Adult Programs * Children's Programs * Computer Training

Description

The Main Library houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of information sources in the Library System, including an extensive business resource center and a computer training lab. With this collection the Main Library Research Center provides information and research service to all Library Taxing District (LTD) residents, in person, on the telephone, and through e-mail. The Main Library also operates as the regional and neighborhood library for its geographic area.

Books and research articles are located and borrowed from other libraries throughout the United States via the Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL) which participates in regional and state cooperative networks. These cooperative agreements enable the Library System to obtain most interlibrary loan materials free of charge.

Reference and research assistance to elected officials and local government employees is provided by the PBCLS Government Research Service (GRS)  which is located in the Main Library.  GRS also maintains our Genealogy Research Service.

The Main Library is also home to the Community Health Information Service.  The mission of the Community Health Information Service is to contribute to the quality of life of Palm Beach County residents by improving their access to health-related information.

Special collections at the Main Library include the Audubon Collection donated and maintained by The Audubon Society of the Everglades, Inc., a chapter of the National Audubon Society (WWW) and the Florida Audubon Society.

There is also a rich and ever-growing collection of informational and recreational books in Spanish, French, German and other foreign languages. At the Main Library there are staff members fluent in Spanish, Polish, Russian and Czech.

The library also hosts a Library Science collection for use by those studying to join the profession.

History of the Branch

The Main Library opened to the public in 1972.  It became both the central library for the county and served as the administrative headquarters.  The library has undergone two expansions over the last thirty years, increasing building size over 25,000 sq. ft.  The Main Library celebrated its 30th year of operation in November 2002.

• Opened in 1972: 6,000 sq. ft. Public Service area.
• Expanded in 1978 to a 21,900 sq. ft. Public Service area.
• Expanded in 1994 to a 31,900 sq. ft. Public Service area.
• This 46,480 sq. ft. County owned building also houses Library System headquarters.

Public Computers

Reference Department

• 11 Catalog and Electronic Database computers

• 14 Public Internet computers with Microsoft Word

• 4 Express (15 min.) E-mail terminals

Serials Department

• 4 Public Internet and Microsoft Office computers with CD-ROM drive access

• 3 Catalog and Electronic Database computers

• 4 Microsoft Office computers

Library Computer Center
Staffed for assistance during Library Computer Center hours.

• 10 Public Internet computers with Microsoft Office, Encarta reference products and children's software programs

A variety hands-on training classes is offered in the Library Computer Center.

Children's Department

• 1 Online Public Catalog computer

• 2 Public Internet computer

• 1 Gates Foundation Computer with children's educational software and games

Meeting Room Information

The Main Library has a large multipurpose room which seats 80 people. The facility may be used by government agencies and non-commercial groups when not in use for library functions.

For information and bookings call: 561-233-2600.

Displays

The Main Library does not have display space for the public.

Service Area

North to Belvedere Road, south to 10th Avenue, west to Jog Road and east to the city limits of West Palm Beach. This area has a population of over 100,000. Due to its information services and collection, Main Library is heavily used by citizens both inside and outside the taxing district.

Nearest County Libraries