Page 5 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - July '21
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Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 5
Commissioner’s Update
Libraries Enrich Our Lives The library system offers in-person and online services at citizens, and provides opportunities for community
17 locations, bookmobile stops, and lends educational kits members and organizations to become involved with the
By County Commissioner to childcare facilities. Millions of physical items, including library through volunteer efforts and partnerships. They
Maria Marino books, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, and read-aloud story have also begun to process passport applications as of
Andrew Carnegie, times and book discussions are available to library members January this year.
an industrialist and of all ages. The Summer Reading Program, held virtually this For the 12th year in a row, the library system has presented
philanthropist who led the year, helps students maintain their reading progress as they a balanced budget at the current millage rate of .5491, which
expansion of the American approach the next school year. they have maintained for 12 years. Reserves of 10 percent
steel industry in the late Despite disruptions due to COVID-19, the library will be set aside to cover costs associated with emergencies
19th century, said, “A system provided continuous service throughout the year and unforeseen events, including disasters. The capital
library outranks any other and transitioned services to meet community needs. There improvements fund is planning for $12.6 million in anticipated
one thing a community can are no longer late fees charged on overdue materials, and renovations due to age and use of buildings, and reserves for
do to benefit its people. It enhanced remote access, in-person service and curbside future large projects. As the county continues to grow, the
is a never failing spring pickup have been available to residents. More than 9,500 library system will plan for additional expansion projects.
in the desert.” According to the American Library people registered for temporary e-cards during March, With so many resources, courses, and activities free for the
Association (ALA), libraries in America are cornerstones April and May of 2020, and 2.35 million people visited asking, I encourage you to become a library member. It will
of the communities they serve. The ALA states that free the library last year. Palm Beach County’s Library System enrich your life.
access to the books, ideas, resources, and information also garnered Hoopla’s No. 1 library in Florida for users If I can be of assistance to you, please let me know by calling
in America’s libraries is imperative for education, and loans, and No. 5 in the United States. (561) 355-2201 or send an email to mmarino@pbcgov.org.
employment, enjoyment and self-government. Resources include the Small Business Reference
In Palm Beach County, the mission of the library Center, and access to job information, interviewing tips
system is to connect communities, inspire thought, and and resumé writing, financial publications, demographics
enrich lives. This special taxing district provides library and legal codes, cases and forms. Consumer health
services to unincorporated areas of the county and 24 information, social services applications and technology
municipalities including the North County communities training, as well as an extensive adult education program
of Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Palm Beach is available. The library system hosts naturalization
Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, and Tequesta. ceremonies for permanent residents to become U.S.
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