public libraries

Miami-Dade libraries could lose $20 million under Amendment 3, the property tax referendum facing Florida voters this November — around 16% of its budget. The measure could cause branch closures, fewer hours, employee layoffs and program cuts.

The Broward Sierra Group Junior Team set up the county's first seed libraries at five library branches. Visitors “borrow” packets of seeds free of charge to plant in their own yards or community gardens. The seeds are native or beneficial to South Florida’s ecosystems, in order to support pollinators like bees, increase biodiversity and reintroduce native plants lost to development.

The 33,000-square foot Canyon Branch Library will bring meeting spaces, a podcast studio, a creative lab, Palm Beach County's first drive-up service window, a $370,000 art installation — along with 130,000 books and other materials.

A new report from the American Library Association says attempted book bannings and restrictions at school and public libraries continue to surge, setting a record in 2022.