Broward County Library Selected as 2009 All STAR Library

Broward County Library was selected as one of Library Journal’s 2009 All STAR Libraries. The nationwide rankings were based on criteria, including items per capita: visits, circulation, program attendance and users of electronic services. The results were then categorized by annual expenditures. In Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08), Broward County Library received more than 10.4 million visits from customers in its 37 library locations. Library materials, including best-selling books, digital video disc, music compact discs, and audio books increased in circulation from 9,265,195 in Fiscal Year 2007 to 10,376,818 items in FY08. Library material usage in library locations also increased with 2,391,765 items used in Broward County Library locations.

County Conducts Vehicle Observation Operation in Plantation

The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division’s Contractor Licensing and Enforcement Section conducted its second Commercial Vehicle Observation Point Operation of 2009 on Tuesday, March 17, at the northwest corner of Broward Boulevard and State Road 7 in Plantation. The operation focused on unlicensed contractors, including unlicensed tree trimmers.

During the operation, a joint effort by Broward County, the Plantation Police Department and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, there were 41 citations issued for violations, including contracting without a license, falsely advertising as a contractor without being licensed, falsely advertising as a tree trimmer without a license and not complying with the ordinance that requires specific descriptive lettering on commercial vehicles.

A total of 105 commercial vehicles and contractor licenses were checked. Plantation Police Department issued 36 traffic citations and 14 criminal citations, towed seven vehicles, made three miscellaneous arrests and one arrest for narcotics. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation also issued several cease-and-desist orders.

To learn more about Contractor Licensing and Enforcement or to verify if a contractor is properly licensed, visit www.broward.org/permittingandlicensing or call 954-831-4000, Option 2.

Broward County Fair Housing Symposium is April 17

Broward County will sponsor a Fair Housing Symposium, “Fair Housing: One Community, One People,” to commemorate Fair Housing Month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County Office of Equal Opportunity, Broward County Housing Finance & Community Development Division and HOPE, Inc. Fair Housing Center are sponsors of the event.

This free community event on housing discrimination will feature educational sessions on the latest trends, emerging issues and laws surrounding fair housing in Broward County. The symposium will feature workshops, titled “Keys to Preserving Homeownership,” “Fair Housing for Persons with Disabilities,” and a special afternoon plenary session on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a new initiative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides funds to local governments to acquire foreclosed properties.

To register for the symposium or receive information on housing discrimination, contact the Broward County Civil Rights Division at 954-357-7800 (voice), 954-357-6181 (TTY) or visit www.broward.org/civilrights. Individuals requiring accommodations in order to participate in this event must notify the Civil Rights Division at the time of registration or at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Environmentally Friendly Businesses and Residences to be Recognized

The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners will recognize several local businesses and homeowners for their outstanding environmentally-responsible business practices and personal environmental initiatives. Each business and homeowner will receive an Emerald Award for their exceptional efforts in protecting the environment at a special ceremony followed by a brief reception at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, in the Broward County Commission Chambers, Room 422, of the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

The program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices, and other “green” strategies that reduce pollution and waste. Both large and small businesses are eligible. One business is also honored with the title “Environmental Business of the Year,” which will be announced at the ceremony.

The Emerald Awards program also includes a component to reward homeowners, governments and other groups that have incorporated NatureScape Broward techniques into their landscaping. NatureScape yards are designed to conserve water by using native plants in place of lawn; provide food, water and shelter for wildlife; use integrated pest control practices; reduce storm-water contaminated by pesticides and fertilizers; and recycle yard waste into mulch and compost.

For a complete list of this year’s winning businesses and homeowners, go to www.broward.org/environment, or call 954-519-1257.

Main Library Celebrates 25th Anniversary Throughout April

Broward County Main Library, which opened to the public on April 29, 1984, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with special events throughout April. All events, free and open to the public, will be held at the Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, are sponsored by the Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries.

For more information, call 954-357-7443, or visit www.broward.org/library and click on Press Room.