Friends of Broward County Library

Friends of the ​African American Research Library and Cultural Center​ (AARLCC)  

Our mission is to bring together community "friends" to advocate for libraries. The Friends of the ​AARLCC is a support group of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. This includes, but is not limited to presenting library needs to elected officials in order to obtain crucial financial support.

Our advocacy activities include visiting with the County Administrator, the County Mayor and each County commissioner to convey factual information regarding the importance of maintaining funding for library programs and services, providing information on how these services benefit the community. We encourage community members to have a presence at each budget workshop, to speak at public hearings, to appear before the Broward Legislative Delegation, to attend Library Days in Tallahassee to advocate for state aid to libraries, and to encourage public participation in our advocacy campaigns.​

Please call branch for more information 954-357-6282.

• ​Website:  FriendsofAARLCC.org​
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Friends of Broward County Library Branch

Please call 954-357-5437 for more information.

Friends of Century Plaza

The Century Plaza Branch Library opened in 1982. In 1990, the Century Plaza Friends of the Library group was founded, and it became a strong advocate for library programs, staff and projects. It became a part of the Broward County Library’s Friends umbrella group, (now known as the Friends of Broward County Libraries, Inc.) that same year. 

The branch has either moved or been remodeled three times since 1982. The most recent major remodeling was completed in 2003. 

During June of 2012, the Century Plaza Branch Library was renamed the Century Plaza Leon Slatin Branch Library in honor of Leon Slatin. Mr. Slatin was the Friend’s founder and President for many years. He was also a member of the Library Advisory Board. Mr. Slatin was an advocate for library improvements and volunteered for more than 30 years!   
The biggest fund raiser for the Century Plaza Friends is the ongoing book fair. Through the generosity of our valued customers, donations are received on a regular basis. 

Every year the Friends group funds Century Plaza Leon Slatin Branch’s youth services programs. This includes special programming for the summer-long Florida Library Youth Program, and other year-round activities. The Friends also support a wide array of adult programs, especially during the very busy fall and winter months. Many of these programs are cultural in content, such as the Visual Art and Music Appreciation series. 

The Friends provide financial support for Broward county Library staff development, such as attendance at the Florida Library Association and the American Library Association conferences. 

At the 2015 Friends of the Library Luncheon and Awards, the Century Plaza Friends won an award for the “Provision of Cultural Programming” which was added to the many other awards they have received over the years. 

For more information please call 954-357-7740​.

Friends of Dania Beach B​ranch Library

The Friends of the Dania Beach Branch Library are thankful to the pioneering efforts of Paul DeMaio. He was the first “Friend” of the Dania Beach Library and was instrumental in the early development of the library and the Friends group. 

The Dania Beach Branch Library began operating in February 5, 1979 in a small space in the Dania Beach City Hall. It was begun as a Broward County Library-In-Action project to provide library services to the Dania Beach Community. Mr. DeMaio was a frequent volunteer at the library and was the founder of The Friends of the Dania Beach Library. 

Mr. DeMaio advocated relocating the library from its location inside the Dania Beach City Hall to a much larger space in the Graves Museum Building on Federal Highway. Mr. DeMaio was successful and the library re-opened in the Graves Museum in June 1995. The larger space allowed for more library materials and better services like PCs for research and writing. 

Mr. DeMaio passed away on March 26, 1999 at the age of 93 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In November 1999, to recognize Mr. DeMaio and to celebrate his work and vision, the name of the Dania Beach branch was officially changed to the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch Library. 

Thanks to funding provided by the 1999 library bond issue, the library moved to yet a larger location in the ground floor of the Citibank Building at 255 East Dania Beach Boulevard in June 2001. This library was open until January 15, 2011. 

In March 2005, thanks in part to advocacy efforts led by then Friends President Sandy Mitzel and other members of the Friends of the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library. Dania Beach citizens voted to approve a bond to build a new library building and parking garage in the city center. In February 2007, Broward County Commissioners approved an agreement with the City of Dania Beach to contribute funds for the library and garage project. Groundbreaking for the new library was held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 and the grand opening for the new library, located at 1 Park Avenue East, next to Dania Beach City Hall, was held on Saturday, April 9, 2011. 

The Friends of the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch Library are key supporters of the library. They operate a Friends Book Fair room and coordinate other fundraising efforts to help support library programs and services. Through the generosity of the Friends’ work, library programs for children, teens and adults as well as equipment not provided for in the general operating budget of the library are made possible. The Friends are influential advocates of library services and communicate the value of library services to elected officials at all levels of government, to voters and to the local community. 

For more information please call 954-357-7073.
Facebook:  Friends of Dania Beach Library​

Friends of Davie-Cooper City Library 

The Friends of Davie-Cooper City Library is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the Davie-Cooper City Library. 

​Please call the branch for more information 954-357-6399​.

Friends of Deerfield Beach Percy White Library​

The Friends of the Deerfield Beach Percy White Library began their efforts on behalf of the library shortly after it opened in 1960. Throughout the years, the library has been housed in three different buildings, and has also been retooled. Meanwhile, the Friends group is stronger than ever. 

The organization provides assistance to the library through a variety of special projects, funding of branch programming and materials, support of library staff, and advocacy for library issues. The Friends staff a book shop which offers books, small gifts, puzzles, greeting cards and other items. Funds raised at the shop, combined with membership dues and donations, support the library in several areas. The group has organized luncheons for Friends and volunteer recognition efforts. Programming at the library is enhanced by contributions from the Friends. They fund children's programs throughout the year. Other successful programs have included a violin concert presented by the Piatigorsky Foundation. The Friends also provide refreshments at some library events. Friends have purchased equipment and materials, including books for the library collection, bulletin boards, easels and a laptop computer with a projector. 

