Broward County Main Library

Broward County Main Library

Broward County Main Library
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Top ways to experience Broward County Main Library and nearby attractions

The area

Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles68 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
20
Average
5
Poor
8
Terrible
6

Snorkelweeds
Freeport, ME71 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Couples
This is a large facility and for those wishing to access internet there are many terminals available on multiple floors depending on the day of the week. The staff were helpful to us. BUT disconcerting is the homeless tent city parked virtually right outside the doors of this facility. The odor of urine around the building is overpowering. On the saturday morning we were there the city was attempting to spray wash the sidewalks. Expect to be asked for money etc. by the individuals living in this area. We did a lot of walking in this area and on Stirling Rd. and were approached too many times to count by individuals looking for money etc. It was unnerving to say the least. The same at the main bus terminal just a few blocks from this library. Be prepared!
Written November 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DannaCrawford
Punta Gorda, FL413 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Business
But OMG the tents and people sleeping in the area is the saddest thing I've ever soon. What the heck is wrong with the city allowing all those homeless people to sleep in that area? This is a serious issue that should be addressed. Cannot they provide some type of housing for them? Many places are doing that now for the homeless.

We had a big meeting with about 60 people and it was so embarrassing to see the homeless people everywhere BUT the meeting room was fantastic!
Written January 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike N
Toronto, Canada17 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017 • Couples
I spend the winters in Lauderdale and being an amateur photographer I noticed the local library had a course taught by Jack Wild called "The Art of Photography". This open course enhanced my mind ton looking at photography from a different perspective. No technical info like aperture and shutter speed. Just looking and critiquing photographs as art. Jack solicits student participation (everyone) as we critique each others photographs, not stating whats wrong or perceived, just an honest interpretation that encourages the amateur to take it to the next level. Thanks Jack! I have a whole new insight in to taking great pictures. AND ITS FREE!

Mike (Toronto)
Written May 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CityMouse79
Fort Lauderdale, FL92 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
I walk here with my littles, 3&4, and check out books almost weekly. Today like any other day, I waited to enter behind the crowd of homeless who spend their days inside for the a/c. Not a problem, as we go straight to the kids books and leave. Well, everyone was allowed to enter except us. Why? Oh, because I had a closed container of coffee in hand that I offered to put in my backpack, but was told the policy on “this” changed. Good news is, security is working hard to keep moms & toddlers out.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KayakFLL
Fort Lauderdale, FL47 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Solo
When I moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1996 my local friend showed off the main library as one of the "best things about Fort Lauderdale." Now the main library is on life support, barely avoiding the County's attempts to close it down completely. The building has been under perpetual renovation since 2005 with little signs of any progress. The main entrance has been boarded up for no discernible reason other than to turn the former entrance into a homeless encampment.

Here are the hours of operation:
Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

It is pathetic that the City of Fort Laudedale does not have a library open more than 40 hours a week.
Written March 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rosa S
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Solo
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.
Written June 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

schmandee
Detroit, MI6 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2017 • Family
The library itself is gorgeous. The kid's area is kind of scarce, but large. My biggest issue is the amount of homeless people outside of the library. There were at least over 20, bags and all. We're here on vacation and this looks terrible for the library and the city. There was a situation at the Women's Club behind the library and 3 cop cars were there. None of them even glanced over to the immense congregation of homeless people, so it must be a normal thing. I didn't enjoy trying to explain to my 4 year old why a guy was passed out in the grass and why the police weren't helping him or why we couldn't walk around the fountains. Even in Detroit, this isn't an issue. Why it is here where tourism is such a big moneymaker is beyond me.
Written April 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Knight M
6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2017
While the Broward County Main Library is a vital component of the city, it is also a hangout for the large homeless community in Ft. Lauderdale. Because of that, it is an unsafe area to go near. The homeless people constantly ask for money. There is also a lot of trash around from the food and waste they throw out all over the place.
Written March 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brooke T
68 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016
Decent library with pleasant associates. Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Sad to have the multitude of homeless congregating on the property.
Written July 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cindy m
Boca Raton, FL41 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2015
This Library was the once great library in Broward County. Over the years the library has fallen prey to the homeless. Many of Broward's homeless population camp out at the library and although this makes approaching the library, it does not diminish the library's usefulness and beauty. There is so much to offer here as far as the variety of books, tapes, toys, computer software and great places to peacefully read the latest novel or to study. I highly recommend this library. The bus depot is just around the corner and there is ample covered parking.
Written November 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Broward County Main Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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