The first community library in Boca Raton was established by the Woman's Club of Boca Raton in 1923. Over the years, the library operated from several locations, including the Army Air Field and Boca Raton City Hall. Today, the Spanish River Library and Community Center is one of two libraries in Boca Raton. This library is a stunning 41,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed in the Mediterranean Revival style. The library officially opened on January 26, 2008, following the approval of a $19.8 million bond by Boca Raton taxpayers in 2003 to expand the city's public library system. The building is so beautiful that it even serves as a wedding venue and features a catering kitchen for special events. Beyond its extensive collection of fiction and nonfiction books, the library offers quiet reading and study spaces, meeting rooms, a snack room with vending machines, a children's area, an art gallery, and scenic patio seating. The Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1990, has raised funds for many major library initiatives, including the library's bookmobile, which brings library services to underserved communities; AWE Early Literacy Stations at both the Downtown Boca Raton Public Library and Spanish River Library; and the award-winning StoryWalk trails located in Boca Raton's public parks. Perhaps the library's most distinctive feature is its breathtaking lakeside setting next to the Pondhawk Natural Area. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide beautiful views of Blue Lake, creating a peaceful atmosphere for reading or working. A scenic loop trail circles the lake and connects to Pondhawk's 79 acres of paved and natural-surface trails, where visitors can spot native plants and wildlife. The trail also links to Countess de Hoernle Park and Spanish River Athletic Park, making the library the perfect starting point for a day of nature and learning. read more

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Rudest officer. Made my experience tense and awkward. I was sitting on a chair with my leg folded up, he came by scolded and pointed at me and told me "SIT PROPERLY" as if I'm a child?? Then rolled his eyes. Proceeded to keep staring and walking past me 3 more times gave dirty looks. Yall need to fire him or tell him to stop roaming around all creepy and staring. I literally had to leave it was so weird. read more

Staff is always so lovely and helpful. There are constantly new special events to check out. Aside from books this library also has a huge collection of other items which you can check out such as garden games, cake/bundt pans, cricut, sewing machines etc. The children's area offers several computers, a play area, tables to color at. read more

The library is very clean and organized. The sections for kids is amazing. The little play room is also very fun. They do nice activities throughout the week. read more

Amazing!! The most incredible library I have been to !! Definitely worth a visit! Great for adults and children !

Overall it's a good place to meet and enjoy the feel of books. Great meeting place to go over projects and get information. A little to quiet for me. Lol. Never was able to stay quiet. read more

Spanish River Library - His first time ever voting. What an adventure. - Libraries Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

When you think of a grand and beautiful library in Boca- you should think of this library. This library is just gorgeous, situated by water and views of pretty trees, water and people walking outside. Their downstairs area has bunch of sitting area and a very interactive area for kids and youth as well. The upstairs is a quiet area and perfect for serious studying. I took advantage of studying there for two hours upstairs. Also they have a gorgeous terrace that you can enjoy sitting outside and seeing the views. Also they have a small art gallery upstairs inside the hallways. It's such a neat idea. Downstairs I wish they still sold things in the cafe area. I heard from the librarian they used to sell food and drink items a few years ago but they stopped doing that. Hope they start it soon. Overall a great library read more

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If you are a resident of Boca Raton, head to this library to get your free library card and all the additional free online newspapers and other apps that allow you to get ebooks and movies for free! I will have to return to walk around the inside more but it was nice and quiet if you want to study or read here. It's right next to a pond and park that you can walk around as well. The staff was super helpful and explained all the services they offer when I went to get the library card. read more

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Great, clean and quiet place to study. Only complaint is the kids can get very loud when they swarm the place after they get out of school. Wish they were a bit better at keeping that noise down but oh well. read more

The staff are very kind and understanding of everything. Tons of book . Very good library. Tons of good events. Very clean library. 5 stars!

