Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach

I was watching a First Amendment Audit and employee conduct check by SAM Oversight on YouTube today from 6 days ago. When the auditor walked past the female Security guard she didn’t say anything like “you can’t record in here” she said nothing. Where’s the transparency here? “kathy” – a library employee, approached the auditor and gave directives that were questionable. See photos below ⬇️. The unpleasant lady at the information desk had her back turned to the auditor saying “i don’t wish to be recorded” She works in PUBLIC and she’s a public servant. What doesn’t she understand? Then two officers responded Officers Jones and Santana. Officer Jones appeared rude and disrespectful, trying to control the conversation, giving directives to the auditor. While Officer Santana was polite, trying to mediate the situation. They were like night and day. Do better Officer Jones. He’s the reason people don’t like the Police. Then, Officer Santana walked the auditor over to City Hall to try to call Joseph Peduzzi- West Palm Beach Commissioner by phone from the PUBLIC lobby. They got his voicemail and the auditor said he will just speak to the Commissioner next Monday at the City Council meeting. The rude lady at the receptionist desk said she didn’t want to be recorded. Again, she’s a PUBLIC employee. She should anticipate being recorded. There are several cameras in City Hall. I am sure that was part of her employment contract. So why the big deal? I don’t understand this way of thinking 🤔? Officer Santana denied knowing the female receptionists name. Please? I deserve better lies. He knows her name. Gimme a break Officer Santana! Then he escorted the auditor back to the PUBLIC library which he stated “the library is a limited public forum” and then trespassed the auditor verbally. It appears that they needed clarification from the Commissioner as he told the auditor at the last Council meeting that it was ok to record there. Officer Santana stated until the library’s policies are revised their policies are valid. The auditor stated, at the Council meeting he should’ve recorded the situation. Policies don’t override the U.S. Constitution. These employees obviously need First Amendment training! Even Ray Charles can see it. Jeez! 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️ I hope the auditor does a revisit to this library and see if policies changed and the employees attitudes have changed. This audit is on YouTube for all the world 🌎 to see, the internet 🛜 is forever!

Parking was tough. I have been going here for years and the kids area was not as up to date as it has been previously. Many of the toys were missing or just overall lackluster. The librarians were lovely but the space and toys could use some tlc. I did love that we could check out tonies.