Mandel Public Library Of WPB Awarded Grant To Create A New Mobile Library

From City of West Palm Beach:

November 3, 2020

The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach was awarded a $99,447 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) CARES Act to implement its new Mandel Mobile Library project. The IMLS, the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums, selected the Mandel Mobile Library project as one of 68 projects from 1,701 applicants supporting coronavirus pandemic responses across the country. The main focus of the Mandel Mobile Library will be to embark on a larger community outreach effort throughout the City of West Palm Beach and bring essential library services including education, literacy, and career resources to neighborhoods adversely affect by the coronavirus pandemic.

A brand new Wi-Fi-enabled minivan will travel to communities in the north end and south ends of the city bringing connectivity and assistance to families in need. The minivan will provide on-site broadband access as well as laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots that can be borrowed. The Mandel Mobile Library team will also offer Homework Help, providing area children and teens assistance and encouragement with their studies, along with nutritious snacks. Adults will be able to take advantage of job help programs that will assist with job applications, resume building and the like, in addition to ESOL tutoring to improve English literacy skills. All services will be free and open to the public, whether or not they currently have a library card.

During these challenging times, the Mandel Public Library has reinvented how it delivers valued and critical services to continue helping community members including adding safety precautions for in-house services, creating online content and virtual programs, and now the Mandel Mobile Library. “Our amazing staff has been able to pivot quickly in order to meet the needs of our patrons and residents,” said Lisa Hathaway, Mandel Public Library Director. “We look forward to reaching even more community members with the Mandel Mobile Library and providing services that will help residents recover from the pandemic.”

The library expects to start the Mandel Mobile Library by early 2021 and the West Palm Beach Library Foundation will be seeking corporate sponsors to maintain the vehicle and critical services as needed. For information about sponsorships, contact the Foundation at 561-868-7793.

The Mandel Public Library is currently open with limited in-person services, mandatory social distancing and masks required, and new hours. The Library also continues to offer a plethora of virtual services and programs including job help, fitness, storytimes, arts and crafts, tutoring and much more. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7701.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.