Tamarac Branch

Address:  8701 W. Commercial Boulevard, Tamarac, FL 33351
Telephone:  954-720-2282
Hours:  Monday through Thursday:  10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday:  10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bright and spacious and welcoming is the Tamarac Branch Library. This library is in-between the size of a typical branch library and a regional library. Not only is it a very large branch, but a very busy one, ranking third in the County system in the circulation of library materials.

Tamarac is also the first branch with a full-time programmer for adult programs. The programs are very popular and get a lot of support from library customers. Some customers will come to the Tamarac branch two or three times a week just for the programs. Summer films will draw 30 or 35 people, while events held in season will draw more than 100 people. The library's auditorium features a movable stage, stage lighting and a multi-media system hooked up to a computer.

From October through June, the library is in full gear. Book discussions are popular library events, featuring award winning authors and Jewish scholars. Tamarac customers also enjoy cultural programs, and the Friends of the Library (215 members strong!) help raise funds to bring in the talent for the programs, including actors who portray historical figures like Marjorie Stoneham Douglas, in a program developed by the Florida Humanities Council.

But Tamarac is not just for adults. There is also a librarian dedicated to teenagers. And one of the perks for the teens is getting their own time in the computer lab to play computer games. The Youth Services section provides services to younger kids: including story times, puppet shows, magic shows, music activities and crafts. The library branch is a user-friendly building, and books for children are stored in lower racks and everything for kids is accessible. Throughout the library, collection stacks are well marked for easy searching by customers and staff.

There are 24 computers in the lab area, plus public access computers throughout the library. There are computer classes in English and Spanish (for the Library's large Hispanic population). The classes teach everything from how to use a computer mouse to how to make spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. The library also has a popular English Café program. Dedicated volunteers run this program which focuses on teaching conversational English.

The Tamarac Library opened in October 2003 and has found its place in the heart of its community.