Brand New Panama City Beach Library Now Open!

It’s been quite a week or two for Panama City Beach – first a new international airport, and as of Wednesday June 2^nd 2010, a brand new state-of-the-art library! At 10,000 square feet, the new facility is larger, offers a much broader range of services, and is conveniently located on Hutchinson Blvd and Lyndell Lane in the center of Panama City Beach.

You don’t have to be an avid reader to appreciate what a great addition this library will be to the community. 24 internet computer stations will mean not only unlimited free online access, but use of all Microsoft windows programs and office applications. Patrons can search and apply for employment, take school tests, even print boarding passes or shop online! A 15 seat computer lab and literacy center will offer computer classes such as Adobe Photoshop or Excel, GED classes, English as a second language, and even AARP income tax preparation classes.

The new Panama City Beach library provides double the space of the old facility, twice as much seating, and ample room for more growth. Although there’s a great selection of new books to complement the new surroundings, one thing this library needs is community support in the form of donations. Books, DVDs, magazines and CDs are all hugely appreciated – all it will take is a few unused items per person to help our new library become an even more extensive, richer community resource. If like me, you buy a book, read it and then retire it to the shelf forever, why not dig them out and allow your generous donations to be enjoyed over and over again?

Another great thing about the new library in Panama City Beach is that it is extremely focused on providing reading incentives for kids and teens while having fun in a safe environment. Susan Franklin runs the children’s program which begins on June 16^th at 2pm, and will take place every Wednesday at 2pm throughout the summer. The program is called “Make a Splash” and will offer storytellers, magicians, crafts, games and prizes. Teens have their own program which focuses on anime and is supervised by Jennifer Castillo. The teen program begins June 15^th at 2pm, and will take place every Tuesday at 2pm throughout the summer season. Weekly classes will also take place during the fall and winter – watch this space for details!

“Many people have been visiting our new library since the doors opened at 9.00 am on the very first day” said library manager Frank Walker. “It’s going really well so far. Lots of new memberships and first time library users in addition to library regulars checking out the new location.”

See the new library for yourself at 12500 Hutchinson Blvd or call (850) 233 5055 for more details.