About the Bienes Center

Since 1988, Broward County Library has worked toward creating a state-of-the-art literary center where rare books and special collections would be housed, preserved and shared in conjunction with a place for related lectures, programs and exhibits.

Through the personal involvement and generosity of Fort Lauderdale philanthropists Dianne and Michael Bienes, this celebration of the printed book as an art form and purveyor of culture has been realized. Support was provided through a grant from the Broward Public Library Foundation. Additional support for the project was provided by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.

The Facility

Bienes Center for the Literary Arts: The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library is a tribute to the treasures found inside. Located on the sixth floor of the Main Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Center features an inviting stained-glass entry-way and a dramatic, curved wood ceiling above slatted-wood walls.

The 8,300 square-foot facility was designed by Fort Lauderdale architect Donald Singer. The stained-glass entry piece, titled "Passages," was created by Shelley Jurs as a Broward County Public Art and Design project. Elements of the glass design were inspired by Celtic knotwork images fromThe Book of Kells, a ninth century Irish work represented in facsimile at the center.

Within the Bienes Center is a conference room that seats 24 people, the ceremonial room which includes an audio-visual center for use during lectures and programs, several display areas and a reading room. floor plan

Special Collections and Rare Books

The Bienes Center offers a collection of more than 5,000 items, including special collections, rare books and reference material. The majority of the holdings are locked in a humidity and temperature-controlled storage area. The librarian on duty in the reading room provides reference service and retrieves material for visitors to the Center.

Using the Collection

Materials in the collection are accessible in the reading room at the Bienes Center, but are not available for checkout. In order to use the material, patrons are requested to present a photo I.D., sign a guest book, store personal belongings in a provided locker and take their requests to the librarian, who will retrieve the items. Any photocopies are made by the librarian on duty.

Open to the public:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

or by appointment.

To supplement the collection, a variety of related exhibits and programs are planned at the Bienes Center. Lectures on such topics as book collecting and book histories, and exhibits ranging from book jacket art to stamp collections are featured.

Donations and the Future of the Bienes Center

The Bienes Center collection began through the generous gifts and contributions of individuals and organizations.

With the support of a community that recognizes the cultural importance and value of the written word, the size of the collection and scope of the services at the Center will increase.

Donated collections and prized volumes enhance the variety, quality and significance of the material available at the Center.

Cash gifts guarantee that important works and collections will be acquired when they become available. Often these gifts can be used as matching funds for grants to promote the collections and related exhibit and programs.

For more information about the Bienes Center for the Literary Arts, and how to contribute to its future, call (954) 357-8667; e-mail jfindlay@browardlibrary.org.

Dianne and Michael Bienes

Bienes Center for the Literary Arts: The Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library reflects this philanthropic couple's ongoing dedication to literature and the arts.

Their generous support and the donation of their own special collection to the Bienes Center are among many contributions Michael and Dianne Bienes have made to the South Florida cultural community.

They established the Bienes Business Center for the Arts at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, and have contributed to the Florida Grand Opera and the Miami City Ballet.

Their private foundation, SHAPE (Student Help and Assistance Program in Education) provides scholarships to Broward County parochial school children.

Dianne and Michael Bienes are the recipients of the 1996 Florida Arts Recognition Award.