Florida Heritage Month (Back to Top)

Florida Heritage Month, celebrated annually from March 15 through April 15, is an initiative sponsored by the Florida Department of State that honors Florida’s rich history and raises awareness of our state’s cultural heritage.

Learn more about Florida’s heritage at the Broward County Historical Commission’s celebration in honor of National Historic Preservation Month on Thursday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the historic West Side Grade School, 301 Harmon (S.W. 13) Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The program will include keynote speaker Robert W. Runcie, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools; preservation awards including the Judge Clayton Nance Award, the Dr. Cooper Kirk Award, the Stuart McIver Historians Award and the Historical Commissioners Award; and refreshments. For additional information, please contact Denyse Cunningham at 954-357-5513 or by e-mail at dcunningham@broward.org.

Broward County Libraries Division is also producing a Bibliography of Select Local History Holdings, a listing of books and other resources on local history that are available at Broward County Libraries and the Broward County Historical Commission. Prepared by David Baber of the Historical Commission, the 28-page booklet includes books on most of Broward’s major cities, landmarks and more and will be available soon at all Broward County Library locations.

Exhibits and Events

• Fabulous Forties on the Avenue Exhibit, African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
• Florida Mystery Writers Book Display, Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
• Florida Heritage Month Books, Imperial Point Library
• Broward Historical Society Sailboat Bend Photographic Exhibit, North Lauderdale Saraniero Library
• Book Display “Florida’s Past,” North Regional/Broward College Library
• Everglades Photography by Everglades Artistin-Residence 2011 Brian Trainor, North Regional/Broward College Library
• Florida Humanities Council Educational Posters, Northwest Regional Library
• Florida Heritage Month Materials Display, Riverland Library.
• April 21-May 5 – Model Train Exhibit, courtesy of Florida Citrus Model Train Society, (April 21-May 5), West Regional Library

April 4 – Film: Flagler’s Train – The Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Flagler’s Florida Keys Railroad, 2 p.m., West Regional Library
April 14 – Their Story is Our Story, musical/historical production about the founding of Carver Ranches, 2 p.m., African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at door. Seniors/students $10 in advance, $15 at door. Call 954-357-6210 for tickets and information.)
April 16 – Civil War Monuments and Sites in Florida – Book Talk and PowerPoint Presentation with travel writer Roberta Sandler, 1 to 2 p.m., Main Library
April 24 – Everglades Artist-in-Residence 2011 Brian Trainor discusses his photography and experiences in the Everglades, 10:30 a.m., North Regional/Broward College Library
May 12 – The Florida East Coast Railway: For More Than 110 Years, America’s Speedway to Sunshine, talk by historian Seth Bramson, 3:30 p.m., Hallandale Beach Library.

National Library Week – You belong @your library!  (Back to Top)

Job searchers, book lovers, info seekers – whoever you are, you belong @ your library! National Library Week, celebrated April 8-14, is the perfect time to explore everything Broward County Library has to offer. Today’s libraries provide a wide range of opportunities for people with diverse needs and interests, offering information, education, recreation and so much more.

On April 12, “Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Day,” a number of libraries will have children’s programs to promote reading and literacy with fun activities, poetry and crafts. Want to celebrate with us? Here’s Broward County Library’s schedule of National Library Week events:

Book Display - Librarian’s Picks for “Drop Everything and Read Day,” North Regional/Broward College Library (April 1-30)
April 8-14 – Viva La Library Adult Essay Contest: What will the library of the 22nd century be like? Call North Lauderdale Saraniero Library for details; 954-968-3840
April 8-14 – Writing Contest: “Why You Belong @ your library.” Call Northwest Regional Library for details; 954-341-3900, ext. 252
April 9 – National Library Week Books-in-Action Program based on the book Dewey and the Decimals by Paige Taylor, ages 6-12, 3 p.m., Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
April 11 – Sharkey’s Storytime Fun: I Love the Library! Ages 3-5 with caregiver, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University
April 11 – You Belong @ Your Library for Enjoyment: Celebrate with punch and cookies with the library staff, noon to 7 p.m. Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
April 11 – Library Expo: Learn about your library, 2 to 4 p.m., South Regional/Broward College Library
April 12 – Preschool Storytime celebrates D.E.A.R. Day: Bring your favorite book and win a prize, ages 3-5, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Imperial Point Library
April 12 – In Honor of D.E.A.R. Day, children and families are invited to come together to read their favorite book, all ages, 2 p.m., Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
April 12 – National D.E.A.R. Day: Read aloud, ages 6-12, 3 p.m., Riverland Library
April 12 – Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day with stories and crafts, ages 5-9, 4 to 4:30 p.m., Northwest Regional Library
April 12 – Open Mic Poetry Readings with Bluestockings & Argyle Poets, 6 p.m., Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
April 13 – Documentary: The Library of Congress, Volumes to Speak, 1 to 1:30 p.m., West Regional Library
April 13 – Library Expo Day: Learn about your library, 2 to 4 p.m., Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
April 14 – Culture in the Pines Presents “Meet the Authors: Author Showcase,” 2 p.m., Southwest Regional Library
April 14 – Library Expo Day: Learn about your library, 2 to 4 p.m., Southwest Regional Library
April 16 – Library Expo Day: Learn about your library, 2 to 4 p.m., South Regional/Broward College Library

