Palm Beach County Library System

Nice library with a larger, more diverse selection of reading material than at the Glades Road branch (which is closest to my home). There is a decent amount of parking available outside. Once inside, they have fairly well defined sections for various themes; there is also a separate children’s section and lots of computer stations. I like the fact that this branch is typically open on weekends throughout the year, as well. Checkout is fast; although there are the self-​checkout terminals, they also have helpful staff on hand to help or answer questions.
P. S. (or maybe I should say P.U.?) One gripe I have about this branch, for what it’s worth, is that the inside always has a distinct and unpleasant odor. Not sure if it’s old books, or something related to patron demographics… but otherwise, check out this branch!

Excellent library, very knowledgable employees and they are quick at Interlibrary loan and notifying by email upon book due dates etc. Great policies on late fees (reasonable and very lenient on juvenile books), have a good after hours drive-​through etc. The employees are spectacular. Quick to help with recommendations, and Rockin’ that Dewey decimal system. All employees… except one. (Fabiola at the circulation desk).
My husband had set up an account for himself and my 4 year old son. Today I went in at 5:45 and quickly grabbed books for my two toddlers with me in a stroller because I knew they were closing at 6pm. I was the first in line (a pooling system of 3 library employees) by 5:52. Realizing I didn’t have my son’s library card, I pulled out my passport, drivers license (with current address) willing to either set up a new account or get a replacement card for my son for $ 1. The first employee said she would look it up, and then Fabiola jumped in (immediately after telling her own customer that she didn’t have the time to check on whatever he needed from behind the desk– he complained and muttered and walked off)… and said she did not have the time before closing to set me up an account, that I needed to do it online at home because her computer would automatically shut down «any minute now» (by my count it was 7 minutes before closing), and because I did not have ID for my 4 year old she would not check out any books. She also scrutinized me when I said I could set up a new account by saying «I highly doubt you don’t have an account with us…» I said «feel free to look me up,» to which she replied that she did not have the time in which to do so before closing. I understand that they wanted to close at 6, but logic and common sense were at the mercy of an arrogant, power-​hungry government employee.
She has been hostile other visits before this to my children, upon entering on a separate occasion she said «now you do realize bringing those children in here that this is a library and therefore should be QUIET». I shrugged it off before, but I kind of think her attitude as well as some customer service training might be in need of an update.
The best part was, as I am strolling my 2 sons away after she has put a note with my name on it on my stack of books, «I aam happy to help you during regular business hours» when I was indeed within that time frame.
I wish we could allocate which employees my taxes payroll– I feel scared to go to my own library! She could use some sweetening up.

As one of the newest libraries in Palm Beach County, the West Boca Branch Library lives up to what other libraries should aim for. I’ve mainly used this library as an early voting site. Each time I’ve been here, for both a general election during Presidential and mid-​term years, the place is packed. The lines are long, so be prepared to wait a little bit. Better to come earlier in the day, as lines tend to be longer as the day goes on. As long as the line isn’t too long, you’ll spend most of the time waiting under the awning, which on a nice day gets the perfect amount of breeze and sunlight to make your wait somewhat bearable.
The exterior of the building is beautiful; very Florida-​y. Tons of palm trees and warm colors. It’s an elongated building, with an almost bell-​tower like structure in the middle. The interior also sports a really nice public look with good lighting and heavy dark brown doors. The building itself is pretty isolated, totally nothing around it, but a field in the back and trees on either side. The parking lot is big, plenty of parking. Even during elections when the parking lot is full, tons of grassy area around to park in. I can’t say I’ve used the library for anything other than voting, but it is a very nice site to drive by, not an eyesore like many other public buildings can.