Through the group's support, library staff members are able to attend professional conferences, meetings and classes. As advocates for library issues, the Friends have sent representatives to Tallahassee for Library Days, and have worked to inform elected officials about the mission and needs of librarians. ​The Friends have won multiple awards for their advocacy efforts throughout the years. 

For more information please call 954-357-7680.

Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries - Main Library & Fort Lauderdale Reading Center

In 1963, Virginia Young of the Fort Lauderdale Woman's Club wrote the Florida State Library for help in bringing the concept of a countywide library system to Broward County. That same year, Joyce Gardner and Miami Herald editor Henry Kinney solicited $1,000 from the Fort Lauderdale City Commission for a survey to determine the future needs and goals for the existing Fort Lauderdale Library. Feeling the study was too costly, commissioners turned down the request. Convinced an assessment by a qualified and experienced library authority was the best first step for the city to take, Gardner called ten friends and business owners and quickly raised $100 from each. In relating the story, Gardner stated that she "knew there were people available who would know what we needed to do, and I wanted the best advice I could get." 

During this same time, the American Association of University Women, responding to growing concern over inadequate library services, initiated a meeting of numerous civic groups to organize the Fort Lauderdale Friends of the Library. According to local documents, John U. Walker, the first dues-paying member of the Friends of the Library, challenged his bridge partner, Art Moninger, to stop complaining and do something about the numerous inadequacies of the Fort Lauderdale Public Library. Mr. Moninger made a $5 contribution that resulted in the incorporation of the Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Library. More than 700 members had signed up by the time the Friend's charter was secured on June 25, 1963. (Excerpted from the soon to be published book; The Building of a Mountain: The Story of Broward County Library's First Thirty Years, by Sherry Lynch McVey, Community Relations and Partnerships Coordinator for Broward County Library.) 

Throughout its history, the Broward County Library has been nurtured by its Friends groups. In 1984, the Ft. Lauderdale Friends expanded its charter to include the new Main Library. Since its inception thousands of individuals who care about libraries have dedicated their time and dollars to improve the community through these libraries. 

Both the Ft. Lauderdale Branch Library, located at 1400 E. Sunrise Boulevard, and Main Library, located at 100 S. Andrews Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale have daily book fairs and larger books fairs throughout the year. The money raised by dues, fairs, donations and other events help to support programming, advocacy and staff development at these two libraries. This past year the Ft. Lauderdale Friends supported the Children's Reading Festival with a $7500 donation. They also support the Invent Broward exhibit and awards program, which is an annual countywide event done in partnership with Broward County Schools. 

Every fall, the Ft. Lauderdale Friends demonstrate their support of literacy by bringing students from Bennett Elementary School for a Day @ the Library. Students travel by bus and are given a tour of the library, sign up for library cards are treated to a special performance, have lunch on the terrace, do a craft and are each given a book purchased by the Friends to commemorate their visit. 

This year the Ft. Lauderdale Friends hosted Datapalooza, a research festival which focused on providing demonstrations of library databases. Each participant completing 4 demonstrations was awarded a personal radio provided by the Friends and became eligible for a drawing for other prizes. This program empowers individuals to use modern library resources to get information, and answers to their questions. 

They also support Teen Read Week, the Teen Summer Bash, the Summer Library Program, as well as various other programs for all ages during the year. 

The Ft. Lauderdale Friends of the Library recognize the important mission of the library to reach out to all members of the community to provide a place where anyone can come for free programs and information. They support the English Café and Crossroads Café, weekly programs for individuals wanting to improve or practice English. 

The Friends play an advocacy role. They send members to the American Library Association and Florida Library Association conferences, work with the Broward Legislative Delegation, and send advocates to Library Days in Tallahassee and Washington. 

Libraries in Broward are as successful as they are today thanks to the efforts of the Friends, from 1963, until the present. 

For more information please call 954-357-7415.
Website: Libraryfriends-ftl.org​
Facebook: Fort Lauderdale Libraries Friends

Friends of the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center

In 1993, one year after the Galt Reading Center opened its doors, the Friends of the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center was created. The Galt Friends have always supported the library and its services to the public. 

The Galt Friends have continued to enhance the library in programs with offerings such as professional book reviews, showing of classic movies and film documentaries, local artist art exhibitions, and poetry readings. In recent years, they have provided funding for language classes, music and art lectures, and music and cultural entertainers. 

The Galt Friends fund raising projects include an ongoing, used book fair rack in the library and an annual membership drive. 

At the 2013 Friends of the Library Luncheon and Awards, the group won the award for “Programming Efforts that Support the Love of Literature.” 

For more information please call 954-357-7840.​

Friends of the Hallandale Beach Branch Library

The Friends of the Hallandale Beach Branch Library​​ provide funding for library programs, generated by an ongoing book fair of donated materials. The Friends accomplish these aims by sponsoring exhibits, speakers and other programs as well as assisting in the acquisition of materials beyond the provisions of the operating budget. 

The Friends of the Hallandale Beach Branch Library was organized in 1969, with Dr. Sidney Rachlin serving as the first president. They supported, and solicited additional support for, each expansion and move of the Hallandale Beach Branch Library. 

