Vet Fest

Launched in 2018, BCL Vet Fest was designed to meet the needs of our local veterans and their families in a fun and inviting way. This year, the event will consist of multiple stand-alone programs to connect veterans, their families, and the community with the library’s and other veterans-related resources. The programs will be offered at libraries across Broward County and will include a movie screening, musical performances, speeches from subject matter experts, a children's story time, anime club book discussion, book giveaways, and more. Vet Fest 2022 will take place on Saturday, November 19 with an in-person event, Veterans Family Day at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park.

BCL will once again collaborate with Broward County Parks and Recreation and the Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division to implement the Veterans Family Day. The event will honor those who served and their families, while providing access to veteran and military-related resource providers from across the county. Participants will learn which organizations can help them submit VA claims and health inquiries, about education opportunities, housing options, and employment assistance and will have the opportunity to receive an array of library resources and apply for a library card.

Over the years BCL's veterans' initiatives have been well received and provide valuable resources for military veterans and their families. Last year, 375 people attended the Veterans Family Day at Delevoe Park. We expect to continue to grow the impact we make and the numbers of veterans and families we serve.

Along with the Library Foundation, Vet Fest is sponsored by the United States Army, CarePlus Health Plans, Florida Center for the Book, and Friends of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.