West of Boynton, new library at Canyon Town Center is taking shape

Mike Diamond, Palm Beach Post
·2 min read

Palm Beach County's 18th library is beginning to take shape at the Canyon Town Center west of Boynton Beach. The two-story facility is expected to open in the spring of 2024. While a ground breaking was held Sept. 24, advocates, including The Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA), first began pushing for a new library nearly 10 years ago.

The Canyon Branch is being built near the amphitheater of the Canyon Town Center off Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road. The exterior walls are up and county officials expect the library branch to create a sense of community for the west Boynton area that they say has been missing.

The west-of-the turnpike area between Hypoluxo Road and Atlantic Avenue has been the scene of large-scale development, especially along Lyons Road where more than 10,000 homes have been built. For many residents, the closest library branch is five to eight miles away. The Canyon Branch will "open minds to a world of unlimited possibilities," according to library officials.

Support local journalism: Take advantage of our Presidents Day sale and sign up for full digital access to The Palm Beach Post for only $1 a month for 12 months! Special introductory offer for new subscribers only. 

Valencia Grand:Second phase approved; development west of Boynton will now feature 704 homes

West of Boynton:$12 million first phase of Canyon District Park comes to life

West Boynton's watchdog: COBWRA community group marks 40 years of monitoring development

The Canyon Branch Library west of Boynton Beach is being built near the amphitheater of the Canyon Town Center off Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road.
The Canyon Branch Library west of Boynton Beach is being built near the amphitheater of the Canyon Town Center off Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road.

Here's a closer look at what it will offer:

What the 33,000 square-foot, $21 million library will include

  • Flexible floor space

  • Automated checkout and return stations

  • Digital media lab

  • Large meeting room space that can accommodate up to 350 people. Can be divided into smaller spaces

  • Smaller conference and study rooms

  • Two themed areas designed for children and teens

  • Ample parking spaces

  • Green plaza space

  • A recording studio similar to the one at the main library in West Palm Beach

The new Canyon Branch will be a 33,000-square-foot facility located in the Canyon Town Center at Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road next to the Canyon Amphitheatre.
The new Canyon Branch will be a 33,000-square-foot facility located in the Canyon Town Center at Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road next to the Canyon Amphitheatre.

Meanwhile, library officials are holding community forums to help administrators better serve the community. They will be in library branches in:

  • Belle Glade, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.

  • Lantana, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.

  • Wellington, Feb. 28, 1:30 p.m.

Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West of Boynton Beach, Canyon Library Branch takes shape