Aaronson's Alert

When you hear the word library, books are most likely the first things that come to mind. But the fact of the matter is your Palm Beach County (PBC) Library System offers so much more! In the past year, just over 5 million books and audio/visual materials were checked out by the County’s 457,000 library card holders.

The Library System operates 16 branches.  We are fortunate to have four branches here in District 5: Glades Road, West Boca, Hagen Ranch Road and West Boynton. All of them provide Adult Programming, Child Programming and Computer Training. The West Boynton Branch Library, located at 9451 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, closed in August for renovations. Patrons are encouraged to use the Lantana Road Branch.  The Glades Road Branch is now reopened from its recent renovations.

Our county libraries serve many purposes.  They are gathering places for groups and meetings.  They provide free computer and internet classes and educational programming and they conduct seminars on a variety of helpful topics such as financial planning or finding a job in a tough economy. In addition, they offer story time, origami, poetry workshops and more. For instance, the fourth annual WritersLive! series has begun and boasts an exciting line-up of best-selling authors actually connecting readers with their favorite writers. Whether you are a child, teen, adult or senior citizen I can guarantee your local library has something that would be of interest to you. 

PBC’s Library services extend beyond the walls of its branches.  Their Outreach Services Division strives to make programs and services available to everyone, particularly those who cannot easily access branch services such as those with a visual or physical disability, homebound adults and those in nursing homes or retirement centers.  For instance, the Talking Books service is a free service to anyone legally blind or visually impaired.  Patrons select audio books they would like from a catalog and their selections are mailed to their residences.

Finally, I would like to encourage you to become a Friend of the Library, an association of persons interested in books and libraries that focus public attention on library services. Annual membership begins at $15; Family membership is $25 per year. In addition to helping support our Library System and all of this wonderful programming, members receive a monthly newsletter and a calendar of library events.  For more information on our Library System, visit www.pbclibrary.org or call 1-888-780-4962.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  My email address is: baaronso@pbcgov.org. If you would like to receive the Aaronson Alert via email please contact me to be added to our email list.