We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of Julie Hunter, Broward County Library’s former Associate Director for Public Service. The recipient of the Florida Library Association’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, Julie came to Broward County in 2002 as the executive director of the newly opened African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Prior to that, she held a similar position at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History in Atlanta, Georgia. She was promoted to Associate Director in 2007 and retired from Broward County in 2013 after 47 years as an esteemed library professional.
Hunter was a dedicated member of the civil rights movement, first as a college student jailed while protesting and later as an NAACP field director, where she worked closely with activist Medgar Evers. She left the NAACP in 1963 to study library science, but her involvement in the civil rights movement informed her professional career, as she leaves behind a lifelong legacy of courage, leadership and dedication to the values and ideals of public service.
We extend our deepest condolences to Julie’s family and loved ones. Her warmth, kindness and generosity of spirit will be missed by all of us who had the joy and good fortune to know and work.
