“Find Your Voice” at the Mandel Public Library this Summer

 May 25, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact: Alyson Seligman 
Alyson@thesbsagency.com
(561) 602-8558

“Find Your Voice” at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach this Summer with New Programs, Free Lunches and Plentiful Summer Fun
In-person and online programming includes summer reading program, children’s summer-kick off party, programs to discover a new hobby plus free access to an expansive digital library

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Plan a summer of fun at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach with special events, reading challenges and thought-provoking activities available all-summer-long. In addition to the return of popular programs, such as free small group tutoring to avoid the summer slide and free lunches for school-age children, the library announced the launch of its “Find Your Voice” campaign that offers patrons of all ages’ creative ways to use their talents, discover new skills, or explore various hobbies and interests that spark self-expression. Patrons are also encouraged to read this summer for chances to win fantastic books, gift bundles and more.

“As the weather heats up outside, the Mandel Public Library in Downtown West Palm Beach is offering more free programs and services than ever with a focus on empowering our patrons to “find their voice” through discussions, discovering new hobbies or simply finding a cozy air-conditioned spot in the library as they discover a new author,” said Lisa Hathaway, Mandel Public Library director. 

Ongoing free summer programs include: Grab & Go activity kits for all ages; small group reading and math tutoring for kids and teens led by certified teachers; family meetings with a licensed social worker for free, one-on-one case management, therapeutic support and advocacy; and free nutritious meals for kids and teens ages 18 and under.

New this summer, guests are encouraged to “Find Your Voice at Your City Library” and express themselves during a two-month program featuring thoughtful reading, learning, and entertainment for all ages.  
Highlights include:

•  FREE events and activities for all ages including discussions, art and dance classes, technology classes, gardening workshops, and more:
  • Themed programs for adults include a genealogy workshop series beginning on Saturday, June 3; a presentation on creative self-care and expression led by Deon Jefferson on Saturday, June 17; a reflective journaling class for women on Wednesday, June 21; and a History of the Pride Wall presentation led by artist Rolando Chang Barrero on Saturday, June 24.
  • Programs for tech-loving teens include an arcade gaming day on Wednesday, June 14; a Teen Mario Mania gaming event on Wednesday, June 21, and monthly art classes.
  • “Find Your Voice” this summer with our Technology & Innovation Center (TIC) by exploring our media production space to create 3D figures, experience virtual reality, draw and animate digital art, record a podcast, mix music, digitize old photos, and more! If you also want more knowledge about photography there are photography workshops available.
  • A “Millennials Ruin Bob Ross” art class for Bob Ross fans of all artistic levels on Monday, July 24.
  • New programs for children including a musical performance of African Folk Tales with Spoken Word Poet and African Percussionist Abasi “Manblack” Hanif on Saturday, June 10; a thrilling Dungeons and Dragons Club starting on Monday, June 5; an epic Arcade Gaming Day for both children and teens on Wednesday, June 14; and a baking and decorating class led by Food Network “Holiday Baking” star Jamal Lake on Saturday, June 17.
• FREE summer reading programs that encourage the entire family to read with free books and other prizes (details below)

Summer Kick-Off Party and Reading Program
The Summer Reading Kick-Off Party for kids entering grades K-5 takes place on Wednesday, June 7 between 2 to 4 p.m. Children can celebrate the official start of summer break by decorating a book bag, have their faces painted, sign up for the Summer Reading program, and more. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace on the third floor at 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703. 

Reading program participants can also use the Beanstack app, to digitally track and log reading hours on their phone, computer or tablet for a chance to earn prizes and books. Families can foster their love of reading together by registering under one account for multiple family members. Visit wpbcitylibrary.org to get started.

Free Meals for Kids/Teens
There are two ongoing opportunities for children to receive free meals throughout the summer. In partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County, the library becomes an official Summer BreakSpot and offers FREE nutritious lunches and snacks for kids and teens ages 18 and under.  The lunches and snacks are offered on weekdays, June 6 – July 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the 3rd floor in Kidspace. This program is sponsored by the USDA Summer Food Service Program. 

Throughout the months of June and July, the library is also partnering with the Palm Beach County Food Bank to offer its Lois’ Food4Kids initiative. Lois’ Food4Kids provides each child ages 5-12 one bag of food that includes two drinks, two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks, and one family dinner. The free program is designed to help fill nutritional gaps that children face on weekends throughout the year. Pick up food bags in KidSpace on the 3rd floor while supplies last (supplies are limited). For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703.  

Digital Library:  Free E-Books, Music, Movies & More
If the summer heat is keeping you at home, the library’s completely free digital destination of books and media allows patrons to connect 24/7 to the digital library and access thousands of FREE e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, newspapers and more from home. Using the library’s free apps, cardholders can access materials on their devices anytime, anywhere. For those who don’t already have a library card, anyone can register online or by phone for immediate access to the catalogue. 

For more information about the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach’s Virtual Summer, please visit the library website at wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701 (TTY: 800-955-8771). The Virtual Summer programs are sponsored, in part, by the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, which raises funds to support vital community programs at the library. 

About the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach:

Founded in 1895, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach has evolved from a modest Reading Room along the waterfront to an innovative and cutting-edge facility located in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. The Mandel Public Library provides a wide range of programming for kids, teens, and adults focused on creating inspired lives by connecting people with information and ideas. Programming is supported by the West Palm Beach Library Foundation. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7700 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

About the City of West Palm Beach: 

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on Florida’s Atlantic coast. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.

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