(MIAMI, December 10, 2007)-  The 2007 Children’s Book Week celebration at the Miami- Dade Public Library System brought thousands of children out to their local branches and in contact with authors, illustrators and sports figures, and exposed them to a variety of new reading resources.

Throughout the month of November library visitors and specially invited groups from schools and childcare facilities enjoyed storytelling by local author Lucía Gonzalez; viewed the work of illustrator Andy Runton, creator of the Owly series, and shared in the experiences of renowned author and illustrator Carla Golembe. Miami Dolphins football players and alumni visited several branch libraries where they read to children and shared their life stories on and off the football field.

Over 6,000 young artists submitted entries in the annual “Make-a-Bookmark” contest, which was won by 11-year-old Laurette Robles of the Doral Branch Library. Robles and the other 41 branch winners were recognized for their efforts on Saturday, December 8, at a party held at the Main Library. Library Director Raymond Santiago thanked the participants for their work, which will be on display at their local branches, with the winning entry being used as the official library bookmark for 2008.

Children’s Book Week programs were funded in part by a grant from the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

Media Contact:
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org

Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org