| (Miami-Dade, FL) On September 20, 2006, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Library System’s $108 million annual budget for fiscal year 2006-2007. This amount represents a 28 percent increase over last year and will offer patrons enhanced services and longer operating hours.
The new budget will fund an increase in the number of days branch libraries will be open. Additionally, new full-time positions will be made available to provide better assistance to patrons using the Bookmobile, Borrow-by-Mail and other support service areas. Phase one of a system wide security plan will also be implemented.
Funding will also be provided for the Library System’s Capital Expansion Plan. This plan calls for the building of 10 facilities, and the opening of eight storefront libraries by 2011. Six libraries have already opened under this aggressive plan since Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
“Having the support of our County Commission is a great testament to the importance of the Library System in the lives of our residents and visitors,” stated Library Director, Raymond Santiago. “By approving the library’s budget the County Commission has demonstrated its confidence in our system and the work that staff is doing.”
The Miami-Dade Public Library System, one of the largest in the Southeastern United States, serves a population of 1.9 million and has over 4 million materials in circulation.
Media Contact:
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org
Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org | 
