BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Florida Panthers Foundation, a dedicated community partner of Broward County Library and Broward Public Library Foundation, has been named the 2025 Outstanding Library Business/Media Partner by the Florida Library Association. The award recognizes the Foundation's "leadership or significant contribution in support of library service to a local, regional or state-wide library organization."

"We're thrilled that the Florida Panthers Foundation has received statewide recognition for their amazing efforts on behalf of Broward County Library," said Allison Grubbs, Broward County Library Director. "Our partnership has significantly broadened the library's community reach and connected us with South Florida sports fans. We look forward to continuing this valuable relationship."

Since 2018, the Florida Panthers Foundation has been instrumental in bridging the gap between hockey fans and library services, fostering family literacy, and expanding library cardholders. Their dedication is underscored by $65,000 in grants provided since the partnership began.

Broward County Library nominated the Florida Panthers Foundation, the main charitable beneficiary of the Florida Panthers hockey team, for its continuous support of initiatives such as the library's Summer Learning Program and the Panthers' Summer Reading Tour, which brings Panthers players and personalities to libraries for fun activities, giveaways, and a special Panthers story time.

"Teaming up with Broward County Library and the Broward Public Library Foundation, we've been able to create our own championship approach to promoting literacy and cultivating a passion for reading within the county," said VP of Community Relations and Executive Director of the Panthers Foundation John Colombo.

Further demonstrating its commitment, the Florida Panthers Foundation partnered with the library on a special Florida Panthers-themed library card. Released in December 2023, the card features the Panthers logo over a vibrant red, yellow, and blue design and is available free to all Broward County Library cardholders.

"Our partnership with the Florida Panthers Foundation has steadily grown and evolved over the years," said Broward Public Library Foundation Executive Director Dorothy Klein. "Working together, I know we 'll have opportunities to do even more for the young people of Broward County."

The 2025 Outstanding Library Business/Media Partner award was presented on May 16, 2025, at the Florida Library Association's annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

About Broward County Libraries
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2015 and 2020 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.