Sam joined the Broward County Library System in the mid 1980s, and was Deputy Director when the Main Library opened in 1984. He moved to Chicago shortly thereafter as Deputy Commissioner/Chief Librarian for the Chicago Public Library. It was during his tenure that the design competition was held for the Harold Washington Center, the CPL’s Central Library.

He returned to Fort Lauderdale in 1990 as Director. Under his leadership the library was named Library Journal’s Library of the Year in 1996. Major partnerships were established with the Broward County Community College resulting in two large regional libraries. Most recently, the partnership with Nova Southeastern University was culminated with the opening of a new 300,000 SF facility that houses a branch of the public library. Other partnerships developed under his direction include ones with banks, art museums, and public schools. The newly opened African-American Research Center and Cultural Center is the crowning jewel in Sam’s distinguished career. He retired as Director April 2003.

With PROVIDENCE Sam has been involved in the Cleveland Public Library Neighborhood Library Initiatives Plan, the District of Columbia Public Library Main Library Assessment and Branch Libraries Evaluation, the Long Range Plan for the Louisville Free Public Library, the Newark Public Library Main Library Space Needs Assessment, and the San Antonio Public Library Strategic Plan. Mr. Morrison received his MLS from the University of Illinois at Champaign, and a BA from California State University, Los Angeles.

Samuel Morrison received the SEFLIN 2002 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his exceptional support of libraries, literacy, and learning by inspiring others through his achievements and support. He serves on the boards of directors, Broward Public Library Foundation and the Gold Coast Jazz Society.