Miami-Dade Public Library System

The 2011 International Exchange Partner was the public library system in Copenhagen, Denmark. Part one of three exchanges took place in November 2010, when Library Director Raymond Santiago and Assistant Director of Outreach Services Lucrece Louisdhon-Louinis traveled to Copenhagen to meet and share the elements of AOS and ways in which the Denmark Public Libraries could be involved in this special storytelling program. During their visit, they met with the City Librarian of Copenhagen, Jens Ingemann, and members of his executive team who provided information about their system, current projects and programming.

During a follow-up visit in March 2011, Library Director Raymond Santiago was joined by Administrator Gia Arbogast and Librarian Louise Gestwicki who were there to present workshops on Storytelling Tools & Techniques and the Vision & Strategies for Running the Miami-Dade Public Library System. A majority of their time was spent visiting library branches, meeting with staff and discovering ways to bring back some of the interesting elements that the Danish system uses.   

Finally, it was Miami-Dade’s opportunity to host the Denmark delegation when they arrived on April 24, 2011. Their week was full of presentations, performances and touring as well as enjoying some of Miami’s rich culture!