Building the Future of Palm Beach County Libraries
The future of library service in Palm Beach County is happening today. With a vision to open minds to a world of unlimited possibilities, our public libraries are vital institutions that connect communities, inspire thought and enrich lives. To serve our residents, the Palm Beach County Library System invests in its buildings to ensure they are safe, welcoming, and modern.
Starting with the opening of the new Canyon Branch, Library Expansion Program III is underway. Through this multi-decade effort, the Palm Beach County Library System will renovate, expand, and build to meet the needs of our residents. This page provides information on our history and path for the future.
Join us for a Town Hall to learn more about the County’s capital project plans for Libraries and Parks. Click here for Event Dates.
Background and History
- The Palm Beach County Library System was established through an act of the Florida Legislature in 1967. This act created a dependent taxing district (the Library District) to fund the library system, overseen by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.
- Palm Beach County Library System provides library service to the unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County plus 24 municipalities that have joined the district.
- 18 library locations serve our residents, along with a Bookmobile.
- Nine municipalities share a cooperative borrowing agreement with Palm Beach County Library System that broadens access to County and municipal libraries.
- Palm Beach County Library System has completed two voter approved expansion programs funded by bond issues. The 1986 bond ballot item was approved by 67% of voters in the Library District, while the 2002 bond ballot item was approved by 69%.
- Renovations and construction from 2015 onward have been funded by property tax revenue budgeted from the Library District.
Library Impact 2025
2.68 Million
Visits
8.8 Million
Items Borrowed
394,000
Computer/Internet Sessions
353,890
Study & Meeting Room Users
50,000
Meals and Snacks Served
941,000
Questions Answered in FY25
5,900 Children’s Activities
165,000 Attended
4,700 Adult's Activities
69,000 Attended
Library Expansion Program III Begins
- In January 2018, the Board of County Commissioners approved adding to the capital program a new branch in the Canyon Town Center of West Boynton.
- Renovations were completed at the Main Library on Summit Boulevard in 2019, the Wellington Branch in 2021 and the Lantana Road Branch in 2022.
- In March 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of property from the Town of Hypoluxo for the purpose of creating a Palm Beach County branch library as part of for Library Expansion Program III.
- The new Canyon Branch opened in January 2025 as the 18th Palm Beach County Library Branch and the first new branch in 14 years.
- On February 4, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners approved moving forward with renovations of all library locations and begin concept work on a new Main Library as part of Library Expansion Program.
Transforming Your Libraries: Branch Renovations
Palm Beach County Library System branches require periodic renovations to keep them safe, functional, and inviting spaces. Our renovation strategy tackles immediate infrastructure needs while simultaneously upgrading interiors to match changing community demands.
Core Infrastructure Updates
- Replacing/repairing roofs
- Installing modern HVAC systems
- Upgrading public safety systems
- Paving lots & replacing worn carpets
Future-Ready Upgrades
- Adding study rooms & meeting spaces
- Creating tech labs & creation spaces
- Redesigning layouts for better flow
- Designing vibrant outdoor event areas
Projected Renovation Timeline
We target two building renovations per year. Click each phase below to see which branches are next up for transformation.
Main Library Replacement Project
The existing Main Library was the first permanent Palm Beach County Library System location. The core of the building first opened in1972. After 55 years of operation, the building is past its useful life. Compared to the other five large Florida counties, Palm Beach County has the smallest Main Library, and expanding the current structure is unfeasible.
The Board of County Commissioners directed Palm Beach County Library System in February 2026 to begin concept work on replacing the existing Main Library with a larger, state-of-the-art building.
The Proposed New Main Library
The intention is to create an architecturally significant building which could serve all county residents and visitors. The new library would be located on the current unincorporated Summit Blvd. parcel rising to at least two floors in height. The existing building will remain operational during construction and will be demolished once the new building is complete.
Proposed features of the new Main Library include:
- Civic & Gathering Spaces: Large Civic Center with dividable spaces for events.
- Advanced Technology: Tech training labs and multiple conference rooms equipped with virtual meeting technology.
- Creativity Hubs: Digital and physical creation spaces (makerspaces).
- Culture & Recreation: Art and museum-quality gallery spaces, plus outdoor activity and recreation areas.
- Amenities: Integrated options for food and beverage services.
