Libraries in Palm Beach ‘seed’ knowledge

It's not your grandma or grandpa's library! Did you know: The Palm Beach County Library System's first Seed Library opened in February, 2023, at the Jupiter Branch; or that you can discover the Wonders of the Night Sky in a Telescope Viewing Session presented by the Astronomical Society at the Acreage Branch?

File photo

The seed library at the Jupiter Branch is open to anyone and a Library card is not required to get seeds. Each packet contains enough seeds to grow a few plants. The seeds in the collection are both purchased and donated from seed companies, including hybrid and heritage seeds. The library cannot take special orders or send seeds outside of the library, and it cannot accept saved seeds. Please contact the branch directly for more details. See some gardening activities here.

Image by J Garget from Pixabay

That's right. Libraries aren't just for reading anymore. They have become a valuable resource for hands-on, in-person learning for all ages. For instance, the Spring Harvest Fest, at the West Boynton Branch, shows kids age 7-11 how to get the dirt on planting and the scoop on growing a seed or two. Plus, most libraries have a computer skills lab, so adults can learn basic skills for using the latest technology tools. Plus, they offer a host of special needs and sensory friendly activities.

Image by Leeanne Burnworth from Pixabay

Most activities are free, however some do require a small fee to cover the cost of materials. Many are available on an as-needed basis, while others may require advance registration due to space limitations. If you haven't visited your local library in a while, we suggest you check it out to discover what's new. And the Public Libraries in the county have one of the best, well-coordinated web-based systems in the state. Everything is searchable online, plus you can download eBooks, audio files and even videos from the vast lending library with the affiliated apps.

Noteworthy: Not only is there a countywide library system, pbclibrary.org; but also some cities have their own as well, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach and West Palm Beach, plus others.

So, there's no shortage of things to do and learn and experience, and now there's no excuse to get up, go out and be a part of this marvelous resource we call libraries. What are you waiting for?

To help you find a branch near you, we've compiled a list with links:

Acreage Branch
15801 Orange Boulevard
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
(561) 681-4100

Belle Glade Branch
725 NW 4th Street
Belle Glade, FL 33430
(561) 996-3453

Boca Raton Downtown Library
400 NW 2nd Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 393-7852

Clarence E. Anthony Branch
375 SW 2nd Avenue
South Bay, FL 33493
(561) 992-8393

Delray Beach Public Library
100 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 266-0194

Gardens Branch
11303 Campus Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 626-6133

Glades Road Branch
20701 95th Avenue South
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 482-4554

Greenacres Branch
3750 Jog Road
Greenacres, FL 33467
(561) 641-9100

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum Library
One Whitehall Way
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(561) 655-2833

Highland Beach Library
3618 S. Ocean Blvd. 33487
561-278-5455

J. Turner Moore Memorial Library
1330 Lands End Road
Manalapan, FL 33462
(561) 383-2541

Jupiter Branch
705 Military Trail
Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 744-2301

Lake Park Public Library
535 Park Ave.
Lake Park, FL 33403
(561) 881-3300

Lake Worth Beach Public Library
15 North M. Street
Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460
(561) 533-7354

Lantana Road Branch
4020 Lantana Road
Lake Worth, FL 33462
(561) 304-4500

Loula V. York Branch
525 Bacom Point Road
Pahokee, FL 33476
(561) 924-5928

Main Library
3650 Summit Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 233-2600

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach
411 Clematis St,
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 868-7700

North Palm Beach Public Library
501 US Highway 1
North Palm Beach, FL 33408  
(561) 841-3380

Okeechobee Boulevard Branch
5689 West Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
(561) 233-1880

Palm Beach Gardens Branch
11303 Campus Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 626-6133

Village of Palm Springs Public Library
217 Cypress Lane
Palm Springs, FL 33461
(561) 584-8200, ext. 8350

Riviera Beach Public Library
2129 North Congress Avenue
Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
(561) 845-4195

Royal Palm Beach Branch
500 Civic Center Way
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
(561) 790-6030

Spanish River Library
1501 NW Spanish River Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 393-7852

Tequesta Branch
461Old Dixie Highway North
Tequesta, FL 33469
(561) 746-5970

Wellington Branch
1951 Royal Fern Drive
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 790-6070

West Boca Branch
18685 State Road 7
Boca Raton, FL 33498
(561) 470-1600

West Boynton Branch
9451 Jog Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
(561) 734-5556

Also read our related stories:

• Free birding equipment on loan at Broward & greater Palm Beach libraries
• Free homework help at local libraries

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