Literacy Help Centers
Locations:African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
Tyrone Bryant
Davie/Cooper City
Lauderhill Central Park Library
Lauderhill Towne Centre
North Regional/Broward College Library
Sunrise Dan Pearl
Tamarac
West Regional
Funders: Ann Jacobs Trust (Lauderhill Towne Centre), Library Services and Technology Act Grant
Description:
If you cannot read you cannot learn if you cannot learn you cannot earn. ~ Jim Barksdale
At Broward County Library this belief is exemplified through the Literacy Help Center (LHC), a project designed to assist students with homework, provide enhanced English language programs for adults, and increase the availability of computer technology and training to all ages. The LHC is managed by Broward County Library (BCL)’s Learning Services and Youth Services Units and is strengthened by ongoing partnerships with The School Board of Broward County, Pro-Literacy America, Region V Training Council, After-School @ Your Library, Hispanic Unity, Friends of Literacy, Refugee Services and the Urban League.
Broward County Library’s Literacy Help Center (LHC) offers literacy improvement opportunities and increases use of and access to computer technology for underserved area youth and adults. The LHC was developed in early 2009 with funds from the Ann Jacobs Trust and was expanded to 8 additional sites thru LSTA grants in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. The program provides additional literacy support in the form of dedicated Literacy Coordinators, laptop computers and software at eight library locations that have the greatest need for literacy services. Activities include Each One Teach One adult literacy classes, Crossroads Café, English Café, Citizenship classes and Homework Help for students in Grades K–12. The goal of the Literacy Help Centers is to provide customers with opportunity to develop the skills necessary to achieve academic and economic success.
This program is funded in part under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
For more information on this program contact: Vonda Ward Bryant
vbryant@broward.org or 954-357-6230.
Computer Classes
Locations:Century Plaza/Leon Slatin Branch
Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
Hollywood Branch
Imperial Point Branch
Lauderhill Towne Centre Branch
Main Library
Miramar Library & Education Center
North Regional/Broward College Library
Northwest Regional
South Regional/Broward College Library
Tamarac Branch
Weston Branch
The following programs are all funded by the Broward Public Library Foundation
For more information about the following programs please contact communityengagement@broward.org
Books and Bears at the HolidaysAnnual holiday program for disadvantaged preschool children enrolled in Title 1 child care centers. This program takes place in December at 7-8 libraries and provides a holiday story program, a gift bag containing a new bear-themed book and a plush bear.
Children’s BookFest
A weeklong celebration of children’s literacy, which culminates with a large family-friendly festival at one of the Regional Libraries. Through this festival, Broward County Library joins the State of Florida, the School Board of Broward County, the American Library Association, the Association of Library Services to Children, and REFORMA, the National Association for Library Services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking in the celebration of Children’s Day/Book Day, held nationally each year on April 30th. Children’s Day/Book Day (El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros) emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for every child in a community, regardless of linguistic and cultural background. The festival features free book giveaways, arts and craft, storytellers and appearances by local authors.
Florida Library Youth Program (Summer Reading Program)Broward County Library’s Summer Reading Program, a part of the State Library’s Florida Youth Program, is designed to encourage children and teens to explore and discover knowledge independently, while helping them to retain reading and learning skills over the summer when school is in recess. Reading and learning is encouraged through weekly special programs and activities at each participating library.
Computer ClassesIn an effort to mitigate the digital divide facing many Broward communities Broward County Library offers computer classes at six convenient library locations: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Main, North Regional/Broward College Library, Northwest Regional, South Regional/Broward College Library, Southwest Regional and West Regional. (
View schedule of classes). By providing increased access to computer technology as well as free computer classes taught in English, Spanish and Creole, Broward County Library aims to transform the opportunities available to residents by providing the skills that are vital to academic and economic success in today’s information economy.
For more information contact Tara Zimmermann at
tzimmerm@broward.org or 954-357-7386.
StoryBook FestivalThe annual children’s festival held on a Saturday in November at the Southwest Regional Library in Pembroke Pines. The StoryBook Festival is designed to bring books to life for young minds…to tell stories in new and dramatic ways that get youngsters hooked on books. Through the Fantasy Forest interactive exhibit, theatre productions, professional storytelling and strolling fictional characters, classic fairy tales and more modern yarns literally come to life. Youngsters are invited to attend the festival in costume and join the StoryBook Parade of characters, led by none other than Mother Goose!
SAT Workshops for College-Bound StudentsFree SAT/ACT preparation classes for high school sophomores and juniors, plus workshops on financial aid and college application essay writing, at various library locations. View the
class schedule.
Conference on Children’s Literature/Ashley Bryan Art SeriesThis annual event promoting children’s literature has been held for librarians, media specialists, teachers and parents since 1987. The event, which is held at the Main Library, features nationally known authors and storytellers. Funding is also provided by the Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries.
Moon Rock ProgrammingIn October 2007, Broward County Library became the recipient of the Apollo Ambassador of Exploration Award lunar sample (moon rock) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under a loan agreement, courtesy of Susan Eisele Black, the wife of former Apollo 7 astronaut Donn F. Eisele. The moon rock is on display on the 6th floor of the
Main Library. The exhibit includes two-life sized astronaut figures (a popular stopping point for families and young children) as well as other NASA related ephemera. Funding provides regularly scheduled programs on topics such as space exploration and astronomy.
