I visited this library solely to check out some kids books! Ended up staying for 2 hours enjoying all the toys and activity areas for kids! Highly recommend this library for those with little ones! read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A huge and very spacious library out over 6 floors. It was neat and tidy. The outside looked very attractive and offered an innovative design. read more

See all

This is the main library in Broward County. We went there for an event and it was a great way to get to know the library and to interact with the staff. Librarians are always available to assist users with the library's vast collection on each public floor. Large computer labs are on the 1st & 7th floors. The Federal Depository Library and Patent and Trademark Resource Center is on the 5th floor and is one of only 82 designated locations nationwide. Creation Station Makerspace/Gadget Lab is on the 1st floor and Creation Station Business Coworking Hub is on the 7th floor. Cultural programs and live entertainment are offered throughout the year in 1st floor's 292-seat auditorium. Two gallery spaces are on the 6th floor: gallery six and the Bienes Museum of the Modern Book. Permanent NASA Moon Rock and aeronautics display is on the 6th floor. Wireless printing is available throughout the building. Restrooms are for patrons and the easiest one to find is on the second floor. read more

See all

I love books. I love the way they smell, the heft of them in my hands and the ability to read them in the sunshine. I've tried the e readers for years and while more convenient than schlepping around a stack of books, it just lacks something for me. But with that being said- I actually went to the library to get a library card so that I could use an app to download books from the library. Guess that will give me the best of both worlds! I live downtown so walking to the library was only a few blocks and given there is no free parking around- saved me a couple of bucks as well. There is an entrance on the north and south side as well as a walkthrough from the garage. This building was built in the 80's and is a huge mass of concrete and glass and was part of the downtown revitalization that was happening at the time. There is a center atrium with a floating staircase which pulls the eye up to all 8 floors. There is plenty of security personnel around the perimeter of the building and I think that may be due to the large homeless encampment that used to be on the north side of the library. This is a huge library so it was nice that everyone from the security guards to the desk clerk were helpful in directing me. Getting a library card was as easy as showing my driver's license but if you aren't a full time resident or if you just moved here- check out their website for other proofs of identification that they will accept. While I had committed I wasn't going to sign out an actual book on this visit- the books called to me so I ended up with a great mystery book in my hand. Self check out was super easy and I was in and out in about 20 minutes. And if you need to return a book- they have waived all late fees these days, and there is a book depository on the south side of the building by the circular driveway to make it easy. I love that the main library is only a few blocks from my home. It's worth a visit if you are a book lover like me! read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - Floating staircase in the atrium. Don't worry- there are elevators as well! - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We love coming to the library for circle time with the other babies and toddlers. The children's area is huge so there's lots of room for them to play and explore. The staff that run the children activities are very friendly and kind with the kids. read more

I love going to this library because you have very helpful staff and they are very friendly.

This library is located at the heart of Fort Lauderdale. While there is no parking lot specifically for the library, there is plenty of parking meters around the library and a parking garage across the street (you still have to pay). The library is extremely large and clean. They have security and help desks located on each level. I actually came to attend a class-Baby Lapsit with Ms. Sue. I arrived early went to the Active Learning Center on the second floor and was stunned at the toddler play area. They had stroller parking and then an enclosed make believe area for the children. It had houses, a grocery store, dinosaurs, different sensory areas. It was clean and the children were enjoying themselves. At 10:30 prompt. Ms. Sue started her program. I wasn't sure what to expect from a free program but it was fabulous. The toddlers loved it and even my 3 month old sat wide eyed and smiling the entire time. Overall, we had a great experience at the library and can't wait to go back next week. read more

See all

I have always been a fan of libraries. I love that knowledge is so readily available to anyone who is willing to come and get it. This place is quite nice on the inside. They offer quite a number of services. On the outside it's a homeless encampment. It's not bad but it can be scary. Just be aware. read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - Main entrance - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

On January 9, 1973 the Broward County Commission approved a county wide library system made up of one large library with smaller satellite libraries throughout the county. When the library system started operating there were only four branches. The 260,000 square foot main library in downtown Ft. Lauderdale opened in April of 1984. Plans for the library began in 1963. It took the work of many groups over twenty years to get the library built. The main library was built at a cost of 42 million dollars. The architects on the project were Hamilton Smith and Tician Papachristou who worked with Robert F. Gatje from New York and Jordan A. Miller from Ft. Lauderdale. The eight story precast concrete and glass building has ground level water features and step terraces. Inside is an atrium from the 2nd to 6th floors with a floating staircase. It is one of only a few libraries to be listed on the website greatbuildings.com. In January of 2014 the building was granted historic landmark designation by the city of Ft. Lauderdale. It had been many years since I had been to this library. Even though they have a lot of great program here I have stayed away due to the intense concentration of homeless people camped out in front of the library. At one point there was an entire tent city set up. I recently had to visit the Broward Cultural Arts which has their office in the building. Unlike the other libraries in the county there is no free parking here. You have to park in the garage next door where the cost is $1.25 an hour. There is a walkway that extends between the parking garage and the library. After concluding my business upstairs I took some time to look around the library. Besides being able to use the computer and check out books and movies this library hosts a ton of free programs and classes. There is also a children's area, public art, a small museum on historic Florida crime, even a moon rock! It is really amazing all the things you can do, see, and borrow at libraries these days. I will always prefer my local Broward College branch but there are some cool things worth checking out here. read more

See all

I had a DVD to return, but I was in the Fort Lauderdale area. Then I remembered that borrowed items from a Broward County library can be returned at any Broward County library location. What a convenience, but you have to pay for parking which is $1.25 per hour with a maximum of 6 hours. This was my first time at the Main Library and I didn't realize how huge the place was. There's a total of eight floors within the building and patrons have the option of using the elevator or stairs to go to each floor, which contain the following: 1st Floor: Auditorium public computers for internet access/Computer Center 2nd Floor: Youth Service/Audio Books, CD's, DVD's, CD-ROMs/Circulation Department/Computers 3rd Floor: Fiction, Large print books 4th Floor: University of South Florida Liaison/Study Rooms/Copier/Non-Fiction books 5th Floor: FAU Faculty & Student Workroom/Government Documents/Reference Services & Books 6th Floor: Broward County Cultured Division/main Library Administration/Moon Rock Display 7th Floor: Computer Center/Computer Classes *Reservation needed. 3-60 minute sessions 8th Floor: Board Rooms/Meeting Rooms/E-Services Employees are nice and helpful. The Main Library provided a quiet atmosphere to relax and network, though I'm not sure if I would come around to this library again anytime soon. You see, I prefer libraries with FREE parking. read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - Main Library in Fort Lauderdale - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In the heart of downtown you can get all the resources you need. If they don't have it at this location, you can request them to send it from another location. Use the online website to reserve copies of materials and they will notify you when they are available for pickup. The library starts on the second floor. There is an information booth if you need assistance. There are computer labs. The library has free wifi that doesn't require a library card to access. You can return materials at the outside drop box when they aren't open. There is street parking or a garage nearby that both require payment. read more

See all

Main Library is in the heart of downtown Ft Lauderdale. Yes, it's in downtown so parking can be tricky but there is a lot right next door. Yes, sometimes the area can be dirty, it's a popular downtown. I wouldn't discredit this location for any of that. What I will say is that there are multiple floors of not only books, computers and tons of information. There are labs for learning, there are sections for teens to really explore their passions. They can create music, create videos, edit, learn photoshop. ALL FOR FREE! They have 3D printing, this is huge! I was so impressed with the vast amount of technology and public access. There is art to look at, like a museum in the library! There are tons of meeting rooms. Calling all up and coming entrepreneurs or small business owners that work from home. Need an office space to meet a client? Don't meet at Starbucks, go ahead and rent a meeting room! They are private and quiet and really show a commitment to your craft. I found the staff to be so nice and helpful! read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - So creative! - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

See all

I have been a resident of Broward County for over 27 years and used to come to this library as a child. I vividly remember all the foliage in the front, the water, and all the events they used to have for kids on the first floor and in the front of the library. These memories made me want to go visit again! I decided to come here to study for a class I'm taking since it had been well over 20 years since I had walked through the doors. Let me start by saying there was a mission down off 1st ave with a truck handing out containers of food to the homeless in the area. While I am all for that, it's very disconcerting to see that the library I have such fond memories of has turned into a homeless shelter. While walking into the library, I noticed there was a horrible mildew smell that hits you immediately upon entering. I ended up going to the 4th floor to search for a table to sit at, but decided to go to the front to look out to the front and reminisce of the beautiful view I remember. Unfortunately, that view no longer exists. There were orange barriers put up and no water in the ponds and they were overrun with algae. Found a spot towards the back of the library, but the noise of the construction next door as well as other individuals phones going off and talking did not make for a good study. I stayed approximately an hour and departed. Truly an unfortunate sight to see for a building that holds such wonderful memories. I will not be going back. read more

I'm a huge fan of public libraries, this one not so much. First, I'll start on a good note they offer a large computer lab and I used it many times printing out important documents. Now to the bad part, I rented two books from there returned them to the front desk. I knew I had some over due payments because I took forever to return them. My fees were like 30 dollars. I didn't have any money on me, so I decided I pay it off later on. I go back to pay my fees and it ended up being 54 dollars, saying I didn't return one of the books. I kindly tell the lady I turned it in directly to the person at this desk, and she kindly smiles and says, "sorry it's not in my system. I can't help you." Now, I have 54 dollars worth of fees because they didn't do their job and lost a book I turned in TO THE PERSON! read more

Dropped by this morning to pick up a couple of CD's. I use the CD collection a lot to add to my FLAC library (look it up), and download lots of books to my reader. Good news: the homeless tent city encampment is gone. Area is fenced off at this point. Fountains are empty. Don't know what the plans are for the area. Photo attached of cleared area. Big improvement for the library. Kids section on the main floor crowded. Smelled fine -- and this was a BIG problem over the last few years, as the unfortunate (and sometimes unwashed) searched for a place out of the heat and rain. Clearly, a lot of people are more comfortable in the neighborhood and the library. read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - Former encampment from second floor. - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

It's old but undergoing some renovations, and honestly I get oh so very nostalgic when I walk in here as an adult and am reminded of the days when I was in elementary school and would come in to do research and check out books for projects and book reports. There's an auditorium and many special events happening here. Classes for adults and after school programs for kids, plenty of resources for all in the heart of downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Art on display. Book sales on the first floor. Check out the Moon Rock exhibit on the 5th floor - there's a video playing alongside actual moon rocks, NASA astronaut gear, and bookmarks you can take as a souvenir. There's a lounge/cafeteria, floor to ceiling windows with views of the bustling city below, and seven floors of stacks to search. Roam around and explore, just beware there's a large homeless population in the area, so stay vigilant. read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Pro: Huge library. 7 floors. Staff on every floor to help you. Cons: I know you can't help the homeless population there but it can get very creepy. Especially at night when you are leaving because they are around the surrounding areas. But just stay in lighted areas near the road. read more

A good library to find music books movies go there as often as I can. Of course people give it a bad rap because of the homeless people who frequent the library giving it a Big bad scary place to be which is a lot of bull. I've never been bothered or harassed. So don't Let a bunch of snooty Freddy cats scare you away with their prejudicial reviews. read more

EEEEEEK. I was downtown dropping someone off and thought it would be easier for me to just go by this library. The outside looks beautiful and inviting. The location is convenient and there is parking right across the street for pretty cheap. The library starts on the second floor. This floor is very loud. I wandered up to a couple different floors to find a good spot. Most of the chairs are old, brittle and very uncomfortable. I had to move twice. The smell throughout is that of mold and just a general old stench. The bathrooms are awful. They are tiny, smelly, and were barely cleaned. The atrium in the middle is open on every floor so the sound really carries. It is difficult to find a quiet spot. Many of the people in the library don't help that situation when they are loudly speaking throughout, including the workers. There are A LOT of homeless people, which I was happy to see, as many were reading and on the computers. But there were twice the amount being loud, disruptive, and disrespectful. There is also only one security guard that I saw on the second floor. Some of the staff was nice and greeted me and asked if I needed help. When I finally found a halfway decent spot that was quiet enough with a chair I could endure, I noticed how beautiful some of the views are. But then a very rude young man came and sat at a table next to me with his head phones blasted loud enough for me to hear and began banging on his table to the music. I had enough, I had to leave. I wont be back to this library. it was disappointing because of what a great location it could truly be! read more

I love libraries. I used to volunteer at a public library and I always prefer to do my research with real books rather than the Internet. When I moved to Fort Lauderdale, one of the first things I did was get a library card. Broward County should be absolutely ashamed of their main library. It reeks of urine and is more a homeless shelter, than a home for books. I despise going there. There only rewarding quality is the drive-through book drop. I was so excited when I learned recently you can take books out on the Kindle because that would eliminate my trips to the library. Let me tell you, taking books out of the library on Kindle is very stressful because you only have the book out for three weeks at a time. There is no way for you to renew your book, or keep it "checked out" and incur a late fee. Believe me. I have tried. Not to mention, I have never dealt with as rude a volunteer than the person who assisted me. This avid reader, who never quits on a book and only reads one book at a time, is stopping 40% of the way through a book and will have to start again at later date to be determined. Yes, I will continue using the library, but not by choice. Moving forward, if I ever take a book out on Kindle, I will be sure to take it out in hard copy too. read more

We visited the makerspace - Creation Station lab - on the first floor of the Main Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It's a great learning space for kids. There's 3D printers, a gadget lab, virtual reality experience, and free technology classes. The Creation Station Business Center is located on the 7th floor and opened in 2016. But the GovGarage parking and GovAnnex parking lot are not free, either pay hourly or $5-$8 flat fee on certain days. The Main Library is centrally located among other tourist attractions. The Museum of Science and Discovery, NSU Art Museum and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts are around 5 blocks away from the Main Library. read more

I was hoping to find a place away from the hustle and bustle of working from a coffee shop or my home office. A place to concentrate and knock out some business. There is ample seating if you want to find a quiet workspace with great internet access however, there are more things to be said that are not good about it then good. The library seems like it has been under renovation for years so entry is guesswork, the library overall smells of urine and not clean. I brought my own disinfectant wipes just in case and was so happy that I did because I wiped the table and it was really nasty as if it hasn't been cleaned for years. There are no study rooms in case you want to work with a partner on a project so you will have to keep yourself to low tones due to only being able to work on the main floor. read more

Tables downstairs seat two people. Set up a third, and security will set you straight. Broward? As a taxpayer trying to interact in society, I'd rather not be run off from tables and chairs I've paid taxes for. BTW libraries are not on most taxpayer's "want to pay for" category (we can Google now) - so be careful how you treat us. We're not in a tolerant mood. read more

Free wi-fi, nice views from floor to ceiling glass windows. Great location. Must pay $1 per hour for parking and occasionally joust with homeless people for table space (especially when it is raining). Despite this, a great place to work in a quiet downtown location. read more

Broward County Libraries - Main Library - The View from a Library Workspace - Libraries Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This library doesn't smell like urine. I walked inside, inhaled deeply and it smelled like mildew. This building is old, and the bathroom tile looks like its from the 1960s. I did a little bit of research here and there were plenty of tables and quiet areas to work at. It was quiet and air conditioned. After a while the mildew smell goes away. read more