The organization was established for the purpose of aiding the library. Their objectives are to promote understanding of the library -- its problems, its resources, and its needs. They aim to foster a favorable climate for support of the library -- its services, its physical facilities, and its resources. 

During 2013, the Friends of the Hallandale Beach Library donated several equipment purchases: (1) 15.6 inch/I-3 Samsung Windows 8 Laptop, (1) 39-inch Samsung LCD, (2) 32-inch Samsung LCDs, (1) WII Game Console and several pieces of peripheral gaming equipment worth $2,408.46 for the Hallandale Beach Library to utilize for library programming. 

They have purchased shelving for the Friends of the Hallandale Beach Library book retention closet. Also, a LCD projector, a digital camera, and a projector screen for the Hallandale Beach Branch Library multi-purpose room. 

The Friends sponsored classical music recitals and Calligraphy Guild meetings which are held yearly at the library. The wide variety of events the group supports includes: all Youth Services programs in addition to Books and Bites Book Club, Gulfstream Writers Group, Raja Yoga Meditation, U.S. Citizenship Exam Preparation Class Review, and English and Spanish classes are held monthly at the library. 

For more information please call 954-357-6380.

The Friends of the Hollywood Branch Library sponsor events to help to support new library services and technologies, while working to maintain Hollywood's quality programming. 

For more information please call 954-357–7760.
​​Facebook:  Hollywood Library Friends  ​

Friends of the Imperial Point Branch Library 

The Imperial Point Branch Library opened in 1988. About one year later nearby residents formed the Friends of the Imperial Point Branch Library. One of their early endeavors was to support the creation of a literacy lab. The literacy lab is still in existence with literacy materials and state of the art technology to serve Each One Teach One tutors and their students. Throughout 25 years of supporting the Imperial Point Library they have enhanced library services for the community. 

The Friends support special events for children and adults. To make the Library a special place for children Friends sponsor programs featuring magicians, storytellers, and musicians and provide craft materials for youth service programs, enhancements for the storytime room and books for the children’s and teen’s collection. Knowing how important it is for each child to have books they can call their own, each summer the Friends buys books to give to each child and teen who sign up for the summer reading program. The Friends provide funds for branch equipment, material for the collection and prizes for the adult summer reading program. They support and enhance adult programs with supplies and refreshments. 

The Friends of the Imperial Point Branch Library maintain a Friends Corner where donated books in very good condition are sold for a suggested donation in an ongoing book fair. This is the cornerstone of their fund raising efforts. In addition to the Friends Corner an annual “Book Fair” is held featuring DVDs, books on CD, books signed by the author and coffee table books.

For more information please call 954-357-6530.​

Friends of Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library

In 1977, the local residents of the Collier City Community Council voted to use HUD Community Development funds which were previously earmarked for water lines, instead, to build the Collier City Library. Residents thought that education for their children was more critical. In 1985, the library opened providing access to literature and information to a community with a high concentration of disadvantaged families where attention to literacy was and still remains critical.

Due to a generous $1.4 million expansion and renovation project funded by JM Family Enterprises/Southeast Toyota Distributors and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, the renamed Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library reopened its doors in December 2003. In August 2005, volunteers from the community established the Friends of the Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library to support and advocate for library programs and services. The library’s mission is to be committed to serving the needs of individuals and families in our community by creating, promoting and implementing environments and tools which support the lifelong learning goals of our customers, including access to our print, computer software, and data based materials. Through the generous donation of their volunteer time and effort, the Friends of the Jan Moran Collier City Library help us to accomplish our mission. 

The Friends chapter meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. New members are always welcome. 

The Friends provide assistance to the library through a variety of library programming, services, and materials, support of the library, and advocacy efforts. Over the years, they have always shown good hospitality by providing refreshments for various programs for adults, children and teens. They have provided prizes for the winners of various contests for customers of all ages. In addition, they provided equipment for the library such as stampers with branch designations for the Circulation Department, fish food for the library aquarium, a multimedia cart for the television, browsing bags in support of the Adult Summer Reading program, a popcorn machine for Movie Nights, and many other materials that help to meet library needs. 

Additionally, the Friends operate a gift shop that sells a variety of materials, books, videos, snacks, and our famous weekly Hot Dog Sale. 

For more information please call 954-357-7670.​

Friends of Lauderhill Towne Centre Library​

On November 7, 2004, the Friends of the Lauderhill Town Center (LHTC) Library had its first meeting and presented its Charter and Bylaws. The officers and board members were elected shortly after the new library was officially opened and dedicated. 

The Friends Chapter meets the last Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. in the library multipurpose room. After a brief business meeting and a light snack of (usually) bagels and beverages, a one hour program is presented by guest speakers on topics of interest to the library and/or the community at large. Perspective members are always welcome. Our annual dues are $10 per year. 

Our purpose is to vol​unteer our time and resources to support our library by raising additional funds for our library to provide on going services for our diversified Lauderhill community. With the current budget cuts additional financial support is critical. 

The LHTC Library provides after school learning opportunities for the children is our area, plus enhancing the cultural climate by focusing on programs of ethnic history and culture. This includes supporting art and music programs, as well as educating our customers in the practical value of learning more about technology and becoming involved in volunteer work. Our library has an on-going chess club, a scrabble club and is developing other adult groups for book discussion and lectures. 

LHTC Friends fund raising projects include an annual card game, an ongoing used book fair rack in the library, an annual book fair event, with more projects being introduced each year. 

