The Miami-Dade Public Library System is committed to providing free, high quality, educational and cultural information to county residents. Through the Art of Storytelling (AOS), the Library System has reached beyond its local borders to discover the beauty and differences of other countries. This innovative outreach program is composed of international library-to-library workshops; storytelling seminars for professional tellers, educators, librarians and parents; and an international festival day, which is celebrated at the Main Library in downtown Miami. As a diverse community, our residents maintain strong ties and links to their countries of origin and they are eager to have their children and others become aware of their homelands. Bringing cultural icons and professionals from other countries to perform in library branches is a new and creative way of enticing people into the library, especially new immigrants who may not know the value of a free public library and all the benefits that it entails. It also allows residents to experience each other’s culture, resulting in better understanding among the different ethnic groups that make up the community.

Through The Art of Storytelling, the Library once again fulfills its role as an important community resource by presenting cultural programs reflecting the ethnic diversity of our neighborhoods. But, perhaps more valuable to the bigger picture, this program has given the Library a growing international presence, thereby helping to enhance the reputation of Miami-Dade County around the world as an exciting place to live, work and play.