Broward County Public Library: Our Untapped Treasure

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Broward County Library has 38 branches so you’re sure to find one close to you or as close as the comfort of your home, through 24/7 online access! 

Moms know that library outings expose kids to playful learning, love of literacy and respectfully socializing with others through a multitude of free programs. It’s never too early or too late, with age-appropriate programs for infants, to college-bound teens, to seniors. 

The library and its helpful staff are great resources for school projects. If adults or children are struggling with homework, the library provides free tutors online, from 2PM to midnight. For the dreaded common core math, this can be a lifesaver! 

Even reviewing a partial SERVICES list, you can see Broward County Library has you covered from A-Z!  

 

Something for Everyone

If you are a mom wanting to get back into the workforce, free, in-person, one-on-one appointments or online resume writing classes and applicant coaching will make you stand out – in a good way. For a grandparent or anyone with a passion for lifelong learning, the adult classes have something for every need and interest. 

Veterans and their families can get free internet hotspot to use at home or on the go. In fact, endless resources are available to anyone that lives or works in Broward County. There are many untapped treasures waiting for you to discover and claim. 

Teens have Anime Club and chess activities, and so much more to choose from daily. Teens even have their own calendar of events, as do younger kidsCreation Stations, like the one at the North Lauderdale Saraniero Library, have regular programs for exploring and experimenting with STEM activities for all ages. 

Get a library card and discover what you and your kids can borrow, free of charge (beyond books and videos) with Gear to Go… like robotics, maker kits, photography equipment, tablets, fitness items and more! 

The library is a free, popular place to study or meet with rooms that can be reserved for individuals or groups. The library is the ticket!

 

Creative, Entrepreneurial or Both?

Looking to unleash your creative side?  The Studio (teens only) and the Creation Station at Main Library feature audio/video production, electronics kits, crafting, computer programming, virtual reality equipment, and 3D printing. Main Library also has a Creation Station Business​ Coworking Hub for adults, free to use as downtown office space at no charge, and a center for free classes and workshops for anyone wishing to start or boost a business.  

The Creation Station Business Coworking Hub offers workspaces, a large conference room, two meeting rooms, videoconferencing equipment, smartboard, large format printer, free WiFi, and wireless printing. It’s a great space to network and meet with clients. Student or adult inventors (and anyone who wants to secure a copyright) will be interested to know that Main Library has the special distinction of being a U.S. Patent & Trademark Resource Center.

 

Volunteers

Broward County Library always welcomes adult and teen volunteers in a variety of roles. Moms looking for opportunities for teens to get community service hours need look no further. Teens can earn service hours at a Broward County Library, where they make new friends, have a good time, acquire new skills and fulfill school requirements! 

Teen library volunteers hone leadership skills, gain real-life work experience and boost college applications by joining the Teen Advisory Board. Almost every Broward County Library location has one, and they provide valuable input on teen programs and events as well as the selection of books and other materials. 

 

Culture & Diversity 

Big Read 2020, a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) program, features the book A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines and runs from January 10th to February 1st. 

This annual community reading initiative offers activities and book discussions system-wide, including American Sign Language programs, crafts and movie and book discussions. The program closes with a healthy Cajun cooking workshop and a performance of Louisiana Blues from the 1940s and 50s, reflecting music from of the novel’s era. 

Find other stellar library programs under the EVENTS tab. Upcoming signature library events include Moonlight Tales on February 28th and the Summer at Your Library Program for the entire family, running system-wide from May 30th to August 15th.  

 

Furry Friends Included

The Wags and Tales program for children ages 5 to 12 boosts literacy by having children read to a pet therapy dog to practice reading skills. Each child can read a story to a friendly, gentle dog from the Humane Society’s Pet Facilitated Therapy program. 

 

Story Time

When you are too tired to read a bedtime story or want an always-available, amusing babysitter, try Dial-A-Story, for a free story time-by-phone service, featuring four different stories at a time. The stories are changed every other week and consist of professionally-recorded contemporary tales, timeless classics, and favorite fairy tales and folk tales geared toward young children. To hear the latest stories, just call 954-357-7777.

Test Prep

Parents of high school students will appreciate free SAT/ACT classes that are comparable to expensive test-prep courses. The focus is on four components per test subject: fundamentals, technique, recognition/reaction, and timing manipulation. Other readiness workshops will teach you how to navigate college admission and financial aid.

Explore a Library Today!

My kids have grown up in the library; their memories are fond. I hope you will consider a visit soon. If you go to a park, check out a library nearby. Your local library is a great option for rainy days, a good break from the playground and perfect for indoor play and discovery spaces when our temperatures drop or soar.

There’s so much to love about all the resources offered through Broward County Library. We hope you check out your nearest branch and dig into this untapped treasure!


For more information on all our Broward County Library has to offer please, visit their
website and sign up for a free online subscription to Broward County Library – Fresh News and/or AARLCC eNews.

 

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