Miami, Fl. June 4, 2004 - The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library
Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association, has
recognized the Miami-Dade Public Library System with its 2004 Exceptional
Service Award for its program titled: Connections: Library Service to the
Homebound.
Connections' primary mission is to provide: traditional library services to
people of all ages who are unable to visit the library in person; book
deposit collections and programming resources to facilities that serve the
elderly; and outreach programs to organizations, support groups, and clubs
for the elderly and persons who are chronically ill or physically disabled.
Additionally, library services for the Homebound provides books-by-mail
service to individuals of all ages unable to visit the library in person due
to chronic illness, physical disability and/or frailties of age.
"This is a fine example of a Miami-Dade County program that provides
effective, efficient, thoughtful and creative services to our customers,"
said Miami-Dade County Manager George M. Burgess. "Whether residents live
in their own home or reside in a nursing facility, Connections has
flourished while adapting to the growing and changing needs of the
community. I am happy to see that Connections has become a model for other
libraries in the United States."
Connections uses a three prong approach in providing services. Its Book
Deposit Collections are small revolving, lending libraries that loan regular
and large print books free of charge. Programming Resources, which are
educational, recreational, and cultural programming materials, are loaned
free. Activity and Senior Center Directors, Teachers, Program Chairpersons,
Intergenerational Group Leaders - all may use these multisensory materials
to help make their programs and visits with older adults unforgettable.
Resources include Bi-Folkal Kits and Mini-Kits; Visit Kits; Slides;
Actiphiles; Picture Sets; audio and videocassettes; and assorted book
resources. Connections Outreach Programming is designed to bring quality
library programming to nursing homes, convalescent centers, ALF's (adult
living facilities), retirement residences, senior centers and clubs.
Programs include informational presentations on library resources, book
talks and slide/tape shows. Scheduling is required.
"This extraordinary library program provides a wide range of library
services to people of all ages who have difficulty using traditional
libraries," said Tom Sloan, ASCLA president. The ASCLA Exceptional Service Award will be presented June 27, 2004 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to Audrey Ryan, coordinator for the Library’s Connections services, at the ASCLA President's Program and Award Ceremony during the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando. For additional information please contact Mariví Prado at Miami-Dade Public Library System at 305-375-5180. For Connections service please dial 305-474-7251, TDD (Telecommunication Devise for Deaf) 305-474-7258.
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