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Frequently Ask Questions

 
Housing grants/loans
  1. Q: What is a block grant and how do I apply for funds?
    A: Housing and Community Development publishes a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in October of each year which summarizes pertinent information about the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The NOFA also advises the public of the grant application process and the availability of grant applications. There are several types of activities that these funds can be used for such as acquisition, demolition, code enforcement, construction, fair housing enforcement, public facilities, public services, rehabilitation, and relocation. HCD is located at 3323 Belvedere Road, Building 501, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. Their phone number is 561-233-3601.

  2. Q: How do I qualify for the HOME Program and how do I apply?
    A: The HOME Program is for those who have not owned a home within the past three years. You can apply through a non-profit organization or community development corporation (i.e. Urban League of Palm Beach County, Community Financing Consortium, North West Riviera Beach CRC, Lake Worth CDC, etc.) You can quality for up to $25,000 depending on your total household income and size. For more information contact Housing and Community Development at 561-233-3601.

  3. Q: Are there any grants for homeless shelters?
    A: The Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESGP) is also provided by Housing and Community Development These funds can be used for operation and maintenance of homeless facilities, provision of essential services to the homeless, and homeless prevention activities.

  4. Q: What is SHIP?
    A: Housing and Community Development can provide information on the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program. This program provides funds to local government to promote and support affordable housing. Qualification is based on total household income and size. Very low-income households can receive up to $17,500 and low-income households can receive up to $12,500.

Jobs
  1. Q: How do I find out about job announcements?
    A: Locally, the Human Resources office posts detailed job announcements in the office; the 24-hour Job Hotline phone number is (561) 616-6900, TDD (561) 616-6895; the website posts jobs; local government Channel 20 runs the announcements as part of its regular programming; on Sundays, they advertise in the "Government" classified ad employment section of the Palm Beach Post newspaper. The open positions are advertised every Monday.

  2. Q: How can I get an employment application?
    A: You can pick up applications at the Human Resources Office at 50 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL, 33415. The office is open weekdays, 8:30am - 5pm, excluding holidays. You can take an application home and fill it out, but it must be received back in the office by 5pm on the closing date. All mailed applications must also be received in the office by 5pm on the closing date. You can add to or amend your application or resume prior to 5pm on the closing date. You can also download an application from the website. If you are applying for more than one position, you can submit copies of your application, but you must have an original signature on each application submitted. You can also FAX your application or resume to the office at 561-616-6893. But, no e-mailed applications/resumes will be accepted at this time. After you submit your application you will be notified ONLY if you are invited to interview with the hiring department.

  3. Q: How do I become a firefighter or paramedic with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue?
    A: Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue requires a person to hold current Florida certifications for Firefighter Minimum Standards and Emergency Medical Technician in order to apply for a job. Palm Beach County Human Resources Department (561-616-6888) administers the hiring process. Normally, they only accept applications when a position is being advertised. Vacancies are determined by staffing requirements and budget and are advertised in the classified ads of the local newspaper. For additional information, contact the Career Development Division of Palm Beach County at 561-616-7073.

  4. Q: How do I get the Firefighter Minimum Standards Training?
    A: In Palm Beach County, only Palm Beach Community College offers the 480 hour Minimum Standards Training. Additionally, all prospective students must pass basic scholastic (TABE test) and physical ability tests. A limited access point system has been formulated to ensure processing of all applicants who desire to enter into one of the three EMS/Fire programs. For more information on Minimum Standards classes, call Palm Beach Community College at 561-686-7277.

  5. Q: I have firefighter training/certification from another state. Is it transferable to Florida?
    A: Firefighter certifications are administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards, Florida Sate Fire College in Ocala, Florida. For specific details contact 352-369-2800.

Library
  1. Q: How do I get a library card?
    A: Library cards are free to all eligible residents of Palm Beach County. Cards are issued at all locations in the System upon verification of address. Children under 16 can get a card with parent’s or guardian's identification and signature.

    Your card may be used at any branch in the Palm Beach County Library System. The card must be renewed every two years. There is no cost to replace lost, damaged or stolen cards.

    Non-residents may buy a card for an annual fee of $30. A six-month card is available for $15.

    If you do not have a Palm Beach County Library card and  want to access our online research databases only, you may sign up for an e-card on our website.   An e-Card provides free access to subscription-only electronic resources found on our website but does not allow you to check out or place holds on library materials, as you can do with a regular card. You may upgrade your e-card to a regular card at the library with proof of address at any time.

    People who already have a Palm Beach County Library card may access the electronic databases using their existing library card number.

  2. Q: How many items may I borrow?
    A: Library card holders may borrow up to 50 items at a time.

  3. Q: How long may I keep library materials?
    A: The loan period for library materials varies according to the item and the demand. All materials may be returned to any branch in the library system.

    • DVDs (7 or more discs) -14 days
    • DVDs (6 or fewer discs) - 7days
    • New Books & Best Sellers - 14 days
    • Music CDs - 14 days
    • Audio Books (6 or fewer Tapes or CDs) - 14 days
    • Audio Books (7 or more Tapes or CDs) - 28 Days
    • Videocassettes - 7 days
    • All other books including children's books can be checked out for 28 days.

  4. Q: How do I extend the loan period of the materials I have checked-out?
    A: Materials may be renewed up to three (3) times if there are no holds on the material. Renewals may be done in person, by phone or online using the website catalog. For step-by-step instructions on renewing materials online visit www.pbclibrary.org/renew.htm.

  5. Q: How do I place a hold on an item I would like to check out?
    A: Holds may be placed on all cataloged circulating items. A hold may be placed in person, by phone or online using the website catalog.

  6. Q: How do I request materials that the Palm Beach County Library System does not own?
    A: If a book, journal, magazine or newspaper article is not in our collection, we'll be happy to try to obtain it for you through an interlibrary loan. Ask for and fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request Form, or consult the reference librarians at any branch. You may also place a request using the Online Interlibrary Loan Request Form, http://www.pbclibrary.org/forms/ill-requestform.asp.

  7. Q: What happens if I return my materials late?
    A: Library patrons are encouraged to return library materials on time. Late materials are subject to fines of 10 cents per day. Library fines stop accumulating when the materials are returned or when the maximum fine limit is reached which is $5.00 per item. Patrons are responsible for returning materials in good condition.  Fines and replacement costs may also be charged for materials which are lost, damaged, or never returned materials.

  8. Q: When do I need my PIN?
    A: Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is used to provide access to your borrowing information on our web site.  You will be given a PIN when you obtain a library card and can change it at any County library branch. 

  9. Q: What other services does the Library provide?
    A: The Library System provides many outreach programs, including Talking Books Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) phone lines, Books-By-Mail for residents who are homebound, one-on-one tutoring for adults literacy students and bookmobile service."
 

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