The Spani#h River Paper#

December 2007 Volume XX

A Chronicle of The Boca Raton Public Library 1923-2007 Boca’s First Library Established by Local Woman’s Club January, 1923. The Woman’s Club performing musicales featuring local of Boca Raton has started the talent. Audience members must community’s first library. The bring a book to donate to the library Club’s vision for a public library in order to gain admission to a show. in Boca became a reality through Local architect, Addison Mizner, hard work, dedication, and the has been supporting the cause by spirit of volunteerism. The core of encouraging guests at the Boca the library’s collection consists of a Raton club to donate books that they large number of fiction titles donated have read while vacationing at the by the Friends of the Chicago Public hotel to the library. Woman’s Club Library, thanks to Mrs. Morris members, Mrs. Charles Stokes, Mrs. Stokes. The Boca Raton Woman’s W.C. Young, Mrs. Crosby Tappan, Club has devised a novel method and Miss Erma Habercorn have been for further developing the Library’s serving as volunteer librarians. book collection. They have been

The Boca Raton Woman’s Club, formed in the early 1920’s, promoted “general philanthropic work, along practical and educational lines.” The club grew to 28 members in 1926. There was a designated librarian and a library committee. The members of the board gathered on the steps of the new town hall are: (first row) Lillian Williams and Harriet Gates; (second row) Eula Raulerson, Ruby Bender, Clementine Brown, Beulah Butler, Mary Alice Lamont, Helen Stokes, Pauline Raulerson, and Mayor John Brown; (third row) Unidentified, Peg Young (Library Board Chair), Florence Purdom, Audrey Purdom, Mamie Riley, Jack Cramer (builder of Town Hall), Mamie Habercorn, Gladys Sherman, and Katie Long.

1 Land Bust Busts Library January, 1926. Boca Raton’s off a fever of land speculation, public library, formed in 1923 by construction, and population growth. the local Woman’s Club, is the latest However, the bottom has fallen out

The building at location “X” on this 1940’s map of the Boca Raton Army Air Field is labeled “SERVICE CLUB & LIBRARY.” victim of the land bust decimating of the real estate market and the the local economy. The South economic conditions have forced the Florida economy had benefited by library’s closure. The Library’s book the booming real estate market, collection will be donated to the local which hit its height in 1925, setting elementary school.

When the Library closed in 1926 it’s book collection was moved to this elementary school. New Library Opens at Boca Raton Army Air Field January, 1946. The Woman’s Building. Myrtle Fleming, Carrie Christian and Civic Club, under the Sperry, Paulette Hebel, Helen Mann leadership of President Mrs. Arnold and Birdine Merritt will serve as MacSpadden, has opened a new volunteer librarians. The library will library at the Boca Raton Army Air be open three afternoons and one Field, Wives of Army personnel and evening a week. other local women who felt that Boca Raton needed a public library aided in the efforts. They are assembling a collection of books for the new library through a combination of membership drives, fundraising activities, and personal donations. Thanks to Recreational Director of Civilian Personnel Mrs. Mabel Wood, the Library will be located in When the Library reopened in 1946 it was a room in the base’s Administration housed in a building at the Boca Army Air Field. 2 3 Boca Library Gone Library Developing With the Wind New Reference Collection September 18, 1947. Yesterday, February 29, 1949. The Library correct and easy to understand with a category four hurricane with received a gift of fifty dollars from exquisitely colored illustrations of gusts of up to 155 miles per an anonymous donor this week that the state’s bird life. The Library hour came ashore near Fort was used to purchase The Birds committee hopes to have a reference Lauderdale. The intense and unusu- of Florida by Harold Bailey. Mr. collection as quickly as possible that ally large storm caused extensive Bailey’s book will be the start of the will contain adequate information damage at the Boca Raton Army Air much needed reference collection. It to service the information needs of Field, where the Boca Raton Public is a beautiful volume, scientifically local residents. Library is located. Army officials estimated damages to the base at $4.5 million. The building housing the library lost its roof in the high winds, forcing the library to close. There are no immediate plans for reopening. J. Myer and Hildegarde Schine. Mr. Schine purchased the Boca Raton Club in 1944. They were big supporters of the library. New Library to Open in Boca Town Hall May 28, 1948. Boca Raton will soon have a new library. The new facility will replace the one formerly located at the Boca Raton Army Air Field that was closed last year due to extensive hurricane damage. Thanks to the efforts of former Woman’s Club The Birds of Florida by Harold H. Bailey is a welcome addition to the Library’s collections. It contains many color plates with pictures of Florida’s birds. secretary, Eleanor Bebout, a new library board was created on April 26, 1948. Carrie Sperry, Dorothy Library Gets New Benefactor Cox, Helen Mann, Eleanor Bebout January, 1950. Mrs. Eleanor supporter and benefactor. Thanks and Myrtle Fleming will serve as the Bebout, President of the Boca to Mrs. Schine the library has been new library’s Board of Directors. Mrs. Library Board, and Mrs. Hildegarde redecorated with new bookcases, Bebout will serve as President. Schine, wife of J. Myer Schine of the fluorescent lights, and draperies. Three volunteers who made the library possible! Thanks to the Boca Town Council, Boca Raton Club, recently had lunch Mrs. Schine envisions a new building Helen Mann, Hildegard Schine, the new library will be located in a together. The result of the meeting in Boca that will house both a library and Eleanor Bebout. room in the Municipal Building. is that the library now has a new and an art museum.

4 5 Library and Cultural Arts Center Planned for Boca December 2, 1955. Plans are The Center will be part of a underway for the Boca Raton million-dollar development on a Library and Cultural Arts Center to 25-acre tract of land in the heart of be built on land donated by Mr. and downtown Boca Raton. The project’s Mrs. J. Myer Schine, overlooking architects are Gamble, Pownall, and the golf course. The Center’s first Gilroy of Fort Lauderdale. priorities will be books and art, but The Building Committee members it could eventually also play host are Richard Pfieffer, chairman, F. to flower shows, art classes, drama Gertiser, Mrs. H. D. Gates, Mrs. W. groups, musical organizations, craft P. Bebout, Mrs. Frank Matthews, classes, book reviews, and other and W. W. Thomson. Arnold civic activities. Facility plans include MacSpadden and Mrs. F. Byron a 200-seat auditorium and complete Parks are serving as advisors. There kitchen facilities for catered events are plans for a benefit fundraising such as buffets, garden parties, and ball at the Boca Raton Club this Boca Raton Library Board Members at first annual art exhibit and open house. teas. According to Art Guild President season. Mrs. Arnold MacSpadden, the design Proceeds from the ball will be Library Hosts Art Exhibit plans will be flexible, so that portions combined with proceeds from the of the facility can be built as needed sixth annual art exhibit and donated and Open House and as funds become available. to the building fund. April 5, 1950. The Boca Raton Harold Butts, Mrs. Joseph Shapirpo, Library Board held their first annual Mr. Bran Latham, Mr. Harold Batisto, Art Exhibit and open house yesterday Mrs. C. Freeman, Mrs. J.C. Mitchell, in the Muncipal Building. The and Mr. Richard Mann. Some pieces Exhibit featured the works of both from the work of the late Leno local and visiting artists. Paintings Lazzari were also on display. from galleries in Miami and Palm Library Board member Hildegarde Beach were also on display. Among Schine served as the general the exhibitors were Dr. Eric Carlberg chairman of the Art Exhibit. Other (Director of Washington Art Studio members who helped organize the and Galleries), Miss Mary Bonson event included secretary Helen (Director of the Worth Avenue Mann, historian Edith Peyton, Alice Galleries), Mr. Vuk Vuchiinch, Mr. Swetman, Eleanor Bebout, Roberta Vernon Lamme, Mr. Henry Cohen, MacSpaddan, and Gui Bell. The Art Mrs. William Willingham, Mr. Exhibit was a great success, attracting William van Dresser, Mrs. Stanton more than 800 people. Many of the Architect’s rendering of Pascal, Mrs. A.K. Merrill, Mrs. Kay attendees expressed how much they proposed Art Museum and Library. Driscoll, Mr. Theodore Pratt, Mrs. enjoyed the event.

6 7 An Editorial Opinion: Library Relocates Boca Town Libraries Are Essential to Garden Council Continues December 7, 1956. December is a never-ending process. Apartments to Support Library means Christmas, but in Boca Raton We must open our minds to March 1, 1957. The Boca Raton it also means renewing one’s library ideas. If we do not do this, we March 8, 1957. The Boca Raton Library is moving from its present membership. will not change, grow or produce. Public Library is able to continue its location within Town Hall to a new Libraries are essential. They serve We need to stretch our minds and services because of the support that location within the Administration all ages and provide inspiration, imaginations. The ideas books offer it receives from the Town Council. Building of the Garden Apartments information and ideas. It is here us are why they are important. The Town Council subsidizes a large on West Palmetto Road. The Library we find the records of humanity’s The preservation and distribution portion of the Library maintenance will soon be housed in a 680 square experience. More money is spent of human wisdom is found in our and has agreed to pay rent for up foot unit that will provide more space today buying comic books than library that the library memberships to eighteen months on a building for additional shelving and larger is spent on textbooks. Children support. (Actual editorial from Boca located at Boca Raton Gardens on aisles. The Library will be closed should be introduced to mental food Raton News.) this coming Monday and Tuesday to West Palmetto Road, opposite the and made to realize that education complete the move. An open house City Park. There is ample parking for the public will be held after the and the Library will be within Building Site Given to Library & Art Guild move is completed. walking distance from the Boca December 29, 1956. Boca the organizations jointly. Mrs. Burt Raton School. Properties, Inc. has given a parcel Rogers, President of the Boca Raton But this arrangement is looked of land to the Boca Raton Library Library Board, accepted the Deed on upon as temporary. Due to the recent Association and the Art Guild of behalf of the Library. The Art Guild growth of the City the current facilities Boca Raton, Inc. The intention is that was not represented at the ceremony. are inadequate and the Library Board a new library and cultural center will Now that the site has been acquired, feels that it is necessary to launch a be located on the site. The Deed dated the Library Association is making December 22, 1956, transferred a plans to start a Building Fund Drive. building drive in order to raise funds 200-foot piece of property located on The future plans of the Art Guild are for a new library building as soon as SE First Street and Second Avenue to not yet known. possible. The Library Board has expressed Library Board Separates from Art Guild appreciation for the support of the January 18, 1957. The Boca was necessary because securing a Town Council and the Boca citizens Raton Library Association, Inc. new and more adequate facility to in their efforts to provide quality has decided to sever its association house the library was imperative. library service to the community. with the Art Guild of Boca Raton, Members of the Board expressed The members of the Library Board Inc. The two groups are co-owners the opinion that the situation was are: Mrs. H.W. Rogers, Mrs. Harley of a parcel of land located at the of emergency proportions and that Gates, Mrs. William Maxfield, Mrs. corner of Second Avenue and First it was necessary to start planning Street SE previously deeded to them and begin a building fund drive Robert Ghiotto, S.T. Hershner, P.J. by Boca Raton Properties, Inc. on immediately. Anyone who wishes Brannen, Mrs. T. Sieferth, Mrs. December 22, 1956, and recorded to make a donation to the Library Mrs. W.F. Strudy, Library Assoc. president, Henry Landry, and Major General thanks F.B. Joiner and A.L. (Dutch) Muller January 11, 1957.The Library Board building fund should contact the for building new book shelves for the library. Thomas Hanley. unanimously agreed that this action Library Association.

8 9 Library Membership Drive Library Receives During Gets Underway National Library Week March 15, 1957. Volunteer a member of the Library Board, April 15, 1959. This year’s Willard Machle, Mrs. Ralph J. Tyner workers will be calling at each is in charge of the drive. She has celebration of National Library Week Jr., the First Bank of Boca Raton, St. was a very special one thanks to the Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Mrs. J. house in the city this week seeking twenty-two volunteers to assist generosity of a number of people Allen Abbott, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel C. to enroll new members and renew her. It is hoped that residents will and organizations. The Friends of the Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Eskild Bondesen, old memberships to the library. not only become members of the Boca Raton Library raised $2,000 in Maurice Taube, Arthur Mirandi of In addition to being allowed to library and take advantage of the a campaign of ringing telephones and the Doby Brick Company, Mr. & borrow books, library members large selection of books it has to doorbells. That donation has allowed Mrs. Robert Drummond, Mr. & Mrs. also have a vote in meetings of the offer, but also will become active the purchase of encyclopedias, Adam J. Hazlett, Mr. & Mrs. William membership. Mrs. T. A. Sieferth, in library affairs. reference books and shelving. In W. Thompson, Mrs. & Mrs. James R. addition, the Friends received Caldwell, and Mrs. Clarence Searight. other gifts including a window air Nearly 200 people attended a conditioner, glass museum display reception held on Monday evening cases, pictures and books from private where refreshments were served by Library Files Suit to collections. hostesses: Mrs. Shapiro and Mrs. Books, book cases, maps, reference Caldwell, assisted by Mrs. John P. Determine Land Ownership materials and a world globe were Brown and Mrs. Burt Rogers, Mrs. donated by many other library Domina Jalbert, Mrs. Ralph J. Tyner June 14, 1957. A suit was filed last land had been set aside for use as a supporters. Among the contributors Jr. and Mrs. Mark Lasker and Dr. & Thursday by the Boca Raton Library library and a cultural center by the J. were the Kiwanis Club, Dr. & Mrs. Mrs. William G. O’Donnell. Association, Inc., as plaintiff, and Myer Schines and when Schine sold The Art Guild of Boca Raton, Inc., as his Boca Raton interests to Arthur defendant. The Library is seeking a Vining Davis and his organization, ruling regarding the ownership rights the Boca Raton Properties, Inc., to a parcel of property previously the contract reportedly included the deeded to the parties by Boca Raton deeding of the land to the library and Properties, Inc. The Library claims the art guild. that the Art Guild never accepted the She explained that the original deed in its present form because of plans had been made for a library certain covenants and restrictions and museum but were changed over imposed by the Grantor, to which the years to a combination library the Art Guild objected, and that the and cultural center that would rights of the parties with regard to be located in the same building. the property are uncertain. The Library is requesting that the When contacted by telephone, property be partitioned so that the Mrs. Richard Mann, president of individual uses of each party can be Mrs. Harold R. Archer, Mrs. Warren Murray, and the Art Guild, said that the parcel of accommodated. Mrs. Joseph Gola, Jr., discuss plans for Woman’s Club book drive.

