WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (May 11, 2021) – Help kick off the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach’s new Mandel Mobile on Saturday, May 22, 2021, 10 a.m. - noon, at Bill Moss Hillcrest Park located at 3401 Parker Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. Come out and enjoy free arts and crafts, music, food and much more. Giveaways include:

• Free Kona Ice for kids,
• Children’s art activity and bubble blast play area,
• Digital headshot photos,
• Swag bags for the first 50 visitors,
• Tie-dye mask kits for the first 50 adults, and
• A chance to register to win a free Chromebook.

The main focus of the Mandel Mobile is 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. 

“As we work to create a community of opportunity for all in West Palm Beach, connecting residents with life-changing programs such as Wi-Fi, literacy tutoring, and job help are important to our city’s future,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “The Mandel Mobile is key to meeting residents where they are in their very own neighborhoods! We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the CARES Act grant that makes the Mandel Mobile initiative possible for West Palm Beach residents and families.” 

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

In November 2020, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach was awarded a $99,447 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services CARES Act to implement the Mandel Mobile Library project.

To learn more about the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, please call (561) 868-7703 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or click here.