Miami, Fl – The West Flagler Branch Library of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, 5050 W. Flagler St., held an official rededication ceremony today. Closed for 15 months, the facility recently reopened following a $720,000 renovation project. Interior work included a new air conditioning system, a new children’s room, new ceiling and flooring, new furnishings and shelving, new bathrooms as per ADA requirements, and the addition of more than 20 computer stations with Internet access. The exterior of the 5,000 square-foot building, designed by architect Thomas Trip Russell, has been unaltered with the exception of exterior paint, new automatic doors at the entrance, parking lot resurfacing in compliance with ADA requirements, new landscaping and signage.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Commissioner Rebeca Sosa joined City of Miami Commissioner Tomás Regalado, West Miami Mayor Velia Yedra, and Vice Mayor César Carasa in the rededication ceremony. Also on hand were Library Director Raymond Santiago and Assistant County Managers Alex Munoz and Alina Tejeda-Hudak in the rede.

“Bell and Drums”, Kinlock Park Elementary School’s band, inaugurated the ceremony playing the national anthem, followed by an address from Mayor Alvarez, who reminisced earlier years at the facility, one of the most significant public institutions for the Hispanic community since the 1950s. Commissioner Sosa revisited her memories at the library, commending “the Library’s extraordinary outreach role in helping Cuban children who experienced language barriers with their homework. “

It was a morning of pleasant surprises. Commissioner Sosa presented a check for $10,000 to provide Internet classes for seniors at the West Flagler and Fairlawn Branches. Library Director Raymond Santiago presented her in turn with an unexpected gift: her grandson’s first Library card. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Commissioner Sosa shared good times with the younger ones at the children’s room, while guests enjoyed refreshments and pastelitos, courtesy of La Rosa Bakery.

For additional information on library services and programs, please call (305) 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org. For information on the West Flagler Branch Library, please call (305) 442-8710.
West Flagler Branch Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Closed Friday

Media Contact:
Marivi Prado, Public Affairs Officer
Tel. (305) 375-5180
pradom@mdpls.org