10 11 Library, Art Guild Plans Approved for Legal Dispute Still Unresolved New Boca Library Building October 29, 1959. The acting meeting was inadvisable without March 16, 1961. The Board of undertake other projects in connection president of the Boca Raton Library attorneys for both parties being Directors of the Boca Raton Public with the furnishing and operation of Board, Mrs. H. W. Rogers, issued a present. Both organizations are Library approved the final plans for the new facility. statement explaining why the Library presently negotiating an equitable the City’s new library building at a Construction bids will be opened Board did not have a representative at division of property and funds now meeting held earlier this week. The on April 4th in the offices of a joint meeting with the Boca Raton held by the Art Guild. new building will measure 40 by 90 Howard McCall, the architect for Art Guild last Wednesday. The While this is going on, Mrs. feet, enclosing almost 4,000 square the project. Plans are being made meeting was called in an effort to Rogers’ assured us that “adequate feet. It will be completely air- for a groundbreaking ceremony. have the two groups reach agreement and uninterrupted library service conditioned and include a conference Construction is scheduled to start on library matters. has been maintained by active room, an audio room, and a children’s sometime in April and completion is Mrs. Roger’s statement said that participation of the Library Board area, along with a general library expected within 3 months. attorneys representing the library’s members and the cooperation and area. The building will be located on The members of the Library Board interest told the board that such a assistance of the city.” a site on NW 2nd Avenue in between are: Rev. James C. Stoutsenberger, NW 2nd Street and NW 3rd Street. president; Al Sterling, vice president; The Boca Raton Woman’s Club Mrs. Hazel Brown, secretary; Eskild has agreed to furnish the children’s Bondesen, treasurer; C. Harrison area and conduct a “Story Hour” Newman, director; Maj. Gen. Library, Art Guild Divide on Saturday mornings. Other Thomas Hanley, director; and P.J. Proceeds from Land Sale organizations have been invited to Brennen, director. January, 1960. A check for $50,000 were unacceptable to the Art Guild. was presented to the Boca Raton After legal action was instituted, Library Board and the Art Guild the property was bought back for representatives last Friday at the First $50,000. The proceeds were divided Bank of Boca Raton in exchange for equally and a check was given to a deed to a parcel of land located each organization in exchange for at the corner of First Street and its portion of the property. Accepting Golfview Blvd. The original lot was the Library’s check for $25,000 was set aside for the Library and Art C. Harrison Newman, president of Guild by Mr. & Mrs. Myer Schine the Library Board, and accepting several years ago. When the Schines the Art Guild’s check for $25,000 sold their interests in the Boca Raton was Mrs. Anthony Mojokowski, vice Hotel and Club to Arthur Vining president of the Art Guild. Officers of Davis, Boca Raton Properties, Inc. the Library Board said that they were acquired the lot. When the lot was very happy that the suit had been subsequently conveyed to the Library settled because the Library Board was Local architect Howard McCall’s rendering of the proposed and the Art Guild, the deed contained now in a position to start planning for Boca Raton Public Library building. covenants and restrictions that a new public library facility. 12 13 More Money Needed to New Boca Library Complete Library Construction to Be Dedicated on Friday May 4, 1961.The price tag for the Boca Raton Library Association has November 9, 1961. On Friday The Library will officially open to construction of the new building to available. Al Sterling, Vice President an official ceremony will be held the public on Monday. Library hours house the Boca Raton Public Library of the Library Board, stated that to mark the opening of the brand will remain Monday through Friday is $41,000. Architect Howard McCall the remainder must be raised in the new Boca Raton Library building from 2-5 p.m., Tuesday and Friday created the winning design and next month if the building is to be on NW 2nd Avenue. The Reverend from 7-9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 Hibiscus Construction Co. submitted completed before the start of the James C. Stoutsenberger, president a.m.-1 p.m. the winning construction bid. school year. of the Library Association, will The air-conditioned facility will The 4,000 square foot building The organization has been able serve as the master of ceremonies by feature juvenile and adult areas, a will be located on Northwest 2nd to raise $4,500 in public donations introducing the guests and giving a conference room, a small room for Avenue between Northwest 2nd and to help cover the shortfall and is brief speech about the Library. Vice- later use as a music (record) room, 3rd Streets. The Library’s current seeking additional contributions. Mayor Courtney C. Boone will cut and a book drop for night deposit. location is not large enough to house Anyone desiring to contribute to the ribbon and the Reverend William Additional space will allow 1,500 its growing collection of books and the cause should send their tax- Deutschman will deliver a dedication books that the Library had stacked materials. deductible donations to the Boca prayer. Attendees are expected to away due to space shortages in its The $41,000 price tag is $20,000 Raton Library Association, Inc. at include city commissioners and old facility to now be placed on the more than the funds the non-profit 209 West Palmetto Park Road. other city officials, school principals, shelves. representatives of Hibiscus Library Association officials Construction Company, architect praised city officials and local Library Holds Howard McCall, officers and businessmen for their efforts in Groundbreaking Ceremonies directors of the Library Association, helping to complete this project. including vice president Al Sterling, The Association also noted that the June 24, 1961. Yesterday ground- a conference room, a librarian’s treasurer Eskild Bondesen, and Building Fund drive to pay for the breaking ceremonies at the site of workroom, and separate reading directors Admiral John Cassady, new facility is nearly completed, the future home of the Boca Raton areas for adults and children. Major General Thomas J. Hanley, but several thousand dollars are still Public Library. The new 4,000 square The Hibiscus Construction Co. Mrs. Burt Rogers, P.J. Brannen, and needed. foot library building, designed by has committed to a completion date C. Harrison Newman. architect Howard McCall, will be of October 15th. Public donations to completely air-conditioned and the Library Building Fund are still include a soundproof study room, needed to cover the budget shortfall.

Shovels prepared for library’s groundbreaking ceremony. Boca’s new downtown library.

14 15 Mayor Brodhead Boca Library Has Proclaims Library Week New Ownership April 22, 1965. Today is the first literature; those with hobbies will and Name day of Library Week in Boca Raton. find on library shelves the reference December 20, 1966. This month, By his eloquent proclamation, materials which will lead them to a Boca Raton’s library was dedicated Mayor Sidney Brodhead has called keener appreciation of their pastime; to the City. The facility has also attention to a vital aspect of life in our all will be able to find in their library undergone a name change and will community. Mayor Brodhead points the keys to enriched leisure time in now be known as the Boca Raton out that “the written word serves as works of fiction. Public Library. The current Library the fuel to feed the burning flame of A library, in short, is not a dusty facility dates from 1961 and is inquiring minds.” It’s the inquiring storehouse for dog-eared volumes. It designed to hold 20,000 volumes. minds that will build the future, not is the hub of activity for the myriad The private, non-profit Boca Raton only of Florida and the United States, activities of the mind … and people Library Association raised the funds but of Boca as well. think about everything! During for its construction. Persons who are interested in Library Week, it’s only right that we civic affairs will seek books to study remember that the Boca Raton Library problems and solutions from other exists for our benefit and use … but cities; persons who are interested in let’s not forget that it depends also on cultural activities will go to the library our support and encouragement. Mrs. William Stroup assists librarian, for books on music, art, dance, and Mrs. Janet Murray, with the shelving of encyclopedias donated by the Boca Junior Woman’s Club. The Official Seal of the City of Boca Raton

Mayor Sidney Brodhead presents Library Board members, Mrs. James R. Caldwell and William Stowe, with copy of Library Week proclamation declaring the library a “vital aspect of life.” Welcoming card given to new library patrons in 1966.

16 17 Library patrons are welcomed at Boca Library’s new circulation desk.

Mayor John G. Brown, Sr., Boca’s first mayor, was a supporter of the Library.

Boca Raton Library to Add Section on Local History June 15, 1972. A new addition Brown made eight dollars a week to the library’s collection includes teaching and waiting on tables at documents and pictures related her boarding house. Mr. Brown, to local history. John G. Brown, Sr. became a road construction assistant manager of the Boca Raton engineer and built most of Old Dixie Motel, has had a great deal to do with Highway from the Broward line to making this possible. Brown’s father, Delray Beach. When Boca Raton the late John G. Brown, Sr. was was incorporated he ran for mayor Boca’s first mayor and his mother and was elected. Running for office was Boca’s first schoolteacher. He then was relatively easy as the town has donated most of the documents only had about 100 people. Under from his parents’ archives for the Mayor Brown the water works plant benefit of those interested in local was built, the city hall was built, Mrs. Leedy Hogan, a representative of the National Association of Railway Business Women, presents collection of 60 books about railroads to Boca Library as Mrs. Grace Porterhouse, history. and the city’s first fire truck was manager of the Boca Raton Apartments for Retired Railroaders, as student pages, The Browns moved to Boca in purchased. Bill Feltner and Nancy Howe look on. 1915 from Deland, Florida. Mrs.

18 19 New Library Wing Children’s Books Under Construction Donated to Boca Library September 10, 1972. The Boca footage to just over 9,000 square November 16, 1972. The Junior become even more of a gathering Raton Public Library will close feet. Architects McCall, Lynch, and Service League of Boca Raton place as story hours are going to be temporarily from September 11 Associates, who had previously has just contributed 36 juvenile conducted soon on a regular basis through September 16 as books are designed the original building, books to the Boca Raton Library and a children’s film collection is relocated to the new wing constructed designed the new addition. Sommers in commemoration of National being assembled. at the building’s southern end. and Messmer Construction Co. began Children’s Book Week and the Contributions have become very The new wing will add more building the new wing last February dedication of the library’s new wing important to the library and the than 5,000 square feet of space to at a cost of $120,000. on Monday. Junior Service League’s gifts of such the Library to raise the total square The contribution could not come books as Bright and Early Books for at a better time as the children’s Beginning Beginners, the Sesame section of the library, now located Street series and the Little Animal on the second floor, is a very busy Book are welcome additions. place. Presently the library has Children’s librarian Mrs. Florence approximately 9,000 volumes geared Mangus says it is wonderful to watch to pre-school through eighth graders the children as they read or look at with additional books for older the pictures because you can see children found in the Young People’s from their faces they are responding Section. to the books and appreciate having The children’s section is about to their own area of the library.

The architect’s rendering of the new addition to the Boca Raton Public Library. An concerned parent reads to her daughter and a ‘friend’ in the children’s section of the Boca Raton Public Library.

20 21 Many Children’s FAU Students May Programs at Have Access to the Boca Library Boca Raton Public September 30, 1973. On Monday Library night at 7:30 p.m. the Children’s Room of the Boca Raton Public November 13, 1973. City Librarian Library will show the film “The Fish Janet Murray introduced a proposal and the Fisherman” to eight-year- to both the City Library Board and olds and up. The 30 minute film is the City Council that would allow a story of a fish offering a fisherman FAU students to use Boca Raton three wishes if he would throw the Library facilities without charge. fish back in the water. It is based on Currently FAU students are not an Alexander Pushkin poem and has considered residents of the city for an original musical score. purposes of obtaining a library card. Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. there Students had questioned their having will be a half-hour story hour for four- to pay for using the city facilities year-olds. On Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. when Boca Raton residents are there will be stories for five through allowed to use the university’s library eight-year-olds. Starting October free of charge. 17, a monthly program for three- If the Library Board accepts year-olds will begin. On December Murray’s proposal, it will then go to 17 there will be a special Christmas the Boca Raton City Council for final program. approval.

Young children gather at library for storytime

22 23 Library Use City Holds Increases During 50th Birthday Party Economic Downturn at Library April 17, 1975. Despite the current doesn’t exist anymore. The library’s May 12, 1975. A capacity crowd in costumes from the 20’s. The economic situation library use has patrons now cover a wide range of gathered at the Boca Raton Public youngsters seemed surprised that the been on the increase. Janet Murray, people from retired senior citizens Library yesterday to celebrate the grandfolks could have so much fun Director of the Boca Raton Public to children of IBM employees. City’s 50th Anniversary. A short especially in a library. When one Library, says “the library always One thing they all have in common lecture on Boca history was followed patron complained about the noise, seems to have an increase in business though, they like their fiction. “More with music and dancing. Head a staff member replied, “it only when things get bad.” fiction books go out than anything Librarian Janet Murray and the happens every fifty years.” This presents a problem for library else,” Mrs. Murray says. “Of course library staff dressed appropriately officials, because this increase in use people will take out three or four has been accompanied by a decrease fiction books at one time. We have in operational funds. In order to adjust a good business section, and that to a 3% decrease in their budget the seems to get a lot of use—books on library has had to reduce hours, cut the stock market and so on.” expenditures for supplies, institute a If capital expansion is limited by hiring freeze, and turn down the air the economy, expansion of programs conditioning. “We haven’t trimmed at the library is not. A summer reading the book budget,” Mrs. Murray says. program for children now augments “We have $18,000 in the budget to the winter program of lectures, buy books this year, and that won’t travelogues, and book reviews. Last be cut. We can’t cut the book budget, year over 400 children signed up for because that’s our product.” the eight-week reading program. In the last three years the number Mrs. Murray doesn’t think the bad of patrons, both adult and juvenile, economic times will last forever, has nearly doubled. As of March 31, though. She still hopes the library there were over 26,000 borrowers will expand along with the town. who checked out books over 190,000 “We’re really too small now,” she times last year. The library now has says. “We need a new wing here as over 50,000 volumes on hand. As is, and we’re hoping to expand one of the library has grown, the clientele these days with a branch to the west has changed. The summer slowdown and north.”

