Exemplary Service - February 2008
 
Black History Month Essay Contest at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center • Teen Poetry Reading at the Weston Branch Library • Toddler Time at Imperial Point Branch Library 

Black History Month - Memories, Unity and Hope

February is Black History Month, and library locations countywide held many cultural, literary and recreational events to commemorate the historic contributions of African-Americans and to celebrate dreams of the future.

This year, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center sponsored a teen essay contest in conjunction with local radio station Love-94 FM. The contest was open to Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade students in grades K-12 who wrote an essay on a selected theme; the four grand prizes were complete home computer systems valued at $1,500.

Black History Month 2008 Essay Contest Winners:  (l - r) Tiffany Howell, Krystal Simmons, Smider Bienne, and Jessica Pruitt

Other Black History Month highlights at BCL included a Rhythms of Africa concert, a Black History Film Festival Marathon, the 19th Annual National African-American Read-In Chain, photo and art displays, book signings, panel discussions and genealogy programs. Children and teens enjoyed African mask-making workshops, African storytelling by Sister Idya, special story times, and writing classes as well as programs on African drumming and dance.
 

Teen Poetry Reading at the Weston Branch Library

Local teens celebrated their creativity at the Weston Branch Library this month with a Teen Poetry Reading. The reading showcased the writing talent of the community's young adults, with participants sharing their original poems in a supportive, nurturing library environment that fosters the literary aspirations of local teens.






 
 

Toddler Time at Imperial Point
 
Each week, toddlers and their caregivers gather at Imperial Point Branch Library to enjoy a special story time for children one to three years old. Songs, stories and fun are all on the agenda for the library's littlest customers during these special story sessions, which provide tots with an introduction to the joy of reading.