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?
Medicare 101: Thrive Past 65 – Medicare
Tuesday, April 28: 11:00am – 12:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Ellyn F. Walters Conference Room
Age group: New Adults Adults
event type: Health & Wellness
A non-biased introduction to the ins and outs of Medicare and healthcare. Learn how to enroll, understand the ABCs, and fill the gaps in your plan.
American Sign Language Basic Class Series – Intro to American Sign Language: An 8-Week Adult Course
Thursday, April 30: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Teens New Adults Adults
event type: Class
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual‑spatial language used primarily by Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing communities in the United States and Canada.
Register
Black History Saturday School CommuniVersity – Free Monthly Black History Classes for Children and Adults
Saturday, May 02: 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, May 02: 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
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Saturday, May 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
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Saturday, May 02: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Saturday, May 02: 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.
Genealogy 101 Meetup Series – Me, My Family and I: Tracing Your Roots
Saturday, May 02: 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.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Monday, May 04: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Monday, May 04: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Teen Advisory Board: New Member Meeting – Discover Your Voice. Shape Your Library. Make an Impact.
Monday, May 04: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Ellyn F. Walters Conference Room
Age group: Tweens Teens
event type: Outreach, Clubs & Groups
Learn how you can be part of the Teen Advisory Board at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Connect with other teens, plan programs, guide book picks, and earn volunteer hours.
Register
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Tuesday, May 05: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Tuesday, May 05: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Wednesday, May 06: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Wednesday, May 06: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Gallery Walks for the “Selma is Now” Exhibition – Gallery Walks for the “Selma is Now” Exhibition
Wednesday, May 06: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Museum
Age group: Everyone
event type: Arts & Cultural
Join us for an immersive gallery walk through, “Selma Is Now”, a powerful exhibition presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Thursday, May 07: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Thursday, May 07: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
American Sign Language Basic Class Series – Intro to American Sign Language: An 8-Week Adult Course
Thursday, May 07: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Teens New Adults Adults
event type: Class
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual‑spatial language used primarily by Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing communities in the United States and Canada.
Cultural Conversations: An Evening with Michael Twitty – Culinary Historian
Thursday, May 07: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
New date Thursday, May 07: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Adults
event type: Discussion/Lecture, Books, Author Events
Join Michael Twitty, culinary historian and author, as he discusses his latest book, “Recipes from the American South.”
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Friday, May 08: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Friday, May 08: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Friday, May 08: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium
Age group: Everyone
event type: Arts & Cultural
Experience the dynamic fusion of classical literature and modern music with The Bard in Bars, presented by Art Prevails Project.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Saturday, May 09: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Saturday, May 09: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Songs We Needed Then: Music, Memory & Release – By Hued Songs
Saturday, May 09: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group: Everyone
event type: Arts & Cultural
A guided songwriting workshop exploring song structure to process & preserve memory, connect with self and write your own freedom song.
Saturday, May 09: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium
Age group: Everyone
event type: Arts & Cultural
Experience the dynamic fusion of classical literature and modern music with The Bard in Bars, presented by Art Prevails Project.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Monday, May 11: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Monday, May 11: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Tuesday, May 12: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Tuesday, May 12: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Wednesday, May 13: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Wednesday, May 13: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Thursday, May 14: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Thursday, May 14: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
American Sign Language Basic Class Series – Intro to American Sign Language: An 8-Week Adult Course
Thursday, May 14: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Teens New Adults Adults
event type: Class
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual‑spatial language used primarily by Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing communities in the United States and Canada.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Friday, May 15: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Friday, May 15: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Saturday, May 16: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Saturday, May 16: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Monday, May 18: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Monday, May 18: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
SAT/ACT Workshops – Ready for College: College Readiness Workshops
Monday, May 18: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group: Teens Families
event type: Workshop, Ready for College
Prepare for the SAT/ACT with this intensive, 5 session workshops presented at African American Research Library & Cultural for High School students in grades 10-12.
Register
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Tuesday, May 19: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Tuesday, May 19: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
SAT/ACT Workshops – Ready for College: College Readiness Workshops
Tuesday, May 19: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group: Teens Families
event type: Workshop, Ready for College
Prepare for the SAT/ACT with this intensive, 5 session workshops presented at African American Research Library & Cultural for High School students in grades 10-12.
Register
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Wednesday, May 20: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Wednesday, May 20: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Thursday, May 21: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Thursday, May 21: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
American Sign Language Basic Class Series – Intro to American Sign Language: An 8-Week Adult Course
Thursday, May 21: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Teens New Adults Adults
event type: Class
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual‑spatial language used primarily by Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing communities in the United States and Canada.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Friday, May 22: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Friday, May 22: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Saturday, May 23: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Saturday, May 23: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
AARLCC COMMUNITY DIALOGUE SERIES – Partners in Racial Justice
Saturday, May 23: 10:30am – 12:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: New Adults Adults
event type: Workshop, Outreach, Discussion/Lecture
The Partners In Racial Justice discussion series invites participants into a shared journey of discovery, reflection, and action.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Monday, May 25: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Tuesday, May 26: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Tuesday, May 26: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
SAT/ACT Workshops – Ready for College: College Readiness Workshops
Tuesday, May 26: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Teens Families
event type: Workshop, Ready for College
Prepare for the SAT/ACT with this intensive, 5 session workshops presented at African American Research Library & Cultural for High School students in grades 10-12.
Register
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Wednesday, May 27: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Wednesday, May 27: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Thursday, May 28: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Thursday, May 28: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Friday, May 29: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Friday, May 29: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Selma is Now: The Photography of Spider Martin Exhibit
Saturday, May 30: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Everyone
event type: Exhibit
The exhibition is presented in partnership with Broward Cultural Division and will be on display at AARLCC through June 27, 2026.
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Saturday, May 30: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families Everyone Adults
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings Collection
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 AARLCC’s needs. 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.