Expected Cost and Funding
Commercial construction costs have soared over the past decade. In 2012, the county paid $400 per sq. ft. to build the new Acreage Branch. In 2024, the cost for the Canyon Branch was just under $1,000 per sq. ft. The project will be financed through a combination of the following funding streams
- Budgeted Library Revenue: Currently the primary funding source for Library capital project work is budgeted revenue generated by the Library District.
- Impact Fees: Palm Beach County Library System qualifies for Impact Fees to do new construction or expand existing facilities. An Impact Fee is a one-time charge levied by local governments on property developers for new construction. Its purpose is to fund new or expanded public infrastructures such as roads, schools, parks, and utility systems to meet the demands of servicing that specific development.
- State Grants: A State of Florida Library construction grant exists, but it has been sporadically funding over the past decade.
Bond Ballot Question
To accelerate the Library Expansion Plan III, the Board of County Commissioners at their February budget workshop directed the Palm Beach County Library System to return with language for a ballot question and funding amount to request authorization from the voters for a new general obligation bond issue.
In June 2026, the Board of County Commissioners authorized placing the following item on the November 2026 General Election ballot:
LIBRARY DISTRICT EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION PROGRAM TO BE FINANCED BY GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
Shall Palm Beach County issue bonds in the aggregate amount not exceeding $175,000,000 bearing interest at rates not exceeding the legal limit and maturing not exceeding 20 years from the date(s) of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes levied for such purposes within the Palm Beach County Library District for the purpose of providing funds to pay for the cost of acquisition, construction, reconstruction, expansion, improving and equipping Palm Beach County library facilities.
_____ For Bonds
_____ Against Bonds
- Only voters residing in the Library District will see this question on their ballot.
- A majority of Library District voters (50%+) must approve the ballot item to authorize the bond issue.
- If bonds are approved, properties in the Library District will see a library debt line on their tax bill starting no earlier than fiscal year 2030. The estimated amount of the line will be $6 per $100,000 of taxable value on the property.
FAQs
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Why does Palm Beach County Library System close a Library during renovation rather than stagger the work to keep the building open?
Construction projects are messy, intrusive and have public safety hazards. Staggering work is simply not feasible.
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How can I voice my opinion on what services and resources will go into my local Library?
To share ideas and comments, please reach out to your local branch manager. Public need helps shape our library renovations. You may also reach out to Library Administration by phone or email.
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Is there another bond item on the November General Election ballot?
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation are also requesting voter approval for General Obligation construction bonds. Please visit their website to learn more.
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What projects are currently underway for Library Expansion Plan III?
Design work is underway for the new Hypoluxo Branch and for a renovation of the Okeechobee Blvd Branch. Early concept visioning has begun for the Hagen Ranch Road Branch.
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Has the County selected an architect for its library projects?
Colomé & Associates, Inc. have been awarded a contract to provide architectural design services for all upcoming library renovation projects, with one exception. Song & Associates are the architectural firm working on the upcoming Okeechobee Blvd. Branch renovation. Colomé & Associates, Inc. were the architects for the Canyon Branch and are designing the new Hypoluxo Branch. The proposed new Main Library project does not have an architectural firm assigned to it. That contract will be put out for bid at a future date at the approval of the Board of County Commissioners.
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The Investopedia web site describes a general obligation (GO) bond as a municipal bond backed by the "full faith and credit" of the issuing government. Instead of relying on revenue from a specific project, these bonds are repaid using the government's power to tax its residents.
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What is meant by a dependent taxing district?
A dependent taxing district is a local government unit for specific services whose governing board is controlled by a single city or county. For Palm Beach County, the Board of County Commissioners is the governing board. All funds raised by the district are used solely for library purposes. The district must maintain its own reserves and fund its own capital projects. Unspent funding transfers across fiscal years as a balance brought forward
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How has the Library funded capital projects in the past?
Palm Beach County Library System has used several sources of funding in the past. The primary source is the dependent taxing district. Twice in its history, the voters of the Library District have authorized the issuance of General Obligation bonds to fund two Library Expansion Programs. The library is eligible to collect impact fees from development. The library is also eligible to apply for State of Florida Public Library Construction grants.
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How much will Library Expansion Program III cost?
As of estimates from February 2026, Library Expansion Plan III construction costs will amount to $326 million. Estimates for Fiscal Year 2027 have the budgeted cost of $500 sq ft for renovations and $1,000 sq ft for new construction.
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Are bonds only intended to pay for the new Main Library?
If approved, bond funds will be distributed across approximately twelve renovation projects and the new Main Library. Currently, renovation work for the first two phases and the new Hypoluxo branch are funded.