Reviews of Broward County Main Library (Library)

Rosa Thorp

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.

Robert Gibson Z

Great place .love books.

Miguel Andre

Broward County County Main Library is a great facility for encouraging literacy on any subject matter.

gohappypanda1

In response to the one who asked "What do we do there?" You read, fool. You read.

Frank Gilmer

I was amazed to see their collection of book. The place was positive and quite. The Stuff was well displayed so that it's easy for people to find the right book. The staff was friendly as well as dedicated . I would like to recommend this place all the readers who wants quietness and positivity .

Karen Yankowski

Inside is fine...The outside is a homeless village BEWARE

Richie Rich

Hard to find parking

Daniel Castro

One of the best public libraries in South Florida. Very good selection of books. Large, open interior. Helpful staff.

Joe Almoni

Complain to the city about the people outside the library. Still one of the best libraries in Broward.

Rox Lauren

AMAZING library. I have been coming here for years and this location has such a vast variety of services it offers! Free classes on Microsoft office etc. Staff could be a bit friendlier at times but they’re still generally nice! They have the newest dvds available to rent as well as thousands of books. I’d definitely recommend checking this location out.

Diana Lee

Really great Library. I am amazed by the children's area and ofcourse they have lots of books and computers that you can use. The only downside is the cleanliness of the bathrooms.

Erin Purdy

A rat crawled on me when I was at the library.

Pesci

I will NEVER bring my kids here because of the homeless people, most of whom are clearly intoxicated. They harass me everyday when I ride by on my scoooter and people that walk around there. The smell of Irvine and feces reaches into the street. THERE ARE ACTUALLY CHILDREN LIVING IN THESE TENTS! The mayor wanted a train down there, but no one I know would use it because of this issue. Something needs to be done to make the library accessible AND to help these people that live at the library. Until then, I’ll stick to the Oakland Park Library, small selection, but no issues. Just a quick update: the tents are now moving onto the grass. Also, still see what appears to be children living there (DCF, help them) and the aggressive panhandling is out of control.

Scott Rocush

I went here to pick up a reserved book with my daughter. The library is nice overall but the local homeless people use it as their home. The tech center was nice as well with personnel helping my daughter experience her first virtual reality game. They also have 2 3D printers that can be used by library members.

Dulin N. Ebanks

Best library in broward county. Cool staff and a wonderful collection. Also the art is exquisite. Very amiable environment.

Ania Mininkova

Amazing library with a great collection of art and computer science books. I wish I could come and study here, but using BCL app and requesting books to read at home also works well. Hopefully, the city would help people in the tent city in front of the library, until then studying is not that convenient because of a faint smell + occasionally running into people taking showers in the bathroom☺️

Tim Richardson

INSANE WiFi strength! Fastest uploads I’ve ever seen!

Terry Hart

Love the creation stations...

Faye Clobes

I LOVE THIS LIBRARY! I can study quietly and I never had issues of any kind. Im very happy that this library is close to my house!!!!

Jorge Martinez

Piss Poor Security Services/excluding any onsite police They discriminated and bullied and slandered and gossiped about my wife her disabilities and her choice of an emotional support service pet/child!!!! She cried a whole night following an encounter with security after the second days following receiving her library card. Nasty Disgusting Disrespecting Nosey Loud Offensive Judgmental Tackless Ostracizing...security staff; each and every one of them!! #B000000000

Gary Greenbaum

Information desk was totally unhelpful. Intentionally so I think. She sounded down right joyful when I walked away my time wasted.

Jacques White

Quiet, professional staff and fast internet! Who could for anything more?

Thé Pokémon Nérd

Me being a volunteer here, it's like no other library I've been to. They have more stuff for more people to do and use, they have about 8 floors, 7th floor for grown ups, 2nd floor for kids and teens. I go here every day.

Arlena Bozeman

Things has gotten much better with customer service. Once they figure out how to get all the scratched DVDs off the shelves it would be even better.

jorge lago

Love it

Jon Alexander

I am a homeless man. I spend a lot of time in the library. I can find out about BV anything there, if not on the computer but in the myriad of literature available.

Anderson Sady

Loud LOUD LOUDER! This is the worst library I've ever been to. It so loud (for a library that is). What bothers me the most is the staff. I mean, I understand how some patrons might not know about the code of conduct inside a public library. But the staff is the loudest. They don't know the meaning of the word "whisper". They talk loudly on the phone. They talk loudly on their obnoxiously annoying walkie talkies. They talk loud among themselves. They talk loud when they're helping someone find a book. They are so annoying and disturbing. Then comes the harassing security guard. If you are leaning back into your chair, he'll rudely tap you on your shoulder and order you to sit upright. Excuse me, what? Worst library ever. Period.

Lilian ROCA-GODINEZ

Amazing library. It is huge with several floors of books, cds, dvds, computers, computer programs, and artwork. It now has an amazing Creation Station though I have not gone since before its start.

Lennox Bullard

LOVE THAT

Soshani Richardson

The Services offered for youth are amazing. But the staff doesn't seem very enthused about the programs they offer, organizining the programs, or promoting them through the public schools. They should really think about relocoting this library or relocating the homeless. It doesn't feel safe for kids and outside smells like a public bathroom. As a child, my elementry school band was invited to perform outside the Library for a christmas show. The same place were tent city and the dirty fountain is now. The inside could use a few upgrades as well. it still feels like the 80's in there.

