March News
“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.
It is a never-failing spring in the desert."
- Andrew Carnegie
|
|
|
Foundation Receives Gifts to Name the
Library's Afterschool Homework Centers
 We are grateful to our generous donors, who understand that the Mandel Public Library is a vital community builder. They are stepping up to support the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, because of the life-changing difference our beloved library is making in the lives of so many children, teens and adults in our community.
We are honored to announce that the Library Foundation recently received a gift of $50,000 from the family of Sam Dratch to name the Teen Homework Center in memory of Sam and to honor his love for the Mandel Public Library.
Sam Dratch was just 36 years old when he died on October 6, 2018. He was a graduate of the Maret School in Washington, D.C., Vassar College and the University of Michigan Law School. He was a tenacious, dedicated, and proud Palm Beach County Public Defender who was devoted to fighting for the rights of the underrepresented. Sam was also a voracious reader -- he enjoyed both fiction and non-fiction -- and a lover of most film genres.
The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach was one of his favorite spots; he visited almost daily, picking up or dropping off materials. His mother, Patricia Eanet, was frequently with Sam in downtown West Palm Beach and noted that they almost always stopped by the Library. Sometimes they would sit and read, other times they might play games in the Teen Homework Help Center. It was very clear that Sam felt right at home in the West Palm Beach Library.
The family has also created the Sam Dratch Fund for people who would like to make donations to the Library Foundation in his memory. If you would like to make a gift, please visit wpblf.org or call 561-868-7793.
We are also delighted to announce another gift of $50,000 from the Matthew and Tracy Smith Foundation to name the Children's Homework Center. The Matthew and Tracy Smith Foundation has always supported children’s access to superior education. Matthew Smith remarked, "The Mandel Public Library is a vital resource for the families and children of the City of West Palm Beach. We are proud to help support the Homework Center which can help these children succeed in the classroom." The Children's Homework Center will be named after Matthew and Tracy Smith in recognition of this generous gift that will benefit so many children in our community.
The Library Foundation funds the Homework Centers that provide critical help to our community’s children and teens. The Centers are open four days a week after school and the Children's Center is also open on Sundays. Children and teens can come to the library and receive help with homework, school projects, and test prep from certified teachers for FREE! They also receive free healthy snacks, school supplies, access to computers and technology training, and encouragement with their studies.
|
|
In U.S.,
Library Visits Outpaced
Trips to Movies & Sporting Events in 2019
|
|
|
According to a recent Gallup poll, visiting the library remains the most common cultural activity Americans engage in, by far. U.S. adults report taking an average of 10.5 trips to the library in 2019, far exceeding their participation in eight other common leisure activities including going to the movies, attending live sporting events, attending live music or theatrical events, visits to national or historic parks, visits to museums, visits to gambling casinos, and trips to amusement or theme parks and zoos.
Libraries remain a place Americans visit nearly monthly on average. They offer services like free Wi-Fi, movie rentals, activities for children, and are most utilized by young adults, women and residents of low-income households.
If you didn't know library visits were so popular,
call us at 561-868-7793 to schedule a tour and let us show you why. |
|
GIVING SOCIETY SPECIAL EVENT
VIP Cocktail Reception with
Black Widow Author Leslie Gray Streeter
**Space is Limited**
Reserve Your Seat Now
Join Leslie Gray Streeter, The Palm Beach Post columnist and new author,
for a discussion of her memoir being released on March 10:
Black Widow: A Sad/Funny Journey Through Grief for People Who Normally Avoid Books with Words Like “Journey” in the Title
MARCH 11, 2020
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
VIP Cocktail Reception for WPB Library Foundation Giving Society
Meet the celebrated columnist and new author during her book launch tour.
Members will receive a signed copy of the book, reserved seating at the event,
and complimentary valet parking at the Library Book Drop on Clematis Street.
Reserve your seat at 561-868-7715 or WPBLF@WPBCityLibrary.org.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Black Widow Book Discussion & Signing
FREE and open to the public |
|
To join the Giving Society, contact Executive Director Tami Lesser
at 561-868-7793 or TLesser@WPBCityLibrary.org.
Levels starting at $1,000 minimum annually.
|
|
|
Your Investment Makes A Difference
Summer Learning Programs
|
|
|
|
Every summer, the Mandel Public Library becomes a destination for learning and fun for our local youth. Parents and caregivers who might need assistance entertaining or encouraging children to be motivated during the summer months, or who cannot afford costly summer camps, can come to the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach for summer fun and educational activities for FREE! Children and teens can look forward to the summer reading (preventing the dreaded summer slide), free meals while school lunches are out, and an endless array of events and activities including indoor soccer, tech labs, dance classes, arts and crafts, movies, teacher-led summer academies and so much more!
The Summer Learning Programs for children and teens are made possible by your generous donations to the Library Foundation. We welcome donations to fund the upcoming 2020 Summer Learning Programs that will begin in June. If you would like to help build our community and fund these valuable programs for our local youth, visit wpblf.org or call 561-868-7793.
|
|
Complete Lineup of 2020 Table Hosts Announced!
SAVE YOUR SEAT
You're invited to join one of these notable personalities for an elegant evening filled with great conversation, accompanied by cocktails, dinner, and more.
Tickets on sale now at wpblf.org
LISTEN HERE to a radio interview about Food For Thought on
Legends Radio The Morning Lounge with Jill & Rich Switzer.
All funds raised benefit the free community programs, services and resources at the
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.
|
|
|
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Visit our website or call 561-868-7715 for details.
|
|
|
|
