WEST PALM BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY
1895The Reading Room was the City's first Library. Residents were encouraged to visit the Reading Room instead of wasting their time drinking on Banyan Street.
1912Free Reading Room as viewed from City Park, 1912. Once part of the Palm Beach Yacht Club, this building was brought to West Palm Beach via a barge and established as the town's first Library.
1923Artistic Spanish style Memorial Library alongside Woman's Club. Cost totals $30,000 and contains Reading, Reference Rooms and Museum.
1962New City Library designed by architect Norman Robson, opens with much flourish and controversy over the modern exterior.
1999The Library receives a new interior, designed by Peter Robinson. Reading areas now have an inviting home feel.
2009The Library moves to its new location at City Center.
2012Mandel Foundation awards $5 million grant to transform West Palm Beach Public Library into world-class institution and encourage support for public libraries. The West Palm Beach Public is renamed to Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.