For more information please call 954-357-6406.​

Margate Catharine Young Branch Library

The Margate Catharine Young Branch was established in 1963 in the Margate City Hall, in a small room -- some say it was a really a closet! On October 9, 1978, the present building at 5810 Park Drive was dedicated and opened to the public, and on October 1, 1979, the library became part of the Broward County Library System. The branch is named in honor of Catharine Young (now deceased), who was its first librarian. 

A Friends of the Margate Library group has existed almost as long as the library itself. Mention of recorded minutes date back to April 30, 1974. The Friends of the Margate Library have always supported the library and its services to the public. 

Book fairs offering used and donated items have been a staple of their fundraising efforts. Throughout the year, the Friends sponsor many concerts, lectures, book reviews and other cultural activities for thousands of residents. 

For over 20 years, the group has sponsored a World Affairs series of lectures, with Ethne Chesterman, each October through May. To encourage youngsters to come to the library, the Friends have sponsored programs featuring magicians, storytellers and entertainers. To the delight of music lovers, the Friends have made it their special project to be sure the library's grand piano is tuned and in working order. 

The Friends have provided funds for the purchase of materials and equipment to enhance the library. This has included lobby seating and book cases, special book displays, a new LCD projector and a flat screen monitor to highlight upcoming activities and promote the library. 

As library advocates, Friends have meet with state legislators in Tallahassee to lobby for increased state aid to libraries, and have spearheaded campaigns to send letters and e-mails to local and state officials soliciting support for library bills and proclamations. 

For more information please call 954-357-7500.

Friends of Miramar Library

Since opening its doors in September 2008, the Miramar Library and Educational Center, the newest of the 38 Broward County libraries, has grown and thrived. Of its many initiatives to heighten community awareness and foster greater volunteer participation, the establishment of a Friends organization has been one of the most far-reaching. 

From its inception in 2009, the Friends have continued to increase membership, expand their educational projects and broaden their scope of programming. Their Book Club currently attracts nationally prominent, bestselling authors who are choosing the Miramar Library as the roll out site to launch or promote their latest book releases. Presenting informational seminars to educate library patrons about important matters such as healthcare or financial matters, while also hosting panel discussions designed to cultivate social consciousness is an on-going priority for the Friends. 

Friends collaborated with the Miramar Cultural Trust, a first time partnership between each organization, to co-sponsor a world-class art exhibit at the Ansin Gallery of the Miramar Cultural Center, with its photography exhibit displayed concurrently at the library. The exhibits qualified both organizations as a Broward 1​00 venue, while greatly enhancing the level of art appreciation in the city. 

In 2014 the Friends remodeled their Book Nook, drawing new volunteers and additional customers. Increased Nook revenues, in addition to book fair and bake sale proceeds, help to underwrite: the purchase of needed equipment, the provision of quality youth and adult programming, as well as supplemental training and workshops for the library staff. This year the Friends plan to escalate their fundraising endeavors with more strategic and complex events.

Please call branch for more information 954-357-8090.
Facebook: Friends of Miramar Library​ 

Friends of North Lauderdale Saraniero Branch Library

The precursor to the Friends of the North Lauderdale Library was created in November of 1978 when Joan Friedman organized and opened an all-volunteer library. 

She donated her own books, began to solicit funds and books from city residents, and lobbied for a donation of 5,500 books from Broward County. Friedman and her volunteers held book and bake sales and teen dances in an effort to bring books and readers together. 

In March of 1981, the library became part of the Broward County Library system and the Friends continued their supportive efforts. 

The group sponsors book fairs, the Florida Library Youth Program of summer-long activities for children, and staff and volunteer recognition events. 

For more information please call 954-357-6660.

Friends of North Regional/Broward College Library

Shortly after North Regional/Broward College Library opened in 1994, a vital new Friends group was formed. It grew rapidly, and boasts a membership of over 200 each year for the past fifteen years. 

This active group sponsors three ongoing projects - an award-winning Friends Tutoring Program for elementary school children, the Friends' Fancy Gift Shop and an ongoing Book Fair. The Friends also serve an advocacy role, helping obtain public support and funding for Broward County Library, and they help enhance library programs and services, as well as staff development, through their fund raising activities. 

The goal of the Friends of the Library Tutoring Program is to improve the reading skills of elementary school children. The tutors, who range in age from high school students to senior citizens, emphasize the use of library materials and technology during the sessions. The success of this program led to an Acts of Caring Award from the National Association of Counties. 

The Friends' Fancy Gift Shop, which opened in 1995, is staffed with volunteers who sell small gifts, greeting cards, coffee, snacks and bottled water. Other volunteers work with donated books which are presented to the public in the Friends Book Nook at the library in exchange for a donation to the Friends. 

In the role of library advocates, the Friends send staff to professional conferences, participate in initiatives of the Broward County Friends, contact legislators as needed, and send community leaders to Library Day in Tallahassee. They also advocate by supporting the printing of publicity materials and computer class handouts to promote and enhance library services and programs. 

Special events hosted by the Friends group include volunteer and staff recognition programs. 

The group purchased a baby grand piano for the library auditorium, allowing for high-quality music programs for all ages. Other activities supported by the Friends include the summer-long Florida Library Youth Program, adult programming, and a highly-acclaimed Friends Program Series. 

At the 2013 Friends of the Library Luncheon and Awards, the group won an award for "Support of Youth Programming” for their contributions to bringing educational apps to children through the use of iPads. 

