The Stronger Together library card is available at all branches year-round
Broward.org /Library
Stephen Grubb, Public Information Officer for Broward County Libraries
Celebrating Broward County Libraries Stephen Grubb “I have loved libraries all my life.” Stephen Grubb grew up with libraries as a central part of his life. Now, the person who moved to South Florida from Indiana in 2001 is the Public Information Officer for Broward County’s LIbraries Division. It was a small classified ad that transformed his love of libraries into a passion. “I answered a classified ad in the newspaper looking for someone who was passionate about technology and lifelong learning. I’m so fortunate that I happened upon that classified ad because libraries are definitely where I belong.” Originally a corporate trainer, Grubb has obtained his Masters in Library Science. Over the past 20 years, he’s helped facilitate the transformation of Broward’s library system to serve a tech-savvy generation. “Between 2001 and today, library services have transformed to meet the needs of the community. I’ve seen Broward County Library become an online service provider, adding eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, and streaming music to the collection. Now, customers can access our collection from anywhere at any time. People can even get a library card emailed to them directly from our website.” Over the past few years, library staff have changed the way people use Broward’s 38 library locations for learning. They host events on social media and online
meetings, as well as technology classes for all skill levels. Not Your Father’s Library People who haven’t visited a library since their school days may be surprised when they look at Broward’s libraries. More than a book repository or DVD distributor, the services offered are practical for the 21st century. They include streaming movies you can watch on your TV or tablet, language learning with Rosetta Stone, online newspapers, even robots and birdwatching backpacks. “The great thing about public libraries is everyone uses them differently to suit their own unique needs. They might stop by to enjoy an exhibit, attend an event, learn computer skills in a class, use a library computer or our WiFi, or get some research guidance from one of our expert librarians.” It’s also about being in the community and offering a personal touch. “What sets us apart from an online retailer such as Amazon is that we offer free one-on-one personal assistance.” Grubb also points out that the “free” services are paid for by your taxes, and says since you’re already paying for it, you may as well use it. In 2024, Broward County’s library system will celebrate fifty years of service. Celebration specifics are still being worked out and are under wraps, but Grubb says there will be lots of events and a limited-edition library card.
www.Broward.org/Library Author: John Hayden
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Photos Courtesy of Broward County Library
