Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch

Address:  837 East Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Telephone:  954-360-1380
Hours:  Monday, Wednesday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Friday & Sunday: Closed

In a sleek, white building on Hillsboro Boulevard, just west of Federal Highway, is a cool library with cutting-edge technology, colorful murals and a savvy staff. Although this is a neighborhood library, with close ties to local public schools, the Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch Library is more like a regional library in its use of technology.

As part of a high-tech pilot project, each of the branch supervisors has a PDA (personal digital assistant) -- a handheld computer that links them to the library's database. This enables a small staff to be stretched further. Armed with PDAs, the reference staff members are a roving resource for patrons. They're not tied to any one place, and they have wireless access to the library's catalog of materials and calendar of events. Also, each of the staff leaders has a "walkie-talkie" to gain instant access to the others.

Public access computers are a big draw in any library, and this branch has 21 desk computers and it is acquiring 15 laptop computers. The new laptops will open up new possibilities for teaching and outreach. The laptops can travel with librarians to women's clubs or to schools for educational outreach or they can be checked out for use in the library when all the other public computers are booked.

The new laptop computers will also be used in the library's meeting room to teach technological classes. Their flexibility allows more classes to be offered, inspiring one member of the Library staff to develop a class on how to use iPods and the iTunes software. The new laptops also have PhotoShop software for image-editing capability. The library's meeting room is equipped with a video projector and sound system, with four headphones for hearing-impaired patrons.

The Deerfield Beach branch library also boasts wi-fi access, so patrons can bring in their own laptop computers and freely access the Internet. Even people sitting in their cars in the parking lot are able to access the wi-fi connection.

Technology is a big draw for teens. The library has a PlayStation 2 unit with two "Dance Dance Revolution" dance pads. This is an action game, where teenagers move their feet in time to the music and step in quadrants marked on the dance pad, matching the video directions of left, right, up, down, etc. It is part exercise, part dancing, and up to 28 teens gather to participate in the fun. There are also video games for checkout that play on the X-box and Play Station.

There are a number of programs for teenagers-including poetry recitals, arts and crafts activities, and database training. Some library activities are coordinated with Deerfield Beach High School, and student artwork is displayed on library walls. There is a Teen Advisory Board at the branch to help come up with new programs and activities for teenagers.

For younger children, there is an After School at Your Library program, with about 30 children receiving homework help from four teachers. Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. Family Story time is held on Tuesday evenings. For children three years old and under, there is Mother Goose Time on weekday mornings.

At the other end of the age spectrum, older adults can take the AARP safe driver's class at the library, simply by watching some videos, and get a car insurance break.

Adults can join in the Great Books Discussion that meets bi-weekly. There is also an English Café for intermediate learners of English to practice conversation.

The Deerfield Beach Branch Library reaches a wide variety of visitors; of many different ages and from many different ethnic backgrounds. It has all the features one could hope to find in a library: bestselling books, current DVD titles, public computers, a quiet sanctuary, a place to meet friends, a place to dip into the past, a place to prepare for the future.

Bus Route: Served by bus routes 10, 50, 92
Library Features:

• Best-sellers
• DVDs/VHS videos

Volunteers:  For volunteer opportunities, please call 954-360-1380  

Art in Public Places:
JoeSam
Details: Sculpture/Painted Steel
90" X 98" X 20"
1993