Patrons enjoy music at the library on Saturday afternoon.

24 25 See Clown Business Is Good At the Painting Faces Boca Raton Public Library At Boca Library September, 1976. The Boca Raton mornings there are serious looking May 18, 1975. A demonstration of Library has a constant stream of business people eagerly going clown make-up will be given at 7:30 customers, with ever-growing over The Wall Street Journal and p.m. on Monday at the Boca Raton requests for reference books, other publications in the reading Public Library. The demonstration pamphlets, investment services, room. Downstairs there is a super is a prelude to the clown parade magazines, books on tape, CD’s and reference desk with all the financial scheduled for May 31 at the library. other materials. In fact, the books information you need to make, or Children between the ages of 6 and are in such demand that the library keep a million dollars. Reference 12 are invited to be clowns in the has installed a secret alarm system in librarian Panna Mody gets frequent parade, which will open registration every volume. Visitors pass through callers who want to know answers for the children’s summer reading gates before leaving, which send off to money questions. Would-be program. George Dunning loud whoops if someone forgets to players of television’s Jeopardy get check out a volume. help here too. Mody obviously likes Dee Ann Boston and Florence Mangus, will present the clown make- children’s librarian, examine the calliope that up demonstration for interested The financial newspapers are big her job and doesn’t get flustered by will be a part of the upcoming clown parade. The parade will kick off the library’s children and their parents. items for this library. Early weekday unusual requests. Razzle-Dazzle Reading Circus on Saturday.

Library Patrons Can Check Out Books from Other Libraries May 20, 1975. If you ever find the library to purchase an additional yourself wanting a volume that the copy of the material, or if this is not library either doesn’t have or has few an option, request that they borrow copies of, there are some things you it through the inter-library loan can do to obtain the book you desire. program. You can do this by giving

First, you can put in a request for the library a call at 395-2980. Reference room at the Boca Raton Public Library with business materials

26 27 Boca: A City with Many Books Polar Bears Visit the Boca Library September 26, 1976. Close your Janet Murray, Manager of the Boca February, 1977. The Boca Raton Herst, Jr. The delightful miniature eyes and imagine a city with five Raton Public Library, says that Public Library is continuing its series polar bears come from all over the of featured collections this month world and are made from a variety libraries. There would be so many the city library currently houses with an exhibition of miniature of materials, including bronze and books in town that you would approximately 56,000 items, but models of polar bears belonging to wood. They are sure to charm Library probably expect the streets to be there are plans for expansion of well known local collector Herman patrons of all ages. paved with them. It would be the the city’s library system to include antithesis to the one described by several more buildings. Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451 (a Mrs. Murray says that the library story about an imagined world where has extensive collections covering all books were banned from the Lincoln, railroads, Floridiana, and public). It would be the new City of the Civil War and that it participates Boca Raton. in an interlibrary loan system among Among the academic and public other county and state libraries, so libraries in the city there are an if the city library does not own a estimated 840,000 books available to book that a patron wants, it can be its residents. Most of these volumes borrowed from another library. are in the Florida Atlantic University The College of Boca Raton has a library. Dr. Peter Spyers-Durante, 27,000-book library that is also open the FAU library director, says that to the public. Residents who register Marcella’s friends from the North visit the Boca Raton Public Library. the university’s library has over with the college librarian are given 760,000 items, making it the only check-out privileges. complete research library within As the city grows in size, so will a 60-mile radius of Boca Raton. its libraries. Between the city, The university also has a computer university, college, county, and state Boca Library Browsers terminal connected to 600 other libraries, Boca Raton residents will Find More Than Just Books research libraries across the country. be well covered. December 4, 1977. Today a library all ages. “We consider the FAU library to be an is more than just a book repository. It is obvious that library patrons area research center,” he says. While Residents are encouraged to head have already caught on to how the facilities at FAU are primarily for over to the Boca Raton Library and much more the institution offers. learn all they have to offer. The figures tell the story. The Boca the use of the students and faculty Whatever your interest, you can Raton Library has about 16,000 of the university, Boca residents are find it at the library, from weekly news patrons and users checked out almost free to use the library and materials magazines and daily newspapers to 225,000 books, pamphlets, films, are available on a restricted basis. music, films, art and games. There pictures, periodicals, games and toys is even a story hour for children of last year.

28 29 Janet Murray Prize-Winning Retires from Cartoons on Library After Display at Boca 17 Years Library February 1, 1978. Janet Murray, April 6, 1978. The political Director of the Boca Raton Public cartoons of Pulitzer Prize winning Library since 1961, is officially editorial cartoonist Bruce Shanks retiring. She will continue to guide the are currently on display at the Boca Library on a consultant basis during Raton Public Library. The works are the transition period as the Library from Mr. Shanks’ 41 years at the searches for her replacement. Buffalo Evening News in New York. Mrs. Murray is originally from His cartoons are known for their Pennsylvania and began her library simple artistic style and short but career in Huntington, West Virginia. eye-catching slogans. He is also well She and her husband moved to Boca known for his trademark character Raton in 1959. When she became John Q. Public. the head of the Boca Raton Public Mr. Shanks won a number of Library in 1961, the City had not yet awards over the course of his career. acquired control of the Library. He won the Pulitzer for his cartoon The Library consisted of a large titled “The Thinker,” depicting a labor rented room and storage space in the leader in the pose of the well-known old Garden Apartments Building near statue. He moved to Boca Raton the present-day City Hall on Palmetto upon his retirement four years ago. Park Road. Phyllis Alexander was the While he still draws the occasional only other employee. They oversaw a cartoon, he now focuses on creating collection of around 9,000 volumes. clay sculptures. When the City acquired control of The cartoon exhibit will remain the Library a dozen years ago, Mrs. on display at the Library through the Murray and Mrs. Alexander boxed remainder of this month. and moved the books themselves to the Library’s current location on Second Avenue. Under her direction, the Library had grown to approximately 66,000 volumes and a staff of ten regular and nine part-time employees. Mrs. Murray plans to spend her retirement sewing, painting, gardening, and A political cartoon by Spring 1978 Recreator lists city programs including those being held at the library. possibly cooking. Boca resident, Bruce Shanks.

30 31 Boca Library Hires Meet Your Boca Neighbors New Library Director November 30, 1978. If you are a programs. parent of a school-age child in Boca “We feel that guidance is important July 24, 1978. The Boca Raton He has also worked at the University Raton, you may not know Florence in getting children interested in Public Library has announced of Cincinnati Library in Cincinnati, Mangus, but your child probably books early,” she says. “We read, that Michigan librarian Bruce R. Ohio. He has a Master’s degree in does. Mrs. Mangus, who is in her tell stories and even include the Kauffman will become their new Library Science from the University tenth year with the library, is the care of books. We always throw youth services librarian at the Boca in a little entertainment to keep it Director on or before September 1. of Pittsburgh. Raton Public Library. interesting, as their interest span is Mr. Kauffman will be replacing Janet Mr. Kauffman is excited about “No two days here are the same,” very short. For this we use hand Murray, who served as the Library’s helping the Library grow and develop, says Mrs. Mangus. “The point of puppets, film strips, songs, and Director for seventeen years before although he will not plan any definite our job is not to pop up and help finger plays.” retiring this February. changes until he arrives. He is taking children every time they want it, but Mrs. Mangus has maintained an Acting Librarian and City Parks and over a library that has already grown to teach them to help themselves.” interest in children that spans the As a part of this educational time during which she was a teacher Recreation Director Jim Rutherford to approximately 66,000 volumes process, Mrs. Mangus has devised and housewife who raised three served as Chairman of the four- and will oversee a staff consisting story programs for children aged children of her own. Her interest member selection committee formed of ten regular and nine part-time 3 to 12, which she conducts in in libraries began with courses at to choose the finalists. The other employees. the library, in the Boca Raton Ball State University back in her committee members were Florida Community Center, and in various native Indiana. Mrs. Mangus says, Atlantic University Library Director schools. During the holiday “librarianship is very rewarding season there are additional special work.” Harry Skallerup, Director of the Broward County Library System Cecil Beach, and Secretary of the Library Advisory Board Helen Bero. The committee narrowed the field of 88 applicants to 6 finalists before conducting interviews. The committee was impressed with Kauffman’s broad experience at both public and university libraries and his familiarity with the use of computer applications in library science. Mr. Kauffman comes to Boca from the Jackson District

Library in Jackson, Michigan, where Library Manager Bruce Kaufman is he has served as Assistant Director. concerned about his library’s lack of space. Children’s librarian Florence Mangus.

32 33 Library Board Predicts Miniature Delights at Boca Library June 15, 1979. This month the Gene Styles of Pennsylvania also That County Plan Won’t Work display at the Boca Raton Library is a have loaned the library handmade, delightful collection of miniature doll miniature crafts and accessories. June 13, 1979. On Tuesday the city goes along with the plan,” said furniture on loan from local residents Miniatures have become one Palm Beach County Commissioners West Palm Beach Librarian John such as sisters Jacque McCullough of the fastest growing hobbies in voted to end subsidy payments to Hillis. Boynton Beach Librarian and Lenore Alford. the South and there are several Mrs. McCullough’s collection national magazines devoted to small seven city libraries, including Boca Virginia Ferris said, “reciprocal consists of Tootsietoy furniture, collectibles. Boca Raton had the first Raton. The purpose of the subsidy has borrowing implies that you’re introduced in the 1920s and made miniature club in Florida. been to reimburse the municipalities trading equal amounts, and that’s not until metal became unavailable during Many collectors start out World War II. Her sister, Lenore purchasing pieces for their children, for library services to residents of the case because the city libraries are Alford, loaned an almost complete set but when the children outgrow doll unincorporated areas of the county. much better stocked than the county of Petite Princess furniture produced houses, the adults continue to collect According to Library Manager branch libraries.” by the Ideal Toy Corporation in 1964 anyway. They travel around the Bruce Kauffman, Boca Raton’s The Boca city library advisory and discontinued after the first year United States attending various show of production due to its high price. where they buy and trade and even set payments from the tax district for board members and library manager Les and Flo Bercier, Marge Kreh, up workshops in their homes where the present budget year are about Bruce Kauffman said today that the Margaret Terrall and craftsman they make their own miniatures. $26,000. In place of the subsidy, the County Commission’s action is not commissioners have voted to accept in the best interests of the taxpayers a recommendation from the county of this municipality. When the City Boca Library Promotes Summer library advisory board to encourage Council reviews the proposed 1979- Reading by Young People cities to enter a reciprocal borrowing 1980 budget, it will be asked to June 24, 1979. While a lot has treated to a different guest speaker agreement for books and other library review its agreement with the county changed in the nearly ten years every Wednesday morning. The materials. Under the agreement, library system. The library advisory Florence Mangus has been children’s group also keeps a log of the books unincorporated area residents and board will request that the Council librarian at the Boca Raton Library, read over the summer and at the end one thing remains the same. Boys of the program will vote for the most city residents could use any library provide money for at least part of and girls have decidedly different popular book. that is a party to the agreement the deficit that the local library will tastes in books. In addition to Super Summer ’79, without paying a non-resident fee. experience because of the county’s According to Ms. Mangus, girls there is a daily reading program for prefer books about themselves and children between the ages of 3-6 at As expected, Tuesday’s vote by severance of the subsidy payments. their peers while boys like things the Boca Raton Community Center. the county commissioners probably The Library will probably institute such as science fiction. But the library’s business is books will spell the end of cooperation a non-resident fee. Library Manager During the summer months the and the children taking part in the between city and county libraries. Bruce Kauffman said, “he thought library is working hard to open programs are reading on their own up new worlds for young people as well as in groups – checking out Representatives of several city than an annual fee of $20 was fair and letting them make educational more than 250 books every day. The libraries told commissioners that and equitable, and that he didn’t see discoveries outside the structured most popular books with girls are the cities probably won’t accept that any other alternative.” learning of the school year. The those by Judy Blume. Boys prefer library is offering a number of Encyclopedia Brown, a kid-turned- proposal. “I’d be surprised if a single programs for youths, including Super detective series that has been popular Summer ’79 - a reading group that is for more than ten years. 34 35 Boca Library No Longer Boca Library Part of County ‘System’ Has New ‘Friends’ October, 1979. When Palm Beach withdraw from the System upon the November 26, 1979. The Friends materials; and to help raise money County started its own taxing district occasion of a recent reimbursement of the Boca Raton Public Library for the Library. library system in 1968, all libraries reduction. Now full-time residents enlisted thirty members at the group’s Friends’ groups sometimes sponsor in the county’s municipalities were and property owners of the City of first organizational meeting held at book sales, film series programs, asked to participate in the “System.” Boca Raton will be offered library 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening in the author events, and other educational The Boca Raton Public Library services free as a benefit of their City Council Chambers at the City and cultural programs for the decided to participate, along with municipal taxes, which constitute Hall. community’s residents. most other city and privately owned the sole source of support for the When asked, who are the Friends?, The group is seeking other libraries in the county. As Boca operation of the library. All services Mary Homrich responded that interested citizens to join the Raton’s population increased, the previously offered under the prior “friends are intelligent, creative, organization, and they are especially administrative and operating costs of arrangement will be continued. Non- servicing thousands of new people residents who pay the county library warm, friendly, enthusiastic men interested in persons who have been also increased. They now exceed the system tax will thus be charged a and women of varying ages and involved with friend’s groups in other library’s resources and the System’s non-resident fee to use the Boca occupations who enjoy what they communities. The next meeting will level of reimbursement. Therefore, Raton Public Library. are doing and laugh a lot…who may be held on February 1st. Anyone the City of Boca Raton has elected to or may not behave this way in other who is interested in participating can situations, but certainly do when obtain an application for membership they are to share their dreams for the at the Library administration offices. library in which they have an abiding The concept of a library friends’ interest and for which they have great organization is a useful one and affection.” deserving of support. Its embodiment City Librarian Bruce Kaufman now in an organization devoted to explained that the “Friends will practical ends is another sign of the do what Friends always do,” growing maturity of the community provide a helping hand, support, and its continued pride in its civic and encouragement. He said that and cultural assets. the group’s activities would be John Tarrant is president of the determined by the membership, but steering committee; Shirley Weber that typical friends organizations is vice president; Betty Liberty work to bring public attention to the is secretary; and Donald Hulse is Library; to cooperate with the library treasurer. The directors are Judy staff in developing services; to give Fink, Michael Giles, and Mary support to legislation related to Homrich. The group intends to file libraries; to help the Library acquire incorporation papers later this week.

