BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The free Ashley Bryan Art Series: Dreams Take Flight Through Art and Literature  takes place from 11AM to 4PM on Saturday, September 20, at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282.

A signature program of Broward County Library since 2002, AARLCC's Ashley Bryan Art Series offers children ages five and up a day to experience storytelling, hands-on art activities, and interaction with distinguished authors and illustrators. Event activities include art workshops, chalk artists, poetry and creative writing workshops, a genealogy class for families, and more.  

2025 featured guests include award-winning author and Young People's Poet Laureate, Carole Boston Weatherford, known for her powerful works that center upon African American history and identity. Her recent book, Kin: Rooted in Hope, traces her ancestral roots through lyrical verse and deep historical insight. Joining her is her son, Jeffrey Boston Weatherford, an award-winning illustrator, spoken-word poet, and author of You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen, a poetic tribute to the first Black military pilots in U.S. history. A "Rap It Up" workshop will also be presented by Mr. Weatherford. 

The day will launch AARLCC's My First Library Card Initiative. Children in grades K-5 who received their first Broward County Library card between April 1 and September 20, 2025, are invited to the Super Reader VIP Party on September 20 during the Ashley Bryan Art Series event. This special celebration will feature stories, games, prizes, and super-sized surprises. 

This event is sponsored by Helios Education Foundation and The Poetry Foundation. The event and all activities are free; registration is requested. For additional information, please contact Francie Devine at 954-357-6209 or aarlcc-youthservices@broward.org.