With the West Palm Beach GreenMarket returning and season getting underway, downtown West Palm Beach is coming back to life, and there’s plenty more happening just steps from the waterfront at the Mandel Public Library, named one of the 11 most beautiful libraries in America by Fodors.
Located in the heart of downtown on Clematis Street, the library offers far more than books, with an ever-changing lineup of wellness, cultural and family experiences. Best of all, it’s all free with a library card.
Here are five reasons to stop in this October.
Find Your Calm
Consider the library an unexpected addition to your wellness routine. Yoga with Priyanka offers gentle vinyasa flow classes Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m., while Tai Chi with Brian Ritter brings a restorative mix of movement and meditation Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.
For something even quieter, Guided Meditation with Sound Healer and Reiki Master Michelle Barrie returns October 3 and 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All levels are welcome.
Try Something New
Part martial art, part dance and entirely energizing, Capoeira offers an introduction to the Afro-Brazilian practice known for blending movement, music and culture. Instructor Mayling Pao leads the class October 9 and 23 from 2 to 3 p.m.; no experience necessary.
Make It a Morning with the Littles
For parents and grandparents looking for something fun to do with little ones, the library’s colorful KidSpace is worth a visit on its own, and October brings even more reasons to go.
On Thursdays, Rhythm & Hues Music Class gets babies and children up to age 5 moving and making music during two morning sessions at 10:30 and 11 a.m. And on October 7, A BEARy Fun Toddler and Friends Storytime celebrates Fat Bear Week with bear-themed stories for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Bringing a favorite teddy bear is highly encouraged.
While in the KidSpace from October 19-31, be sure to have your little one decorate a pumpkin to hang on the library’s pumpkin patch.
Pair It with a Downtown Saturday
The return of the West Palm Beach GreenMarket makes Saturday mornings one of the best times to be downtown. After strolling the dozens of vendors and the waterfront, head a few blocks west to the library for four floors of air-conditioned respite, complete with ongoing classes or just a cool place to browse and recharge.
Grow Something Good… for a Good Cause
While the Mandel Public Library is a City of West Palm Beach library, private support through the Mandel Public Library Foundation helps fund many of the programs and experiences that make it such a dynamic community destination.
And one way to support it this October comes with succulents and wine.
On October 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Foundation’s Supporters will host Sensational Succulents at Studio 411. Guests will create their own succulent garden with guidance from Kimberly Helms of Bountiful Bonsai by Sensational Succulents while enjoying wine, light bites and good company. Tickets are $75, with proceeds supporting the Foundation and programming at the Mandel Public Library. Learn more here.
These are just a few highlights from dozens of free programs offered each month for all ages. Explore the full calendar of programs and events at wpbcitylibrary.org. Mandel Public Library is located at 411 Clematis Street in West Palm Beach.
