Our Origins

The Friends of the North Regional/Broward County Library was formed in 1994 when the library was built on the grounds of the then Broward Community College. The group grew rapidly and has boasted a growing membership for the past 26 years.

Friends of North Regional/Broward College Library (commonly referred to as “The Friends of NR”) serves in an advocacy role, helping to obtain public support and funding for the Broward County Library. They help enhance library programs and services, as well as staff development, through their fund-raising activities.

As a registered Non-Profit 501(c) (3), The Friends group sponsors library programs, 

and staff development through their fund-raising activities. The Friends of NR also provides additional financial resources to the North Regional Library in support of programs not normally covered in the library’s operating

budget.

Perhaps the most important thing to know about the Friends of NR is that it is made up of dedicated volunteers who love to read and want to share that passion with the Broward County Library Community. After all, the Mission of Friends of North Regional/Broward College Library is to “…make this library a community where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn, participate and grow.”

Our Contribution

Over the past 26+ years, the Friends of NR has brought an incredible wealth of entertainment, education, and support to this library. Early on, the Friends leaders’ determined that an

after-school tutoring program for local students in grades K-4 was an essential benefit to the community. This program led to an Acts of Caring Award from the National Association of County Libraries. This program continues because of the devotion of the volunteer tutors who believe in it.

The Friends Cultural GEMS Series brings literature and music to the community with a wide variety of professional performances. This series started as 2-3 programs per year and grew, before the pandemic, into programs held every month.

Summer Youth Programs at this library has been a great success due to the Friends of NR support. Programs for the youngest of this community continue to introduce parents and children to the beauty and fantasy of reading, arts and crafts, and cooperative play.

The Friends of NR has helped sponsor hundreds of adult education programs over the years. Programs involving Art, Literature, Music, Physical well-being are only a few that have been offered. There have been so many wonderful opportunities for development and entertainment.

In addition to sponsoring community development, the Friends of NR has worked as library advocates, including participating in FLA Library Day in Tallahassee. Library staff members have been able to attend professional conferences and seminars. As always, it is the members and volunteers who made all of the past 26+ years possible and successful.

Our Outlook

The future of all these programs depends on public support. Without funding and volunteer support, the Friends of NR cannot grow into an even better version of itself.

The Friends Cultural GEMS Concert Series will return every month, focusing on Telling Our Stories through Literature and Music.

The After School Tutoring Program will return to help local children enhance their reading and writing skills.

The Youth Services Programs for Tiny Tots through high schoolers will focus on groups so often overlooked.

The Adult Education Programs continue to enlighten and entertain with music, wellness and life skills, literature, social awareness, community involvement, and so much

more.

With your support, The Friends of North Regional/Broward College Library will continue to make its mark on the hearts and minds of our community.