NSU Horizons Fall 2007

The Jews of Czestochowa exhibit traced the history and growth of the local Jewish community and recount- ed the vitality and contributions of this population that was virtually obliterated in the Holocaust. The Keepers of the Dream exhibit, partnered with the Oscar Thomas Foundation, inspired a collection of works from local high school students, recognizing the contributions of the African Diaspora to American his- tory, politics, spirituality, education, sports, and artistic expression. The exhibit was NSU’s centerpiece during Black History Month. These exhibits have created a rich, stimulating environment that welcomes all library patrons to learn, volunteer, network, and explore. Circle of Friends As the Alvin Sherman Library adapts to meet new challenges, private support is more important than ever to its success. The Circle of Friends serves as a growing group of volunteer stakeholders within Broward County for the Alvin Sherman Library. They are parents, grand- parents, company executives, teachers, students, inves- tors, and proactive community residents who have an interest in keeping the Alvin Sherman Library on the cutting-edge of library science. The dedication and contributions of the Circle of Friends helps the library acquire new resources, preserve existing materials, and keep pace with new technologies that offer multiple formats and improved access to information. Through the support of the Circle of Friends , art lovers of all ages have been treated to a feast for the senses with the library’s varied and growing collection of artwork by artists including Beverly Pepper, Therman Statom, Frank Louissaint, Peter Max, and Dale Chihuly. The Prayer Wheel, located on the south side of the atrium, is a permanent installation donated by Circle of Friends members Albert and Beatriz Miniaci in 2004. It was later blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This past year, the Circle of Friends made it possible for Broward County residents to view a permanent installation of Dale Chihuly’s artwork. In April, The NSU Glass Garden , funded by the Circle of Friends and other private donations, was installed in the library’s atrium mezzanine. The piece includes more than two- dozen unique, hand-blown glass shapes representative of a vibrant garden landscape. The work is Chihuly’s sixth installation designed for a library. It was inspired by his celebrated Fiori (Italian for “flower”) series. The piece was specifically commissioned for the space. “Our goal was to build a lasting visual legacy for the community, and The NSU Glass Garden provides a a place that nurtures creativity Families come to the Alvin Sherman Library and spend a good part of a day visiting special exhib- its; exploring the facilities; researching projects or areas of interest; attending family literacy programs; engaging in weekend craft offerings; or taking advan- tage of the many other wonderful programs for infants, young children, teens, and adults. Families can review the menu of options throughout the month right from their home computer, marking their cal- endars for weekday and weekend library activities. The selection is amazing and, most importantly, it is free. Discover! Connect! Learn! 18 horizons