BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Library earned Library of the Year award and retired Broward County Library Director Samuel Morrison received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) 2025 Beacon Awards. The awards celebrate excellence within the Southeast Florida library community and acknowledge libraries as beacons of knowledge, connection, and growth.

Broward County Library was honored for its innovative and service-focused initiatives that increase access to library services, promote literacy and learning, provide cultural enrichment, and offer educational and career resources. Library events and initiatives have been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally in the media and through professional achievement awards. Partnerships with public and private agencies and organizations have resulted in successful and life-changing programs for Broward residents of all ages.

For over 30 years, librarian/library administrator Samuel Morrison's drive, determination and vision created a positive and lasting impact on public library service in Florida and beyond. Now retired, he was Broward County Library Director from 1990 to 2003, a time of expansion and growth for the library system. Mr. Morrison was instrumental in the development, construction and opening of Broward County's African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale, one of only a handful of public libraries in the United Sates committed to preserving and promoting the history and culture of people of African descent.

"We are incredibly proud and deeply honored that Broward County Library was named Library of the Year by SEFLIN. This prestigious award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of our community," says Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs. "To be recognized alongside Mr. Morrison, whose Lifetime Achievement award is so richly deserved, only makes this honor even more special." 

The awards were presented at SEFLIN's recent annual conference, which took place in North Miami, Florida. 

About Broward County Libraries
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest and busiest library systems in Florida. Broward County Libraries Division's 37 locations provide 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 on Facebook and X.