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About Broward County Library

Broward County Library's mission is to provide convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education, and recreation.

As one of the largest -- and busiest -- library systems in the nation, Broward County Library touches the lives of the public once every second during its regular operating hours. Last year alone, Broward County Library was accessed (via door count, remote access, and telephone access) 10.5 million times, over 50 accesses a minute.

Broward County Library encompasses a flagship Main Library, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University, five regional libraries, and 29 branch libraries.

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Broward County Library was named "Library of the Year" for 1996/97 by Library Journal and Gale Research for its strong partnerships throughout the community and its commitment to excellence.

Highlights of Statistics: 

  • Broward County Library checks out more than nine million items annually

  • Attendance to library programs totals more than 600,000 people annually

  • More than one million people own a Broward County Library card

  • More than ten million people each year visit Broward County Library

In addition to circulating materials and information access, Broward County Library brings a rich and diverse selection of programs, special events, and classes throughout the year. Each year, the community looks forward to annual library events such as the Children's Book Fest, Pan African Bookfest and Cultural Conference, Literary Feast, and StoryBook Festival.

By offering the community a wide variety of enrichment opportunities, Broward County Library maintains a crucial role in the community, providing education, information and recreation to the public. Each library in the system strives to anticipate and meet the needs of their patron base by creating and presenting programs and activities that reflect the community it serves.

Broward County Library Online

Broward County Library has received awards and accolades for its Web site including winning the National Association of County Information Officers' Best of Show in 2007 for its E-Newsletter.

Broward County Library Services

Broward County Library also offers a number of special services including:

  • Nationally recognized adult and children's literacy programs
  • Access services for people with disabilities, including the Talking Book Library and Books-By-Mail
  • Community technology centers with computers for public use
  • Free computer-training classes for the public
  • Small-business resource center geared toward small and minority businesses
  • FDLRS Media Center with information for parents and teachers of children with disabilities
  • Bienes Museum of the Modern Book which houses and preserves rare books and special collections
  • Florida Center for the Book, established in 1984 as the first affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, celebrates the literary heritage of Florida and promotes books, reading, and libraries
  • Patent and Trademark Depository Library, one of only 81 nationwide

For more information, click on the links below.
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