Broward Public Library Foundation
100 S. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
JANUARY
News of Interest from the Broward Public Library Foundation
The Broward Public Library Foundation was founded in 1982 to enhance the collections, programs and services of the Broward County Library beyond the means of public funding. The nonprofit Foundation is the catalyst in sparking private funding and endowments to enrich the Broward County Library system.
Tickets are now on sale for the Broward Public Library Foundation’s LitLUNCH!, featuring Zibby Owens, literary publisher, entrepreneur, social media influencer, bookstore owner, author, and editor of several anthologies.
The 16th annual event, presented by The Haller Foundation, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 in the Aviva Ballroom of Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale.
Owens' debut novel, Blank, features Pippa Jones, a writer facing a tight deadline for her next book while navigating a loveless marriage and the pressures of motherhood. “Blank is full of wit, verve, and heart―a whirlwind ride with a heroine you can’t help rooting for,” says author Jane Roper.
One Book One Broward
Adults and kids alike are encouraged to connect with nature, culture, and literacy through the One Book One Broward initiative.
From now through February 28, Broward County Library branches will host an array of events revolving around two featured books: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson and The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey. ArtLit 2026 will kick off the series of events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 10 at the Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. The fun-filled festival will focus on an imaginative journey through native wetlands through art, culture, and literature. The day will also feature performances, hands-on art activities, literature workshops, food trucks, vendors, and face painting.
Laurie M. Ernest-Jones of Conceptual Communications and Marianna Seiler DeJager of Tripp Scott are returning as Co-Chairs.
LitLUNCH! tickets start at $150 and include a signed copy of Blank, a multi-course lunch with complimentary wine upon entry, a raffle and drawings, book sales and signings, and complimentary valet. Premium tables and sponsorships are available.
Proceeds support Broward County Library literacy programs and services funded by the Broward Public Library Foundation.
For LitLUNCH! tickets and sponsorship information, visit bplfoundation.org/litlunch.
Upcoming events will include an Intergenerational Family Archive Project at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center on January 21, Perspectives on Public Health at West Regional Library on February 3, a Creative Writing Workshop at North Regional/BC Library on February 28 and a variety of book discussions and story times at various branches.
One Book One Broward is sponsored in part by the Broward Public Library Foundation. For more information, visit broward.org/library
Director’s Book Club
Join Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs for an engaging book discussion on The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. The novel follows a Dakhóta family's struggle to preserve their way of life. An online discussion and two in-person discussions are scheduled for January. For details, visit broward.org/Library/Events/Pages/ DirectorsBookClub.aspx.
Jefferson Society Luncheon
More than 50 of Broward Public Library Foundation’s Jefferson Society members and guests heard from South Florida bestselling author James Grippando at the annual Jefferson Society luncheon on November 19 at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach. Grippando is the author of more than 30 books, including 19 thrillers featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck. He spoke about his latest thriller, Grave Danger. Jefferson Society members annually contribute $1,000 or more in support of Broward County Library’s programs and services.
Discover Florida with Caren Neile at Books & Bites
The first Books & Bites event of 2026, featuring author and performance storyteller Caren Neile, Ph.D., will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at our presenting sponsor location, Belmont Village Senior Living, 1031 Seminole Dr., Fort Lauderdale.
Dr. Neile taught storytelling studies for two decades at Florida Atlantic University and has shared her work in seven countries and thirteen states. A regular contributor to public radio WLRN, she brings Florida’s stories to life with humor, history, and insight. Her latest book, Featuring Florida, explores the state’s identity through TV, movies, and fiction from the 19th century to today. Her upcoming title, Florida Funny, will be published later in 2026.
The program includes the author’s talk, light bites, book sales, and signings. To learn more about Dr. Neile and her work, visit CarenNeile.com.
Books & Bites is free for Library Foundation members at the $50 level and above; all others are welcome to attend for $25, space permitting.
Learn more and register at bplfoundation.org/books-and-bites.
It’s Membership Renewal Time
You make it happen!
The Library Foundation exists to ensure every Broward County resident has access to the books, technology, and resources they need to build a better life. We can only fulfill this mission with your help.
As members, your contributions are what fund the valuable programs our community relies on, such as: the Summer Learning Program, SAT/ACT Workshops, and the StoryBook Festival. If you haven’t yet renewed your annual membership, please do so now. To renew online and see your membership benefits, visit bplfoundation.org/membership. If you have questions about your membership, or would like to become a member call 954-357-7334.
Giving a Boost to Library Services with #GivingTuesday
During this past year’s global day of giving, Broward County Library supporters stepped up. From early morning donations to lastminute contributions, our community demonstrated its deep commitment to keeping the library accessible and vibrant for all.
More than $750 was raised during the #GivingTuesday campaign to benefit children’s literacy programs at the library.
Did you miss #GivingTuesday? It's never too late to support your library! Visit bplfoundation.org/donate to make a difference today.
The Library Delivers a “Bear” of a Good Time
Through the Books 'n' Bears at the Holidays program, 3,400 needy preschool-age children received early holiday gifts—a picture book and cuddly teddy bear—at fun-filled parties at library branches and child care centers throughout the county.
Thank you to the more than 100 donors who gave generously in support of this program, one of the library's beloved traditions for 37 years. Your support brought smiles to children's faces and created memories that will last a lifetime.
As a key partner of Books 'n' Bears at the Holidays, the Florida Panthers Foundation's commitment to the program's growth allowed hundreds more children to benefit.
Career Online High School
To cheers from proud family and friends, this year’s Career Online High School graduates recently received their diplomas and a chance at career success during the 10th annual ceremony held at the North Regional Library.
The 23 graduates, ranging in age from 21 to 69, completed their high school studies online over an 18-month period using the Smart Horizons curriculum. Working closely with Library Learning Services Coordinator Vonda Bryant, they received both their high school diplomas and a career certificate in one of 10 fields.
The Broward Public Library Foundation provided 10 scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. Since the program’s start in 2015, 222 students have successfully completed the program.
Pictured, from left, are graduate Brittany Celius; Teresa Salafrio, Principal of Smart Horizons Career Online Education; Library Foundation Executive Director Dorothy Klein, who gave the keynote address; Vonda Bryant; and graduates Alexandria Burgess and Paulette Edwards.
