Project starts after years of planning with community input

Downtown Boca Raton library groundbreaking

SouthFloridaSunrise.com Staff report

April 25--On April 24, 2012, the shovels were finally in the ground at the official groundbreaking for the new Downtown Library.

The City Council, joined by City staff and numerous community supporters of the new Library, turned the ceremonial fist shovel of earth to mark the beginning of construction on the Library, designed by the architectural firm PGAL.       

The City has approved all site planning, building design, permitting, and a maximum construction price of $9.95 million in its contract with Kaufman Lynn Inc. for the new 41,932 square feet Downtown Library.

The new Library building will be almost double the size of the current Downtown Library and will provide improved services and community spaces including: (1) a wide range of Youth and Adult reading and learning materials in various formats; (2) a meeting and program room, and adjacent outside patio, with a capacity of more than 300 occupants; (3) 70 public access computers; (4) robust wi-fi services; (5) a Youth Learning Center, (6) a Teen Room, (7) a Discovery Center for Youth and Adults; (8) Adult and Youth reading “towers”; (9) ten private study and tutoring rooms; and (10) a bookstore like new materials areas.

The new Library will seek a Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Friends of the Boca Raton Library has donated $250,000 to the City to expand the multipurpose meeting room and the Friends' bookstore, and the Rotary Club of Boca Raton has announced plans to donate $50,000 for the purchase of furniture, equipment, improved lighting, and other enhancements to the Youth Services Center of the new Library.

A 2013 completion date is anticipated.