NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library Turns 10, Plans Year-Long Celebration Throughout 2012

Back row: The Shermanettes, including Kristina Knott, Rebecca Hickman, and Meagan Albright. Front Row: NSU President George L. Hanbury, II, library namesake Alvin Sherman, NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., Raquel Ferrero.

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Ten years may have passed since Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center opened its doors to the public, but the facility’s goal remains the same: to provide top-notch service to the university and its entire surrounding community.

And for the past decade, the Alvin Sherman Library’s been doing just that through its high-caliber staff, and collections of research materials, specialized databases, popular books, magazines and journals, CDs, DVDs, special programs for children and teens, author readings, workshops, exhibits and more.

“We are excited to reach this milestone, and look forward to the next 10 years and beyond,” said Lydia Acosta, NSU’s Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian. “There are so many ways our library can enhance our patrons’ lives, and we plan to use this anniversary to kick off a year of free engaging, entertaining, and life-enriching activities.”

Acosta said the year-long celebration began with a Birthday Party in December, which included a cake cut by special guest and library namesake, Alvin Sherman, and a unique performance by Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theater Company, with giant balloon-like objects that seemed to take on a life of their own. Broward County and The Town of Davie also each presented proclamations of appreciation to the Alvin Sherman Library.

“When we opened on Dec. 8, 2001, our spacious, high-tech library became one of the only in the nation to boast a joint-use agreement,” Acosta said. “This agreement between Nova and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners allows us to create a perfect balance between a ‘bustling community hub’ and a student-friendly ‘study central.’ If you haven’t already checked it out, you’re missing a true gem.”

Upcoming events in the year-long celebration include:

January 2012:  Celebrate 10 years… of Community

• All month, Emma Lazarus: Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience. This touring exhibit honors the work of the artist, poet and activist whose words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” welcomed generations of immigrants to America.
• Saturday, Jan. 28 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Live Classical Music Concert for Kids. Renowned professional musicians perform famous pieces of classical music followed by a petting zoo of instruments. This program is made possible by a generous gift from the Charles P. Ferro Foundation. First Floor, Public Library Services. (All ages with caregiver.)

February 2012: Celebrate 10 years… of Diversity

• Saturday, Feb. 11, from 2 to 3 p.m., Sherlock Holmes & the Opera Mystery: Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth. Drama, mystery, audience participation! The world’s most famous detective is called to investigate a diamond theft at the opera house. He must use his skills of observation and disguise, along with lots of help from the audience to solve the mystery. This program is made possible by a generous gift from the Charles P. Ferro Foundation. First Floor, Public Library Services. (All ages with caregiver.)
• Sunday, Feb. 12, Culture Vultures presents Sunday Happenings, Emotion Expressed through Color. Working artist and teacher Roslyn Roth invites the audience to a hands-on exploration of color and pattern as they relate to the culture and geography of our lives.
• Saturday, Feb. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m., Opera for Kids: Florida Grand Opera Young Artists. Learn how opera singers use their voices, facial expressions and movements to show emotions and tell stories. This program is made possible by a generous gift from the Charles P. Ferro Foundation. Second Floor Gallery. (All ages with caregiver.)
• Wednesday, Feb. 22, from10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Positively Africa. A lively and enchanting duo performs songs, movement,  demonstrates authentic instruments

Additional events will also take place throughout the year surrounding the following themes: Celebrate 10 years… of Literacy, Shark Pride, Family, Summer, Research, Culture, History and Magic.

For more information about the library or its upcoming celebration, please visit www.nova.edu/library/main.

Alvin Sherman Library By the Numbers

• 71,642 cards issued to Broward County residents since 2001
• More than 480,000 visitors each year
• Open 100 hours per week, 7 days a week
• 325,000 square foot building, 5 stories tall
• 975,697 items in the library collection
• 487 public computers
• 22 study rooms
• 82,178 unique e-journals
• 154,924 resource links
• More than 300 online databases
• 32,100 reference questions answered on average in one year
• 295,235 items circulated on average in one year
• Numerous permanent and revolving art displays
• 1 café that serves coffee and deli favorites

About the Library: The Alvin Sherman Library is a joint-use facility, which is the result of an innovative agreement between NSU and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. The five-story Library, Research, and Information Technology Center is Florida’s largest library building at 325,000 square feet. It serves the residents of and those who work in Broward County, as well as NSU students, faculty, and staff members. For more information visit www.nova.edu/library/main/. To sign up for a library card, visit www.nova.edu/library/card.

About Nova Southeastern University: Located in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic fully accredited Florida University dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs of distinction from preschool through the professional and doctoral levels. NSU has more than 28,000 students and is the eighth largest not-for-profit independent institution nationally. The University awards associate’s, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, specialist, and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, counseling, computer and information sciences, education, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, various health professions, law, marine sciences, early childhood, psychology and other social sciences.  Classified as a research university with “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU was also awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification in 2010 for the University’s significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement.   For more information about NSU visit www.nova.edu.

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Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 office, 954-873-8494 cell, andrali@nova.edu