50th Anniversary Campaign
Broward County Library
Innovation Synopsis
Broward County Library (BCL) celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2024. A multi-channel, systemwide campaign was developed to mark this milestone, running from January through April 2024. The campaign was an outstanding opportunity to highlight BCL’s impact on the residents of Broward County; promote the value of the library; and engage with the community. The campaign included a custom “Peace Love Libraries” logo/theme; print, social, and digital media; an official Broward County proclamation naming June as Broward County Library Month; bookmarks, stickers, buttons, pins, a commemorative library card, publications, events, and more. It culminated in a systemwide party held at all library locations on April 10, 2024, the official “birthday” of the library system.
Challenge/Opportunity
Founded in 1974, Broward County Library was first established as part of Broward County government with four small branches and a collection of 270,000 books. Since then, it has grown to encompass 37 locations and evolved into the third-largest library system in Florida. A milestone anniversary is an outstanding opportunity to highlight the library’s impact on the residents of Broward County, encourage new library customers and visitors, and to engage and connect with the community. Celebrating a shared history, especially in a relatively “young” region like South Florida, where Broward County is located, fosters a sense of belonging and encourages engagement with the library.
Key Elements of Innovation
Planning for this systemwide celebration began in 2023 and included representatives from all BCL departments. This collaborative approach ensured that the excitement of the anniversary resonated throughout the entire organization and reached all segments of the community. Because BCL’s “birth year” was 1974, a groovy “Peace Love Libraries” theme was selected and a psychedelic-style logo created. To reach the broadest segment of the population, the multi-platform campaign included media relations; a commemorative library card; promotional items including buttons, pins, and stickers; interior/exterior signage and banners for BCL’s 37 locations; social media posts and ads; events; community outreach; commemorative issues of the library’s monthly magazine; a recorded video message from BCL’s director; a dedicated webpage; a Board of Broward County Commissioners proclamation; a staff cookbook; articles in the library’s weekly and monthly e-newsletters; and a keepsake anniversary magazine. F
Achieved Outcomes
Between January 1 and April 30, 2024, 37 BCL locations hosted 91 programs for children, teens, and adults celebrating BCL’s anniversary. The systemwide event held on April 10th attracted approximately 2,000 guests overall. The campaign received a 2025 National Association of Counties Achievement Award and six 2025 National Association of County Information Officers Awards of Excellence, including Best of Cateogry (Campaigns and Graphic Design) as well as recognition for the campaign’s logo, banners, and promotional button.