National Poetry Month (Back to Top)

Poetry Contest, ages 16 and up, South Regional/Broward College Library, call 954-201-8896 for information.
April 15-20 – Poetry Month Display-Tribute to Amelia Earhart, Stirling Road Library
April 7 – Open Mic Poetry Readings for Adults, 2 p.m., North Lauderdale Saraniero Library
April 14 – Poetry Noir Workshop with Anastasia Clark, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Riverland Library
April 18 – Poetry & the Creative Mind: Open-mic celebration of poetry, all ages, 5:30 p.m., African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
April 21 – Poetry Workshop led by NSU Professor Kate Ann Heidelbach, adults, 2 p.m., Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University
April 24 – Poetry Noir Workshop in Tribute to Amelia Earhart, with poet Anastasia Clark, teens/adults, 6 p.m., Stirling Road
April 28 – Teen Poetry Get Together, ages 12 and up, 2 p.m., Davie/Cooper City Library
  

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Money Smart Week® ~ April 21-28, 2012 (Back to Top)

Get smart about your finances during Money Smart Week®, an initiative sponsored by the American Library Association.

Money Smart Mondays Series

April 2 – How to Coupon Like a Pro, 6:30 p.m., Northwest Regional Library
April 9 – Credit Cards and Avoiding Debt – What’s a Credit Counselor? 2 p.m., North Regional/Broward College Library
April 16 – Nifty Tools for Organizing Your Financial Records, 6:30 p.m., Northwest Regional Library
April 23 – Credit Reports and FICO Scores – What Do They Mean? 2 p.m., North Regional/Broward College Library
April 30 – How to Avoid Identity Theft, 6:30 p.m., Northwest Regional Library

Other Money Smart Week® Programs

April 23 – Author Paulette Nobles will talk about her book Bargain Shopping in Fort Lauderdale, Broward and South Palm Beach, 1 p.m., Main Library and 3 p.m., West Regional Library
April 25 – Money Smart: Understand your credit report and scores and eliminate credit card debt, 5:30 p.m., African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
April 26 – “Money” Movie: Film with “money” in the title, call 954-201-2600, North Regional/Broward College Library
April 26 – Learn to Save Money with Susan J. Samtur, the Original Coupon Queen, noon, Main Library
April 27 – Learn to Save Money with Susan J. Samtur, the Original Coupon Queen, 1 to 2:30 p.m., West Regional Library.

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The Little Green Library Coming Soon! (Back to Top)

The Little Green Library, a special library focused entirely on residential green building, urban farming, recycling and other aspects of sustainable living, will host its grand opening on April 22, 2012. Located at 1033 N.W. 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, the library will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will showcase a variety of green building techniques that can be practiced in one’s home. Built in partnership with the Housing Authority of Fort Lauderdale, the facility itself features a number of “green” features such as eco-friendly insulation, urban gardens, recycled countertops and work stations and energy-efficient LED lights.

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Volunteer Spotlight (Back to Top)

In photo from left to right: Wilfred Derviste, Steve Elevus, Guy Slack (Librarian), Bradley Chang, Michlon Hartford.

A new partnership was launched with Keiser University to provide Information Technology students to volunteer and assist West Regional Library‘s customers with access to computer services in its Computer Technology Center. The Computer Intern Volunteer Program allows students the opportunity to use their computer science skills while helping to improve service to the public at that library location. Students are trained to access frequently used databases and to provide friendly customer service.

