An enthusiastic crowd of
library patrons, local residents and staff joined Commissioner
Burt Aaronson as the Palm Beach County Library System broke
ground for the Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library. The new building
will have more than double the space of the existing branch on
West Atlantic Avenue, destined to become a Sheriff’s substation.
Commissioner Burt Aaronson addresses the audience.
The new branch will feature
the latest in technology, including over 60 Internet and word
processing computers, laptop computers for training, and free
wireless access throughout the building.
A meeting room seating up to
225 and two smaller rooms will be available for increased
programming for adults and children, and for use by community
organizations. Five new study rooms will add to the quiet space
available for reading and research.
Library Director John J. Callahan III
The abundance of natural
lighting, scenic water views, lofty ceilings and spacious,
comfortable seating areas throughout the building will be
welcomed by patrons of the current branch, which opened in 1982
in a renovated sales office for model homes.
Designed for accessibility,
the Hagen Ranch Road Branch will feature a drive-up materials
return, a covered walkway leading to the entrance, and wider
aisles and lower shelves for easier retrieval of items. Shelving
has been planned to allow the collection of books, CDs, DVDs,
and other library materials to expand from 82,000 to 150,000
items.
The library was designed by
PGAL, and will be built by The Weitz Company. It is expected to
open in early 2008.
Posted: 01/11/07