The new logo for the Boca Raton Friends of the Library designed by Judy Marsh.

36 37 Limited Space: Boca Has Outgrown It’s Library January 10, 1980. The Boca Section of the Library is using space Raton Public Library Friends Group in another city building for their very toured the Library today and found important children’s programs. They that the facility is cramped and are also renting space in the Fischer outdated. The amount of the library Building at A1A and 40th Street for building devoted to staff space is necessary storage space. The Library only 6%. According to the Library’s Friends are committed to a campaign Manager, the minimum amount of for a substantial expansion of the space for staff should be more like existing library facility. 15%. Apparently the Youth Services County Residents May Gain Access to the Boca Library February 28, 1980. If county and disbanded in 1979. Boynton Beach municipal library officials can reach and Riviera Beach have already an agreement over cooperative library rejoined the county system and it is services, west area residents outside expected that Belle Glade, Pahokee The current Boca Raton Public Library is considered by some to be inadequate. the city limits may be permitted to and Lake Park will do the same in the use the Boca Raton Library free of near future. charge. Right now citizens who live outside Library officials say they are near the city limits must pay $20 per an agreement that would allow just family to use the library. The new that by October. The arrangement arrangement would allow reciprocal is part of a plan devised by Jerry borrowing, permitting free use of the Brownlee, Palm Beach County city library by county residents and library director, to get all the cities to use of the county library by those Library Friends return to a countywide library system who live in Boca Raton. Hold First Book Sale

Boca Seeking to Expand Library Facilities November 21, 1980. The Boca of hardcover and paperbacks; April 7, 1980. According to James council can place a general obligation Raton Public Library Friends will fiction, nonfiction, children’s Rutherford, the Director of Parks bond issue before the voters in hold their first book sale, dubbed books; something for yourself, an and Recreation, the Boca library November that will allow the city to the “Boca Book Bash,” on Saturday, old friend; a book that you’ve been is in critical need of more space. pay for an expansion. November 22, from 10:00 a.m. to meaning to read, or a gift for a The current facility is cramped and In anticipation of the passage of 9:00 p.m. The sale will be held at the special person. The Library Friends library staff don’t have the room they the bond issue, Rutherford is already need to work efficiently. Logically, talking to the owners of the lots, Boca Raton Mall on North Federal still need help sorting books, setting the building should expand to the Viola Poston and George Markakis, Highway as a part of the Mall’s up, and pricing books for the sale. east, but there are two lots there with as no expansion can occur until the Annual Christmas Bazaar. Book If you would like to volunteer, call people living on them. city obtains title to the land. Sale Chairman Ted Pritzker, said Ted at 392-4300. Rutherford is hoping the city that there would be a nice selection 38 39 Library Friends Host Boca Needs A Boca’s Library Best-Selling Author and Naturalist Bigger Library? Is Inadequate February 20, international awards in the fields February 22, 1981. On March March 5, 1981. The size of the 1981. World- of ornithology, natural history, and 10th the citizens of Boca Raton will library has not kept up with the r e n o w n e d conservation, including the Gold vote to approve a $1.92 million bond city’s rapid growth and finds itself author and Medal of the World Wildlife Fund. issue that will be used to fund an severely limited in the service it n a t u r a l i s t , The author and his wife were guests expansion of the Library. The 5,490 can provide. Roger Tory of honor at a dinner and cocktail square-foot addition will almost On Tuesday, however, voters P e t e r s o n , reception that was held in his honor double the Library’s existing floor can help bring the library up to a p p e a r e d at Pal’s Captain’s Table. Following and shelf space. The addition will be date by casting their ballots for the y e s t e r d a y the presentation autographed books comprised of a two-story annex to $1,920,000 bond issue. If passed, Naturalist and author, evening at the were available for purchase by the Roger Tory Peterson. be constructed to the south and east the city could sell general obligation Boca Raton attendees. of the existing Library building. bonds and expand the library. This C o m m u n i t y Peterson’s appearance was one of a At this juncture there does not seem would allow for a doubling of public Center as a guest of the Friends of the series of presentations hosted by the to be any substantial opposition to the space, adding multi-purpose rooms, Library. The title of his presentation Library Friends this season. project. Many local organizations, new book stacks, reader space and was “A Field Guide to the Birds,” which is also the title of his recent including the Federation of Boca room for library employees. In book, which has been on the New York Raton Homeowner Associations, addition, $100,000 would be spent Times Best-Seller List for over three Citizens for Reasonable Growth, on new books. months. It is a completely revised the Boca Area Commerce Political The present library was built edition of Peterson’s original “Field Action Committee (BAC-PAC), when the population of the city Guide to the Birds” first published and the Executive Board of the was 8,500 and has been expanded in 1934. Peterson not only wrote the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of once. Now, the city’s population book on birds, he also painted all of Commerce, have stepped forward is approximately 50,000 and the the 136 full-color plates in the book and expressed their support. It’s hard library falls below national library while his wife, Ginny, painted the to be against libraries. “You might standards in many areas. 390 range maps. as well be against motherhood or The number of volumes contained Since the publication of his first America,” says City Safety and Risk in the library is one-third the field guide, Peterson has produced Management Officer, Jack Present. number recommended for a city our more than two dozen other field But City Librarian Bruce Kauffman size. Employee work space is less guides covering a wide range of is still concerned about taxpayers than half the normal percentage it nature topics including astronomy, being apathetic or unwilling to should be. The size of the library animal tracks, wildflowers, rocks, reptiles, butterflies, seashells, trees, approve the proposed expenditures. restricts the number of children’s and, of course, birds. “To list the groups that are officially programs available and forces Peterson is considered to be one backing us is like a football team some programs to be held in the of the world’s foremost naturalists telling themselves that they expect Community Center rather than the with nine honorary degrees from Peterson not only wrote the field guide series, an easy win this weekend.” Children’s Section. American universities and numerous but illustrated them as well.

40 41 Boca Library Friends Incorporate Library Friends March 29, 1981. This week the formed. Events include the Book and Host I.B.M. Sales Executive Boca Library Friends filed documents Author event, held in February. Each October 30, 1981. On Thursday ago on August 12th. He explained with the State of Florida creating year the Friends bring a nationally- evening The Boca Library Friends that I.B.M. is now engaged in an a corporation. The documents known author to Boca Raton. Book hosted a program at the Community extensive marketing effort to make contained the following: sales are held several times a year. Center entitled “The Present and these new computers available for Name: Friends of the Boca Raton Meetings: Monthly meetings; Future of Home Computers.” use at home and in small businesses. Public Library, Inc. location varies. Newsletters are The guest speaker was Mr. Larry Crismond said that his company Purpose & Activities: To provide available at the Library. Crismond, Sales Manager for is building on the old “American programs of interest to library and Officers: John Tarrant, President; Personal Computers at I.B.M. in affection for the machine.” He claims improvement of library services. Shirley Webber, Vice-President; Boca Raton. that personal computers will help Programs vary from a film on treasure Don Hulse, Treasurer; Bette Liberty, The Personal Computer, or “PC,” persons accomplish what they want hunting to a program on Oriental rugs. Secretary; Judy Fink, Membership; was developed by a group of twelve to, faster and easier, and that even if A book discussion group is being and Clara Stewart, Newsletter. engineers led by William C. Lowe, you have never used a computer, the who assembled in Boca Raton several interactive system makes the I.B.M. years ago to work on a secret project PC easy for anyone to use. The codenamed “Acorn.” The result of PC runs on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 these efforts was a machine called microprocessor. It is equipped with Boca Library the “IBM PC.” 16 kilobytes of memory and comes Will Get More Books Crismond and his staff have been with either one or two 160 k floppy working hard to market the new disk drives. The cost of the new August 20, 1981. James Rutherford, books on the shelves when the new machine released several months machine is $1,565. Parks & Recreation Dept. Director, library opens,” Rutherford said. was very happy after the City Council There was some opposition to tentatively approved $94,000 to buy the additional allocation of funds new books for the library and $33,000 for books during the fiscal year to buy a new computer, to hasten the because of skepticism surrounding cataloging of the additional books. the timely completion of the library The library now has about 64,000 expansion project. The director of volumes, but a substantial portion of the City Engineering Department has them are in poor condition and need indicated that the project should be to be replaced. completed by the October 1, 1982, In March voters approved a $6 deadline. million bond issue, of which $1.9 Although the council reviewed million was earmarked for library Rutherford’s entire budget, he said expansion, which will allow the “what makes me the happiest is the existing library to double in size. council’s response to our request for About $100,000 of that amount will the expansion of the library … the be spent for books. “It means we will library is a priority.” have a representative collection of A 1973 aerial photo of the IBM complex in Boca Raton where the first PC was developed.

42 43 Library Not A Quiet Increased Library Fines Are Necessary September 9, 1982. The City library. Currently books may be kept Place During Renovation Council has decided to increase for as long as three weeks and record June 22, 1982. It’s noisy and dusty window, created so much smoke that library fines. Members agreed that albums may be kept for a week. Under outdoors. Indoors there are books it set off the fire alarm that rang for an careful control must be kept over the new policy, fines will be 10 cents stacked everywhere. There is only hour. Last week during a heavy rain, lending practices and prompt action per day for overdue books up to a one telephone, the air conditioner water came under the door. There is taken against irresponsible borrowers. maximum of $5 and fines for overdue is malfunctioning, and the water no room for the boxes of new books The new fines are tough penalties, but records will be 25 cents per day up to is occasionally cut off. The Boca that have been processed. they are preferable to a poorly stocked a maximum of $10. Library is having its troubles right But staff members are taking it now, but no one is angry about it. The all in stride. Armed with fans, they Local Youngsters Learn to troubles are a part of an expansion have just continued with their work project now under way. When the unperturbed. According to reference Write Stories at the Library project is completed sometime near librarian Dwight Rodden “none of September 25, 1985. This past French for his imaginative “War of the the end of the year, the library will the problems have been serious so summer the Boca Raton Public Library Mice.” Second Place (6-9 year olds) have 125% more space, about 6,000 it has been easy to maintain a sense conducted a writing program for Carrie Karas for “The Babysitter,” more books, and a special storytelling of humor.” Library Manager Bruce young writers in which the youngsters a fantasy about a babysitting job room for young children. Kauffman said that “although there were encouraged to write their own for a whole gang of cabbage patch Inadvertently, in the construction have been difficulties, the library has stories. The youngsters were provided kids. Third Place (6-9 year olds) process, the telephone lines had been been open and will remain open.” He with not only paper and pencils, but Ryan Di Ponia for “The Three Good cut and the water had been turned explained that “once the construction also instruction on the writing process. Fishermen,” an introspective account off. The air conditioning in one part is completed, the library will be Through the summer they talked about of a personal experience. of the library didn’t work for more closed temporarily in order to move coming up with ideas for stories and Cats were a popular topic. Dominique than a week. Recently an acetylene in furniture and books, but that is how to go about getting them down Palambo’s story was entitled, “Tutu torch, used to remove a plate glass several months away. on paper. The final products showed the Cat.” Robert Lopker brought the a diversity of interest, wit, and social neighbor’s cat, the central character in consciousness. his story, “Hudson the Six-Toe Cat,” When the program was over, the into the final class to prove to everyone young writers were encouraged to enter that it had six toes on each paw. their stories in a contest. The winners There were two stories about of the contest were: First Place (9-12 Christmas, “Christmas in July” by year olds) Steven Kiley for “The Secret Christopher Remy and “The Happy House,” a tale about a boy who enjoys Sad Christmas” by Khara Kessler. creating things out of scrap materials Lauren Brodsky wrote stories about and makes a cost-free gift for his dad. birthdays and Courtney Bliss described Second Place (9-12 year olds) Sheri the events on her brother’s baptismal Lynn Kiley for “My Day At Kennedy day. Ian Mitchell wrote “Indian Boy” Space Center,” a humorous story about a parody of the Ugly Duckling story. the planning and the events occurring These boys and girls may watch TV, on a family trip. but they also read, write, imagine, and Anne Witte, technical services librarian, works amid mess during library renovation. First Place (6-9 year olds) Robert think. They also enjoy the library.

44 45 Kids Have Fun at the Library

Top Left: Caption Needed

Top Right: Librarian Celeste Kennedy helps young patrons select a good book. Children’s Librarian, Florence Mangus, entertains a group of children with a story. Middle: Local children try to solve puzzle for library contest during Children’s Book Week. Retiring Librarian Says Children

Bottom: Children (Rachel Still Love A Good Story Klinger & Chad Beck) have fun at the Boca Library. August 7, 1986. Florence Mangus of television and computers hasn’t retired last Friday after 17 years seemed to lessen the appeal of books. as children’s librarian at the Boca I can’t see any lack of any interest in Raton Public Library. During her reading. In fact, I believe it’s as good career she has seen changes resulting or better than ever” Mrs. Mangus from advances in technology and says. “Children mainly come to the need for more parents to work. the library for fun… the trick is to She says that over the years the make the learning experience fun,” children themselves have changed she says. She has a reputation for only slightly. Maybe they are more being able to make most anything visually oriented, but overall their from egg cartons. “I used them for love of a story hasn’t changed, there insulation in space machines, for are just more stories to choose from. dragons, corsages – there are just too I think that their interests are much many things you can make out of an more varied. Probably they are way egg carton.” Mrs. Mangus is retiring ahead of their time. They are certainly to pursue her own varied interests, much more advanced than children she says, like traveling, cooking and were 20 years ago. The popularity entertaining.

