Carolyn DiPaoloThe county’s newest public space is open.
Palm Beach County’s newest library has soaring ceilings, a drive-up window and aspirational public art.
Why it’s important: The $30 million Canyon Branch west of Boynton Beach is a glimpse into the next generation of public libraries and is worth a visit even if you aren’t in its primary service area.
What’s happening: The library system’s 18th branch opened Saturday west of Florida’s Turnpike in the Agricultural Reserve with a ribbon-cutting that welcomed hundreds of patrons. Library leaders expect it to be the busiest branch in the system.
What sets Canyon Branch apart?
Its bright, inviting design
- Planning for the library began in 2019, and the results are striking. An expansive entry plaza leads to a 32,000-square-foot interior bathed in sunlight. The 14-foot-tall glass windows are the largest in the library system.
- The design palette evokes blue Florida skies and tropical foliage. The comfortable seating everywhere encourages patrons to linger.
There are standout features for patrons
- The drive-up window is the only one in the county system where a patron can drop off and pick up library materials.
- Canyon Branch is home to the county system’s first makerspace. The room will host artists, designers and crafters with workshops starting right away.
- The branch is anchored on the west side by a community meeting room that accommodates up to 300 people.
It’s in a one-of-a-kind location
- Canyon Branch is the only library in the county system that is in a retail center, featuring a Publix and a Starbucks. And next door is a county park. Library Director Douglas Crane told Stet News he envisions coordinated events with the Canyon Branch’s neighbors.
- There is a preschool, elementary and middle school on the same block. Library staff have prepared to serve the students. Think: chess club and game days.
It has aspirational public art
- “Opening Minds” decorates six pillars at the library’s east entrance. The columns are covered in granite plates with book titles, literary passages and binary code sand-blasted into their surface. The books can all be found in the library.
- The county budgeted $371,500 for the installation by Texas-based Brad Goldberg. At Saturday’s grand opening, he told visitors that combining words and numbers reflects the digital and analog experience.
- Titles of interest to children are placed in a young person’s eye view. Visit the librarian’s desk to get a bibliography of the books listed or paper that can be used to make a rubbing from the words.
It demonstrates that civic engagement can get results
- The library would not have happened without the persistence of the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations, County Commissioner Maria Sachs said Saturday.
- In honor of that drive, the makerspace is named for former COBWRA President Myrna Rosoff, who championed the branch to serve the western reaches. About Rosoff, Sachs said, “It takes one person to make a difference for everybody.”
Job 1: Even with the modern features, the library is packed with shelves holding 130,000 items. “People still come for books. Especially for young children,” said Max La Mura, head of the branch’s children and teen services.
- Besides, you don’t have to visit a library branch to use the system’s vast digital offerings.
Flashback: The Palm Beach County Library District was established in 1967 by the Florida Legislature, which created a taxing system to support it. The League of Women Voters was instrumental in getting the system off the ground. By 1969, patrons had access to a bookmobile and a branch in Tequesta.
- Today, the library serves residents of the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County plus 24 municipalities including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Juno Beach. Reciprocal borrowing privileges are provided to residents of nine cities with their own libraries including Lake Park, Lake Worth Beach, North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach.
- The largest branch in the system is the Gardens Branch, followed by the Hagen Ranch Road Branch. Canyon Branch is No. 3.
What’s next: Director Crane’s focus will now be a new main library branch to replace the 53-year-old main library on Summit Boulevard near West Palm Beach. The dream is for a signature center that could open in 2030.
- Library leaders are also working on plans to open the system’s smallest branch, a 3,600-square-foot library on Federal Highway and Park Lane in Hypoluxo.
Stunning stat: Palm Beach County Library cardholders can check out up to 50 items. Director Crane urged patrons to “max out your card.”
If you go: The Canyon Branch library is south of Boynton Beach Boulevard and just east of Lyons Road in the Canyon Town Center at 915 Senator Joe Abruzzo Ave.
Pro tip: You can borrow materials at one Palm Beach County Library System branch and return them to another.
