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?“Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin”
Saturday, January 31: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group:   Everyone
event type:  Exhibit, Arts & Cultural
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Register

VITA-Income Tax Assistance 2026 – Free Tax Preparation Assistance by Broward Tax Pro
Saturday, January 31: 11:00am – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group:   Adults
event type:  Workshop
In-person tax assistance free of charge to anyone with a special focus on low to moderate income taxpayers.

Super STEM Engineering Explorers – Family Science Saturdays @ AARLCC
Saturday, January 31: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  Kids
event type:  Workshop, Class, Books
Join us and engineer a Wiggle Art Bot; Mix chemicals that fizz, bubble & change colors, Build your own hydraulic claw, and much more
Register

Cultural Conversation “Selma: Legacy, Lens, and Liberation”
Saturday, January 31: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium,Café,Harambee Room,Lobby
Age group:   Everyone
event type:  Arts & Cultural
Join us for a powerful conversation between entrepreneur and art advocate Doug McCraw and award-winning equity strategist and activist Chevara Orrin
Register

“Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin”
Monday, February 02: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group:   Everyone
event type:  Exhibit, Arts & Cultural
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Register

House of Stone: Contemporary Zimbabwean Art at AARLCC
Monday, February 02: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Adults
event type:  Exhibit, Arts & Cultural
View a unique exhibit of modern Shona sculpture at AARLCC, “House of Stone: Contemporary Zimbabwean Art at AARLCC.”

Monday Morning Tech Clinic 2026 – Open Lab for Tech Q&A
Monday, February 02: 11:00am – 12:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Computer Lab
Age group:   New Adults  Adults
event type:  Workshop, Technology
Do you have a question about your phone, tablet, or other device? Is there an email feature you’d like to know more about? Any other tech issues? Just drop in to see how we can assist you.
Register

VITA-Income Tax Assistance 2026 – Free Tax Preparation Assistance by Broward Tax Pro
Monday, February 02: 1:00pm – 7:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group:   Adults
event type:  Workshop
In-person tax assistance free of charge to anyone with a special focus on low to moderate income taxpayers.

VITA-Income Tax Assistance 2026 – Free Tax Preparation Assistance by Broward Tax Pro
Wednesday, February 04: 1:00pm – 7:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group:   Adults
event type:  Workshop
In-person tax assistance free of charge to anyone with a special focus on low to moderate income taxpayers.

Computer On Line Basics for Seniors – Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) for Adults 55+
Wednesday, February 04: 2:45pm – 3:45pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
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

Black History Saturday School CommuniVersity – Free Monthly Black History Classes for Children and Adults
Saturday, February 07: 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

Genealogy 101 Meetup Series – Me, My Family and I: Tracing Your Roots
Saturday, February 07: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Computer Lab
Age group:   Teens  New Adults  Adults
event type:  Clubs & Groups, Class
Covering the beginning basics, participants will learn basic tenets of family history research – constructing family pedigree charts (tree), genealogy terms, organization tools and digital resources.
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