46 47 Crowded Parking Lot Frustrating The Boca Library for Library Patrons Reference Desk Has January 26, 1987. There’s a lot of frustrated and park on the swales. the Answers cruising going on in the Boca Raton There may be a solution in September 14, 1988. Okay, let’s Library parking lot. That’s because sight, however. City officials are suppose you have a really hard there are more patrons than spaces for seeking to expand the lot, adding 40 question that can’t be answered by their cars. This is especially true in spaces to the 50 that already exist. anyone in Palm Beach County or the late morning and early afternoon Negotiations are presently underway even in Florida. Chances are, even hours when traffic at the library is the to purchase property east of the lot. a real toughie won’t be able to throw heaviest. There are presently two buildings the hardworking reference librarians Mickey Gomez, deputy director on that property which will be torn at the Boca Raton Library, 200 NW of Boca Raton Parks and Recreation down if the deal goes through. Second Ave. That’s because your Department, agreed that there are just Count on circling for a while, friendly local library is a really not enough spaces for the visitors though. Even if the deal for the new high-tech operation, far different and that people are driving around lot goes through it will be at least four from the library of even a few years and around until they finally get to six months before completion. ago. “We’re going to be expanding even more in the next couple of Everyone’s questions are answered years,” explains city librarian Bruce at the Reference Desk at the Reading Program Takes Kauffman. Boca Raton Public Library. a Page from the Video Age July 25, 1988. Kids are very tapes and a computer game called sophisticated today and technology Think Quick that entertains them as Romance Titles Popular has started to invade age-old pastimes well as gets them to learn. Toddlers at the Boca Library such as reading. Books often get have a Read-to-Me club, which passed over for video games or other encourages children from the earliest September 14, 1988. Romance fiction is hot with Boca Raton Library technological entertainment. ages to discover reading and books. patrons. Romance novels are always found on the reserve shelves, especially This summer the Boca Raton Children fill out sheets with the such authors as Danielle Steel, Barbara Taylor Bradford and Susan Isaacs. Library is combining the magic of titles of the books they have read June Totura, adult services librarian, admits that the number of an individual books with the magic of computers. and when they reach 20 books they book the library purchases is a guess and that reviews have little to do with The theme for this summer’s reading receive a reward. readers’ choices as often romance genre books get negative reviews in the program is “There’s Magic in Books” Michelle Jordan, 10, is a veteran press, but not with the reader. and it emphasizes fun learning and of the library’s reading clubs, having Totura explained that the Boca Raton library patron is very diversified. the use of educational games to attended them since she was three. They like romances, but they are equally keen on nonfiction subjects. Boca enhance learning skills. For Kenny Turner, age 9, however, residents don’t only read the best sellers. Many of the people who live in The Library is doing a lot of wizardry computer games are more fun than the city originate from large metropolitan areas in the Northeast and they are and magic things – making a sort of reading and he hardly recognizes them interested in music, art, business and classic literature. enchanted kingdom of books. as learning experiences at all because Bibles, dictionaries and religious books are also in demand as are murder For 9-11 year-olds there are book he’s enjoying himself so much. mysteries, but romance novels are at the top of the list. 48 49 A Library in Mizner Park? Boca Library Will May 17, 1989. Clifford Barr, to serve its patrons according to Be Closed for chairman of the library board, Barr, and its layout is inefficient. Renovations thinks a library would fit in very Rather than renovating the existing well at Mizner Park. He has already structure, he suggests building a new April 28, 1990. Patrons will not be discussed this proposal with city main library and letting the present able to use the Boca Raton Library officials and hopes they will agree building be used for other community between April 30 and May 5 as it will be closed for construction. that the city’s library belongs in the activities. Mrs. Robert Bero looks for books During the closing the first floor planned commercial-cultural center The current library is 20,000 in the stacks and stacks of books. circulation desk and the second to be erected on Federal Highway square feet, but Barr thinks a facility floor media desks will be refitted to north of Palmetto Park Road. of at least 50,000 square feet should City Council: ‘Let’s accommodate computers. Barr is not alone in thinking be built at the new location. While the library is closed, there Get Moving on that Mizner Park would be a good How to pay for a new library will be no overdue fines except on location. The Caldwell Theater also should not be an issue, according to video cassettes. These should be Library Plans’ wants to relocate there. Barr, but he thinks Boca citizens will returned by April 30. August 16, 1990. The City Council The current library is inadequate to be responsive to a bond issue so they The library will reopen for regular has decided it’s time to make a decision house the size of collection needed can have a first class facility. hours on May 6. about the library. The proposal to build a new library in Mizner Park was made about eighteen months ago Friends Promote by the Library Advisory Board, but as Local Library yet no money had been allocated for the structure. June 24, 1990. When people This week city manager Robert complain about the cultural LaSala recommended that a survey desolation of South Florida, Mary be conducted to determine residents’ Arpe, president of the Friends of needs. Following that a task force the Boca Raton Public Library, will be set up to tabulate, interpret, tells them about the library. At the and respond to the results. Boca Library, visitors have access to 96,749 books, 2,800 video cassettes While there is no dispute that the (which include educational and city’s library is cramped and needs instructional tapes as well as feature more books, there is no consensus films), and more than 1,000 CD on the solution for these problems. recordings. Arpe and her group have Some members of the council want a membership of over 100 advocates to dispense with the survey and start who are planning to get the Boca planning for a new library, but others Library on a list of places to visit prefer a slower approach. by sponsoring an author’s series and Building a new library at Mizner helping to develop a literacy program. Park would be expensive and it appears The group will also be advocating a that there will be more deliberation The entrance to the Cartoon Museum, that some think would make a good library. library expansion program. before any final decisions are made.

50 51 Boca Conducts Telephone Survey Boca Plans for Regarding New Library Overdue Library Expansion September 13, 1990. This week about the suggested move to a new January 28, 1991. The City is The library survey showed that 53 City Hall is conducting a telephone facility in Mizner Park. making plans to build a better library. percent of participants want to keep survey to obtain public opinion The residents who have been regarding the Boca Raton Library. contacted have been very responsive The first step in this process was the library where it is while 37 percent Questions asked include location of and open with their opinions. The City announced by Acting City Manager want something roomier. Fifteen residence, whether or not the resident hopes to use the information obtained Rick Witker. Mr. Witker has advised percent want a branch library. uses the library, what features are from the survey to better plan for the the City Council to hire a facilities The present library has been liked or disliked, and how one feels future allocation of resources. planner. The consultant would use expanded twice and, as the population data to develop an expansion plan. grows, the communities needs Boca Residents Respond to Library Survey This data would include information change. Hopefully, the facilities October 11, 1990. There were Parents want to see more books gleaned from the residents’ survey planner will be able to devise a 1,100 responses to the Boca Raton for children and they suggested there conducted by the library in August plan that, whether or not the library Library poll and patrons truly spoke be more biographies and true stories and September. moves, Boca Raton will end up with their minds. in this category, not just fiction and According to the American an institution that can accommodate Some of the suggestions made were fantasy. Library Association study of library future needs. These include parking, a drive-through book return drop Some patrons felt library staff was standards, Boca Raton should have a meeting rooms, materials, and areas box, adult special interest programs overworked and underpaid and the staff much larger library – at least 50,000 for literacy programs. and copy machines that work. But received ten times more praise than they they didn’t limit their replies to such did complaints. Many said the staff is square feet. This is more than twice cut and dried desires. why they continue to use the library. the size of our current facility. Patrons commented on what they There are people, however, who liked and disliked about the library. avoid the library for a number of They mentioned what they thought reasons. These include the parking of both the staff and the facility. lot and books getting too heavy for Regular library users find it difficult older people to lift off the shelves. to get a parking spot, they say it’s Several people said thanks for too noisy and – oh yes – the copy having a survey and for caring what machines don’t work. patrons thought. Library, Theater May Not Move to Mizner Park December 20, 1990. More than 50 survey was taken in August and percent of the residents who use the September – both over the phone and Boca Raton Library on a regular basis on forms distributed at the library. do not want the library to move to Results said there would be too Mizner Park. These results surprised much traffic at the new location and the Community Redevelopment that Mizner Park was too crowded. Agency and Library Board, who Participants in the survey also said support such a move. that it would be cheaper to knock The current Boca Raton Public Library has become outdated. Hoping to discover residents’ down the old library and build a new opinions regarding the library, a one there.

52 53 Library Roof Leaks Boca Library: During A Morning Rain System Overload March 1, 1991. On Thursday problem for library users and none March 24, 1991. Librarian Bruce morning heavy rains caused portions of the library’s book collection or Kauffman is worried about the lack of of the Boca Raton Library’s roof equipment was seriously threatened. space in the library and wonders what to give way. Library staff quickly He also pointed out that the roof is going to happen as the population placed buckets and boxes lined with has leaked during strong rains since keeps growing. He is concerned that paper bags to catch the water. City 1988 over the portion of the roof that if the library doesn’t expand along Librarian Bruce Kauffman said that covers the 29-year-old building’s with the resident base it will become although one of the leaks was near original roof. Plans are underway to a walk-in, stand-up library instead the microcomputer that’s there for repair the leaky roof. of a place one can come and study the kids to use, the leaks posed no or read or contemplate in peace and quiet. The city budgets $1 million dollars a year for the library so it isn’t that there is lack of backing for the facility, it is just difficult to keep up with the needs of the expanding population. Meanwhile, proposals are still being floated for expanding or moving Boca Raton’s library – or even opening a branch. Kauffman City Librarian Bruce Kauffman just worries that if something isn’t accepts a donation from members of the Boca Woman’s Republican Club. done soon, the library won’t be able to service the needs of its patrons.

Boca Woman’s Club Boca Library Now Makes Donation to Open on Sundays Library July 26, 1991. Starting in October, September 23, 1991. The Boca the Boca Library will be open Library will purchase a biography on Sundays. At a City budget of President Ronald Reagan with a meeting on Thursday, city librarian donation from the Boca Women’s Bruce Kauffman explained that Republican Club. Two members of the Sunday hours would be a pilot the club, Mae Meyer and Bonnie project designed to provide residents Smith, presented a check to the city Librarian Rose Hilinski tries to ignore the dripping water resulting from a leak in the library’s roof. with better access to the library’s librarian, Bruce Kauffman, late last collections. week.

