The Friends of the Broward County African America Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC; formerly Friends of the Von D. Mizell Library) is an organization whose membership is the lifeblood of library support. Within the scope of its mission, the Friends of the Broward County AARLCC advocates for library services, and provides resources to support library programs.

The members of the Friends are people of all ages from all walks of life who represent all of the communities of Broward County and beyond. These “ordinary “ people work with the library administration in “building bridges” to develop and maintain youth and adult services for the community. They give of their time and special skills in support of library projects and activities that support the mission of the library. They also raise funds to support library programs, staff development and appreciation.

Each Friend serves as a public relations instrument for the library by increasing the public’s awareness of the library and its services. As we move forward to strengthen our advocacy efforts, increase contributions, face challenges, and utilize opportunities to meet the needs of the library, you are invited to become a Friend.

WE ARE ADVOCATES, WE ARE SUPPORTERS! – Join us today


UPCOMING FRIENDS EVENTS

 

What’s Happening at AARLCC?

“To Be Sold” Exhibition – Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South
Monday, November 10: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Adults
event type:  Exhibit
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) presents the exhibition, “To Be Sold: Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South”

Computer Basics for Seniors – Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) for Adults 55+
Wednesday, November 12: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Computer Lab
Age group:   Adults
event type:  Technology, Class
As the world continues to experience rapid advancements in technology, it’s vital to ensure accessible spaces for older Americans to stay informed and connected.
Register

Chair Yoga – Mindful Movement for Everybody
Thursday, November 13: 11:00am – 12:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Adults
event type:  Health & Wellness
Nourish your mind and body with 14-weeks of yoga at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Whether you’re seeking stress relief or joyful movement, all are welcome to the program.
Register

“To Be Sold” Exhibition – Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South
Friday, November 14: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Adults
event type:  Exhibit
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) presents the exhibition, “To Be Sold: Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South”
Register

Gallery Walk of the “To Be Sold” Exhibition
Friday, November 14: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Adults
event type:  Exhibit
Delve into the harrowing realities of the domestic slave trade in the American South with archivist Erin Purdy.

Till It’s Done: A Music & Poetry Workshop
Saturday, November 15: 11:00am – 1:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group:   Everyone
event type:  Class
Join Hued Songs at the African-American Research Library & Cultural Center. Every month we curate a creative placemaking workshop
Register

Black History Saturday School CommuniVersity – Free Monthly Black History Classes for Children and Adults
Saturday, November 15: 11:30am – 1:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Everyone  Adults
event type:  Discussion/Lecture, Arts & Cultural
AARLCC is hosting the best and brightest experts on Black history to our community to promote intergenerational learning in a family-friendly environment.
Register

Wags & Tales
Saturday, November 15: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Youth Service Story Room
Age group:   Tweens  Preschool  Kids  Families
event type:  Literacy/Learning Services, Clubs & Groups, Books
Read to a therapy dog at the library!
Register

 


PAST FRIENDS EVENTS

Together, we engage with community organizations to build support for new programs and increase attendance to existing programs.

OUR MISSION

Bringing together community “friends” to advocate for libraries.   The Friends of AARLCC is a support group of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. This includes, but is not limited to presenting library needs to elected officials in order to obtain crucial financial support.

JOIN US
– Every member plays a vital role.

We actively collaborate with community organizations to build support for new initiatives and boost attendance at our existing programs. Our goal is to provide resources for acquiring additions, special collections, research materials, and historically significant artifacts for our library’s special collections.

Every member plays a vital role as an Ambassador for AARLCC, helping to raise public awareness about the library and its services. Join us in strengthening our advocacy efforts, increasing contributions, and embracing opportunities to meet the needs of AARLCC. Learn how you can become a Friend of the library.

We invite you to visit AARLCC. If you are a regular patron, we encourage you to continue supporting the programs and services that make AARLCC a “gem” in Broward County.

Be sure to check our website regularly for updates on special events and exhibits at AARLCC.

WE ADVOCATE
– Why Are We Here? Why Friends?

WE ARE FRIENDS

We are advocates for the life, history, and culture of African American history, serving as liaisons between the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) and the community.

As supporters, we raise funds for programs, events, exhibits, and the archive at AARLCC to increase awareness of our work.

Our mission is to unite community, friend & in advocating for libraries. The Friends of AARLCC is a support group for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. This includes, but is not limited to, presenting library needs to elected officials to secure crucial financial support.

Our advocacy activities involve meeting with the County Administrator, the County Mayor, and each County Commissioner to provide factual information about the importance of maintaining funding for library programs and services. We demonstrate how these services benefit the community. We encourage community members to be present at budget workshops, speak at public hearings, appear before the Broward Legislative Delegation, attend Library Days in Tallahassee to advocate for state aid to libraries, and participate in our advocacy campaigns.

We invite you to join us and become active in our advocacy efforts.

WE SUPPORT
– Our Community & Our People!

Funds Allocated & Programs We Support As An Organization

Soulful Christmas is a holiday celebration for everyone, featuring music, storytelling, and a sense of community. This multidisciplinary event offers audiences a musical journey through the decades, showcasing iconic music that has shaped the sounds of Black Christmas. Attendees will enjoy a range of genres, including gospel, spirituals, soul, and more, all led by a diverse cast of artists. Join us for this enriching holiday experience filled with music and connection.

Educational and essential youth programs that help build and cultivate our youth through STEM, arts and cultural events, financial literacy, and reading.

Furthermore, funding supports expanding youth impact, which includes but is not limited to an award-winning Black History Saturday school series, family literacy programs, and college preparation programs.

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Friends of The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT