Broward County Libraries – Main Library

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.

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.

This is a great library. They are really making it a lot better than it was before. The renovations were wonderful. This library will be ranked number one in the nation or in the top ten in the up coming years. It has a great selection of books, multimedia, nice computer labs, 3d printers and amazing employees. I have been to some of the best libraries in the country including those ranked number one and this library is definitely a contender.

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 5^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.