54 55 Library Updates and Boca Library Program Expands Youth Services Fights Illiteracy November 8, 1991. The Boca Raton also being expanded. March 5, 1992. The Boca Raton Russian. Several participants are Public Library is refurbishing and For safety reasons, most of the Public Library is working very hard older people who never received expanding its Youth Services section. Youth Services area will remain off to eliminate functional illiteracy reading instruction. Other students Project Architect William Romberger limits to Library patrons while the in Palm Beach County. It is hard have high school diplomas but still states that the updated carpet and renovations take place. The newly to believe, but more than 70,000 read at a primary school level. color scheme will give the area a less refurbished area should be complete adults in the county read at less The reading program is based on institutional and more inviting feel. by early December. Meanwhile, than an eighth grade level. Patrons the book Laubach Way to Reading, The area will also feature two new Library staff will do their best to are constantly asking the library for a teaching method that is based on computers and an expanded reading ensure that patrons experience assistance in learning to read. There phonics. room. The Library’s reference area is minimal disruptions in service. are currently thirty to forty people Mueller said that students and waiting to be trained as tutors. teachers bond quickly and develop Joan-Marie Mueller is the coor- strong friendships that reinforce the dinator of the library’s literacy program learning situation and presently has thirty-six students Mueller would like to add paired with tutors. The program computer-based instruction for started in January and is supported advanced students where basic by Friends of the Library, book sales, reading, consumer math and life donations and an advisory council. skills could be offered. Even after Approximately 30 percent of the taking the entire Laubach course, The Children’s Reading Room at the Boca Raton Public Library. students speak another language as students are only at the sixth grade their main means of communication. level so Mueller would like to add Library Renovates Children’s This alternative language is usually material geared to the sixth through Reading Room either Spanish, Portuguese, or the ninth grade levels. December 12, 1991. The children’s according to Library Manager Bruce reading room at the Boca Library is in Kauffman, they expect the project to disarray due to renovations. Library be completed by this weekend. officials were cramped for space, so Once the renovations are completed, they began renovating the reading books for the older children will be room five weeks ago in hopes of placed in the back of the room, while creating more room. Youth Services picture books for younger children Librarian Fayth Brady said, “there will be stacked in the front. Other were books on every cart and every changes include a new information flat surface that we have.” To make desk with a computer terminal, wall- things worse, the remodeling has mounted bookshelves for displays of A book mark been delayed while the construction new books, new carpet, and a new promoting the company waits for the arrival of new copy machine. Joan-Marie Mueller, the Boca Raton Library’s Literacy Program light fixtures from California. But Public Library’s Literacy Coordinator. 56 57 Library Considering Amnesty Week Council Moves April 4, 1992. Everyone understands Nobody else wanted to read the book Toward Library Expansion that there is an overdue charge for anyway; My little brother put it in the library books that are not returned dishwasher to clean it. October 29, 1992. The Boca the contract is for a comprehensive in a timely manner. But some people According to Pat Michalski, adult Raton Council approved a contract document outlining the city’s needs never return the books that they check services librarian, the reasons people with a Coral Gables consulting firm and expectations and for design out. Some common excuses for not don’t return books are guilt and money. to provide services for the expansion services including floor plans and returning library books are: It was Therefore, the library is considering of the Boca Raton Public Library. layouts. Exterior renderings and stolen from my house (but nothing an amnesty week during which The contract is the first stage in models would also be constructed to else was taken); It was stolen from my overdue charges and charges for lost getting voters to back a bond issue show the public what they would get car (but the car wasn’t stolen); I never or damaged materials will be waived to pay for the project. If passed, the if they voted yes. had the book; The library’s records are if the book in question is returned, no facility would be expanded from about The consulting contract would cost incorrect; My library card was stolen, questions asked. If implemented the 21,000 square feet to 56,000 square the city $137,000, but if the bond so somebody must have checked plan could go into effect within the feet and would remain at its present issue is passed the city would be something out on it; What’s the harm? next several weeks. site on Boca Raton Boulevard. reimbursed. City librarian Bruce Kauffman said Board Recommends Library Renovation Digital Telephone Directory April 9, 1992. The library is bursting Options include: at its seams so the Library Advisory (1) Purchasing land adjacent to Available at the Boca Library Board approved an expansion plan that the library for a 35,000 square foot would triple its size. expansion. November 2, 1992. A high-tech and business located throughout The board voted 3-1 for a plan that (2) Purchasing land adjacent to alternative to the telephone directory the United States. The library will would expand the existing library by the library for a 56,000 square foot is now available at the Boca Raton pay $1,150 to Digital Directory 56,000 square feet. The plan calls for expansion. Public Library. It is a computer Assistance, Inc. of Maryland to the city to purchase property adjacent to (3) Purchasing land on other sites and database called PhoneDisc that provide its patrons with access to the the library to be used for this purpose. replacing the existing library with a contains 85 million names, addresses, useful information. The project would be paid for by a 78,000 square foot building. and telephone numbers of persons bond issue. Public to View, Comment Boca Library Patrons Anxious for Expansion on Library Expansion Plans May 4, 1992. The library has changed City officials are asking who should be May 18, 1993. Interested Boca The documents have been provided from a place where people just go to the one to ask taxpayers for the millions Raton residents may view the current so that residents can comment on borrow a book or look something up to needed for a bigger library. Their model and architectural plans for the the plans and offer their suggestions. one where they borrow videos, records suggestion is that people connected planned expansion of the Boca Raton City Librarian Bruce Kaufman will and compact discs. with the library are the ones who would Public Library at City Hall through once again meet with the Community Patrons say it is often so busy in the best present the proposal to the general this June. The plans call for an increase Redevelopment Agency Board reading area that there are no seats and public. But Clifford Barr, chairperson in the building’s square footage from to share the public’s views on the the library needs rooms where they of the library advisory committee, does 21,000 to 70,000. The expansion plans expansion plans and cost estimates. can present programs or library related not fully agree. include a media collection, conference He will also report public comments meetings. Whoever ends up taking the program room, popular fiction section, and to the City Council and present a In other words, the library needs to to the residents, there is no argument over children’s library on the first floor. The resolution asking for a referendum on expand and users can’t wait. But, while the fact that Boca Raton has outgrown second floor would feature reference the issue. Kauffman has noted that he patrons are sure that these needs must its library and the matter cannot be put materials and adult nonfiction. Public has already heard favorable comments be met, others are not so quick to share off much longer. comment cards will soon be placed from the public. their feelings. next to the model. 58 59 Voters Will Decide Divergent Opinions Emerge Library Expansion Issue Over Library Expansion Proposal September 23, 1993. The Boca elaborate building.” City Librarian September 27, 1993. Supporters smaller main library. Parking is also Raton Public Library plans to Bruce Kauffman noted, however, of the Boca Raton Public Library’s proving to be a contentious issue. expand its downtown facility to that previous expansions proved planned expansion differ on how best Parking spaces at the newly expanded 52,300 square feet if voters approve inadequate in the long term because the proposed approximately $13.3 they were trimmed. He noted that to accomplish their goal. Some want facility would increase from 89 to million measure in a referendum. eventually libraries would become a building of architectural beauty 154, but some feel that is not enough The book collection would increase smaller due to computer technology, that would be a local landmark while for the library’s 20,000 cardholders from 111,000 to 250,000 volumes. but “We have to deal with the needs others want a more nondescript, and 900 regular out-of-town users. The expanded facility would also of the next 20 years” as opposed to feature four times as many videos, the distant future. utilitarian building that would cost There were originally 157 proposed records and compact discs, more Now, expansion supporters must less and still be fully functional. spaces but the city agreed to take out computers, rooms for educational convince a tax-weary public to share Some residents complain that a several controversial compact-car films and children’s programs, and that belief. They plan to emphasize planned two-story atrium would only spaces. garden reading courts as well as the cost per taxpayer to show the additional parking spaces. reasonableness of the project’s cost. cost too much to air-condition and Despite the differences of opinion, City Council member Esther Ralph Kulberg, president of the that Mizner style touches on the most people agree that a good library Dance questioned the project’s Friends of the Boca Raton Library façade would make the building too will not only improve life for current size, saying, “I’m more interested likes to remind people, “You can’t grandiose. Others want a balance residents, but help attract future in the quality of the contents have a first-class city without a inside the walls than I am in an first-class library.” between the two extremes. residents as well. To critics who feel Also at issue is the proposed that the plans for an expanded library size of the expanded facility. Some are too grandiose, president of the expansion supporters desire a smaller Friends of the Boca Raton Library sized building than that proposed. Ralph Kulberg noted, “Is it a Taj City Council member Esther Dance Mahal? The only connection to the feels that branch libraries and Taj Mahal is that was a labor of love, bookmobiles could supplement a and this should be too.”

An interested city official discusses the proposed library expansion with a local citizen.

60 61 Library Expansion Voters Reject Bond Proposal Plan Delayed Again for Library Expansion October 25, 1993. The archi- The Company will seek ways to March 9, 1994. Boca Raton voters Library without waiting for the tectural plans for the proposed decrease the building’s size to make have rejected a $12 million bond referendum in order to avoid the expansion of the Boca Raton Public more room for parking. A smaller issue by less than 100 votes. The bond possible costs associated with having Library are headed back to the building that is more functional but would have funded a 49,000 square- to later acquire the property through drawing board. The City’s Planning less attractive may be the end result. foot addition to the overcrowded eminent domain. and Zoning Board voted 4-3 to reject The City also wants cost estimates 21,000 square-foot Boca Raton The Council had also hired the proposed expansion’s parking for the necessary new Library Public Library located on Northwest Bermello and Associates to begin lot of 154 spaces, which it deemed employees and equipment. They still Second Avenue. development plans and architects inadequate for the expanded facility’s hope to place the referendum before In anticipation of the bond passing, Perry Dean Rogers and Partners of size. The building would triple in voters in the March election. Assistant the City Council had already voted Boston to draw up building plans. size but there would be no significant City Manager Donna Dreska stated, 4-1 to purchase property north of Estimated completion time would increase in the ratio of parking spaces “The city wants a united front before the Library for use in a possible have been approximately two to to square footage of the building. the referendum is issued.” Friends of expansion. The Council purchased three years. After rejecting the options of buy- the Library President Ralph Kulberg the four lots to the north of the ing additional property and building expressed disappointment in the an expensive two-story parking setback, but noted that even a smaller garage, the City instead chose to send expansion will be an improvement the plans back to the architects, Perry over the current facility. Voters will Dean Rogers and Partners of Boston. make the ultimate decision. Boca Library Plan Scaled Back Council Majority Backs Library to Reduce Costs October 26, 1994. Boca Raton The revised plans would position Expansion Plan still needs a larger library, but the the library in a north-south alignment January 25, 1994. Voters will get a the square footage would go from public voted down the bond issue with the entrance facing east. There chance to decide on March 8 if they 21,000 square feet to 72,000 square last March in a narrow vote. Because would also be more than 200 parking want a library triple the size of the feet. the cost of the new facility was the spaces. existing structure. A new facility would include a main reason for a “no” vote, the Ralph Kulberg, president of The The cost of the new library would garden room, a gift shop and a meeting city has scaled back the plans for an Friends of the Library, says additional be approximately $12.7 million and room that would hold 200 people. expanded facility. Revisions call for space is badly needed as things such doing away with the gift shop, and as video collections and new books altering other areas. have taken over reading space. The new plans were released at a Choosing a construction company town meeting Tuesday night and call could take until the middle of 1996 for adding about 35,000 square feet and the estimated date of completion which would more than double the is early 1998. size of the existing building.

62 63 Library Expansion Library Advocates Pressure City Referendum on Hold for Library Expansion January 17, 1995. Ever since the Abrams states that Council members September 25, 1995. Almost a they describe their ongoing battle to March, 1994, defeat of the bond issue want to make sure the new proposal year and a half ago, in March, 1994, get a new or expanded library for to expand the Boca Raton Library, does not leave any uncertainties in Boca Raton residents were asked the City. The last Library expansion city officials had hoped to hold a voters’ minds when they go to the to vote for expansion of the library. was in 1982. Since then, continued second referendum on the same issue polls as he notes, “there might not be Unfortunately, they voted “no.” The population growth, particularly in this year’s municipal elections. another bite at the apple.” City then revised the plans, so that among senior citizens, has strained However, according to City manager, Ralph Kulberg, president of the an expansion would be less costly the Library’s resources. Donna Dreska, that plan has now Friends of the Boca Raton Public than what was put before the voters Supporters continue to emphasize been cancelled. Dreska says that the Library is disappointed, but not originally, and hoped to hold another the current facility’s overcrowded acquisition of two tracts of land for discouraged. He stated that the referendum in March of 1995. This conditions and inadequate shelf parking lots and the exploration of Friends would use the extra time time, the vote was cancelled without space. They plan to pound the resource-sharing agreements with to gather public support for the rescheduling it for another time. pavement and hold a series of public other libraries will require more expansion. Mayor Smith’s Private Some find this situation frustrating. meetings to get their point across time. Sector Survey review of the library Those who support the expansion to voters. Their main obstacles are The City has not ruled out the supported the contention that the of the Boca Raton Public Library economics and politics, but they hope possibility of expansion. In fact library has a serious shortage of call last year’s lost vote “Word War to finally realize the expansion plans the Council has already approved space. Kulberg feels that now the I” and they have now declared what that City officials have been working revised plans for a smaller and less Friends can express that need to the they call “Word War II” which is how on since 1990. costly facility than the one proposed public. last year. Council member Steven Library Offers New Online Services Library to December 14, 1995. Beginning be accompanied by the purchase in January, a library patron with a of some additional computers and Become a Part of City computer and a modem will be able the acquisition of a Newsbank CD to access the library’s catalog, along system, a computer that stores entire Recreation Services with other information, without back issues of newspapers on a physically visiting the library. compact disc. Sometime next year, January 17, 1995. The Boca Raton Services Department. She feels that According to Patricia Michalski, the library plans to offer free public Public Library will soon have a the merger will increase efficiency. acting manager of library services, access to the Free-Net, a database of new home and a new leader. At the Her plans also include conducting a patron can determine whether or community information and events. same time that City Manager Donna a search for a successor to City not a book is available at the library; Using the Free-Net, patrons will be Dreska announced the delay of the Librarian Bruce Kauffman, who check the status of the patron’s able to access the times, dates and referendum vote on the planned recently resigned his position. account; access a variety of bestseller topics of city council meetings, as expansion of the Library, she also lists; and even access an on-line well as the phone numbers of various stated that she plans to merge the dictionary using “Dial Pac.” The city departments. Library into the City’s Recreation updates to the library’s system will 64 65 Catherine O’Connell City Officials Plan for Another Welcomed as New Library Manager Library Expansion Referendum County Free Library in Maryland. October 15, 1996. Library officials Association standards. Since then, She started her library career as a and advocates know that gaining that population has expanded by page at the Anne Arundel County voter approval for expansion will approximately 7,000 new residents. Library, where she made .50 cents not be easy even though a 1994 Excess books spill over onto an hour. She holds a B.A. in English referendum on the issue failed by portable carts and older materials from the University of Maryland and a narrow margin. City Librarian are put away to make room for new an M.S. in Library Science from the University of Illinois at Champaign- Catherine O’Connell is preparing to acquisitions. While most residents Urbana. push for another vote, however, and, see the need for expansion, many balk One of her first tasks will be to while she hoped there would be a at the cost. O’Connell realizes the prepare the Library’s budget and vote in November of this year, she challenge and is assembling a more New Library Manager, Catherine O’Connell, is one of her main priorities will be knows the importance of being ready comprehensive lobbying effort. That welcomed by library volunteer, Lynne Diamond. campaigning for the passage of a before putting it on the ballot. will allow time to gather documents referendum scheduled to be held A survey conducted in 1992 found and garner public support to ensure May 17, 1996. The Friends of the this November that would provide the Library inadequate to serve that a future referendum, when it Boca Raton Public Library recently funds for expansion of the Library. the needs of the Boca population does come, will have a greater chance held a luncheon to welcome Catherine The larger building would be 56,000 according to Florida Library of success. O’Connell, the new Manager of square feet and would more than Library Services at the Boca Raton double the building’s current size. Public Library. Also in attendance Voters narrowly defeated an earlier were members of the city’s Parks and 1994 referendum calling for a larger City Hall Annex To Recreation Board and City Council expansion. Provide Library Services members Susan Whelchel and Steven A second priority involves Abrams. O’Connell is replacing improving Library services through December 11, 1996. The new City built modular trailer located in Bruce Kaufman, who retired from the addition of new technology, Hall Annex is set to open in February northwestern Boca Raton at the his position as Manager last year. such as automatic machines for of 1997 and could possibly open entrance to the Regency Court Adult Services Librarian Patricia book checkout that would allow earlier. Nearby city residents will shopping center located at 3000 Michalski had been doing double Library staff to spend more time enjoy the convenience of City Hall Yamato Road. The City Hall Annex duty as Manager in the interim. with patrons. All improvements Catherine O’Connell comes to the will aid the Library’s overall goal of services without the inconvenient will be open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 Library with a wealth of experience. providing the best service possible trip downtown. Available services P.M. Mondays through Fridays and Prior to her arrival in Boca Raton, to city residents. Ms. O’Connell will include certain Library services, is to be staffed by two community she served as the Director of the is excited about overseeing the such as the ability to return books. service officers from the Police Woodbridge Public Library in New Library’s growth and transition from Additional features, such as a modem Department as well as a city customer Jersey for five years. She has also a diamond in the rough to a polished hookup to the Boca Raton Public service representative. Boca Raton is served as the Director of the Saginaw gem. Library, could also be offered. the first city in Palm Beach County Public Library in Michigan and the Construction has already started to have an Annex providing City Hall Assistant Director of the Washington on the foundation of the custom- services. 66 67 Catch Internet Wave Library Expands Art Work Presented to Boca Library at the Library Popular Music February 9, 1998. The Boca Raton Boca Laser for the dedication plaque, Beautification Committee recently Ruth Smith, the project chair, and February 4, 1997. The Boca Collection dedicated a beautiful mirror carving the library staff for working together Raton Public Library has added the provider Free-Net to the library’s February 24, 1997. The Boca Raton of Por La Mar Park’s Historic to enhance the library with such automated system. This new service Library is going to add hundreds of Buttonwood Tree. The carving and a gorgeous piece of artwork. The will allow patrons to access a wide pop music artists to the literary giants lovely glass rock garden, created Beautification Committee presented range of information through the who already inhabit its shelves. by local artist Susan Pelish, are a print of the tree to Mayor Hanson. Southeast Florida Library Information A CD collection containing the located in the Library’s hallway. Susan Pelish’s oil painting of the Network. music of popular artists such as Rod Mayor Carol Hanson spoke at the Por La Mar Green Buttonwood was The system is accessible from any Stewart will be added to the Teen dedication and commented about the selected by the State of Florida’s computer in the library and contains Collection in the Youth Services beauty of the carving and the lovely Urban Council to commemorate local and government news, media old tree. She thanked Mrs. Pelish for their 1997 annual conference. The resources, arts and entertainment. Department of the library. According her artwork, J.G. Roth Glass for the original painting now hangs in the Patricia Michalski, adult services to Fayth Brady, Youth Services librarian, describes the new service as Librarian, local teens will even have mirror, Jim Pelish for installation, State Capitol in Tallahassee. “internet for the beginner,” since the the chance to make suggestions about menu allows users to navigate the site future additions. easily with little previous knowledge. 800 CDs are presently available Library patrons can also dial and can be checked out for two weeks into the library system from home at a time. computers and modems, check the library catalogue, look at their library records and access everything else Free-Net has to offer.

