Many of you have probably noticed the attractive building being erected on the west side of 441 just north of Yamato Road. This eye-catching structure is the new 20,000 square foot South West Palm Beach County Library.

According to John Callahan, the Director of the Palm Beach County Library System, the new library is slated to open on December 20, 2008. The building will have taken 16 months to complete at an estimated total cost of $11,500,000.

The new library will feature a meeting room with a 100-person capacity that will be available for use by local civic and non-profit groups. A special teen room will offer age- related book collections and computer access. Another separate room will be designated for younger children and will include popular story-time events.

This modern structure offers aesthetically pleasing natural lighting, comfortable seating, handicap accessibility, and parking for 136 cars, including 7 handicapped spaces. For those on a tight schedule, time-saving features abound, such as a drive-up book return and an express checkout station to allow for fast, efficient service.

There will be 30 Internet word processing computers and laptop computers available for meetings and training purposes. Free wireless access will also be available for those wishing to bring their own laptop computer to the facility. Several computer classes will be offered to the public, ranging from beginning e-mail training to hot topics such as MP3.

The old library located on Glades and 95th Street will close for refurbishing for six months, at which time its staff will be reassigned temporarily to the new library on 441. When the refurbishment is completed, its current staff will return to their original Glades and 95th Street location, and a new staff will be hired to operate the new library.

Please visit www.pbclibrary.org for additional information and services provided by your Palm Beach County Library System.

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