As one of the largest -- and busiest -- library systems in the nation, Broward County Library touches the lives of the public once every second during its regular operating hours. In 2004 alone, Broward County Library was accessed (via door count, remote access and phone access) 10.5 million times, over 50 accesses a minute.

Broward County Library encompasses a flagship Main Library, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Alvin-Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University, five regional libraries, and 29 branch libraries.

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Broward County Library was named "Library of the Year" for 1996/97 by Library Journal and Gale Research for its strong partnerships throughout the community and its commitment to excellence.

In 2004, Broward County Library was first in the state of Florida in:

• overall circulation of materials, with over 8.5 million materials circulated
  

• the number of staff holding master's degrees in library science (223)
  

• the number of visitors (over nine million)
  

• the number of programs (742 adult and 8,397 for children) and program
  attendance (over half a million people)
  

• the number of computers for public use
  

• collections of videos, music and magazines
  

• the amount of money spent on library materials
  

• the number of hours library volunteers have contributed (334,641)
  

• the amount of money raised by Friends of the Library (over $300,000)

In addition to circulating materials and information access, Broward County Library brings a rich and diverse selection of programs, special events, and classes throughout the year. Each year, the community looks forward to annual library such as the Children's Reading Festival, Pan African Bookfest and Cultural Conference, Literary Feast, and StoryBook Festival.

By offering the community a wide variety of enrichment opportunities, Broward County Library maintains a crucial role in the community, providing education, information and recreation to the public. Each library in the system strives to anticipate and meet the needs of their patron base by creating and presenting programs and activities that reflect the community they serve.

Broward County Library also offers a number of special services including:

• Nationally recognized adult and children's literacy programs
  

• Access services for people with disabilities, including the Talking Book Library and Books-By-Mail
  

• Community technology centers with computers for public use
  

• Free computer training classes for the public
  

• Small business resource center geared toward small and minority businesses
  

• FDLRS Media Center with information for parents and teachers of children with disabilities
  

• Bienes Center for the Literary Arts which houses and preserves rare books and special collections
  

• Florida Center for the Book, established in 1984 as the first affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, celebrates the literary heritage of Florida and promotes books, reading, and libraries
  

• Patent and Trademark Depository Library, one of only 81 nationwide

For more information, click on the links below.

Click here to view Our History (in/at) A Glance or click here to download a .pdf version of our Our History (in/at) A Glance.

Click here to download a .pdf version of the Broward County Libraries Division and the Broward Public Library Foundation 2004 Annual Report.

Click here to download a .pdf version of the Broward County Library Fact Sheet.

Click here to download a .pdf version of the Library Locator Map.

Click here to download a .pdf version of the Broward County Main Library Fact Sheet.

Click here to download a .pdf version of the Broward County African-American Research Library and Cultural Center Fact Sheet.

Click here to download a .pdf version of the most recent Manager's Quarterly Report.

Click here to download a .pdf version of our monthly magazine, Bookings.