Artist Susan Pelish appears at artwork dedication with Jo-Ann Landon, Recordings of your favorite music on CD’s (Compact Disks) Mayor Carol Hanson, and Council Members, Steven Abrams and Bill Glass. are now available at the Boca Raton Public Library.

68 69 Boca Library Library Holds Friends of the Boca Raton Considers Cards, But Public Library Want You! Expansion of Members Have advertising the Existing Upper Hand Library’s facilities, collections, and July 8, 1998. There are about Facility services to the 41,000 members of the Boca Raton public. They April 9, 1998. The City of Boca Public Library and every one of them also plan to Raton is once again considering will probably be happy about the create exciting the possibility of expanding its changes just announced regarding programs for the public library after a 1994 voter the library card renewal process. public and attract referendum on the issue failed by 88 It used to be that anyone wanting to guest speakers votes. Manager of Library Services renew their card needed to show two and authors to Catherine O’Connell notes that, forms of identification to verify their the Library. The “This building is inadequate to serve address. Now, current members only the community,” and that, “We are newly reformed have to show one piece of picture- Library Friends Maria Schnorr, John Budd, Donna Fleck, Jim Fleck, group has already out of space.” identification. Non-members will Bernell Stein, Barbara Landwehr, and Ed Carter plan membership drive. begun its work An evaluation of the City’s library continue to show two kinds of ID to by sponsoring the facility is currently being conducted. get a card. June 20, 1999. The Friends of kickoff of the summer youth reading Expansion alternatives include The library made the changes in the Boca Raton Public Library program Club Cool, a fun-filled several full service branch libraries or response to the wishes of their patrons. reorganized in March of this year event that featured activities, crafts, smaller branch libraries electronically Hilda Berliner, a Boca resident and following several years of inactivity. and prizes. connected to the main library. library volunteer, said she knew that The Friends were first organized The Friends are also planning a A Library patron survey revealed the management would listen to its twenty years ago to provide a vital twentieth anniversary membership their top two desires were more patrons because they always do their link between the Library and the drive next month. A membership reading and study space and more best to keep their users happy. community it serves. copies of popular books. Catherine O’Connell, Manager of brochure outlining their goals and The Library would also like Library Services at the Boca Raton benefits is ready for distribution to offer new technology, such as Public Library has been a driving to Library patrons. The brochure Internet access, video-conferencing, force behind the reorganization also solicits financial contributions and graphic imaging systems, which and is the Friends’ Library liaison. and requests for Library volunteers. patrons expect to find at their public The Friends’ newly elected Board Funds raised will enable the Library libraries. The Library’s overcrowded members are President Edward Carter, to build its collections and services to conditions make it currently Vice-President Barry Scholnik, and the benefit of Boca Raton residents. impossible to adequately meet patron Secretary-Treasurer Jim Fleck. The Annual memberships run from $5 needs and expectations. new Board of Directors consists of for students to $150 for corporate Donna Fleck, Joan Iler, Seymour sponsors and are a great opportunity Korn, Barbara Landwehr, Bernell for community residents to help their Stein, and Toby Thompson. Library. The Boca Raton Public Library’s new card has a tropical feel to it. The Friends’ goals include

70 71 500,000 Items Library Goes Loaned to High-Tech with Self Checkout Boca Library Patrons December 5, 1999. Occasionally used it for the first time last week and During the Year the lines at the Boca Raton Library said it makes checking out books at are so long that patrons feel like they the library much more efficient and November 13, 1999. The Boca among other items. Library assistant could finish the book before they convenient. Raton Public Library reached a Les Breslauer and Library Board reach the circulation desk. Only books can be checked out milestone last month when it loaned member Donna Fleck were also on Hopefully those lines will be a through the new machine; CDs, audio its 500,000th item for the 98-99 fiscal hand for the celebration. thing of the past now that the Library books and other materials must still year. It was the first fiscal year since Library Manager Catherine has a new self-serve checkout system. be taken to the circulation desk. the Library opened that it has loaned O’Connell credited the rise in Library The self-serve checkout system, the that many items. Boca Raton resident usage in part to new children’s first of its kind Tina Hazle and her two daughters librarian Rebecca Domonokos. in South Florida, Ebonie and Tara checked out the Domonokos has added new family was activated last item to great fanfare, as music played programs and enjoyed great success month. in the background. with this year’s summer reading The machine The surprised Library patrons also program. O’Connell estimates that looks like an received a gift basket with a library the Library serves approximately ATM. It first shirt and restaurant gift certificate 1,000 patrons each day. scans the patron’s library card to make sure it’s current and that there aren’t any outstanding fines. Then the patron slides each book across a sensor that registers the item to the borrower. A receipt is then printed up listing each book and its due date. Customers seem to love the new system. Barbara Yospe tries out the new automated check-out machine at the Boca Raton Public Library. Barbara Yospe Library staff celebrate circulation milestone.

72 73 What Happened to the Card Catalog? City Council to Consider Many Library Options January 4, 2000. It’s a new year to whether or not the city should but an old problem. The Boca Raton construct a new library, add on to the Library has run out of room and more present building, or construct small and more residents are calling on its branch libraries around the city. services. Councilwoman Wanda Thayer said, Next week, part of the business “Finding out what the public wants before the City Council will be how is a critical step.” to create a new plan that will take The city hopes to be able to have into account what patrons want in a vote on a new library referendum their library. this fall. Options remain wide open as Boca Residents Provide Input on Library Expansion Plans September 20, 2000. Boca Raton wants and does not want from its needs a larger library, and this time library. city officials are asking the public The group will now hold two what they would like to see in a new focus groups at the library in order facility. to share the survey results and The library has been expanded gain further public input into the twice and, in 1994, voters rejected process. The first will be held this a $12 million bond issue. Now city afternoon from 2-4 pm and the next officials are hoping more public on Thursday, September 21 from 6-8 involvement will ensure greater voter pm. Preliminary results show that the support for any future referendums. public prefers to have one large library To find out what residents want, the at a central location in downtown City hired Dubberly Associates of Boca Raton. Other wishes include Atlanta to conduct a survey of Boca more Internet access, the addition of residents. The company conducted computer training, quiet study areas, both form-based and telephone and children’s programs. surveys focusing on what the public

74 75 Technology Park, Cartoon Museum Just Say ‘Yes’ to Library Expansion! February 23, 2003. Boca Raton The City is also involved, with Possible Library Sites Public Library employees want various officials joining Library May 15, 2002. Ongoing plans for a police and fire training center, a to ensure that voters turn out and Director Catherine O’Connell in the Boca Raton Public Library to dog park and cross country and bike support the bond issue for library speaking at club and civic group open a second facility, in addition to paths were eight acres for a new expansion. They want to avoid the meetings. Mayor Steven Abrams went rebuilding or renovating the existing library facility. The City Council will fate of a similar bond issue in 1994 door to door in many neighborhoods facility, have led to numerous have final say on any site plans. City that failed by a mere 88 votes. This to distribute promotional brochures. proposals for new site locations. Two officials say it could be as long as a time, voters were surveyed to see A conceptual artist’s rendering of the emerging frontrunners are land the decade before any major development what they wanted (and didn’t want) future downtown library by architects City purchased in 2000 at the T-Rex occurs. in their library. Library workers are Harvard Jolley Clees Toppe is on Technology Center on Yamato Road The second leading candidate wearing buttons and encouraging display. and the soon to close International in discussions for a new library patrons to vote ‘yes’ come Election The public is also invited to two Museum of Cartoon Art in Mizner site is the building that housed the Day. community meetings on the bond Park. International Museum of Cartoon The Library also sent a promotional issue: Wednesday, February 26 at 7 The City Parks and Recreation Art. The Community Redevelopment mailing to all registered voters pm at Patch Reef Park Community Board has been recently considering Agency is currently soliciting and and will have volunteers stationed Center and Thursday, February 27 proposals for the 300 acres of studying ideas for the 50,000 square- at the Library’s entrance in the at 7 pm at Boca Raton Community undeveloped land at the Technology foot facility. The building’s owners, weeks leading up to the election. A Center. Representatives from Center. Among the areas the Board Beetle Bailey cartoonist Mort Walker promotional video is airing in the the City, the Library, the Library recommended to be set aside for and his wife Catherine, are asking $3 Library as well as on public access Advisory Board, and the Friends of athletic fields, a golf training center, million. station cable Channel 20. As you the Library will be on hand to answer drive around town, you will also questions. There will also be a brief spot campaign signs paid for by the video presentation and refreshments. Friends of the Library. Library Board Objects to Cartoon Museum Site May 29, 2002. The Boca Raton concerns were the lack of parking, Public Library Advisory Board possible costs, traffic and a lack of appeared at yesterday’s City Council green space. Manager of Library workshop to express its opposition to Services Catherine O’Connell a proposed plan to move the Public expressed similar concerns, noting Library into the former International that inadequate parking was one of Museum of Cartoon Art. The board the most critical problems facing had earlier outlined their concerns in the site. She also noted that the a three-page letter to Mayor Steven building’s upper floors were not built Abrams. to hold a weighty book collection Advisory Board Chair Florence and construction to fix the problems

Mangus stated that the most pressing could be costly. Caption

76 77 Promoting a New Library Promoting a New Library

Caption

78 79 Voters Say ‘Yes’ to Library Expansion

March 12, 2003. The $19.8 million O’Connell remarked that that is less bond issue to build two new library than the cost of one hardcover book. facilities passed by an overwhelming The two new facilities should be majority in yesterday’s elections completed by 2008 and will provide despite low voter turnout. Over 70 more space for children’s programs, percent of voters were in favor of the computers, and quiet study areas bond. The City will repay the $19.8 among other features desired by the million loan plus $9.9 million in Library’s patrons. interest over a 20-year period. The average cost increase for residents will be $24. Library Services Director Catherine

Promotional pamphlet used to promote bond referendum. Library thank you note to voters for approving bond issue.

80 81 Sticking with Stucco The Mizner Architectural Tradition July 30, 2003. There was some a Mediterranean-style Mizner look. good-natured verbal jousting at the Fortunately, Harvard Jolly Clees City Council meeting this week Toppe architects had come up with over what the new Spanish River both designs and, by the end of the Boulevard library will look like. meeting, the Spanish-look design Mayor Steven Abrams had was selected. originally wanted a modern design The new library is part of a $19.8 to fit in with the buildings already million bond approved by voters existing in the area. Councilman in March. Also included is new Dave Freudenberg and Deputy construction or enlargement of the Mayor Susan Welchel were on the downtown library. other side of the issue and pushed for

A comparison of the two architectural styles being considered for the new Boca Raton Public Library building.

