Blog

Your guide to learning, creating, and connecting at West Palm Beach’s downtown library 

If you want to borrow a book, The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach has a few thousand of those. But this isn’t just a place to borrow a book; it’s a community hub where you can attend an art class, get homework help, or learn a new skill. You might be surprised at what the library has to offer. The four-story library in Downtown West Palm Beach is designed to offer learning opportunities, career assistance, and events for all ages. If it’s been a while since you visited, here are ten things you can do at the library besides borrowing a book.

 

1. Utilize the Technology and Innovation Center  

Unleash your creativity in the Technology and Innovation Center, a media production space designed for creatives. Whether you’re a musician, animator, or digital storyteller, you can bring your ideas to life by booking a session in the dedicated studios: the Music & Podcasting Station, the 3D Drawing & Animation Studio, or the Virtual Reality Lab. Reservations are required and available in two-hour slots.

 

2. Sign Your Kids up for Reading and Writing Classes  

The library has a variety of free resources for homeschool families. Students ages 7-11 can join the Creative Writing Club, a class focused on wordplay and collaborative storytelling. For younger kids, the library provides Reading Help with AmeriCorps where a volunteer tutor provides free, one-on-one reading help for students ages 5-11. Reservations are required for both half-hour sessions.

 

3. Get Homework Help 

The library’s free Homework Center offers academic support for students of all ages. Elementary students in grades K-5 can receive help from certified teachers in all school subjects, as well as assistance with projects and test prep. For older students in grades 6-12, the center provides similar help, with dedicated sessions for specific subjects: Reading on Mondays through Wednesdays and Math on Tuesdays through Thursdays. All students can enjoy complimentary snacks, and no pre-registration is required. 

 

4. Print, Scan, or Copy 

Need to handle some paperwork? The library has you covered. Whether you need to print or scan a document or make copies, the services are both convenient and affordable. You can get black and white prints for just $0.10 a page or color prints for $0.50. Scanning documents to a USB or email is just $0.05 a page, and you can even send a fax for as little as $0.50. Best of all, your library card comes with a daily bonus: a $0.20 credit you can use toward printing.

5. Take an Art Class 

Ready to explore your creative side? The library’s free art classes in Art Studio 411 offer the perfect opportunity. You’ll learn from professional artists in a range of mediums, with past workshops including oil painting, watercolors, and acrylics. There are also classes in sculpting and sewing, so there’s always something new to try. Pre-registration is required to secure your spot. 

 

6. Meet with a Licensed Social Worker 

Parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 18 can schedule a one-on-one session with a licensed social worker for case management, therapy support, or guidance during life’s challenges. Services also include referrals for community programs like food, housing, mental health, and childcare. For more information or to make an appointment, call (561)868-7750.  

 

7. Attend an annual event or festival  

Looking for something fun to do with the whole family? The library hosts a variety of engaging community events. Recent events include the Community Resources Marketplace, which connects residents with organizations like Meals on Wheels and Dress for Success. For fans of pop culture, the Mandel Fan Fest is a lively celebration where you can show off your best Darth Vader costume. And don’t miss the annual BAM Festival in April, a Book, Art, and Music festival geared toward tweens that features live music and author panels. 

 

8. Practice Your Driving Skills 

For kids ages 15 and up, the library offers a safe place to practice their driving skills. Book a session with the Driving Simulator, where you can complete step by step guided lessons to learn how to drive an automatic or manual (stick shift) vehicle. Registration is required for the one-hour sessions.  

 

9. Get Career Assistance  

Ready to take the next step in your career? The library has the tools and expertise to help you get there. You can sign up for a free appointment with a career coach who will help you create or refine your resume. The library also offers CareerSource, a program that offers one-on-one guidance to help you navigate your career path and find employment.  Reservations are required for appointments. For help with an online application, just ask an Associate Librarian, a service available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

10. Receive food services 

Thanks to generous grants, you can get free assistance with essential social services. On Tuesdays, representatives from the Palm Beach County Food Bank are available in Study Room A on the fourth floor to help you sign up for SNAP benefits and Medicaid. Additionally, the library is a distribution point for Lois’ Food4Kids, which provides a free meal bag with two lunches, two snacks, two drinks, and a family dinner for kids ages 5-12. Bags are available until supplies last.