Night of Literary Feasts

The Broward Public Library Foundation was founded in 1982 to enhance the collections, programs and services of the Broward County Library beyond the means of public funding. The nonprofit Foundation is the catalyst in sparking private funding and endowments to enrich the Broward County Library system. March 2026 Whether you enjoy historical fiction, mystery and spy thrillers or celebrity biographies, the books written by this year’s best-selling Literary Feast authors offer you hours of absorbing reading.  NIGHT OF LITERARY FEASTS The fundraising Night of Literary Feasts will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18   with the Welcome Reception at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. At the reception, the anticipated 350 guests can meet the authors, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a lavish silent auction, and book sales and signings. The Welcome Reception, sponsored by JM Family Enterprises, will be followed by intimate dinners with individual authors. Tickets start at $100 for the reception-only and $200 for the reception and dinner. For tickets and more information, visit bplfoundation.org/a-night-of-literary-feasts . Proceeds support Broward County Library’s literacy programs, including the Summer Learning Program, SAT/ ACT Prep Workshops and the StoryBook Festival. LitLIVE! To hear the Literary Feast authors speak on moderated panels, join us for LitLIVE! on Friday, April 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auditorium in the Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. At this free event, attendees can also purchase books and have them signed while meeting the authors. LitLIVE! is sponsored by Nova Southeastern University and the NSU Alvin Sherman Library. To register, visit bplfoundation.org/litlive . SILENT AUCTION The Night of Literary Feasts’ Silent Auction will open Monday, April 13 and continue until 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Bid on hotel stays, gift cards, an exclusive ride on the Goodyear Blimp, and much more at home or at the event via your smartphone or computer at one.bidpal.net/literaryfeast2026 . The Silent Auction is sponsored by Ryder System, Inc. LITERARY FEAST AUTHORS More than 240 guests enjoyed the 16th annual LitLUNCH!, featuring bestselling author and media powerhouse Zibby Owens. Owens discussed her journey to becoming a podcaster, publisher, and bookstore owner, as well as themes in her recent novel, Blank . Guests had the opportunity to bid on special raffle items, including tickets to Owens’ Totally Booked Live April event with authors in New York City, and hotel stays at Pier Sixty-Six and the Seminole Hard Rock. Held on Feb. 20 at Pier Sixty-Six, this year’s LitLUNCH! co-chairs were Laurie M. Ernest-Jones and Marianna Seiler DeJager. Proceeds support Broward County Library literacy programs, including the Books ‘n’ Bears at the Holidays program, which was highlighted at the luncheon. Books & Bites continues this spring with a special afternoon featuring two authors whose latest novels explore story, place, and resilience in distinct ways. The event is scheduled from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 at Belmont Village Senior Living, Fort Laud erdale.  Guests will enjoy an engaging conversation about writing, storytelling,  and the creative journeys behind their work. Books & Bites is free for Library Foundation members at the $50 level and above; all others are welcome to attend for $25, space permitting. Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Did You Know? You can explore a new language, or refresh your skills, with Rosetta Stone, available free through Broward County Library. With courses in 30 languages, it offers engaging lessons that build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, along with activities that strengthen grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. You can access Rosetta Stone from anywhere, and the mobile app makes it easy to practice on the go. Simply register online with your library card to get started, then download the app on Apple or Android devices to continue learning anytime, anywhere. The Next Chapter with Library Giving Day 2026 For countless Broward County residents, the library is indispensable — where children discover the joy of reading, job seekers find their footing, and curious minds of every age access knowledge freely. On April  1 , for Library Giving Day 2026 , you can ensure the library remains available for all residents in all chapters of their life. Library Giving Day is a national celebration of libraries that unites supporters across the country in one powerful act of generosity. The Broward Public Library Foundation is proud to participate this year, with every dollar raised going directly toward programs and services at Broward County Library’s 37 branches. Your gift—in any amount—helps fund early literacy programs, digital resources, workforce development, cultural events, and so much more. Together, we can write a brighter chapter for Broward. Donate, April 1 on Library Giving Day, and anytime at   bplfoundation.org/library-giving-day BPLF Board Welcomes New Members The Broward Public Library Foundation Board of Directors approved the nomination of two new members at its February meeting. Darlyne Jean-Charles , FPL’s Senior Community Relations Specialist, leads community relations and employee engagement efforts across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. She has been an FPL employee for nearly 25 years. Darlyne received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Barry University and an MBA from Ashford University. Stephen Emery is a CPA and partner at Citrin Cooperman in Fort Lauderdale. He has had extensive experience working with not-for-profit organizations. Stephen received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida. A Leadership Broward graduate, he has served on the Audit Advisory Committee for the City of Fort Lauderdale. 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