On November 15, 1988, with the permission of the Parkland City Commission, Carolyn Marks established Parkland’s library in the concession stand of Quigley Park, located on the west side of Parkside Drive just south of Loxahatchee Road.  Under her guidance, this small book shelved room became the stepping stone to our present, modern Parkland Library. In the first year in the Quigley Park building, children’s story hour was held for preschoolers and the library was open to the public twice a week, all staffed by resident volunteers.

Parkland’s First Library at Quigley Park.
Photo courtesy Parkland Historical Society.

Although the library was open and serving the community for close to two years, the Parkland City Commission, on July 2, 1990, passed a resolution [Resolution No. 90-18] to formally establish a public city library that “will benefit all the citizens of the City of Parkland”. The Commission went on to state that, “the library shall initially be housed in facilities provided at Quigley Park and may be moved to such places deemed appropriate by the City Commission”.  The Parkland Library is unique in being one of only five non-county libraries in Broward County.

 

In 1992, the library moved to larger quarters, a double-wide trailer, on the grounds just north of the ‘Old City Hall’ at the northeast corner of Parkside Drive and Holmberg Road. This trailer was donated by Broward County through the help of then Commissioner Robert Marks and then City Manager Harry Mertz. The trailer was brought to the site by the City.

Parkland’s Second Library -- a Double-Wide Trailer.
Photo courtesy Parkland Library.

Under the leadership of Carolyn Marks and Diane David, the founder of the Parkland Friends of the Library, many residents volunteered to get the trailer ready as the ‘Parkland Library’. Through donations of books, window treatments, a circulation desk, carpeting (donated by Parkland’s major developer, Coral Ridge Properties) and donations of surplus shelving and furniture from Broward County Schools, the trailer officially celebrated its grand opening on November 15, 1992.  Pat Markey was the first librarian.

The official ground breaking for the present site of the Parkland Library occurred on April 12, 2002. Under the continued leadership of Carolyn Marks and Diane David, the dream of a ‘stand-alone, state of the art’ library was to become a reality. The building, which cost $1.5 million, was designed by the architectural firm of Schenkel Schulz and built by SFCS, Inc.  Within one year, the building was ready for occupancy.

 

Tuesday, June 3, 2003 was the dedication and grand opening of the beautiful 10,000 square foot Parkland Library, at its present location within the City Hall Complex.  In addition to the City Commissioners, in attendance and speaking at the ceremonies were former elected officials, Parkland Library Staff, Carolyn Marks, Diane David, Suzie Hayes--the newly appointed Library Director and Ken Cutler--the President of The Friends of the Library.

 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the June 3, 2003 Library Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony.

Left to right:  Ricky Gordon, hidden-Commissioner Bobbi Pugliese, Commissioner Diane Weissman, Commissioner Michael Udine, Former Mayor Sal Pagliara, Mayor Robert Marks, Library Founder Carolyn Marks, Friends of the Library Founder Diane David, President of The Friends of the Library Ken Cutler, and Library Director Suzie Hayes (behind Cutler). 

Photo courtesy Parkland Historical Society. 

The current Parkland Library is a fully-staffed library with a large Reading Room, an extensive children’s book collection, Community Meeting Room, state of the art computer area, a display area for the Parkland Historical Society and an outside brick covered Story Garden. The members of the Parkland Friends of the Library help to maintain the interest and activity in the library.

 

 

Bronze Sculpture Outside the Library Donated by the Friends of the Library. 
Photo Courtesy Parkland Historical Society.

 

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