 The Art of Storytelling (AOS) Professional Exchange Workshop and International Festival Day is Miami-Dade Public Library System’s signature event. The purpose of this annual event is to explore the unique ways in which storytelling is used by librarians, educators, parents and caregivers, of varying countries, to impact the lives of their communities. The ultimate goal of this program is to foster a love of reading, the cultural arts, and libraries among children and their caregivers. To achieve this goal, the Library System has partnered each year, since 2000, with a library from another country to share the historical and cultural highlights of that country, as seen through its literature, folklore and art. The program includes an International Library-to-Library Exchange, Professional Workshops, and an International Festival Day.
By sharing the culture of Miami-Dade County, and that of our exchange partners, through storytelling, theatric performances, and art exhibitions, the Library System hopes to open a world in which storytelling is viewed as a colorful tapestry for all ages to enjoy. |
Since 2000, the Library System has collaborated with a foreign country in an effort to share and exchange the historical and cultural highlights of that country as seen through their literature, folklore and art. This sharing of cultures offers participants the chance to develop a greater interest in the arts, reading and libraries. 
Teachers, parents, professional storytellers, children’s librarians can learn new tales and techniques through highly regarded, full-day workshops led by nationally and internationally acclaimed storytellers and authors who creatively share their knowledge. These popular sessions are also valuable for cultural historians.
Join us on May 2, 2009 for the Art of Storytelling’s International Festival Day – a free day-long event open to the public. ! Enjoy stories, music, food, and arts & crafts which will stimulate the imagination! 
Storytelling plays an important role in education and literacy. Each year during spring break, storytelling camps are held for children, ages 8-12, at several branches throughout the community. This unique type of camp not only gives children the opportunity to hear stories, but it also lends them the chance to become storytellers themselves. Graduates of the camp will perform for audiences during the International Festival Day on May 2nd, 2009.