Volunteer interns Michlon Hartford, Wilfred Derviste, Bradley Chang and Steve Elevus have made a four month commitment to the program and completed their service at the end of March.

“Some amazing things happen when you volunteer,” says Wilfred Derviste, one of the Keiser University volunteers. “You learn about yourself, have fun and enjoy a renewed passion for life that gives you more purpose and meaning.”

Students can earn community service hours by volunteering at their local library, while adults can become a literacy volunteer, join their local Friends of the Library group, or become a docent. For more information on volunteering at Broward County Libraries, please call or visit your local library.

“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose,” adds Derviste. “Many people have helped me without asking for anything in return. This is my way of giving back.”

Broward County Library salutes its more than 1,200 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21. Events will be held throughout the county recognizing the services that volunteers offer and in addition, there will be Library Volunteer recruitment registration tables at the following locations:

April 11 and 14 - 2 to 4 p.m., Southwest Regional Library
April 16 - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Regional/Broward College Library
April 17 - 12 to 5 p.m., Sunrise Dan Pearl Library
April 18 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Regional/Broward College Library
April 21 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Imperial Point Library 

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Children's BookFest: "Once Upon a Dream" (Back to Top)

Saturday, April 28  ~  10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

FREE! * Shows * Character Parade * Treasure Hunt * Book Giveaway

Princes and princesses, fairies and wizards, knights and damsels...
Your dreams come true at Children’s BookFest! Come dressed as your favorite fairy-tale character and experience the enchanted world of stories and imagination.

Join the Parade:
Kids in costume can join the Fantasy Parade as it winds through the library.

Pink Fairy

Kirk Waller

"Papageno"

Ashley Bryan

Don’t Miss the Fun:

• Award-winning Storyteller Kirk Waller
• Enchanted Sing-Along with Snow White, Jasmine, Cinderella and others
• Mesmerizing Magic of Gary Midnight
• Magical tales by the Pink Fairy
• “Once Upon a Dream” puppet show by Jo Bridges
• One-act children’s opera, “Papageno,” (based on Mozart’s Magic Flute)
• Stories by noted author and illustrator, Ashley Bryan; and much more!

Event Location:
South Regional/Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, 954-201-8821

Children’s BookFest is made possible by:
Broward County Library, Broward Public Library Foundation, The Miami Herald, Broward Family Life, and The Charles F. and Esther M. Frye Foundation.

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Asian-Pacific Heritage Month (Back to Top)

East meets West at Broward County Library as we pay tribute to the generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.

Displays

Art Display - Second Floor Art Gallery, West Regional Library
Book Displays - North Regional/Broward College Library, Northwest Regional Library, Stirling Road Library

Events

May 2 – Experience the Spirit of Aloha and the Magic of Polynesia: Enjoy costumed dancers from Tahiti and Hawaii, island games and prizes, all ages, 3 p.m., Northwest Regional Library
May 5 – Chinese Calligraphy Workshop, materials provided, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University
May 10 – Film in Honor of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month: The Legend of Bruce Lee, 5:30 p.m., Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
May 10 – Burmese Day Celebration: Artist/sculptor Jim McNalis shares his trip to Burma and his visit with inspirational Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Q&A session to follow, 2 p.m., Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
May 16 – Asian-Pacific Heritage Books-in-Action Program, based on the book Grandfather Tang’s Story, by Paige Taylor, ages 6-12, 3 p.m., Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
May 19 – Introduction to Traditional Japanese Music: Get introduced to the Koto, Shamisen and Shakuhachi; watch a koto demonstration and learn how to read a music sheet, 2 to 3 p.m., Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University
May 21 – Book Discussion: Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth. Enjoy fortune cookies and refreshments, 2 p.m., Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
May 26 – Famous Asian-American Professionals Presentation, noon to 1 p.m., Northwest Branch Library

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo (Back to Top)

At Broward County Library, it’s a fiesta for everyone on Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla.

Learn about the holiday from a “Cinco de Mayo” display, May 1-31 at West Regional Library or view a display on the history and culture of Mexico at Northwest Regional Library from May 1-31. On May 5 at 2 p.m., Tamarac Library will host a mariachi band concert with refreshments; admission is free for Friends of the Tamarac Library and $3 for nonmembers.