Broward libraries unite communities through 2026 One Book One Broward program
Broward County, Florida – Starting on January 2, Broward County Library will launch One Book One Broward 2026, a countywide reading project that aims to bring people together through shared stories. The yearly event lasts until February 28 and asks people who live, work, study, or spend time in Broward County to read books together that are based on a shared topic.
The topic of this year’s program is “Our Nature: How Our Physical Environment Can Lead Us to Seek Hope, Courage, and Connection.” The adult book that is directing the discussion is The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. Younger readers should also read The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey, which goes along with it. The books use stories to look at how people, place, and cultural memory are connected. This is the basis for a series of public events and discussions.
The public introduction of the program will happen on the same day as ArtLit 2026, a festival that lasts all day and celebrates art, culture, and literature. The event will take place on January 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pembroke Pines Southwest Regional Library.
ArtLit is described by its organizers as an immersive experience based on natural wetlands and traditions related to seeds and planting. There will be live performances, interactive art activities, literature classes, food trucks, vendors, and face painting at the festival.
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During January and February, libraries across the county will hold extra events related to the community read. On January 21, there will be an intergenerational family archive project at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
On January 24, there will be a showing of the documentary Seed: The Untold Story. On February 3, there will be a public health debate at the West Regional Library. The last event in the series is a creative writing class at the North Regional/Broward College Library on February 28.
Library branches will include book discussions about The Seed Keeper and storytimes about The First Blade of Sweetgrass in addition to their regular activities.
The Broward Public Library Foundation, Friends of Broward County Library, and Friends of Community Engagement all fund the project. For more information, contact [email protected] or 954-357-7336.
