African-American Research Library and Cultural Center — Attraction in Florida

I had some spare time before my late flight on yesterday, 04-08-24, so I came to check out this library and museum. I took two city busses from the airport, 1 - Central Station and 40.

The museum is not big. The collection on display currently focused on masks. There was an informative video playing that provided more history on the significance of masks within African culture. There was more artwork and displays throughout the hallway. There also seemed to possibly be a class or two going on.

I didn't use the library, but I observed others who did. The young women and gentlemen staff members were eager to assist everyone. It was helpful that the table where I sat had a charging station. I enjoyed browsing a Fort Lauderdale magazine, a Christian publication, and a Caribbean newspaper. I kept a copy of The Westside Gazette.

I love African American history, so it's not hard to give a facility like this a great review for informing others of contributions that not only impact Black Americans, but the world. The service from the receptionist near the entrance was very good. I inadvertently left my phone at the counter where she was while I was collecting reading material. Once I retraced my steps, I went back to her station to see if anyone had turned in a phone. I mentioned that the phone was in a black case; she asked me a probing question about something specific with my phone case. Once I answered, she gave me my phone; she'd had a small note taped to the back with the date and time. The women's restroom was also clean. I learned a lot about local Black history and the significance of this museum/library being located...

The Saturday morning I went, the facility was taken over by early voting. Everyone there assumed I was there to vote. I came to see the museum. The front gate of the place is locked up, so you have to come in from the back( I found that ironic). The staff isn't very friendly or helpful. I asked the young lady at the desk where the museum was. She was on her phone(of course). She told me upstairs. The library part was upstairs. There I found more people glued to screens. One lady was absolutely transfixed on her screen. No one looked up, or said hello. Anyway, I found someone who wasn't locked into whatever they were doing and told me the museum was downstairs. Anyway, as a museum I found it to be a big disappointment. No mention of slavery. Nothing about the civil rights movement. No mention of black contributions to the arts and sciences. It was just a collection of masks, and not even old ones. I would hesitate to call this place a museum. Was I wrong to expect something educational and uplifting in ft. Lauderdale? If they just concentrated on black achievements in sports, that alone could fill the entire floor. The building is a nice size place. I'm not sure why the museum is so tiny. If there were other things to see there, no one bothered to point them out. The staff handling the voting was far more helpful and friendly than the library staff. I'm not posting this to be mean, but hoping someone will take their "museum " seriously. It's a great space and I assume the library must be pretty good. There's potential to really have a...

May 2024: This library is truly top notch. It definitely is one of the best ones I've been to. The total of years is 1 since I've frequented here. I have to say the staff is very professional and helpful. As well as the selection of "African American" themed books, video, DVD, flash drives, and Special Collections are so vast. It's almost ridiculous.

If your a Masters student, doing an internship or residency or even just a high and middle school student. This is the place to research. No matter whonl you are. Come on over and check out something, use a computer.

Aug 2024: It's very nice. The atmosphere is quiet and chill, and you feel at home. I visited today for a Zoom call and other things and just the sameI was able to get a conference room for almost 3 hours. that usually are for 1 hour.

I enjoyed checking out some of LangstonnHughs worl I didn't know...