Miami, Fl – The Miami-Dade Public Library System, in partnership with WLRN’s Ready to Learn initiative and The Children’s Trust, celebrates reading with WLRN characters Emily Elizabeth and her best friend Clifford the Big Red Dog with a kick-off celebration of the 5th Annual Art of Storytelling Festival. The event, free and open to the public, will be held on Saturday, April 22, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183rd Street.

“Storytelling is an entertaining and effective tool that helps instill a love of reading,” said Lucrece Louisdhon-Louinis, assistant director of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, a renowned storyteller herself.  The Art of Storytelling was originally created to introduce children to other cultures. Since its inception, The Art of Storytelling has grown into a culturally enriching program combining storytelling festivals with cultural exchanges with libraries from other cities around the world. This year’s programis a collaboration effort between the Miami-Dade Public Library System and the Rio de Janeiro Public Library.

The 2006 program culminates with a Family Day Festival on May 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Main Library, Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami. Families are invited to come and enjoy international storytellers, costumed characters, PBS character presentations (Arthur & DW, Clifford, Maya & Miguel), puppet shows, music, face painting and crafts. Miami-Dade Transit and the Office of Child Advocate are sponsoring free bus and Metrorail passes (while supplies last). Best of all, it is all FREE to the public!

Not to be Missed!
2006 Art of Storytelling kick-off celebration  (FREE GIFTS)
Saturday, April 22  -  1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Special guests: PBS characters Emily Elizabeth and Clifford the Big Red Dog
North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183rd Street, Tel. (305) 625-6425

Additional information on the 2006 Art of Storytelling programs and library services is available online at www.mdpls.org or by calling 305-375-BOOK.

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