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Congratulations, Broward County Library!!
Broward County Library is honored to receive the Library of the Year from the 2025 SEFLIN Beacon Awards
In recognition of our commitment to access, innovation, inclusivity, and advocacy.
“Serving over one million customers across 37 branches, BCL has transformed public library service through
groundbreaking programs, strategic partnerships, and a bold defense of intellectual freedom. From hosting
award-winning events like the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival and StoryBook Festival, to launching
the nationally recognized Freedom to Read campaign, BCL continues to lead with courage and creativity.”
We’re proud at AARLCC to have our signature event, Africana Arts & Humanities Festival, cited in this recognition.

Re-Cap of Events

AARLCC staff participated in the Trunk or Treat Event 2025 held at Rev. Samuel Delevoe Park. It was a fantastic and fun-filled event.
Thank you to Venkata Madiraju, Librarian Supervisor, Youth Services, for the photos and for providing a meaningful experience for the local youth we serve.
Accomplishments:
- The AARLCC library table had over 325 visitors
- Distributed four large bags of candy
- Gave away 200 new books (for toddlers, children, and teens)
- Issued 10 new library cards
- Distributed 15 book bags
- Distributed 15 school notebooks and folders
- Michael Jackson Jr. visited us — he was extremely adorable.

Youth Services had a wonderful time at the AARLCC Anniversary Program. We hosted an AARLCC trivia quiz, an African drum-making craft
for preteens, and an African mask-making activity for children. Afterward, all the youth enjoyed cupcakes and juice.
Thank you to Venkata Madiraju, Librarian Supervisor, Youth Services, for the photos and for providing a meaningful experience for
the local youth we serve.
23rd Anniversary Celebration Meet our Honorees




UPCOMING EVENTS

RESCHEDULED — Registration remains open.

What’s Happening at AARLCC?
Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Scholarship – Open to Graduate Students
Friday, October 31: All day — African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Adults — Event type: Online/Virtual
The award supports graduate students pursuing advanced research in anthropology, Africana/African American studies, African diaspora,
educational leadership, or related fields. Deadline: 12/31/2025
“To Be Sold” Exhibition – Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South
Saturday, November 01: All day — AARLCC, Gallery C
Age group: Tweens, Teens, New Adults, Kids, Families, Everyone, Adults — Event type: Exhibit
Register
Genealogy 101 Meetup Series – Me, My Family and I: Tracing Your Roots
Saturday, November 01: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm — AARLCC
Age group: Teens, New Adults, Adults — Event type: Clubs & Groups, Class
Register
Kidney Health Matters: A Free Lunch & Learn — A Community Forum on Kidney Health
Saturday, November 01: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm — AARLCC, Gallery B
Age group: Tweens, Teens, Adults — Event type: Health & Wellness, Discussion/Lecture
American Sign Language 101 — A 6-week series
Tuesday, November 04: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room #1
Age group: New Adults, Everyone, Adults — Event type: Health & Wellness, Class
Register
Computer Basics for Seniors — Presented by OATS (55+)
Wednesday, November 05: 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm — AARLCC
Age group: Adults — Event type: Technology, Class
Register
Chair Yoga — Mindful Movement for Everybody
Thursday, November 06: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm — AARLCC
Age group: Tweens, Teens, New Adults, Adults — Event type: Health & Wellness
Register
“To Be Sold” Exhibition — Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South
Saturday, November 08: All day — AARLCC, Gallery C
Age group: Tweens, Teens, New Adults, Kids, Families, Everyone, Adults — Event type: Exhibit
Register
“To Be Sold” Community Dialogue Series — Presented by Partners in Racial Justice
Saturday, November 08: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm — AARLCC, Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Teens, Adults — Event type: Exhibit, Discussion/Lecture
Register
Meet our New Friends:
- Linda Gibson
- Takia Johnson
- Booker Johnson – Centennial