For more information please call 954-201-2606.​

Facebook:  Friends of North Regional/BC Library 

Friends of the Northwest Branch Library

The Friends of the Northwest Branch Library was established in 2005 when a few dedicated community members that supported the library faithfully began to meet and plan activities at their community library branch. Their biggest promotion to date has been their Juneteenth Celebration: Blues and Sweet Potato Pie Festival held annually in June at Apollo Park, adjacent to the library. The event attracts more than 400 family participants every year. 

The Friends have also partnered with Broward Sheriff’s Department and neighborhood homeowners groups and community volunteers to present the Community Back to School Fun Day & Backpack Give Away . On August 9, 2014 over 1000 backpacks were given out to youth. 

The Friends regularly donate their time and sponsor holiday season activities. They frequent the service area schools and read stories to the elementary school children. They have sponsored programs for community senior citizens such as “Having their Say” which has attracted more than 50 senior participants and has been very popular to the community thanks to the Friends. 

The Friends of the Northwest Branch Library also sponsor the English Café , a program designed to help newcomers to the United States and people who wish to improve their English. Because of their sponsorship and time, Northwest Branch has been able to increase its Literacy participation by 25%. It has been an opportunity for newcomers and their families to be introduced to the library and has allowed the newcomers to practice speaking English. 

Northwest Friends also provide refreshments for the library’s themed Historical programs and the Adult Summer Reading Program . 

The Friends of the Northwest Branch Library support and are a part of the umbrella group, Friends of the Broward County Libraries. They advocate for libraries and help to bring in new customers regularly. 

The Friends of the Northwest Branch have been an asset to the Northwest Branch as well as the Broward County Libraries Division. They continue to keep the library a central part of the community. 

For more information please call 954-357-6599.

Facebook: Friends of the Northwest Branch Library

Friends of Northwest Regional Library

The Northwest Regional Friends of the Library has a rich history of library support and advocacy. On April 18, 1973 The Friends of the Library of Coral Springs was organized as a fund-raising and volunteer group in support of the Coral Springs Public Library, a store-front city facility. In 1974, the library joined the Broward County Library system and moved to a larger building. The Friends group was active with book fairs, parties, and book-and-author luncheons to raise funds for the library. After the library moved to a new facility in 1982, the Friends continued their fund-raising efforts with a series of golf tournaments and luncheons. As population grew in the Coral Springs area, the Friends conducted a campaign to designate the library as a temporary regional facility and to have a new regional library built in north Broward County.

The Coral Springs City Commission also began urging the Broward County Commission to provide more library services, and the Friends joined in that lobbying effort. Responding to the need, the two Commissions rented space in the Cypress Run Market Place to create the West Atlantic Branch in 1994. The new Northwest Regional Library was dedicated in February 2001, followed in July by an announcement from the Broward County Commission that the West Atlantic Branch would close at the end of the year. The Friends joined other members of the community in a successful drive to keep the West Atlantic Branch open. Both libraries remained open for several years until the West Atlantic library closed in November of 2007. 

Today, the Northwest Regional Friends of the Library continues its advocacy role by supporting Library Days in Tallahassee and writing letters to Florida legislators concerning library issues. The group sponsors special events including book fairs and volunteer recognition ceremonies. They also support public library programs, including the summer-long Florida Library Youth Program, printing for volunteer computer classes, the Coral Springs WorldFest, a writing contest every year in honor of National Library Week and the Adult Summer Reading Programs. 

For more information please call 954-357-7990.

Friends of Pembroke Pines Library 

The Friends of the Pembroke Pines Library, Inc. organization was established in the summer of 1999. The group supports library programming, staff conferences and workshops, and library advocacy, and purchases materials that are not allocated for in the library's budget. Their fundraising projects have included an ongoing book fair, an annual book fair, festivals and raffles. The Friends have supported many programs for adults and children, including essay/art contests, Teen Poetry Club, Homework Café, summer-long Florida Library Youth Program, Volunteer Recognition Awards Luncheon​ and several musical performances. 

To help support staff and the library the Friends have purchased many items, including Story Time rugs, DVD shelving, microwaves, a compact disc player, and a display case. 

For more information please call 954-357-6750.

Friends of the Pompano Beach Libraries (Beach Branch and Pompano Beach Library)

The Friends of the Pompano Beach Libraries was established in 1974 as a City of Pompano Library Friends Group. At times, the organization has represented three library branches, the Pompano Beach Branch (PO), the Beach Branch (BE) and the Northwest Branch (NW). The Northwest Branch was part of the organization from 1978 until 2005, and the Beach Branch became part of the Pompano Beach Friends in 1982. In 1991 the Friends of the Pompano Beach Libraries joined the Friends of Broward County Library umbrella group. The Friends group currently supports two branch libraries -- the Pompano Beach Branch and the Beach Branch. 

The Friends of the Pompano Beach Libraries has expanded their financial support from raising funds for unbudgeted items such as typewriters, CD shelves, craft supplies, prizes, an auditorium carpet, a lectern, vertical blinds, and special programs to sponsoring and supporting youth and adult programs and all the children's summer library programs for PO and BE as well as programs throughout the year. The group supports Staff and Volunteer recognition and Staff Development. The Friends group has also created two signature programs for youth; First Book Program for under privileged kindergartners and Nona Roy’s Essay Contest for fifth graders entering six grade. 

During the year, the Friends group coordinates and sponsors programs for Friends members and the community at-large; Members Reception, Annual Author Reception and other programs of community interest. An ongoing Lobby Book Fair and two Annual Book Fairs in December and April help fund all programs. 

Pompano Beach Friends of the Libraries has received recognition from the Friends of Broward County for such diverse areas as Innovative Program Award, Support of Staff Training and Development Award and Purchase of Equipment Award.

For more information please call 954-357-7595.

Friends of Riverland Library

The Riverland Library was established in June 1973 by the City of Fort Lauderdale as a result of a successful bookmobile stop in the Riverland Shopping Center. A year later, the Riverland Library became a branch of the Broward County Library system. 

The Friends of Riverland Library support the use of the Library and its facilities and create opportunities for better community understanding of library services and needs. This is done by raising funds for library needs not included in the budget and by sponsoring special programs that promote the love of reading. The Friends sponsor book fairs, which provide very inexpensive books, magazines, paperbacks for personal use while supporting the library with the funds collected. Book fairs also provide a kind of book recycling service for the community and make wonderful gifts for others. The Friends plan events and special programs, sponsor library staff attendance at state and national library conferences and publish a newsletter. Riverland Friends support reading programs for children, literacy activities for families, and stand ready to help with special events, purchases and projects. For over 10 years the group has hosted The Italian Night during the month of March, and which is one of the many ways they recruit new members and honor current members. 

The Friends of Riverland Library support learning, progress, self-improvement and civic engagement and view the library as a symbol of opportunity, citizenship, equality and freedom of speech and thought. It is a neutral public space for ideas. As library advocates, the Friends disseminate and reinforce these principles and values using resources and channels convenient and accessible for the community. 

We are a small group in need of new members with good ideas and a little bit of time. Please join us. 

For more information please call 954-357-7455.​

Friends of the South Regional/Broward College Library

The Friends of the South Regional/Broward College Library was formed in 1978, three years after the merger of the collections of the Broward County Library South and Broward Community College libraries as a response to a demand for the delivery of library programs to a growing customer base. Except for a one-year hiatus, the group has worked closely with the library management to ensure that the facility is able to serve the community effectively and efficiently. The South Regional/Broward College Library is the County’s first joint-use public-college facility. The library serves the southeast communities of Broward County - Pembroke Pines, Miramar, West Hollywood, and areas of North Dade County, as well as the faculty, students, and staff of Broward College’s Judson A. Samuels south campus. The community is ethnically diverse with emerging populations from Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Within this service area, there are thirteen elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, all within a five-mile radius of the library. Several large private schools and many daycare centers, including the Broward College Child Development Center also add to the demand for a well-equipped facility. 

On February 1, 2007, the new 70,000 square foot, two-story, LEED certified library building had its grand opening. The building was part of the $139.9 million dollar bond issue project that was approved by Broward County voters on March 9, 1999. It has a gift shop that is managed by the Friends of the Library. It stocks and sells fine jewelry at very reasonable prices. Patrons can enjoy coffee, tea and other tasty treats and snacks as they use the facilities. The gift shop is a major income-source used by the Friends to support library programs. Another important fund-raiser is the quarterly book fairs, which are held over a weekend. 

The Friends group has continued to ensure that the quality programs presented by the library are mounted for the benefit of its customers. These programs include the Adult Summer Reading program, the annual Kwanzaa celebrations, the Tech Fest, the annual Anancy Festival, Culture in the Pines, Caribbean reading festivals and documentaries as well as computer training programs. The kid-friendly programming includes, the Annual Summer Reading Program, SAT Prep, movies and gaming programs, puppet shows and story-time for toddlers. 

The library has been able to replace furniture and equipment through funding received from the Friends. In addition, as advocates of libraries, the Friends lobby government to continue its support of the institution. The Friends are the banner-bearers of the philosophy that “libraries will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no libraries.” As such, the group sends library staff to conferences and other events hosted by the American Library Association. 

The Friends of the South Regional/Broward College Library continue to recruit volunteers and to host appreciation events for those who give of their time to help to bring these services to the community. The Board meets once per month to review its outreach efforts and to plan ongoing events.    

For more information please call 954-201-8829. 

Facebook:  ​ Friends of Southwest Regional Library​

Friends of Southwest Regional Library 

In 2000, the Southwest Regional Library opened its doors to a very appreciative and excited community in Pembroke Pines. As part of the vision planning for the new libraries built with 1999 bond dollars, this 78,000 square foot building was designed with space off the lobby set aside for a gift shop and Friends office. 

A new Friends group had to be formed. Within a month or so of opening the library, information sheets on the Friends of the Library in English and Spanish were available and placed at various locations throughout the building. The challenge was identifying people who wanted to become involved in forming this new group and supporting the activities of the library through the Friends. 

Southwest Regional Library was a new library in a new community, with a large multi-cultural population. It was created to be the library for the Pembroke Pines Charter High School. The Academic Village on which the library is located also includes a Broward College Pines Center and FIU classes on campus. 

With a huge demand for service in this geographic area, the library could not wait to begin programming. At this time, the generosity of other Friends groups provided the Regional Library with startup funding to allow the library to plan programs for children and youth, and to host meetings. 

The library staff tried holding informational meetings at various times and on various days, including morning, afternoon, evenings, weekdays and Saturdays. After nearly a year of experimenting with days and times, the group settled into a weekday morning meeting. 

During this time, the founding members were given information on the mission of the library, the role of its various programs and services. Staff and representatives from the umbrella group provided direction on the design of the bylaws and after a year, the bylaws were passed, nominations were made and the first officers were elected to serve the Southwest Regional Friends of the Library. The bylaws provided for representation on the Friends board from the Charter High School and Broward Community College. 

