Room and a $100 donation from Henry Flagler created the first city library. The houseboat was anchored at a dock off of the city park where Clematis Street terminates at the Lake Worth section of the Intra-Coastal Waterway. Residents were encouraged to visit the Reading Room instead of wasting time drinking on Banyan Street.
New Year, New Opportunities We have tons of resources here at the library, and we are hoping you'll explore them even more this year! Books are our core, but we are so much more than that. We have an awesome Technology & Innovation Center,…
Read More »That's a wrap! As we enjoy the final days of 2023, we're taking time to reflect on another amazing year at the library. Thank you to all those who attended programs, checked out materials, and participated in our reading challenges! Our library…
Read More »Browse our Seed Library Come look through our extensive seed collection on the fourth flour! If you garden regularly or would like to test out your green thumb, we encourage you to take home seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Collect a max…
Read More »No tricks, only treats this Halloween! The spookiest day of the year is almost here, and we've got plenty of frightfully delightful things to do, especially for kids. Enjoy some not-so-scary, but oh-so-fun, audiobooks and activities for kids and…
Read More »Hispanic Heritage Month is almost here! Celebremos! Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Friday, September 15 — and we are so excited. We have tons of events planned for adults and children, including dance performances and bilingual…
Read More »Join the City of West Palm Beach for the Mandel Public Library’s August Programming WEST PALM BEACH, FL – In August, the Mandel Public Library is happy to welcome students back to school with a variety of programs that include…
Read More »Happy Pride Month! This month, and every month, we celebrate and honor all those in the LGBTQ+ community, now and throughout history! Here at the library, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone and offer inclusive and diverse…
Read More »Summer is coming! We're getting ready for a summer filled with great activities for kids, teens, and adults! Have you registered for Summer Reading yet? If not, sign up now on Beanstack and start working on your reading list. Find your voice this…
Read More »What's New Family Storytime: Korean-English Bilingual Storytime On Wednesday, May 10, come celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Korean-English Bilingual Storytime! Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Jin for music and…
Read More »We're spreading the love! March is in full swing and so is our annual wellness campaign Perfectly Imperfect! This month, we're delivering some seriously positive vibes and great tools for self-care. Don't miss out on our empowering programs and…
Read More »We have tons of programs lined up! All month long, we are honoring and celebrating Black History Month with programs for all ages. Come learn, create, and connect! This February you can hear from the Palm Beach County Juneteenth Committee,…
Read More »What's Next: March 2023 Old Babes in the Wood: Stories By Atwood, Margaret 2023-03 - Doubleday Books 9780385549073 Check Our Catalog Browse Similar Titles A dazzling collection of short stories from the internationally acclaimed,…
Read More »We love this news! Jennifer McQuown has been selected to be our new Assistant Director! Please give her a warm welcome when you see her! A bit about Jennifer … Jennifer has worked for the City of West Palm Beach since 2005, where she…
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