International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrates 60 years this September; since 1966, countries across the globe promote learning and literacy every September with programs, policies, and events. This celebration of reading extends the entire month of September with Literacy Month, a time dedicated to improving literacy and the love of reading for all ages. Get reading this September with eleven book-based events across Broward.
Story Time Events
Sensory Sprouts at South Regional/Broward College Library
“Sensory Sprouts” is an ongoing neurodivergent-friendly story time event at South Regional/Broward College Library with songs, crafts, and a book reading. This event focuses on children with sensory needs, providing a special sensory play area and sensory toys, along with a quieter, calmer environment but all kids are welcome to attend. The September theme is “Down on the Farm,” and features a reading from Merrily Kutner’s book, “Down on the Farm” and the pop-up book, “Snappy Little Farmyard” by Dugald Steer. Kids can also join the craft event (related to the story theme) at the end of the program.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sensory Sprouts: A Neurodivergent-friendly Storytime
WHERE: South Regional/Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14
COST: Free (pre-register to attend, space is limited)
INFORMATION: (954) 201-8825 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Kids
Kapybara Kid: A Picture Book Exhibition at Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery
The “Kapybara Kid” is a picture book exhibition, story time, and live performance event at Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery on Sept. 24. Envisioned by local multidisciplinary artist, Sage Kelly, the “Kapybara Kid” book series follows a child named Kitt and their three pet capybaras as they learn about empathy and kindness. Each book in the series includes original illustrations in the design of classic children’s books. Kelly will be at the exhibition to share their inspiration behind the series and interact with visitors. The performance and live reading of each “Kapybara Kid” book starts at 5:30 p.m.; refreshments will be served. Guests must pre-register by Sept. 19 to receive a free book.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Kapybara Kid: A Picture Book Exhibition
WHERE: Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery, Broward College, A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, Davie
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24
COST: Free
INFORMATION: Learn more here and register to attend through ArtsCalendar (click the ‘buy tickets’ link on the event page)
BEST FOR: All ages
Book Clubs for Kids and Teens
Teen Book Club at Hollywood Branch Library
Teens and tweens (ages 12-18) come together for a themed book club at Hollywood Branch Library on Sept. 8. Each attendee brings their own book, graphic novel, or comic related to the monthly theme for a fun discussion; September’s theme is Manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels) and Manhwa (Korean comics). Registration is required to participate.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Teen Book Club
WHERE: Hollywood Branch Library, 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7760 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Teens and tweens (ages 12-18)
Tween Book Discussion: “Warriors: Into the Wild” at Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch
Middle-grade readers have their very own book discussion at Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch library on Sept. 8. Tween readers will discuss the fantasy middle-grade novel, “Warriors: Into the Wild,” by Erin Hunter (part of the “Warriors” series) with other participants during the book club; participants are encouraged to read the book ahead of the event. This event is for tween readers only; the event is cohosted by the librarians.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Tween Book Discussion: Warriors: Into the Wild
WHERE: Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch, 10500 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7440 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Tweens (fifth grade through Middle School ages)
Pizza And Pages: Tween Book Club at Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch
The Tween Book Club at Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch library dives into Sharlee Miller’s graphic novel “Curlfriends: New in Town,” about Charlie, who tries to reinvent herself at her new school. Book club attendees can enjoy pizza and refreshments during the event; pre-registration is required. Participants can reserve a copy of the book at the Deerfield Percy White Branch ahead of the book club event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Pizza And Pages: Tween Book Club
WHERE: Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch, 837 East Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7680 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Tweens (ages 8 to 11)
Book Clubs for Adults
Night Owls DC Evening Book Club at Davie/Cooper City Branch Library
The Night Owls DC Evening Book Club explore gothic horror and mystery with their September book read, “The Hacienda,” by Isabel Cañas. Cañas’ debut novel is set in Mexico just after the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821) and follows the young bride, Beatriz, who is terrorized by a mysterious and malevolent presence in her new home. The book club takes place Sept. 15 at Davie/Cooper City Branch Library. Registration to attend is required; refreshments are also served at the event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Night Owls DC Evening Book Club
WHERE: Davie/Cooper City Branch, 4600 Southwest 82nd Avenue, Davie
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6399 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Adults
GLAM Bookworms at Southside Cultural Arts Center
The GLAM Bookworms brings together gallery, library, archives, and museum professionals (GLAM) for a special monthly book club that explores novels set in the world of museums, libraries, and galleries. Held at the South Side Cultural Arts Center (SSCAC), the GLAM Bookworms also highlights GLAM careers with workshops, guest speakers, and special programming. The GLAM Bookworms book club on Sept. 16 features “The Cartographers,” by Peng Shepherd, a mystery thriller about cartography and family secrets. The event includes refreshments, a book discussion, and a conversation with fellow readers from Miami Dade College’s Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives (via Zoom).
IF YOU GO
WHAT: GLAM Bookworms
WHERE: South Side Cultural Arts Center, 701 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 828-6250 or register to attend on Eventbrite and learn more here
BEST FOR: Adults (ages 21 and up)
Director’s Book Club at Northwest Branch Library and Carver Ranches Branch Library
Broward County Library Director, Allison Grubbs, hosts a special Director’s Book Club at Northwest Branch on Sept. 16 and at Carver Ranches Branch on Sept. 28. For the month of September, Director Grubbs is discussing Amy Tan’s nonfiction memoir, “The Backyard Chronicles.” Author of the bestselling book, “The Joy Luck Club” (1989), Tan’s latest book goes into the world of birding and nature as a solace from the overwhelming and chaotic modern world.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Director’s Book Club: The Backyard Bird Chronicles
WHERE: (Sept. 16) Northwest Branch, 1580 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Pompano Beach (Sept. 28) Carver Ranches Branch, 4735 Southwest 18th Street, West Park
WHEN: (Northwest Branch) 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16 (Carver Ranches Branch) 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6599 or register for the Northwest Branch event here; call (954) 357-6245 or register for the Carver Ranches event here
BEST FOR: Adults
Sisterhood of the Turning Pages Book Club at Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center
Sisterhood of the Turning Pages Book Club at Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center explores emotional health and career success with September’s book selection, “The Power of a True Feminine Woman” by local author and professional coach, Saturnie L. Antoine. Antoine’s nonfiction guidebook book is designed to help adults gain clarity in navigating their personal journey; Antoine will speak at the book club session about her book, relationships, life, and the pillars of her philosophy.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sisterhood of the Turning Pages Book Club: The Power of a True Feminine Woman
WHERE: Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center, 50 West Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7595 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Adults
Hollywood Historical Society Author Talk at Stirling Road Branch Library
Join the Hollywood Historical Society for a talk with local author, Eliot Kleinberg, about his latest book “Hypocrite’s Row,” at Stirling Road Branch Library on Sept. 27. A Florida native and retired journalist who wrote for The Palm Beach Post for 33 years, Kleinberg’s recent book follows a police detective in Prohibition-era Miami. The Hollywood Historical Society collects, preserves, and educates the public on Hollywood history; the author talk on Sept. 27 is part of their monthly lecture series.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Hollywood Historical Society Author Talk: “Hypocrite’s Row”
WHERE: Marta-Beth Friedman Stirling Road Branch, 3151 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7550 or register to attend here
BEST FOR: Adults
