In 1940, the Pompano Public Library opened. It has its inception at a Rotary Club meeting in the spring of 1940. Miss. Effie Power, a retired librarian and former teacher at Columbia University, as well as an author of children's books, was the speaker. She told the club of the need for a library. Her discussion was very convincing.

The late E. N. Powell, Rotary president, named a committee -- only two of whom were Rotarians. Reverend George Foster, chairman; Mrs. T. N. Alexander, Mrs. William H. Blount, Van E. Malcolm, E. Guy Owens and Miss Effie Power served in this capacity.

In a short while the committee reported that it had collected three hundred books and a total of $6,500.00 in cash donations. They purchased 160 books. With this start, an empty store room in the 100 block on NE First street was secured. Miss Power was chosen as librarian and the library opened on April 22, 1940.

(excerpted from History of Pompano Beach, Florida by Lorena H. Robson, 1974)