The Southwest Regional Friends of the Library have ongoing book fairs and two larger fairs, one held during the Storybook Festival in the fall, which they also help to support, and the other during the month of March. The money raised by dues, fairs, the coffee shop, donations and other events help to support programming, advocacy and staff development. 

The Southwest Regional Friends of the Library host a Holiday Appreciation Luncheon with entertainment for Friends and volunteers and an employee appreciation luncheon annually. They also support a Family Movie of the Month, Cinemateque, a film club which meets to view and discuss a film every month, and ongoing youth, teen, and literacy programs, as well as programs focused on health, books, authors, and finance. They have supported special programs such as the Human Rights Video Project, The Sixties, a Film History of America's Decade of Crisis and Change, and the Da Vinci Code Symposium. 

This group also operates a coffee and snack shop, which is truly appreciated by the hundreds of teenagers who come into the library each day after school from the Pembroke Pines Charter High School. 

The group has purchased equipment and furniture for the library such as a DVD player for the Cinemateque program, a flat screen TV for the teen room, a moveable audiovisual display rack, and patio furniture for the outside balconies. 

The Southwest Regional Friends of the Library recognize the important mission of the library to reach out to all members of the community to provide a place where anyone can come for free programs and information. They support the English Café, a weekly program for individuals wanting to improve or practice English. They have gone to English Café classes and invited the students to become involved in the Friends group. In addition, they support Citizenship classes and El Club, a program for individuals who wish to improve their conversational Spanish. 

The Friends play an advocacy role. They send staff to the American Library Association, Public Library Association and Florida Library Association conferences. They have joined FOLUSA. Libraries in Broward are as successful as they are today thanks to the efforts of the Friends, from 1963, until the present. The Southwest Regional Friends of the Library group has made a significant contribution over the past 10 plus years that they have been operational. 

Facebook: Friends of the Southwest Regional Library ​ 

Friends of Stirling Road Branch - the branch was renamed Marta-Beth Friedman Stirling Road Branch in 2024

The Friends of the Stirling Road Branch Library are deeply devoted to the library, acknowledging it to be the center of the community which it serves. Our Friends group began when the Stirling Road Branch library opened in 2003. We have since embraced our mission to raise funds for the well-being of the branch, to advocate for libraries and staff and to sponsor programs which enhance our community. Although Stirling Road is considered a small branch, our Friends number over 425 families, mostly due to focused efforts to raise awareness of the work that we do. 

In 2015, our group was recognized by the Florida Library Association as the sole statewide recipient of the coveted Eileen Brunner Membership Development Award given to the Friends group which has demonstrated the most dramatic increase in membership, based on the quality and content of membership materials, campaign objectives and achievement. In 2014, Our group’s website was recognized by the Florida Library Association as the best Friends’ website in the State. 

Our facility projects have included the refurbishing and regular cleaning of the library's chairs, a reading rug for the children's area, bulletin boards and adorable book baskets with the logo of our group. We have also purchased lovely display cases. 

The Friends group raises funds for the branch through its daily book fairs and special mega fairs. Our book room is open during all library hours and has grown even more in popularity since the closing of bookstore chains in the City of Hollywood. 

Another focus of our fundraising is the successful Dedicate-A-Shelf project, which since its inception in 2010, has raised over $15,000. In 2017 our group established The Stirling Circle for those Friends who contribute $50 and more annually to the Friends. In its first year, The Stirling Circle grew to almost 125 members. A special champagne reception was held to kick off The Stirling Circle at the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts. Other events include a special reception at the Hollywood Arts and Culture Center and a one-woman show based on the life of Estée Lauder. 

Sponsoring programs within the various departments of the library is a keystone of our mission. Our group is known for its outstanding lecture series which consistently attracts a full house. We host lectures about art appreciation, music, politics and history. We also provide ongoing art workshops. Our Book Club and Short Story group have over 45 readers who regularly attend. In 2016 and 2017, the Friends group sponsored free SAT classes and free college admissions seminars for almost 200 students. 

We are also known for our partnerships with local groups. We partner with The Music Club of Hollywood in presenting lecture series and concerts, with Cinema Paradiso of Hollywood for our monthly movie club, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood to bring children’s art programs to our branch, the Hollywood Historical Society for a lecture series, and the David Posnack Jewish Community Center to bring authors to our branch. We are active with our local high school, Hollywood Hills High School, in our endeavors to serve our teen population. 

Advocating for libraries is natural for the Stirling Road Branch. We have sent our branch manager to Tallahassee to advocate for libraries and have invited local politicians to serve as honorary members of our Board of Directors. In 2017, our honorary board members included State Representative Evan Jenne, County Commissioner Tim Ryan, Broward County Mayor Beam Furr, Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy and City Commissioner Dick Blattner. We marked National Library Week with a City of Hollywood ceremony issuing a proclamation and held a celebration at the branch in order to increase awareness of the library’s resources. In 2016, we gave out 100 free books to kids at our celebration. We are proud that we have helped to sponsor the attendance of our staff at various national library conferences. 

During the past few years, the Friends group has done its best to go green. We replaced the print copy of our newsletters with e-updates and share most of our flyers and publicity through email blasts. We have embraced social media and can be followed on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Website:  StirlingFriends.org
Facebook:  Friends of Stirling Road Branch Library
Twitter:  Stirling Friends 
Contact:  stirlinglibraryfriends@gmail.com​ 

Friends of Sunrise Dan Pearl 

The Sunrise Dan Pearl’s Friends is a group that has been around since the opening of the Library. In 1995 they moved to the new Sunrise building to support our new library and expanding community. 

