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?
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.
Register
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
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings CollectionSAT/ACT Workshops – Ready for College: College Readiness Workshops
Monday, June 01: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
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.Youth Quilt Making Club: Hidden Threads – Quilts, Codes, and Family Stories
Tuesday, June 02: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group: Kids Families
event type: Summer Learning Program, Arts & Cultural
Join the Youth Quilt Making Club: Hidden Threads and explore history, art, and family stories through quilting.
Register
SAT/ACT Workshops – Ready for College: College Readiness Workshops
Tuesday, June 02: 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.Black History Saturday School CommuniVersity – Free Monthly Black History Classes for Children and Adults
Saturday, June 06: 11:30am – 1:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
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
he Great Summer Excavation – Unearthing Stories with Award-Winning Author Sophia Gholz
Saturday, June 06: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group: Tweens Toddlers
event type: Summer Learning Program, Story Time, Speaker, Literacy/Learning Services, Crafting/Makers, Books, Author Events, Arts & Cultural
Discover how stories grow from tiny sparks of inspiration! In this interactive session, award‑winning author Sophia Gholz shares how everyday moments become idea seeds she nurtures into books.
Register
The Juneteenth Experience Community Workshop – By Hued Songs
Saturday, June 06: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group: Everyone
event type: Class
A free hands-on community workshop in Fort Lauderdale, inviting all ages to create, reflect, and connect through art.
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 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.
