(MIAMI, August 26, 2008)– The Miami Dade Public Library System brings a diverse lineup of storytellers, dancers and musicians and two extraordinary art exhibitions to branches throughout the community this September.

On Monday, September 8, acclaimed storyteller Diane Ferlatte takes you on a theatrical journey of stories inspired by her African roots. Ferlatte, winner of the National Storytelling Network Circle of Excellence Award and The National Association of Black Storytellers, Zora Neale Hurston Award, will appear at the Miami Lakes Branch at 11 a.m. and at the North Central Branch at 4 p.m.

Young and old can join in the fun and kick up their heels with the Breffni Academy of Irish Dance at the Miami Lakes Branch on Tuesday, September 9, at 7 p.m. Listen to local violinist Marshall Frank, a retired Miami-Dade County Homicide Detective, and pianist Jay Barnhart, retired physician and Miami-Dade County assistant medical examiner, as they team up in an unlikely exhibition of musical talent, at the North Dade Regional Library on Thursday, September 11, at 11 a.m. and at the Coral Gables Branch on Saturday, September 13, at 11 a.m.

Storyteller Jim Gregory brings tales from his native Tennessee to the Miami Lakes Branch on Friday, September 12, at 2 p.m. Gregory’s “fast bull” stories are designed for listeners of all ages but best understood by mature audiences.

Art lovers can relive the life and times of legendary salsa singer Celia Cruz and explore the history of Latin American art with the following exhibitions from the library’s permanent collection:

On the Street Where I Live: Photographs of Celia Cruz, by Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte. Rodriguez-Duarte, mostly renowned for his fashion and commercial work, shot this series of black-and-white images of Cruz both on and off stage during the last 15 years of her life. September 18 – December 21, North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183 Street.

From Roots to Routes – This exhibition explores the historical importance and views the contributions to art from Latin American artists such as Jesus Rafael Soto and abstract artist Fernando de Szyszlo. The exhibition also recognizes the individual artistic production of a number of other Latin American artists, and includes post 1960s work by contemporary and modern artists from South America. September 11 – December 29, West Dade Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way.

All programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. For more detail and a full schedule of events please visit www.mdpls.org or call 305-375-BOOK (2665).

Media Contact:
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
Tel. 305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org

Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
Tel. 305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org