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Beach Branch
Address: 221 Pompano Beach Branch, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Telephone: 954-786-2197
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Directions: (From I-95) Exit east on Atlantic Blvd. and continue east until the road ends at the ocean (Pompano Beach Blvd. runs north/Briny Ave. runs south). Turn left. Head north for two blocks, enter parking lot across the street from the Pompano Beach Pier.
A hidden gem at the edge of the sea: that’s the Beach Branch Library. This branch is located in a nondescript building in the middle of a City parking lot, right across the street from the Pompano Pier. But it’s not so hidden from the residents of the surrounding condos. Retired folks and snowbirds (in season) come to visit every weekday, to read the newest fiction, browse the Internet (at one of eight public computers) and borrow from a collection of around 2,000 DVD titles.
The branch also attracts beachgoers who escape the sun and sand for the cool, quiet library with its water fountain and restroom. And while they’re there, they browse through books and newspapers, and perhaps buy a used paperback from the Friends of the Pompano Beach Library to bring back to the beach with them. Shirts and shoes are required, and please, no dripping wet swim suits!
Because it is a small library, with only three staff members, the branch patrons get to know the staff very well. About 90 percent of the patrons visit the branch every day, so the staff knows many of the patrons by name, and gets to hear about their travels around the world and their daily adventures.
There is limited programming in this branch, and just a few resources for children, but the staff helps patrons one-on-one, by providing training on basic computer programs and the Internet, and assisting them with research. The staff is very responsive to requests for particular book and DVD titles, and work hard to ensure that patrons are satisfied with the selections and the service. Each day, the library receives between 6 and 16 more books, with all the newest fiction. The library also has a collection of large-print items, and material in French and Spanish.
Although most of the clientele walk to the library, there is a huge parking lot available. The City owns the lot and charges $1.50 for parking on weekdays, when the library is open. But library patrons are given vouchers that return that money to them on their way out. The building used to be a sewage treatment plant, then a Pompano Beach City library. In 1993, the library became a Broward County Branch Library.
A curious fact: This branch is the only one not to have an after-hours drop box, due to the beach proximity and the unusual and unwanted deposits they would receive.
The branch is open only 40 hours per week, during normal working hours of 9 to 5. However, the Pompano Pier shops and restaurant have recently closed, and redevelopment is in the works.
Bus Route: Served by bus routes 11, 14, 42
Library Features:
Building Information: The Beach Branch Library boasts an actual view of the ocean, and its building is leased to the county by the City of Pompano Beach. This former branch of the Pompano Beach City Library was one of three turned over to Broward County on October 1, 1991. The City of Pompano had operated a Beach Branch Library in the vicinity since approximately 1975. The library building, which used to be a water treatment facility built in 1964, completed its 1999 Library Bond Issue renovations in May 2003 with a total of 3,300 square feet. The architect was Paul Robin John and the construction firm was Intercounty Construction Corporation.
Volunteers: For volunteer opportunities, please call 954-786-2197
Art in Public Places: Ten Views of Turtle Territory, Lisa Houck
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