(MIAMI, October 22, 2007) – Branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System were abuzz with excitement as teens flocked to share poetry and stories during Teen Read Week, October 14-20. The Library System joined bookstores, schools and other libraries across the country in celebrating the event, which brought hundreds of teens in contact with authors, Miami Dolphins football players and alumni, area poets and musicians.
More than 500 teens participated in the T-Shirt Design Contest promoting the theme Laugh Out Loud @ Your Library. Seventeen year-old Jessica Chidester submitted the winning entry, which earned her a backpack from famed artist Romero Britto, a football autographed by a Dolphins football player, and a certificate presented on-field before the Dolphins game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 21.
The library’s Teen Read Week programs were funded by a grant from the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

The Miami Dolphins Foundation was established in 1995 as the fundraising arm of the Miami Dolphins Football Team. The Dolphins, through the Foundation, have made a commitment to the betterment of South Florida youth through a direct focus on, but not limited to, educational, health, social and community service issues. For more information about the Miami Dolphins Foundation, please visit www.miamidolphins.com

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