Chronological History of the Delray Beach Public Library

1913

The Ladies Improvement Association founded the library.

1939

The Library Association incorporates and agrees to manage library operations.

Statistics reported: Library open three evenings per week; one story hour per week; best sellers rented at 25¢; children’s items free; 328 registered borrowers; 605 items with circulation of 3,972.

Library Board adopted a mission statement:

build a collection meeting national standards…

development of a library as cultural center of the community…

build a building which worthily represents the place cultural activities shall hold in the life of a modern community.

1942

City awards first operating grant for $800.

1948

SE Fourth Avenue chosen as the site for the new Library.

1949

Capital campaign launched and $14,000 raised.

1950

The library opens at SE Fourth Avenue with unfinished sections.

1968

New two-story addition adding 7,500 square feet is dedicated.

1975

Garden Room addition completed, adding space for special collections.

1985

Construction completed of 3,100 square foot Auditorium.

1988

Completion of renovations for children’s room, boardroom and quiet study area.

1994

Library’s Volunteer Program began with 8 volunteers.

1998

Awarded an Enhanced Connectivity Grant, bringing Internet access to the library.

1999

A Design Charrette is attended by over 175 residents. 100 West Atlantic Avenue is selected as the site for the new library.

2003

Tripartite Agreement between City of Delray Beach, Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and the library signed.

2004

Groundbreaking ceremony held at new location.

2006

Over 2,000 citizens celebrate the public Grand Opening of new building with symbolic Book Passing Brigade and ribbon cutting ceremony.

2007

Library Volunteer Program celebrates its 12-year anniversary with 90 active volunteers.

Library sponsors Community Fair with 20 participating community organizations attended by over 500 citizens.

Library expands Children’s Department; relocates collections for easy access.

DVDs and music CDs added to circulating collection.

2008

CRA awards operating grant.

2009

CRA funds CRA Sundays.

Lifelong Learning Community Institute begins.

2010

Empowerment Zone opens; Teen Advisory Board formed.

2011

The new Children’s Department computer center is funded by a private donation and opens with 12 computer workstations.

Delray Beach Public Library wins the Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.

2012

April 11, 2012 begins the 100th year of operation for the library and is celebrated with the Centennial Banner Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

E-books are added to the materials collection.

2013

Delray Beach Public Library celebrates its 100th birthday on April 11, 2013.

Delray Beach Public Library nominated again for the Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award by the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.

2015

Foothold on the Future campaign embarks to expand the first floor Children’s Department.

2016

Children’s Department expansion completed.

2017

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) within the Library begins accepting appointments.

Library makes investment in upgrading all lighting to more energy efficent LED lighting. Library meeting rooms receive a major audio/visual upgrade.

2018

Library makes investment in technology infrastructure resulting in 44 computers, 16 tablets, charging stations, one smart board, and mobile hot spots. Investment included introducing four computers into the refurbished young adult’s room.

For the first time, the Library is a summer feeding station offering lunch and snacks for children ages 0-18 living in Palm Beach County who attend Title I schools.

2018-2019

Delray Beach Public Librarians developed and delivered more than 400 computer classes attended by over 1600 people.

New classes were offered for children, teens, and adults with an emphasis on STEAM learning including coding for Pre-K children, Creative Cloud Lab, and understanding computer apps.

Fifty-two new cultural and educational programs for adults were offered as well as new teachers and subjects enhanced the Lifelong Learning Institute program series.

2019

The new digital magazine database was introduced to provide convenient access to magazines for patrons on their devices in the libary, at work, and at home for personal or professional use.

The new Children’s Art Gallery space was opened.