One of the most elegant, majestic libraries in Florida with that mansion-style architecture and the pond behind the library. I love this library just because it is beautiful and pretty. Otherwise, a lot of volumes as well as courteous staff and even a cafe as a bonus. read more

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It is the most beautiful library I have ever belonged to. Very friendly and helpful staff. read more

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This is an absolutely beautiful library. I have been coming here for years. Not only is the library building beautiful; but the surrounding grounds are even better. You can take out a book, sit on a bench outside and read; all while charging your electric car for free! This last time I discovered something new! I usually take a stroll around Blue Lake during my visits. It is a captivating lake with iguanas, all sorts of birds, fish and yes, even alligators. Be sure to heed the warning signs. The pathway around the lake is paved and there are benches scattered throughout to rest if you need to. Now they have added a new nature trail called Storywalk. When I went, it was close to dusk, so I didn't walk the whole trail. However, it was charming. They have posted signs along the way telling a story. I won't spoil your surprise, so I won't say anymore. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon with kids. From the library parking lot, just follow the signs. read more

Spanish River Library - Follow to arrow to Storytime. - Libraries Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

Beautiful library set on wonderful, walkable grounds. I've never had an issue reserving books and all the staff have been helpful with finding things I need. The walking trail nearby offers a perfect opportunity to take a walk and borrow a book. read more

It's a beautiful library inside and out. I love coming here, checking out a few books, and then heading out to the lake/pond lined with benches. My only criticism is that they need more books - in my honest opinion the whole upstairs should be converted into more rows of books and less workspace. I never actually see anyone up there using it. read more

My personal fav of the few Boca public libraries I've been to. The outside is beautiful and on the lake is a nice touch. Very clean and organized and the people seem friendly. read more

I was working at my computer and nodded off. they had a librarian come over to wake me up IMMEDIATELY and said it was against their policy to fall asleep at all. I have never heard of such a thing. Is breathing also under restriction? never again for this library. Also people are talking loudly etc and now one cares. Deceptively looks like a good library but it is NOT. read more

I read at least 1 book at week...yet whenever I'm at the library it's for a fancy party rather than to check out books. I thought throwing parties at the library was a Chicago thing, but apparently it's a Boca thing now too. When we pulled up to the library last night for my cousin's bar-mitzvah my husband exclaimed "wow, this is the nicest library I've ever seen." And he hadn't even seen the fabulous party room upstairs yet... There's an area for cocktails, a large open space for tables and a dance floor, and my favorite area...the rooftop terrace. It's all just perfect for bar-mitzvahs, corporate functions, rehearsal dinners, and perhaps even a small wedding. I'm pretty sure this is one of those spaces you have to bring everything in, but follow in my cousin's lead and hire Silver Sac as your caterer: http://www.yelp.com/biz/silver-sac-catering-boca-raton#hrid:s5D0p6fZIU5H9153Z-17kQ/src:self And don't forget the entertainment: http://www.yelp.com/biz/platinum-gold-entertainment-coral-springs#hrid:B5PeTmgONAkkYCIfvXBFWQ I think you've got yourself a party...yep, at the library! read more

Spanish River Library - Libraries Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

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This library has a great children's section. My son loves exploring and playing with all the toys they have here. It's very clean and their is a children's bathroom located this section as well. This library has a lot of books and dvds. The only con of this library is if you don't live in "Boca" you have to pay for a membership; even though they charge for dvd rentals. Beautiful location and beautiful library. read more

Very beautiful library a great place for studying if it wasn't for the obnoxious staff and children that are there, trying to study for exams and group of middle schoolers next to us start yelling racial slurs, cursing talking about illicit profanity, so we tell them to quiet down and is a place for learning and studying, and they curse back at us and we yell back off their energy. They leave and 30 minutes later a rude employee claiming to be teen advisors comes out and tells us we are the problem for trying to teach people that library are meant to be quiet and he had the audacity to say he would write us up for it. Need better staff and rules. Do not recommend, was not able to get any work done. read more

This library has truly become my favorite spot. It's so beautiful inside out and even has a cafe inside where you can get coffee, tea, salads, sandwiches, desserts, etc. I loved my time there and can't believe all this time, I didn't know about this library's existence! The staff including the gentleman working in the cafe was so personable and approachable. There's a walking trail outside as well. I haven't fully explored their collection and remained downstairs but they have a second floor as well. They have study and meeting rooms too. read more