82 83 New Western Library to be Built First Library Considers July 31, 2003. The Boca Raton architect Addison Mizner during the Offering Naming Rights Public Library’s new western facility land boom of the early 1920s. The will be the first to be built under the Council unanimously approved the December 11, 2003. The City is sports arenas and is not unheard of $19.8 million bond voters approved Mediterranean design. currently discussing the possibility for cultural institutions. It offers for the Library’s expansion in the The new library will be located of selling naming rights to its two a unique fundraising opportunity recent March election. The City near a lake and feature two outdoor new Libraries or to components as well as a way to encourage and Council has unanimously approved terraces and large arched windows ,such as book collection rooms, in a recognize generous donors. The borrowing the $19.8 million and has to showcase the beautiful view. It creative effort to raise funds. In 2003, City is suggesting $5 million as an voters approved a $19.8 million bond appropriate amount for the naming selected a site for the western facility. will also contain a café, a gift shop, issue to finance construction of the rights to one of the libraries, although It will be located at the Technology a glassed-in study room, several two facilities, but an additional $10 exact details would most likely Center at Boca Raton, located near computer labs, wireless Internet million is still needed. be negotiated with the donor. City Spanish River Boulevard. access and more space for programs. Offering naming rights has Council would ultimately have to The City Council has chosen the The City plans to award a become a common practice for approve any name change. architectural firm of Harvard Jolly construction bid for the western facility Clees Toppe to design the facility. in December, with construction to The firm created two designs, one begin early the following year. The in a modern style and one in the proposed opening date is summer of barrel-tile and stucco Mediterranean 2005. style inspired by famed Boca Raton

Architect’s rendering of new library building. Library Manager Catherine O’Connell would like to name the new library after you.

84 85 Boca Raton Library is ‘Going West’ City Breaks Ground February 16, 2004. The city will The library at the Spanish River break ground for the new western Boulevard location will serve out- for Spanish River Library library on April 2. The ground lying parts of the city and provide April 3, 2004 Boca Raton officially Mayor Steven L. Abrams, along breaking will begin the expansion expanded children and adult broke ground on the new Spanish with Members of Council and of the public library system in Boca programs as well as new services and Raton. technologies. River Library construction project in Library Advisory Board Members, Voters approved a $19.8 million No site has been chosen yet for a ceremony held at the site yesterday. wielded the ceremonial shovels. bond issue last March that will allow the new downtown library, but A clown named Mr. Funnybones was Mayor Abrams also addressed the the city to build the new library City Manager Leif Ahnell says that on hand to welcome attendees to the enthusiastic crowd. in T-Rex Park off Spanish River building one at an off-site location festivities. Boulevard. There will also be a new would be the best solution. library downtown.

City Approves Plans For Expansion of New Western Library December 15, 2004. The new space. The Library will add outside western Boca Raton Public Library rooftop terraces that allow patrons on Spanish River Boulevard will to sit outside on sunny days and a be larger than originally planned. footbridge to connect the Library On December 14, the City Council grounds with the nearby Pondhawk approved new plans to expand the Natural Area. facility’s original 28,500 square- The additional space would also foot design. The expansion will provide a fundraising opportunity, add approximately $223,000 to as it could be rented for parties and the project’s initial cost, but Mayor events. The facility will add dressing Steven Abrams stated that the voter- rooms, catering facilities, and a approved $19.8 million bond issue space for a valet parking stand to will cover the added expense. accommodate such events. The new plan will feature an Groundbreaking has been set additional 12,000 plus square feet for April 2, 2005 with a projected of indoor space and an additional opening date sometime in 2006. Recreation Services Director, Mickey Gomez, points out the proposed site for the new Boca Raton Public Library building. 14,500 square feet of outdoor

86 87 Groundbreaking Hot on the Trail July 8, 2005. A group of ten young The Boca Blue Group presented Boca Raton residents has formed the their plans to the City Council Boca Blue Group. Their objective is and impressed the members. City to make the Spanish River Boulevard Councilwoman Susan Whelchel was library more than just a book especially pleased with the fact that depository. their well-researched presentation The group wants the building and even included the financing. grounds to be showplaces so that This is the first project proposed by people can make a day of it when they the group whose name was chosen to visit the library. They hope there will symbolize water and who want to be trails, playgrounds, a boardwalk increase the use of water resources in around the lake and paddleboats. Boca Raton. City Council Approves ‘Land Swap’ for Downtown Library Site November 10, 2005. After a lengthy, Glades/Rox will then purchase two and sometimes contentious, public parcels of city-owned land for $2.65 hearing this Tuesday, the Boca Raton million. Some members of the public City Council approved a property attending the hearing felt that the trade to obtain a site near the existing City was not receiving a fair price for downtown Library on which to build the land and felt that the two parcels a replacement facility. The deal with should instead be put out to bid. Glades/Rox LLC marked the end of City Manager Leif Ahnell expressed a two-year odyssey to find a suitable the Council’s approval of the plan by site for the new facility. The City did noting that the two sites to be sold to not want to raze the existing Library Glades/Rox are smaller and located and rebuild on the same site, as this along busy roads, so they are less process would include closing the desirable sites that a new Library Library during construction. would have to “horseshoe” into to Glades/Rox LLC owns the 6.5-acre fit. Money from the land sales would parcel where the Causeway Lumber help in the purchase of the Causeway Yard once stood, just a few blocks site, since the original bond issue north of the downtown Library. The approved for constructing the new City will obtain this site for the new Library did not include funds for Library. In addition, Glades/Rox will land purchases. The deal would also sell 9.7 adjacent acres to Paramount avoid the lengthy court battle that Group for 55 single-family and 37 would inevitably result from the City Caption multi-family units, which will be acquiring the Causeway site through known as Library Commons. eminent domain. 88 89 City Selects Location Hurricanes Hinder for Downtown Library Western Library Project December 28, 2005. In his 2005 voted in favor of acquiring the old March 24, 2006. The recent Then, in October of 2005, Hurricane year-end report to Boca Raton Causeway Lumber site close to the series of active hurricane seasons Wilma struck the southwest Florida residents, Mayor Steven Abrams current library’s location on which in 2004 and 2005 have plagued the coast and quickly crossed the state, noted that the City has chosen a to build a new downtown library. In construction of the new western site exiting near Jupiter as a category two location on which to build a new addition to the land, the City will also of the Boca Raton Public library. storm. The recent storms damaged the downtown facility for the Boca Raton receive $2.7 million from the seller. In September of 2004, Hurricanes construction site and led to shortages Public Library. The City Council has Frances and Jeanne both hit southeast of both materials and laborers. Florida within weeks of each other.

Legal Dispute Delays Western Library Construction March 24, 2006. Construction of some of the delays through actions the new western library has come such as not conducting needed to a virtual halt due to a series of environmental surveys in a timely delays, cost overruns and a dispute manner, not hooking up electricity between the City of Boca Raton and and water at the construction site Caption South Florida Construction Services quickly enough and making last- (SFCS), the contractor hired to build minute changes to the original City Closes Deal the new facility. Both sides have design. The contractor also claims expressed a number of grievances and that the City has refused to provide for Downtown Library Site have been unable to reach a mutually time extensions or pay for additional January 30, 2006. City Manager The City is already meeting with satisfactory agreement. Both have work not covered under the original Leif Ahnell announced that the City Paramount Group, who plans to held the other responsible for the contract. has closed their deal with Glades/ build an adjacent housing community series of delays that have struck the The City ultimately fired SFCS, Rox LLC for the parcel of land where known as Library Commons, about project almost from its inception. which filed suit against the City in the old Causeway Lumber Yard once plans to raze several buildings that The delays and active hurricane Palm Beach County Circuit Court. stood. The City acquired 6.5 acres currently stand on the site. The seasons have resulted in cost The new library is approximately and will get another half-acre with City will fence off its portion of the overruns due to the rise in costs for 75% completed and the City will the abandonment of a portion of site when demolition is finished. construction materials. The City has soon begin looking to hire a new Second Street. Ahnell stated that the No timetable has been set for the refused to pay for rising material construction company to finish the closing paves the way for the City to beginning of construction. The costs because it claims that SFCS job. Once a new contractor is in begin planning the construction of a current Library facility, located near should have locked in contracts for place, the City hopes to complete the new downtown Library facility on the the Causeway site and diagonally materials and prices at the project’s new facility by the spring of 2007. site. The closing was not challenged across from City Hall, may become inception. The dispute will not affect ongoing and went smoothly. a municipal annex. SFCS claims that the City caused plans for the new downtown facility.

90 91 City Selects Contractor to Construction of the Complete New Western Library Spanish River Library February 21, 2007. The Boca Raton finish the work, most of which is to City Council has approved a $5.7 be done on the interior. They will million contract with Boca Raton- also need to repair damages to the based general contractors Kaufman roof and stucco that occurred due Lynn, Inc. to complete the new to incorrect application or weather Spanish River Library. The Company damage. Workers should be on site has successfully completed a number within a few weeks and work should of local construction projects in the be completed in approximately eight past. They are currently working on months. several other City projects. The added construction costs will The western library project is be covered through money left in the already more than a year behind original construction fund as well schedule due to a dispute between as money set aside for operating the City and former contractors expenses for the new library. The South Florida Construction Services City has budgeted that money since (SFCS). The City fired SFCS and its original target opening date of the is currently trying to recoup money fall of 2005 but it has not been used. through the bond company that Kaufman Lynn will also be working guaranteed the project’s completion. on the new downtown library facility The building is approximately on Northwest Second Street, which 75% completed. Kaufman Lynn will is currently in the design phase.

Construction of new library to be completed soon.

92 93 Boca Shows Off Boca Library Friends Construction Site of New Library Donate $14,000 for Audio Books May 23, 2007. City officials invited a quiet study area and a meeting November 21, 2007 The non-profit to the book. Collection development media and elected leaders to tour room for 150 people are planned for organization Friends of the Boca librarian M.J. Beasley, who accepted the new Spanish River Boulevard upstairs. Raton Public Library presented the the donation on behalf of the Library, Library building today. It took a bit Teens will have a room just for City Council with a check for $14,000 stated “These new audio books of imagination to see the facility as it themselves with books, music and at the Council’s recent workshop. bridge the will appear when finished, but it was comfortable furniture. Patrons will The donation is earmarked for the gap between obvious that the building is being be able to order a cappuccino in the purchase of audio books for both books on CD built with users’ needs in mind. café and a second-floor terrace looks the downtown library and the new and books There will be a checkout area near out over Pond Hawk Natural Area. Spanish River Library, set to open in that can be the main entrance. The first floor is Right now jackhammers January of 2008. The Friends raised downloaded lined with two-story windows and and other noises fill the air, but the money through donations and from the will hold a children’s computer lab completion is not far off and the through sales at their recently opened I n t e r n e t , and story-time room that overlooks dream of having a second library is used bookstore located at 374 E. m a k i n g the lake. Another computer lab, almost accomplished. Palmetto Park Road. audio books The audio books come with a small, available to self-contained easy-to-use player. more people.” Library Friends Patrons use headphones purchased at A library patron using the the Library for a small fee to listen nifty new audio-book player. Open Used Book Store

July 25, 2007. Talbott Realty has All types of books in good donated space at 374 E. Palmetto condition are acceptable, as are Date Set for Opening Park Road to the Friends of the Boca non-time-sensitive magazines such Raton Public Library for use as a as Architectural Digest or National of Spanish River Library used-book store. The location is on Geographic. November 20, 2007. The new over the next several years, giving the south side of Palmetto Park, one The Friends are presently pricing Spanish River Library will hold its the City two new libraries to meet the block west of the Intracoastal and and sorting books, but expect the long anticipated grand opening on needs of its growing population. next to the Tin Muffin Café. store to be opened in September. The January 12, 2008 at 10:00 am. The Construction on the Spanish River According to Jan Johnson, exact date will be announced and City of Boca Raton constructed Library began with a groundbreaking bookstore committee chairperson, there will be special opening events. the two-story Mizner-style ceremony in April of 2005. The the store is accepting donations The store will probably remain in that Mediterranean stucco building as facility has a meeting room, large Monday, Wednesday and Friday space until the early part of 2008. part of a $19.8 million bond issue to glass windows with views of the from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm during July Proceeds from sales will be used build two new library facilities that adjacent pond, and outside rooftop and August. Parking is available in for the needs of the library system. voters approved in March of 2003. terraces among other features. the rear of the store and the driveway A new downtown facility will be Library personnel and City officials is directly east of the building. For constructed near the current facility will be on hand for the opening day information and pickup service, you at 200 NW Boca Raton Boulevard festivities. can call 561-394-9686.

94 95 Boca Moves Ahead with Plans The Spanish River Library for New Downtown Library December 9, 2007. The archi- tectural firm Bermello Ajamil and Partners of Miami has completed the preliminary site plan for the new downtown Boca Raton Public Library. Boca Raton city officials met with representatives of the firm to discuss the plan. Bermello Ajamil and Partners are designing the new facility in association with Michael Graves & Associates. The City projects that the new downtown library will be completed and opened to the public in December of 2009.

Reference Staff Compiles Library History December 15, 2007. Boca Raton The authors chronicled the Public Library reference staff Library’s many changes over the members Richard Kuster, Marcella years, from its 1923 founding by the Trevino, Margaret Wendy, and Jane Woman’s Club of Boca Raton through Engel have been busy compiling a the opening of the Spanish River history of the Boca Raton Public Library in 2008. The Chronicle’s Library. The work, entitled A lively and informative articles are Chronicle of the Boca Raton Public based on extensive research in local Library 1923-2007, will be published newspapers, such as the Boca Raton as an edition of the Boca Raton News and the Boca Raton Historical Historical Society’s Spanish River Society’s archives, as well as personal Papers. The Chronicle provides interviews. The authors also selected a fitting tribute to the way the and scanned photographs depicting Library has served the Boca Raton various events in the Library’s history Community over the years as the to supplement the work’s chronicle- From Top: City prepares for the grand opening style articles. of its new Spanish River Library.

96 97