Focus on Friends - Friends of the Tamarac Library

The Friends of the Tamarac Library group was originally called the Friends of the West Broward Library. After the West Broward Library was replaced with the Tamarac Library in 1981, the group continued its involvement and officially changed its name to Friends of Tamarac Library in 1983.

Since the newest Tamarac Branch opened in 2003, the Friends worked hard to accomplish a tremendous increase in membership - from about 32 participants to more than 135 in less than two years.

In addition to their ongoing bookstore, the group has sponsored special events such as an author luncheon, a book fair and open house, and craft fair.

The Friends have supported many other programs for adults and children, including appearances by authors, the World Affairs discussion series, the International Literacy Day Celebration, Black History Month Poetry Café, Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Irish Literature Series, the Let's Talk About It Jewish Literature Series, several musical performances and the summer-long Florida Library Youth Program.

To enhance the many events presented at the Tamarac Branch, the Friends approved the purchase of a portable stage with accessories, a digital camera and an electric keyboard for the meeting room.

At the 2005 Friends of the Library Luncheon and Awards, the group won awards for "Start-up Assistance for Other Friends Groups," "Provision of Cultural Programming" and "Growth in Membership."

For more information about the Friends of Tamarac Library, call 954-765-1500.

Opportunities for involvement in Friends groups exist at most Broward County Library branches. For information about other Friends groups, contact the Friends of the Broward County Library at 954-357-7771.

Remember: Good Friends make Great Libraries!