December Director's Message from Allison Grubbs
Greetings – Happy Holidays to one and all!

I am so happy and grateful to have spent the year in service to this library system and to each of you. It is with deep satisfaction that I look back on what this library has achieved. As the year closes, I am taking stock of what my staff and I have accomplished in 2023.

While we receive many professional accolades, the approval that matters the most to us is yours. Your comments and insights are what fuel our enthusiasm and inspire us to out-do ourselves. Thank you for being our partners in the ongoing process of creating this library from year to year!

We began the year with ArtLit 2023, a celebration of Colombian art and culture; introduced a streamlined mobile app; had a visit from author and iconic humorist Dave Barry; did a three-day celebration of Haitian culture; held our 18th Annual Children’s BookFest and Summer Learning Program for children and adults; opened a “Library Living Room” for older adults and presented a scholars panel on the freedom to read. That only took us halfway through the year!

Our mid-point was the glorious 22nd Annual Blues and Sweet Potato Pie Juneteenth Festival, followed by the South Florida Book Festival and the 36th Annual Conference on Children’s Literature, the 4th annual AARLCC-Con Sci-Fi Comic Convention, Veterans Family Day, Craftapalooza and the 22nd Annual StoryBook Festival…and we’re still rolling.

Families turned out in throngs this year for the incredible events from Youth Services: Summer Learning drew approximately 2,700 adults and 13,000 kids; StoryBook Festival had 3,000 to 5,000 people in attendance and the Children’s BookFest drew over 3,000 people. Whether we are serving thousands or you alone, every encounter matters to us, and we’re glad you came.

Our signature programs have been standouts, and you’ve told us how much you have loved what we did. I totally agree that the staff did amazing work. If I had to pick one thing that meant the most to me, along with my Director’s Book Club, it would be the year-round Book Sanctuaries that we have created in each of our 36 branches and online, supporting the right to read and circulate challenged and banned books.

Another great source of pride for BCL is our award-winning, dynamic newsletters – all free to you and tailored for you. We produce Fresh News weekly, highlighting fabulous programs, opportunities and resources. Our monthly publications include Library Magazine, Senior Spotlight and Family Spotlight, drawing your attention to programs of special interest. Subscribe today to one or all three newsletters by checking a box on our website.

So many thrilling things are happening at all our libraries for the season! Staff has gone all-out to support you in preparing for meaningful and ultra-thrifty holidays. You can find a ton of programs on the Events Calendar where we celebrate the season, produce entertainment, boost your spirits and watch your budget with opportunities to make gifts, ornaments and décor. Please join us to create the memories that make your tradition special.
 
Holidays are a hopeful, joyous time, but they can also seem stressful or overwhelming. There is no shame in experiencing the holiday blues. Please reach out to any librarian to chat or direct you to available, free help in the community. One such group is NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Family Support Group, who are presenting a program at Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch.

Before I close…Along with celebrating the holidays, your favorite library system is also gearing up to celebrate our anniversary in 2024!  Has word reached you yet about our special edition 50th Anniversary library card? Available now, get one free for the asking – while they last! The super cool design brings back 1974, when our library system was created.

What better way to close the year than to wish you Peace, Love and Libraries!

Allison Grubbs
Broward County Library Director

Click here to Read More Information About Broward County Library News - December 1, 2023