Harry Potter
About the Alvin Sherman Library
Welcome to the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, the largest library building in the state of Florida. 
The Alvin Sherman Library is a unique joint-use facility serving the residents of Broward County as well as NSU students, faculty, and staff members. Thanks to an agreement between the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and NSU, the Alvin Sherman Library offers traditional public library services as well as the full academic resources of one of the nation's major independent universities. This library was opened to the public on December 8, 2001.
Standing five stories high with wireless access throughout the building, cozy reading niches, 22 study rooms, 1,000 user seats, and a café, the library environment is spacious, high tech, yet friendly. You will discover collections of research materials, specialized databases, popular fiction and nonfiction books, magazines and journals, CDs, DVDs, special programs for children and teens, book discussion groups, author readings, and classes on using research tools and resources. Most importantly, you will find a professional library staff attuned and ready to serve your needs.
Let us be your library guides!
Your Library Card
Anyone that lives, works, or goes to school in Broward County may apply for a free Alvin Sherman Library card! This card is not the same as a Broward County Library card, so you will need to get an Alvin Sherman Library card in order to check out materials from this library.
Applications are available online or at the Circulation Desk, located on the first floor of the library. You may return materials to any Broward County Library branch.
Your Library Card
For NSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, your SharkCard is your library card! It will allow you to check out materials and access the library's online databases. For information how to get your SharkCard, please visit Campus Card Services.
Public Library Services (PLS)
The Public Library Services (PLS) Department offers a wide range of free public programming for all ages, including weekly story times, teen events, adult programs, computer trainings, and specials. In addition, PLS encourages teachers and students to utilize the library as a site for school visits, teacher resources, and extra-curricular activities relating to school curriculum. Through a unique arrangement between the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and Nova Southeastern University, anyone that lives, works, or goes to school in Broward County may access of this library’s resources.
Like traditional public libraries, your free Alvin Sherman Library card allows you to check out such items as:
All PLS programs and resources are free! For more information, please visit the Public Library Services webpage.
Borrowing Materials
To check out materials, please visit the Circulation Desk, located on the first floor.
It is a requirement to present your Alvin Sherman Library Card or SharkCard to the staff when you are ready to check out items. The library does not accept driver's licenses or Broward County Library (BCL) cards to check out materials. Check out stops 15 minutes before closing.