Miami-Dade Public Library System

(MIAMI, DECEMBER 6, 2011) Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez will preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the Library System’s 75 IBM KidSmart Early Learning Centers which will soon be available in all 49 branches. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 15, 11:30 a.m. at the Lemon City Branch Library – 430 N.W. 61 Street.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) received an IBM KidSmart Early Learning grant which will provide 75 Young Explorer™ Learning Centers. Each Center is a computer housed in brightly colored, child-friendly Little Tikes™ furniture. It is equipped with award-winning educational software which will help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language.

"IBM is excited to partner with MDPLS by providing new opportunities for children to explore concepts in math, science and language,” said Stanley Litow, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs and President, IBM International Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative and be able to provide this high-quality learning resource to children in Miami-Dade,” stated Library Director Raymond Santiago.

The KidSmart program also includes access to the KidSmart website and assists preschool teachers in using technology more effectively in their classrooms.

KidSmart was developed in 1998 to help reduce the digital divide, especially in urban areas, where children from less affluent backgrounds still needed access to technology tools and educational materials. Since its inception, IBM has donated more than 55,000 Young Explorer™ learning centers to schools and nonprofits in 60 countries, serving more than 10 million students and 100,000 teachers.  For more information about IBM, visit: www.ibm.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Victoria Galan - Public Affairs Officer
Tel. 305.375.5180, galanv@mdpls.org