The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library is a tribute to the treasures found inside. Located on the sixth floor of the Main Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Center features an inviting stained-glass entry-way and a dramatic, curved wood ceiling above slatted-wood walls.   Features rare books, artist's books, pop-up books, and special collections.

Special Collections and Rare Books

The Bienes Museum of the Modern Book: The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library offers a collection of more than 12,000 items, including special collections, rare books and reference material. The majority of the holdings are locked in a humidity and temperature-controlled storage area. The librarian on duty in the reading room provides reference service and retrieves material for visitors to the Center.

 

Using the Collection
Materials in the collection are accessible in the reading room at the Bienes Museum of the Modern Book: The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library, but are not available for checkout. In order to use the material, patrons are requested to present a photo I.D., sign a guest book, store personal belongings in a provided locker and take their requests to the librarian, who will retrieve the items. Any photocopies are made by the librarian on duty.

Broward County Main Library

The 8,300 square-foot facility was designed by Fort Lauderdale architect Donald Singer. The stained-glass entry piece, titled Passages, was created by Shelley Jurs as a Broward County Public Art and Design project. Elements of the glass design were inspired by Celtic knotwork images from The Book of Kells, a ninth century Irish work represented in facsimile at the center.

Within the Bienes Museum of the Modern Book: The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library is a conference room that seats 24 people, the ceremonial room which includes an audio-visual center for use during lectures and programs, several display areas and a reading room.

 

Average Number of Annual Visitors: 2,000
Gallery Space: 2,00sqft
Number of Shows Annually: 3 - 4