Newly Expanded Gardens Branch Library to Reopen October 9

For immediate release: October 8, 2010
Contact: Nicole Hughes, Community Relations Manager
Phone: 561-233-2768 E-mail: hughesn@pbclibrary.org

The Gardens Branch Library, located at 11303 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, which has been closed for expansion, will reopen on Saturday, October 9, at 10:00 a.m. with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Speakers will include County Commissioner Karen T. Marcus, Library Director John J. Callahan III, and Library Advisory Board Chair Ellen Winikoff.

The Gardens Branch:

• Was expanded from 24,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet, making it the largest library in the System.
  
• Has additional Internet and word processing computers in the adult, children’s, and teen areas.
  
• Offers free wireless access and library catalog computers available throughout the building.
  
• Meeting room space was refurbished.
  
• Added new shelving to allow for more DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks.
  
• Includes additional rooms for quiet reading and studying including four group study rooms.
  
• Offers two conference rooms available for public use.
  
• Added an area dedicated to teens with room for books, computers, and comfortable seating.
  
• Children’s Area was added that now includes a large room especially for children’s programs.
  
• Express check out stations allow for fast, efficient service.
  
• Drive-up materials return is available, in addition to an interior walk-up return.
  
• Has a covered walkway leading to the entrance.
  
• Has comfortable seating areas located throughout the branch.
  
• Garden inspired Art in Public Places greets visitors entering the Children’s Area.
  
• Has 151 additional parking spaces.
  

A Family Fun Day will follow the ribbon cutting ceremony. At 11:00 a.m. a special Story Time will be held in the Story Time Room. Kids can make crafts all day in the children’s area, and teens can play video games from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. At noon, children can have their photos taken with Library mascot Dewey, the Owl. From 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., free E-reader Demonstrations will be held in the Conference Room every half hour. At 3:00 p.m. a special program to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month entitled “Ecuador’s Tribute to Latin America” will be presented by the folkloric music group Taquiq-Inti.