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Get ready for a summer of reading, fun, and educational entertainment with Broward County Library during the
18th Annual Children’s BookFest on Saturday, June 3.
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Kicking off this year’s “All Together Now” themed summer of activities at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Children’s BookFest is a family fun day with book giveaways, arts and crafts, and engaging entertainers.
Award-winning children’s book illustrator Frank Morrison will explore the making of picture books as a way to bring people together and Orisirisi African Folklore will share African-rooted educational and entertaining presentations.
All children who pre-register for the Summer Learning Program at this event will be entered into a raffle to win a magic show, face-painting party or balloon-twisting party. Pre-register and learn more at broward.libnet.info/event/8198487.
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During the Summer Learning Program, kids of all ages are invited to compete in reading challenges to win great prizes from local organizations such as the Museum of Discovery and Science, Florida Panthers, Shake Shack and more. This year’s “All Together Now” theme will include big topics such as unity, kindness, mental health, growth mindset, empathy, building community, friendship and more.
From June 1 through August 12, participants will log the books they read and join the library for fun, interactive programs that encourage reading, learning, and a better understanding of one another.
The Summer Learning Program will offer more than 3,500 activities and programs in libraries across Broward County. All are aimed at helping children keep an active mind, read more, and stay engaged in learning activities while out of school. For a list of Summer Learning Program activities visit broward.org/Library/Pages/summer.aspx.
| Both events are funded in-part through the Broward Public Library Foundation, thanks to the support of community members. You can help ensure the library continues to offer important, education programming all summer long by donating to the Summer Learning Program at bplfoundation.org/summer-learning. |
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A Successful 34th Literary Feast | |
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The Broward Public Library Foundation’s annual celebration of books and authors raised more than $155,000 at A Night of Literary Feasts.
Literary Feast weekend connected hundreds of donors and book lovers with our authors, including James Grippando, Patricia Schultz, Deborah Cohen, Alicia Bessette, Catherine Newman, Mary Laura Philpott, Susan Rogers, Sarah Penner, Daniel Black, Matthew Quick and Alvin Hall.
LitLIVE! took place on Friday, March 31 at Barnes & Noble in Fort Lauderdale with three discussions moderated by Gail Bulfin (Fiction), Oline Cogdill (Mystery), and Mim Harrison (Nonfiction). A Night of Literary Feasts’ Welcome Reception took place on Saturday, April 1 at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach and featured book sales, author signings, and a silent auction, followed by individual dinners with authors in private homes and upscale restaurants.
Sarah Penner, author of The London Séance Society, described A Night of Literary Feasts as “An unforgettable evening of books, authors, readers, and fundraising!”
The proceeds help support vital Broward County Library programs and services, including free SAT/ACT classes for high school students, children’s literacy festivals, and Workforce Ready programming.
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Beth Malkin and Amanda Doering were this year’s Literary Feast Co-Chairs. The event was presented by the Helen Ingham Foundation. Other top supporters included Nova Southeastern University, the Haller Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and Ryder System, Inc.
Follow our social media in the coming months for our 2024 event date announcements.
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Literary Feast Co-Chairs
Elizabeth Malkin and Amanda Doering
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Feast author Alvin Hall and Taneka Lawrence, Dr. Joshua and Nila Do Simon, Gail Bulfin and Feast author Daniel Black, Robyn Vines, Tameka Hobbs, Michael Vines, Sarah Spurlock and Michele McGowan | |
Freedom to Read | BCL Opens Book Sanctuaries
During a time when books are frequently being challenged at schools and libraries across the nation, the Broward County Library has created a safe space for endangered stories to be protected and made accessible.
All library locations will maintain a year-round Book Sanctuary, joining the over 2,000 Book Sanctuaries that already exist across the United States.
"As Director of Broward County Library, a vital part of my mission is to ensure that the freedom to read is not compromised," said Allison Grubbs. "The right to think, speak and learn freely are foundational values in our democracy and in our libraries."
In addition to the launch of these special zones where books will be available for check out, limited edition “I Read Banned Books” library cards and free “I Read Banned Books” buttons will be available at all branches. A virtual Book Sanctuary is also featured on the landing page of the library catalog to introduce and offer users access to books that have been challenged or banned in our state.
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Dave Barry Shares His
“Swamp Story”
Best-selling humorist Dave Barry will speak about his latest novel, Swamp Story, at a free event on Friday, June 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Main Library. The event features a conversation with Barry and Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs, followed by a book signing.
Swamp Story: A Novel is a crime fiction caper set in Florida that includes gold bars, pythons, oddballs, criminals, chaos, mayhem and TikTok videos of swamp monsters, all tossed together with the author's legendary humor.
Barry, who lives in Miami, is the author of many bestsellers, including Lessons from Lucy, Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys, Dave Barry Turns Forty and Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up. A wildly popular syndicated columnist, he won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for commentary.
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Registration is required at
https://broward.libnet.info/event/8341145
For additional information, contact Sebastian Perez at [email protected] or 954-357-7444. The Main Library is at 100 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
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South Florida Book Festival Celebrates Hip-Hop Culture | |
A fusion of literature and art, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center presents this year’s annual South Florida Book Festival, WORD! Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture, July 13-15.
An impressive lineup of guest speakers, scholars, authors and performers are scheduled to make appearances at this highly anticipated event. Featured guests include Rob Kenner, author of The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hustle; Dr. Regina Bradley, an award-winning writer and researcher of the Black American South; and Kwame Alexander, a poet, educator and author of 39 books.
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Join Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs for her Director’s Book Club as she discusses two books about diversity and strength this summer. In June, Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer: A Memoir, an autobiography following the journey of self-identity, will be discussed. In July, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson will be the featured pick. This is a story of raw courage and a woman’s belief that books can carry us anywhere. The titles will be discussed both online and at two Broward County library branches. | |
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Author Carla Albano, a member of the Library Foundation Board of Directors, spoke to Foundation members and guests about her book, Soul of a Swimmer, at the May Book with Brunch event held at Belmont Village Senior Living in Fort Lauderdale.
The book tells the inspiring story of champion swimmer Nicholas Dworet, who was killed in the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018.
Book with Brunch will be scheduled again in the fall.
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