Spotlight of the Month

Recognition in Reading Awards

Broward County Library began a program to recognize the importance of reading in 2006. Accepting nominations throughout the County, Broward County Library is honored to salute five Broward County residents whose love of reading and books transcends the ordinary.

If you are interested in nominating someone you feel has made outstanding achievements in reading, please e-mail your story to marketing@browardlibrary.org.

2007 Award Winners

Library Liaison
Minnie Pearl is never alone. At ninety-six years old, Minnie Pearl, a resident of Sunrise Lakes Condo in Sunrise, always has a book to keep her company. Minnie, along with her two sisters Goldie and Annie, is an avid book lover and daily reader who makes weekly treks to nearby Sunset Strip and Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch Libraries.

"She not only has a list of books to read for herself and her sisters, but for other neighbors in the condo development, especially those who don't have transportation…to read more click here.

Generations Reading Together
Sometimes it's the children who are the teachers. Seven-year-old Saif DeFreitas loves reading, and he shares his love of books and learning with his family. Grandmother Kameela Hack nominated Saif because, she wrote, "through reading he has boosted his self esteem and mine. Seeing him conquer the misery of his

parents' divorce and all the misery that went on and is still continuing, I have to salute him…to read more click here.

Love (of Reading) is Blind
After losing his sight due to diabetic complications, Dennis DiBona sees the world through the eyes of his loving wife Kathy. Permanently disabled and unable to see, Dennis relies on Kathy not just for the simple, day-to-day tasks, but also to guide him through the world of books and reading.

"Before I lost my sight…to read more click here.

A Legacy of Literacy
Nature or nurture? For Andrea Piperakis Sanders, her love of reading stems from both, and, more directly from her father, Michael Piperakis. Michael, an immigrant from Greece, taught himself English when he came to the United States. Each week Michael would pack up his two daughters and head to the local public library…to read more click here.

"I Think You'd Like My Job"
These six words, uttered by Karen Zapasnik, Northeast High School's media specialist, changed the life and career of educator Heather Juchemich. Already a teacher, Juchemich began taking courses in instructional technology, and shared her thoughts about her new career path with Zapasnik, the school media specialist.

After listening to what she had to say, Zapasnik observed, "I think you'd like my job…to read more click here.