2017-2018 Circle of Friends Activities & Accomplishments
Circle of Friends kicked off the 2017-2018 fiscal year with a lively “whodunnit” Mystery in the Library event. Attendees, many in costume, helped solve the murder over a fun dinner.
In January, Circle of Friends hosted Florida at War: A Living History presented by historian and literary scholar Betty Jean Steinshouer. Betty, who has done performances before, returned back to the Library by popular demand, bringing Harriett Beecher Stowe and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings back to life.
The Circle of Friends board opened up a membership opportunity to the NSU community by offering a $25 membership level. The official launch took place in March 2018 and now includes students, faculty and staff at this special rate.
For the third consecutive year, Circle of Friends supported the Library’s signature event, Storyfest, which focuses on early childhood literacy. The event brought nearly 4,000 people to the campus of Nova Southeastern University and resulted in over 600 new library cards.
We again hosted NY Best Selling author, Brad Meltzer for his latest book launch, The Escape Artist. Circle of Friends members were treated to a private meet and greet and received reserved seating at the public presentation which drew over 210 guests.
In April, the Circle of Friends Board hosted a reception for the Jewish Federation of Broward County Young Leadership Division with a presentation from Holocaust Survivors, Nikolay and Galina Spevak, followed by a tour of the Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Reflection and Resource room.
In May, the Circle of Friends Board hosted its Annual Meeting where outgoing board member, NSU’s own First Lady Jana Hanbury was recognized for her support, and new board members were inducted and officers were elected. Our Keynote Speaker was the accomplished attorney Nadine Gonzalez who shared her inspiring story of how she found the NSU Alvin Sherman Library’s Writing Workshop and became a published author. Ms. Gonzalez talked about finding her passion for writing, getting support from other authors, the process of writing a book and becoming published. The NSU Alvin Sherman Library is proud to have played a part in this author’s success!
The Circle of Friends Board also funded the digital rights to stream the documentary film Surviving Skokie which was shown in conjunction with a panel discussion and the 10 days of connection initiative on May 9th.
On Saturday, May 19, the Circle of Friends held its most important event of the year. The Library’s Atrium was transformed with a western theme for the Annual Gala and Fundraiser: “BOOTS for BOOKs” with music provided by Southern Horizons Band. The event’s Diamond Sponsor was “Alligator” Ron Bergeron, and several other generous donors sponsored the event. Proceeds from this fun evening will provide continued vital support for the Sherman Library’s programs, services and resources. Circle of Friends works hard to help us build a better library for you and the community. Become a part of this special group! To join the Circle of Friends, just click here.