Miami-Dade Public Library System

In February 2008, a delegation from the Miami-Dade Public Library System traveled to Medellin, Colombia for a tour of its library systems. The group visited seven systems, which included more than 50 branch locations, a presentation to more than 200 staffers and a discussion on outreach techniques, collection development, financial management, programming for babies to teens, and automation.

During the week of April 29, 2008, Colombian library professionals and the famous storyteller Jorge Ambrosio Villa Zapata visited Miami-Dade County. The visitors toured branches where they shared the history of the Medellin Public Library Systems and offered valuable ideas on programming and storytelling techniques. The group also enjoyed a taste of Miami-Dade’s impressive cultural diversity by visiting museums, restaurants and other points of interest. On May 2, 2008, they joined 150 librarians, media specialists and educators in a professional workshop series conducted by some of the top U.S. storytellers, and on Saturday, May 3rd performed at the International Festival.