Miami-Dade, Fl – The Miami-Dade Public Library System is gearing up for its 6th Annual International Art of Storytelling Workshops and Festival,which takes placeMay 18 -19, 2007, at the Main Library, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida.

What started in 2001 as a small-scale storytelling festival has grown into an internationally recognized event that brings participants, from countries such as Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica and Brazil, to Miami-Dade for an educational and culturally rich exchange program.  This year the Library System has partnered with Bibliothèque Méjanes, Aix-en-Provence, France to offer a new perspective on the art of storytelling and to give librarians and storytelling professionals the opportunity to share their cultural diversities.

On Friday, May 18, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. the Library System will host its Professional Exchange Workshops featuring children’s literature consultant Kathleen Baxter, renowned storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto and renowned author and storyteller Irene Smalls. The daylong series of seminars will offer innovative techniques for storytelling; provide practical tips for creating culturally enriching programs, and provide insights into the importance of using different types of stories to teach reading, history and language arts. Participants will also have an opportunity to share their own experiences. A reception, in honor of visiting storytellers, will be held later that evening.

On Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., the elements of the art of storytelling will culminate during the International Festival Day, a free family event featuring performances by local and internationally renowned storytellers. The festival will also feature arts & craft, face painting, storybook characters, prizes, music, and a West Indian carnival parade.

All parties interested in attending the workshops are encouraged to register by April 13, and save. Registration form and hotel information are available at www.mdpls.org. Registration ends May 7.  Admission to workshops and transportation to all events are included with registration.  For additional information, please contact Patricia Faison at 305 -375-5501, or by email at faisonp@mdpls.org.

Media Contact:
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org

Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org