Mandel Public Library opens four floors of free summer programs, tech and seed library in West Palm Beach

The Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach is running daily summer programs across its four floors that include story times, teen activities, a technology and innovation center, author talks in July and a seed-lending program, city communications strategist Christina Carollo said on the City Center podcast.

“The library is 4 floors of fun,” Carollo said, describing children’s spaces, a technology floor with a podcast booth and 3-D printer, and the quiet fourth floor with the Florida Room archival collection.

The programming is designed to give families and individuals low-cost options during summer months. Carollo said many programs are free but some require registration and can fill quickly; she advised listeners to consult the library’s monthly booklet or the online calendar. Nonresidents can sign up for a card at the front desk or online, she said.

Key offerings and logistics

• Daily and recurring programs: The library publishes a monthly booklet with events for kids, teens and adults. Carollo described regular children’s story times and a broad set of workshops and classes for all ages. Teen offerings listed in the July booklet include a teen movie club, teen game day (Thursdays, 2–4 p.m.), teen hip hop on Fridays, a teen tie-dye event noted for Saturday, July 19, and a coding class called Flamingo Coders.

• Author talks and signings: The transcript lists two author events in July: Leslie Grace Streeter on Wednesday, July 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m., and Tom Turner on July 18, 2–3 p.m. Carollo said both will include talks and book signings; the booklet and online calendar indicate whether registration is required.

• Technology and media services: The Second Floor houses the Technology and Innovation Center (TIC). Carollo said the TIC offers a 3-D printer, a podcast studio booth with a MacBook, a VR headset and a digitization station for converting old videos and photos. Staff help is available; Carollo said patrons can reserve equipment time online or by calling the tech desk and that typical booking windows are about two hours.

• Seed library and special collections: The Fourth Floor includes the Florida Room archival collection and a seed-lending program. Carollo said patrons may borrow up to six seed packets per month and that new seeds are added on the first Monday of each month. The Florida Room contains local historical newspapers and scrapbooks dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

• Summer reading and prizes: The library’s summer reading program uses Beanstack (mandelpubliclibrary.beanstack.com). Carollo said adults can complete the challenge by reading up to five books, while children log minutes read; participants earn tickets for prize drawings.

• Community and language resources: The booklet lists community resources, ESOL conversation groups and Spanish-language programming. Carollo noted an American Sign Language basics course offered in July.

Access, rentals and costs

Carollo emphasized that most programs are free. Nonresidents may obtain library cards by presenting identification at the front desk or applying online, and physical items such as DVDs and CDs are available for checkout. The library’s auditorium and meeting rooms can be rented; Carollo said rates and reservation details are available on the library website.

What the library asks of patrons

Carollo recommended checking the monthly booklet or wpbcitylibrary.org for program details and registration requirements, and to sign up early for popular events. She also encouraged patrons to speak with librarians at the front desk for floor directions and event information.

Why it matters

The library’s summer slate combines free literacy, arts and technology options with community resources and historical materials, offering low-cost indoor activities during hot or rainy summer days. Carollo said the library is intended as a community hub: “Please go to the library. It’s the best.”

Ending

For schedules, registration and the digital booklet, Carollo directed listeners to wpbcitylibrary.org and to the Mandel Public Library’s Beanstack page at mandelpubliclibrary.beanstack.com. The library’s monthly program booklet is also available on-site on every floor.