In January 2007, a three member delegation from the Library System headed by Library Director Raymond Santiago paid a visit to Aix-en-Provence, France to meet with library professionals from the Bibliothèque Méjanes. During their stay, the delegation met with city and library officials to share professional experiences and to gather information, which they brought back to Miami-Dade in an effort to enrich our local library services.

In March, another delegation of Miami-Dade librarians visited Aix-en-Provence, this time to share their storytelling talents and professional experiences. During their visits to library branches, the Miami-Dade librarians presented workshops for staff and children. They visited a local high school which provided them insights into one of the Bibliothèque Méjanes’ most popular literary programs- Bouquiner. Bouquiner allows students to read several books of their choice; develop a bibliography and write critical reviews. The students even have a chance to meet an author. The delegation also enjoyed various aspects of French culture including a visit to the Cité du Livre and Marseilles, where they had an opportunity to view the work of French storyteller Laurent Daycard.

During the week of May 14, 2007, the Library System welcomed French library professionals from the Bibliothèque Méjanes. During their intense visit the French librarians toured library branches, shared ideas and gathered new techniques to use in France. The visitors also had an opportunity to experience the county’s impressive cultural diversity by visiting various points of interest and participating in the AOS International Festival Day on Saturday, May 19, 2007.

librarian Cynthia Bermudez Japanese Storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto Gilles Eboli, director of Bibliothèque Méjanes
Miami-Dade librarian Cynthia Bermudez visits with librarians from Bibliothèque Méjanes during an exchange visit. Japanese Storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto presentats Masks & Mimes during one of the workshops. Gilles Eboli, director of Bibliothèque Méjanes (right) reviews renovation plans for the Shenandoah Branch Library. Mr. Eboli was touring branches as part of the AOS exchange component.