Miami-Dade Public Library System, Miami, FL

Web site: www.mdpls.org
Press Contact: Victoria Galan, galanv@mdpls.org, 305-375-5180

Celebrating the spirit of Colombia with traditional dances during the annual Art of Storytelling Festival.

Once upon a time, a little over 100 years ago, the Miami-Dade Public Library System was a small institution serving a tiny community. Today, through initiatives like the Art of Storytelling and its Five-Star Commitment to the community, the library engages its six million annual visitors in programs developed to meet their ever-changing needs.

For a number of years, the Miami-Dade Public Library System surveyed its patrons and consistently received high marks from library goers in the area of customer satisfaction. But the library itself was not satisfied. Instead, it saw these surveys as a chance to reinforce its commitment to Miami-Dade County residents. Thus the Five-Star Commitment to the community was implemented. This commitment promises patrons that each library will have staff that will be ready and willing to lend a hand; provide opportunities for learning; assist visitors in their research efforts; empower patrons with knowledge; and offer an inviting environment in every library location. This promise is proudly displayed on posters in each of the library’s locations.

To fulfill the Five-Star Commitment, the library system instituted a variety of programs to address the needs of its diverse constituency, which is 61 percent Hispanic, 18 percent white non-Hispanic, and 20 percent African American. The Art of Storytelling initiative, for example, brings in people of all backgrounds for international library-to-library workshops, storytelling seminars, and an international festival day. In the diverse community of Miami-Dade County, participants find that the storytelling
program brings together families, promotes literacy, and gives them a chance to share their unique cultures with their children and their community.

Kids in the Miami-Dade area are invited to participate in the Science, Math and Reading Tutoring (or S.M.A.R.T.) program, which is a no-cost initiative that pairs students aged 5 to 18 with trained teachers who can help them work through their homework and study for tests on Saturdays throughout the school year. In a partnership with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, visually impaired and blind children, and kids who have their sight, come together for the annual Make-a-Bookmark Contest. Winners of the contest have their bookmarks printed and distributed by the library system.

Senior citizens are encouraged to take part in the Seniors Telling Stories program, which connects them to college professors who are trained to teach them how to craft and share their personal histories. The seniors then debut their stories as part of the Art of Storytelling festival at their local libraries and community centers.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System is very much aware of its importance to its community. Through its Five-Star Commitment; its programming for library goers of all ethnicities, abilities, and ages; and its emphasis on customer satisfaction, the library is able to remain an essential part of the lives of its patrons.

“It is a high honor for the Miami-Dade Public Library System to receive this prestigious award,” said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). “They truly deserve this recognition for their commitment to excellence in programming and their dedication to providing programs for everyone, no matter their age or interests.”

“Not only does our library system serve as a venue for learning, researching and cultural enrichment, but also seizes every opportunity to improve the well-being of our neighborhoods and community,” said U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25). “This is a recognition well deserved by the staff and administrators at the Miami-Dade Public Library System.”

“What a great honor for our very own Miami-Dade Public Library System to be awarded this prestigious award,” said U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18). “This is a testament to the marvelous work of the men and women who work in our county libraries. Indeed, a great distinction has been given!”

“Indeed, this is a well-deserved honor for the Miami-Dade Public Library System to be honored the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek (D-FL-17). “Libraries throughout Miami-Dade County have continuously been essential places of opportunity by making the world of information and knowledge accessible to anyone seeking it. This award reflects the life-long learning journey that the Miami-Dade Public Library System has been committed to.”

“I’m so proud that The Miami-Dade Public Library System is receiving national recognition for what South Florida residents have known for a long time; that it is an exceptional library system that enriches our community through its wide variety of programs and events. The library system’s commitment to literacy, outreach, and community involvement is truly exceptional and is part of what makes Miami-Dade County so special,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-20).

Community Member Cindy S. Lederman
Judge doles out advice, sentences, and books in the Miami-Dade Juvenile Court
For the past 15 years, Judge Cindy S. Lederman has worked with hundreds of children and families in the juvenile court system and has handled cases of abuse, neglect, and delinquency. Lederman sees many people who have never visited the local library or owned books. To combat this sobering reality, Lederman teamed up with the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) to bring books to the courthouse. Starting with a single used book cart in the lobby, the library system’s presence in the courthouse has grown stronger over the years. It has helped the Juvenile Justice Center create a focus on literacy, reading, obtaining library cards, visiting libraries, and using library services. In fact, judges at the Center – including Lederman – keep a drawer full of books on hand during hearings. The partnership forged between Lederman and the MDPLS has made a significant impact on many families’ and children’s lives in Miami-Dade County. In a note to Judge Lederman, one little girl wrote: “I love my judge and I am reading.”