Justin Gibson

In what world does a library not open until 12pm??? However, they are one of the only public places in the world that will let you use a Microsoft Hololens. You can’t even find one of those at a Microsoft store!

Gwendy Gregory

Organized and helpful service

Melissa Jean McCarthy

Decent Library, met many persons, also sat out at the lunch program. Had a great time.

Carlos Rodriguez

Best library. Great collection of books, movies, music, computer lab. Now it has expanded to included interactive mediums. The first floor has a Creation Station where you can design and print 3D models. 2nd floor has a Teen studio for graphic design, music production, film production and arts & crafts. The section for the young ones is under renovation and will include an interactive studio as well.

Mario Schlindwein

The culture of a population, of a city, or of a country, manifests itself through books, the media, and the people who circulate among city streets. But one of the main points that we can identify the quality of life of people, of a place, is a library.

Yecoliah Israel

yes I would have to agree with previous respondent when she said the library is lovely but the homeless problem is a downer the bad odor is very distracting and repulsive but still a great library

Jennifer Gray

I LOVE this library, the staff is so nice and helpful. They are very insightful on the different collection of books they have from various genres to different languages. I would highly recommend this library.

SeekDefeat14

Bruh

Jeri L. Mann

I love the library- you can also buy great books for almost nothing! Employees are so helpful too.

Carlos Mendoza

Temple of knowledge.

Orion Young

Security is quite rude and invasive

Nate Sykes

Things have gotten better at the library now that the construction is finished. Sadly the the palm trees in the atrium have probably seen much better days. As far as libraries go the stacks are pretty well maintained and the librarians are very helpful, although the front desk staff can be a little surly. If you use the ILL service make sure to check your return dates as often they will arrive overdue. Make sure to stop in the bookshop, I've added to my collection of fiction and classical music for mere pennies.

kilina fontaine

I really like this library some of the staff are very nice

Mommy Science

We visited the makerspace - Creation Station lab - located 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.

P-Mike P

There are librarian floor walkers with radios on each floor. I was amazed that they have a high level of customer service on each floor. They helped me find all the call numbers I needed, directed me to which floors and sections I would need to go to, and searched intensively for the old government documents that they were even having a hard time finding... and the elevators were clean and fast too.

Claver Baltodano

They have to do something with the homeless people there. It feels very insecure and unhealthy when coming to the library. It smell bad there and when coming in and out, I always get Harassed and truly feels unsafe. PLEASE HELP THESE PEOPLE AND SET BETTER LAWS TO DIRECT THEM IN A POSITIVE WAY. Notice, I didn’t even mentioned anything with the library, Because the attention is on the Homeless that Obviously needs help.

Rubi

(Translated by Google) On the 7th floor there is a very helpful girl !! I came to, this site concerned about the English language and super orientates. Workers like her are the ones who are badly needed in these parts. Congratulations. It helps to maintain balance with your good attention (Original) En el piso 7 hay una chica muy servicial !! Llegué a,este sitio preocupada por el idioma inglés y orienta super. Trabajadoras como ella son las que hacen mucha falta por estos lares. Felicidades. Ayuda a mantener el equilibrio con su buena atención

Dr. Martha Martinez

Broward County Libraries offer excellent services and study spaces. A great selection of books, CDs, DVDs, electronic media, virtual and online services (including tutoring and homework assistance) are available to patrons of all ages. Library program and service hours have suffered greatly due to budget cutbacks, which is really unfortunate.

OMNI-POKE FUCKER !

A REALLY beautiful library. The only thing that messes it up is the homeless people. They smell up the place and couch sneeze and wheeze everywhere without saying excuse me or covering their face. They need to make a policy on hygene cause it drives some people away

Michael Tank

Whatever happened to a library being quiet?? There was so much noise at this library today because of a function. What about people that actually come here to study and read? The staff's walkie talkies are too loud, which is very disrespectful so noise is not in control at all. The homeless issue is way out of control, which I know is not the library's fault but the city needs to act. Now the library is becoming a shelter for the homeless from the heat in the summer and harassment walking into the facility is way up. Can't the city do something to help these people in need? And the number of people talking on mobile phones and making noises with their phones is ridiculous. Someone needs to do something about noise at this place.

Rob Andrews

Many people can't afford a computer. The Public library provides a vital service. Now days access to online information is absolutely necessary, as phone books and newspapers aren't so available. THIS KIND OF THING MAKES ME FEEL REAL OLD. At the main branch they have a large selection of audio/video materials as well. And old newspapers on microfilm. Some of the DVDs are scratched, but that has to be expected with multiple plays.

Bill Crawford

Ugly building, poorly maintained, staff unfriendly, poorly maintained books still on the shelf, antiquarian books accessible to abuse and malicious desrutiin by the public

Iouri Dovnarovich

good

Daniel Stein

I thought it is a homeless shelter!!! Go check it out for yourselves. Big disappointment for Broward county as is just 1 block away from most expensive street in fort Lauderdale area.

Roselene Pierre

Need too add pictures a lot tell us about it what would we do there plz upgrade. It uh little more plZ and have fair day

Alex Russell

This homeless shelter is massive, the largest one I've seen in this city. The only thing they are missing are the showers. Please make sure you bring disinfectant spray, anti-bacterial wipes and a face mask. You will thank me later. Other than that, they have a huge selection of books and computers to use at your leisure.