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Prolly one of the best places to chill out and catch up on the news, read a book or just snooze! Beautiful lake view and surroundings with a fairly decent cafeteria! Spent many long hours here when studying for my ABEM recertification exams...ugh! Will be back to just chill! read more

Great library and facility. Overall clean and well spaced. Nice windows to look outside. The library is nice but the staff is not. The staff is lacking in professionalism and unless you are asking about a book, don't expect them to accommodate! The children's area is open and the noise is rather distracting to the remainder of the library. All ages come here which is great however it's evident that the children get the run of the mill in terms of noise toleration. The children's area should really be closed off because despite a large building, the echos of shrieking kids and their computer games reverberate throughout the entire building. Despite library patrons being quiet and courteous, the library staff talks at a volume typically heard in a loud restaurant of cafe. I like this library however the women (it's all women working the counters) working here are not typically nice, frequently going out of their way to point out what is "not their policy" and yet when people come in coughing and sickly, or having loud conversations, they don't mind. Again great library, but the staff could use a dose of "chill out!" read more

Amazing library for students who want to study for a long period of time. Once you're done you can go for a walk around the lake. They have a room where a set of cubicles are to sit and study. read more

I like the way the Boca Raton libraries have stayed relevant. For me, I have attended several classes at the Spanish River Library and the downtown library. I can also access the libraries through the internet for information. Because I am a Library member I can reserve books, DVDs, rooms, and make an appointment to have the help of a Librarian. Have Fun! read more

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They kicked me out for no reason bad employees they must not of been having a good day because they are very rood there's a lady who wouldn't give me her name read more

OMG - now THIS is what I call a library. A cafe, a spacious meeting area with multi purpose rooms. Ourdoor terreces overlooking the water. Free internet usage. Man I am just LOVIN' this library. Husband & kid love it, too. Hooray for the Countess! read more

Close to home and a great place to stop in for peace and quite and some reading. The setting is on a nice lake with a path to walk. Keep up the good work. read more

Friendly staff, always very clean, usually plenty of places to study. I don't like how people are allowed to talk at any level throughout the library. After school is out the place is over taken by tutors and children who don't adhere to the quite rules. They should be required to get private rooms instead of using public areas, and bothering everyone else. Also after 4PM the wifi is HORRIBLE. They need to improve this quickly. It can't handle the load of people using it. Or offer a better wifi option for library members or they can pay for daily access that would prevent the load on the wifi being too much. read more

I haven't looked around through the selection of books, so I can't fairly give my opinion on that. However, this library is THE BEST for studying (group or individual). First of all, it's beautiful! It's not like many other library's where the walls are grey and super depressing. No. There's a huge wall of windows that brings in fresh sunlight and direct view of a beautiful fountain in a lake. Really stress relieving and perfect for short strolls/study breaks. The cafe is awesome and selection is just enough. After all it's a library. It's a typical mom and pop type of small cafe. There are sandwiches, paninis, soups, chips, ice cream, snacks, drinks and probably more that I'm forgetting! I've had the turkey sandwich a few times with the pasta salad. It's yummy! Even got a little pickle on the side LOL! I also like this cafe for group study sessions! I've studied in here a few times with groups of people and you don't feel uncomfortable talking, as you would inside the library. There are computers (I've never used) I bring my own and study tables and desks downstairs. It's not a huge area but it's enough. The library is never packed which is great as well!! My favorite place to study though is upstairs. It's a closed off area and you are required to be quiet! Anddddd you have the best view. Windows on both sides so you get the gorgeous top view of the lake (again perfect view for a study break) or you can peak outside at the parking lot :p. Everyone upstairs is usually in the zone, so there are no distractions. Bathrooms are conveniently located upstairs and downstairs! I'm a student and love studying here. I've seen plenty of other students of all ages here studying. Gorgeous facility and child friendly. I believe they have events for kids as well! read more

Wonderful library! Great resources and spacious environment. Computers are great. I love this location!