Minnie Pearl, Co-Founder of the Sunrise Dan Pearl Library was a mentor to the library till her death in 2012. The library celebrated Ms. Minnie with the unveiling of her portrait on October 6, 2011. 

The organization provides assistance to the library through a variety of special projects, funding of branch programming and materials, support of library staff, and advocacy for library issues. The Donations Book Fair is one of those activities that have helped the funding of all these programs. 

The Friends have supported many programs for adults and children, such as Hispanic Heritage Celebration, programming for the summer-long Florida Summer Reading Youth Program, volunteer and staff appreciation celebrations and other year-round activities. 

Any time we have needed special furniture for our offices, electronic appliances, etc., the Friends have provided the means to purchase the items. 

Besides snacks, furniture and supplies, over the years, our Friends have provided us with materials for special craft projects. Teen Bead Jewelry Classes, and Knitting and Crocheting Lessons would have been hard to implement without the financial help of our Friends. These programs possess more than just pure entertainment value since they promote the fundamental principles of teamwork and sharing. Moreover, many of these programs have also helped raise multicultural awareness and appreciation within our community. 

All in all, the Sunrise Dan Pearl Youth Services is incredibly appreciative of the Friends of the Sunrise Dan Pearl Library. With their support, we continue to plan and present a variety of popular programs. Their support constantly encourages our library to strive for excellence and to actively promote literacy and creativity among our youth. ​

Please call branch for more information 954-357-7440.

Friends of Tamarac Library

The Friends of the Tamarac Library was originally called the Friends of the West Broward Library. After the Friends of the West Broward Library was replaced with the Tamarac Library in 1981, the group continued its involvement and officially changed its name to Friends of the Tamarac Library in 1983. 

Since the newest Tamarac Branch opened in 2003, the Friends worked hard to accomplish a tremendous increase in membership. Starting with only 32 participants, the Friends now have 100 members. 

The Friends’ group maintains a book store and supports many programs for adults and children. They sponsor art history lectures, a music appreciation lecture series and various musical performances. Each year the Friends sponsor Klezmer, Valentines’ Day, and Mariachi band concerts. 

The Friends also generously sponsor many programs for children. They sponsor puppet shows, magicians, clowns and other performers for the Youth Services Summer Program and throughout the year. 

The Friends support our computer classes by paying to print the instructional material used in the classes. They also purchase furniture for the library when needed. 

Please call 954-765-1500 for information.

Friends of Tyrone Bryant Branch Library

The Friends of Tyrone Bryant Branch Library is a group of special and talented volunteers with a vision to make a positive change in the community. The group sponsors book fairs, the Florida Library Youth Program of Summer-long activities for children and staff and volunteer recognition events. 

The Friends of the Tyrone Bryant Branch Library work in harmony with each other in order to increase membership in the group. The Friends support many other programs for adults and children. These programs include but are not limited to poetry events, children author story times, staff appreciation, volunteer recognition, leadership programs, Black History Month programs, assistance with Tyrone Bryant Branch Library statistical sampling and the adult reading summer program. The members of the group raise funds for unbudgeted items such as craft supplies, prizes and special programs. The group was recognized recently with an award for “Support of Programming Efforts to Promote Love of Literature” at the “Hats Off to Friends” luncheon. 

For more information please call 954-357-8210.

Friends of West Regional

The Friends of West Regional was organized in 1984 and has actively supported the West Regional Library since that time. The Friends provide funding for children's programs, including the Summer Library Program for both children and teens, the International Festival, College night, SAT prep, as well as reading incentives throughout then year. For adults, they underwrite the popular Foreign Film series, numerous exhibits, musical performances and lectures. For staff they contribute toward training and educational trips to various conferences and conventions. They also pay the expenses of the annual staff Christmas party and several recognition events during the year. 

Fundraising is accomplished through an ongoing book fair and a very successful gift shop located in the lobby of the library. In addition, the Friends receive a generous yearly donation from the Plantation Woman's Club. Dues are $10 and the 10 member Board meets on the second Monday of the month at the library and is the decision-making arm of the group. 

C=Please call 954-765-1560 for more information. 

Weston Friends of the Library

​The Weston Friends of the Library was founded in 1993 and continues today to support library projects and public library advocacy. Ongoing services they provide include book fairs, volunteer recognition events, library staff recognition events, and financial support for Broward County Library staff development. The Friends participate in special events including Weston's Fall Harvest Festival, the Safety Expos and Broward County Pioneer Days. The summer-long Florida Library Youth Program and several other public library programs for young people are supported by the Weston Friends. 

In their efforts toward library advocacy, Weston Friends of the Library members attend the City of Weston Commission meetings and serve as liaisons to the City and other community groups such as the Circle of Friends, a library support group for the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University. Special projects that the Weston Friends support are: iPad and iPhone classes, OASIS Computer classes, Photoshop classes, Linguistica 2000 language classes, art exhibits for children and adults, and the Weston Arts Council by selling tickets for the annual Foreign Film Festival. Environmental, ‘green’ projects include the collecting and recycling of cellphones and shoes. 

At the Broward County Friends of the Library Luncheons, the Weston Friends of the Library received awards for "Support of Youth Programming." and “Advocacy.” 

For more information please call 954-357-5420.​

Facebook: Weston Friends of the Library