BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Library Director Kelvin Watson received the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center's 2019 Community Service & Distinguished Achievement Award. The award, which is presented annually, is given to an individual in a profession related to community service or outreach who demonstrates outstanding involvement in community service and exceptional leadership in service or activism.
“Kelvin Watson has brought a wealth of talent to Broward County,” said Pamela Adams, President of the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC). "The Friends of AARLCC wanted to recognize his vision for making AARLCC more accessible to the community. He is dedicated to providing a rewarding experience for everyone who enters the doors of AARLCC, which ensures they will visit again soon."
Since taking the position as Broward County Library in February 2017, Watson has launched numerous award-winning library projects and initiatives that have positioned the Library as a vital community hub that provides cutting-edge educational, recreational and cultural resources and services. In addition to the Friends of AARLCC Community Service Award, Watson was named the Florida Library Association's 2019 Librarian of the Year and also received the 2017 DEMCO/American Library Association Black Caucus Award for Excellence in Librarianship.
"I'm humbled and honored to receive this community service award and to be recognized by our very hard-working and supportive Friends of AARLCC, group," says Watson. "Together we will continue to make our community's libraries strong, vital and dynamic."
The 2019 Community Service & Distinguished Achievement Award.was presented at the Friends of AARLCC’s 2019 Annual Fundraising Luncheon, held on November 2nd at the Jacaranda Country Club in Plantation, Florida. In addition to Kelvin Watson, it was also presented to longtime library advocates Barbara Correll and Ethel Pearl Maloney. All proceeds from the luncheon benefit special programs and services at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
About Broward County Libraries Division
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is the largest library system in Florida by square footage and one of the busiest, with more than 7.5 million walk-in customers visiting its 38 locations annually. Broward County Libraries Division provides convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries onFacebook and Twitter.
DATE: November 7, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Catherine McElrath
Libraries Division
PHONE: 954-357-7402
EMAIL: cmcelrath@Broward.org