See all

Altho this is not the exact location I am gonna write about; it's the same thing right???? The charges for overdue books is ridiculous!! Not a happy time right now with my daughter - imma go buy her soem books @ B&N after this escapade read more

I haven't physically been to the library in at least a year since I bought my Nook, but Broward County has ebooks available for checkout, which is great. Unfortunately, with the more popular titles, there may only be one copy available for checkout (though it's an ebook, so I don't get it. Maybe it has something to do with the copyright??) so I usually just put my name on the waiting list and I wait anywhere from a week up to months. There's still an OK variety of books that are immediately available. I wish the website were easier to browse the fiction section though. read more

I think libraries are a great resource and a place to go and learn about new things that you can't find on the internet. It should be a resource for young and growing minds. This library has grown slightly in the last few years by remodeling the top parts of the internal building into a museum and offices. However, the library itself is, well - I work at home and wanted to get out of the house for a few hours a day to study, write some emails and be in a different environment thinking that I would be around similar people or students. After I parked in the garage I walked across the street to the library only to see around 100 plus homeless people to what looks like living outside the front entrance with the surrounding water feature drained as to not provide a bathing place for them. Upon entering the downstairs area has homeless people anywhere a butt could be placed. After taking the escalator upstairs and entering the main part of the library I tried to find a table to sit at without luck. I started on the first floor and each table was taken by the homeless, but at least they were looking at the pages of something. So, I went upstairs and to look and again each spot was taken by the homeless most of which were just there to open a book and take a nap. As I wandered around I came across this group of homeless people with a smell so bad my eyes began to water forcing me to just retreat from the library and return to my home. This downtown area is not a library. It's a homeless shelter. The only thing missing - is free food. read more

Went to this library and discovered: 1. An obnoxious security guard. 2. It smelled bad. 3. A dead rat - INSIDE. Won't be back. read more

I gave a presentation here today and was blown away at the size and beauty of this library!

In the slowest economy in many years, the broward county library offers many great services. You can rent somewhat recent DVDs, great books, and surf the web in their wi-fi areas...all for free! read more

Wonderful, friendly library in the complex with ArtServe gallery and Stonewall Museum and Archives! A lot to see in one place!

I used this library on and off for a year while researching a book set in the nearby courthouse. Mostly, I worked on the fifth floor law library where I could plug in my computer and work in relative quiet during lunch hour courthouse breaks. The cafe food was delicious, the library was fun to walk around, and the location made it a great office-away-from-my-office. Plus, the librarians were enormously helpful and personable. Twice during my 'stay' there I had the wonderful good fortune to listen to live talks by a couple of my favorite authors: Susan Isaacs and Elaine Viets. The main library's such a great place, I gave it a cameo appearance in MIAMI ICED. read more

Love this library. Been coming here for years. They show case some interesting things in the top floor art gallery. This location has a wealth of resources & books containing information on anything you could possibly wish to read up on/learn more about. The librarian's are all very helpful & friendly. read more

Worse experience ever!!!!! Have been a customer at this library for 13 years, never had any issues. Recently I received an email saying I had to renew my card. So I went to the Main Library on Andrews and was approached and harassed by two homeless people (which have the area overrun). I work nearby and this location is the only one really convenient to me. I called and spoke to a lady in administration named Laura she was the most uncaring frivolous person I've come across in a while. When I explained what happened and that I did not feel safe coming back down there and requested if I could possible renew over the phone or online, since none of my information had changed, she gave me every excuse and flat out said NO. Their "policy" is all she kept saying. But the safety and peace of mind of a long term customer means nothing! They need to stop and realize that its the customers that keep them employed and in business. If we don't feel safe coming to their location its not good for their bottom line. Very disappointed with the way they treated and handled my concerns. read more

I stopped by the Broward County main library when I was in Fort Lauderdale on business and needed a quiet place to do some work. The library staff was friendly, the wireless was fast, and the space was clean and functional. When i finished up, I walked through the temporary art installation, which was both interesting and enjoyable. I'd definitely come back again. read more