Very nice library. Not as nice as Downtown library, but still great in many ways. The outdoor seating on both levels and having a second floor is a bonus over downtown library. Still like it a lot. Highly recommend. read more

Spanish River Library - Nice view. Even better upstairs. Seating outside on both levels as well - Libraries Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

Such a beautiful facility. We enjoy visiting the library, and really appreciate the current curbside pick up!!

I spent hours studying at this library. The library is very spacious, it has two stories and plenty of places to study. It has a cafe and a great view with trails if you want to take a break and just enjoy the weather. It does get really loud though and because of the acoustics , if you're like me , it's pretty hard to study with the amount of people talking. But they have a study area that's a "quiet" space which I really appreciated and the staff are actually pretty good about enforcing the quiet zone. The Library membership isn't worth it if you don't live in Boca, but if you just want a nice place to study I'd recommend this place. read more

Lots of space and plenty of power outlets, but overall one of the worst libraries. It is extremely loud, even the people at the front desk talk loudly. Nearly impossible to concentrate when here. Probably better if you're looking for somewhere to work on a group project rather than homework that requires your full attention. read more

Recently renovated, this is a fantastic spot to study. Lots of tables, windows, and natural light. Thoroughly impressed with this library and it has a great selection of books and videos. read more

Noisiest library with rude patrons !!! Should be considered a public meeting place rather than a library! Between the cell phones constantly going off, people talking out loud, why even call it a library! Epic fail!!! read more

Spanish River Library - Libraries Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

This is my favorite of all libraries on the planet! It is not just a library but an entire animal and nature preserve surround it. You can go and study which i did over the course of 4 months in preparation for a licensing securities exam; you can enjoy a coffee or drink and snack in their cafe; sit inside or out in their beautiful architecture building and patio and then treat yourself (and your family) to a scenic hike on the preserves numerous trails, which i do frequently. Regarding the trails, there are nature trails from natural paths appropriately marked (two--one yellow and one red) to a couple of paved loops (one around the lake and one loop through the preserve). The paved trails provide wonderful and secure access for wheelchairs and strollers. Nature abounds on the trails and throughout the preserve. It is amazing to see so many animals and reptiles in the confines of urban city on every side. I love it! It is one of the few places I can go nearby for inner peace and to sense God in my presence with all his wonders. (When I brought my wife, she said "this is the perfect place to come to study and commune with nature!"). It is not over crowded either. The library itself and cafe are open 7 days a week with good hours. They have electrical outlets outside for your computers and iPads plus tables, chairs and benches. The library staff and cafe staff are always nice and friendly. The library is well stocked with books, dvds and multiple computer terminals--i counted at least 10. They have study areas, a copy center and private meeting rooms that can be reserved. Restroom facilities are nice and clean. The building itself is attractive architecture that compliments and fits into the surroundings. I cant think of anything negative or neutral to say. The parking is ample with trees throughout which makes it attractive and part shade if you want that for your car. The only thing to keep in mind is that this is a "community library" of Boca Raton, FL so if you want to check out a book or dvd, you have to live in Boca and have a government I.D. That proves it. (My feelings were initially hurt when I discovered this but it is quite understandable. A community library does not have the time or resources to track down somebody in Miami to get their book back! I get it). But one is quite welcome to read the books and see the dvds while at the library and that has worked for me nicely. Consider exploring it, if you have never. I have lived in the area for 16 years and never even knew it was here until a friend suggested we meet there to discuss some business. Glad we did as it has become a frequent love of mine to visit on the weekends. Highly Recommend! AAA+ read more

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Beautiful building, cafe, gift shop, events area for weddings, outdoor reading area, on a lake..look at the website photos. Large reading area, but it seems wrong to allow bums to sit around...and charge a fee of $150 unless you live in a specific part of Boca...libraries are supposed to be free to provide reading and imagination to our youth...so somehow the priorities are a little mixed up. Five stars for everything minus one for missing the point of a library. read more

Not sure where my last review of this library went... But this place is awesome! Amazing view of the lake, plenty of room to spread out. Although it does get noisy sometimes, I've never had a tremendously difficult time getting down to business. Not the biggest library by any means, but does the job and does it well! read more