The culmination of the construction that began at Hagen Ranch Road, opposite Emerald Point on December 4, 2006 will take place Friday morning July 11th with a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of this magnificent new library. This facility doubles the size of the West Atlantic Ave. branch from 16,500 square feet to 34,000 square feet. There are 213 parking spaces with 14 spaces for handicapped parking.

A covered walkway leads to the entrance of the new library which has two sets of doors that open and close automatically. The lobby is spacious, with a high ceiling. To the right are meeting room spaces--a large room accommodating 225 people, a smaller conference room accommodating 50 people and a room for children’s programming with space for 50. This new facility has space for the current selection of approximately 82,000 books, CDs, and DVDs plus room to grow to 150,000 items.

There will be increased access to computers: 40 Internet and word processing computers in the adult area, eight computers in the children’s area, and three in the teen area. This is in addition to library catalog computers which will be available throughout the building. Laptop computers for training will be provided in the meeting room. Free wireless access will be available throughout the building.

There will be five quiet-space small study rooms that can be used for individual study or one on one tutoring.

Customer service: Two express check-out stations for fast, efficient service. Improved accessibility will allow for drive-up materials return, in addition to interior and exterior walk-up returns. Wider aisles and lower shelves make it convenient for easier retrieval of items.

The new library provides an extremely attractive environment: A beautiful natural setting with scenic water views from the reading area, lofty and spacious ceilings, abundance of artificial and natural lighting from floor to ceiling windows and comfortable seating areas throughout the branch. Enjoy it West Delray!

Ms. Karen Spano serves as the Branch Head Librarian who will manage the transition of moving all the material from the West Delray branch off Cumberland, to the new Hagen Ranch branch from June 7 until the grand opening date. During this five week period patrons can use the Boynton Beach Public Library off Jog Road. Materials taken from the West Delray branch by patrons just before the June 7 closing can hold for return to the new branch after July 11.

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