Miami, Fl June 21, 2004 – The Miami-Dade Public Library launched its 2004 Summer Reading Program on June 19th at the West Dade Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way, with Ronald McDonald reading to the kids, setting their toes tapping and providing giveaways. This year’s theme is Explore New Trails…Read. As in previous years, all kids under 18 have the opportunity to walk away as winners in weekly raffles and Grand Prizes. They just need to register at a library branch and read for a minimum of four hours to become eligible to win. Winners will receive passes to one of the following South Florida attractions: Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Seaquarium, Miami Metrozoo, Museum of Discovery & Science, Everglades Safari, Miami Planetarium and El Loro Pirate Ship. And at the August 9th Grand Prize drawing, children will be able to win one of the 3 Grand Prizes: a bowling party bash for 10 at Cloverleaf Bowling Lanes; a party for 10 at McDonald’s; and a Miami Seaquarium “Swim with the Dolphins” Gift Certificate.

There is still ample time to enjoy musical performances, puppet shows, animal shows, crafts, magic, storytelling and author presentations. There is something for every age and interest. For additional information, please call (305) 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org for programs at the various branches.

Not To Be Missed!

Youth Expressions
Little Haiti-based performing arts group Youth Expressions will perform hip-hop music that confronts many of the social issues faced by today’s youth. For all ages.

• Homestead Branch Library, 50-52 SE 4th Road - Saturday, July 31, at 11:00 a.m.
• Little River Branch Library, 160 NE 79 St., Saturday July 17, at 3:00 p.m.

Children’s Author Presentations

Off the Page: Children’s Author Joanne Hyppolite
The Miami Herald has hailed Joanne Hyppolite as a “hip, young, Haitian-American who is setting new standards for children’s literature.” Join the author as she reads from her children’s books, which include Ola Shakes It Up and Seth and Samona, winner of the Marguerite de Angeli Prize for New Children’s Literature. For all ages.

• Lemon City Branch, 430 NE 61 St., Saturday, July 31, 2:00 p.m.

Off the Page: Children’s Author Lorie Ann Grover
Children’s author and illustrator Lorie Ann Grover has received top reviews and awards for her work. Her first novel, Loose Threads, was named a “Best Children’s Book of the Year” by Bank Street College of Education, and a “Book for the Teen Age” by the New York Public Library. Join Ms. Grover as she reads from her latest novel, On Pointe, which reveals the raw and difficult side of being a young ballet dancer. All Ages.

• South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW19 St., Wednesday, July 7, 3:00 p.m.

It’s all free and happening at your Library!