WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (February 23, 2026) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The West Palm Beach Library Foundation has announced a generous $75,000 naming gift from the Carole A. and Norman Barham Family Foundation to name the Children’s Story Hour Space located on the third floor of the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.

 

The Barhams’ investment reflects a shared belief in the power of literacy and early learning. Their gift will strengthen the Foundation’s mission to ensure that the life-changing programs, services, and educational resources offered through the Mandel Public Library remain free and accessible to all.

 

Library Foundation Board Chair Margaret Moraskie expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Board of Directors: “We are deeply grateful to Carole and Norman for their generous and meaningful support. Only through philanthropic leadership like theirs can we continue to provide free access to children’s literacy programs, story time gatherings, and lifelong learning opportunities for families across West Palm Beach. Their gift helps ensure that this welcoming space continues to inspire young readers for generations to come.”

 

Carole Barham shared the family's enthusiasm for the partnership: “Norman and I are pleased to support the Mandel Public Library's children's floor through this naming gift and look forward to continuing our relationship with the Library Foundation in the coming years."

 

Dean W. Dimke, Chief Executive Officer of the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, highlighted the lasting impact of the investment: “The Barhams’ gift of $75,000 will strengthen our efforts to promote a love of reading and literacy for our community’s children. Future generations will gather in this space for Storytime Programs and early learning experiences, developing reading skills in an environment made possible by this generosity.”

 

An unveiling of the bronze naming plaque in the Children’s Story Hour Space was held on February 16. The ceremony was attended by Palm Beach Gardens residents Carole and Norman Barham, along with their family and friends Howard Rosen and Pamela Slotkin, who first introduced the Barhams to the Library Foundation in 2025.