Miami, Fl – A winning strategy of facility expansion has recently benefited north and southwest Miami-Dade County. On June 10th, residents of West Miami, Fairlawn and Flagami neighborhoods celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of the Fairlawn Branch Library. On hand were Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, West Miami Mayor Velia Yedra, Vice Mayor Cesar Carasa, Assistant County Manager Alex Muñoz and Library System Director Raymond Santiago. During brief testimonials, each attested to the importance of the Fairlawn Branch in their community. Mayor Alvarez went back 25 years ago to the time when, as a police officer, he researched and studied at the Branch for his Sergeant’s Exam. In 1997, he was appointed Chief of Police. As an educator, Commissioner Sosa has been a strong library advocate and has been a driving force in helping move the branch to a more suitable location and facility.
Located on S.W. Eighth Street since 1964, the branch moved five blocks east to a new building that was constructed to library specifications. With its storefront windows, pleasant decor and inviting areas for children and adults, the Branch boasts new shelving, furnishings, and twenty one computer terminals with access to the Internet and many other databases. The library’s 4,000 square feet houses a collection of 40,000 items comprising books and periodicals, audiobooks, DVD’s, videos, audiocassettes and CDs. The branch attracts children and young adults to many special programs including bedtime stories, crafts and the Saturday SMART Tutoring program.
On the other side of town, a 7,500 square foot library opened in Sunny Isles Beach, located on the ground floor of the newly-inaugurated City Hall. Participating in the June 14 Grand Opening ceremony were Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Norman S. Edelcup, Library Advisory Board Chair Maria C. Velez, Library System Director Raymond Santiago and city and library administrators.
Located at 18070 Collins Avenue, the library is a product of an innovative partnership between Miami-Dade County and the City of Sunny Isles Beach. The Inter-Local Agreement called for the City to fund and build the branch to library specifications. The Library System would furnish, equip and operate the branch. This latest addition to the expanding Library System was designed by award-winning architectural firm Spillis & Candela. Its beautiful terrazzo lobby is accented by large glass panels and high ceilings which fill the library with natural light. As they peruse the library’s new collection of more than 30,000 books and others materials, patrons are able to enjoy garden views comprised of palm trees and a fountain. The branch also offers fifteen computer stations with Internet access. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Tony Roma’s restaurant.
Fortunately, 2006 will also witness additional openings and an extensive renovation plan at Miami-Dade Public Library. This happens at a time when less fortunate national library systems are implementing downsizing and budget cuts. Thanks to the vote of confidence of Miami-Dade voters, Mayor Carlos Alvarez and the Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade Public Library System is experiencing non-stop growth, in facilities and patron usage. For information on library services, please call (305) 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org.
Media Contact:
Marivi Prado, Public Affairs Officer
Tel. (305) 375-5180
pradom@mdpls.org |
