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NACo Awards 2021
From virtual storytimes in response to COVID-19 and outdoor skygazing programs to expanded home delivery services and free grab-and-go meals, the Miami-Dade Public Library System is committed to providing essential programs and resources that respond to the needs of the community. The Library is honored to have received 26 National Association of Counties (NACo) 2021 Achievement Awards, including two Best in Category, recognizing innovative and effective government programs that enhance the quality of life for residents. Keep reading to learn more about our award-winning programs and services.
First Fridays Business Breakfast Series
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Mary Garcia, Main Library
Tristan Miller, Little River Branch Library
Best in Category Winner
This series of educational networking sessions, organized by the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, was created to support small businesses and to stimulate economic growth in underserved communities in Miami-Dade County. Staff provided attendees with information on free library resources, which could help empower business owners to overcome economic barriers.
Collaboration as a Solution to Home Instability
Category: Human Services
Entrant: Shana Hinze, Main Library
In December 2020, the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) began collaborating with The Homeless Trust, which granted the library system use of their Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Having access to the system allowed the library's social services team to provide more information to individuals in need of housing services.
Forms Distribution Program
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Ralph Costa, Main Library
The Library, in partnership with CareerSource South Florida, created a system of 26 neighborhood libraries to become distribution and collection centers for the paper-based version of the State of Florida’s Reemployment Form. Library staff at these locations facilitated the delivery of over 100,000 completed forms to the state within a 24-hour period.
Health and Wellness Series
Category: Health
Entrant: Pablo Lopez, California Club Branch Library
In April 2019, the California Club Branch Library hosted a yoga program that became the first in its Health and Wellness series. Since then, the branch has partnered with community organizations to provide programs on health-related topics including nutrition, diabetes prevention, and movement and exercise. When COVID-19 restricted the in-person programming, the library presented the programs online.
Learning Circles for Staff Professional Development
Category: Personnel Management, Employment, Training
Entrant: Athy Fitos, Kendale Lakes Branch Library
The Library created the Learning Circles for Staff Development program as a new way to conduct professional development and training. This innovative approach ensures staff skills are current, relevant, and responsive to the needs of the library system while leveraging existing resources.
Library Triage
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Nora Morales, Sunset Branch Library
Small businesses have been struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and need more support than ever before. Pushing a book cart around the shopping center where Sunset Branch Library is located, staff brought an array of books and information on available resources to more than 40 small businesses each month to help them survive and thrive.
The Positive Power of Partnerships
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Patricia Bell, Shenandoah Branch Library
To build stronger civic partnerships and increase awareness of library services in the community, the Shenandoah Branch Library began collaborating with Shenandoah Park in June 2017. Library day was incorporated into the park's popular summer camp program to instruct campers on the use of public libraries using orientations and hands-on activities.
Virtual Volunteering at the Library for Community Service Credit
Category: Volunteers
Entrants: Ellen Book, Pinecrest Branch Library
Christine Olano, Kendale Lakes Branch Library
Athy Fitos, Kendale Lakes Branch Library
Best in Category Winner
With volunteer and in-person activities on hold after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the library created virtual volunteer opportunities for high school students. The goal of this program was to help fulfill a school graduation requirement, provide community service and create young ambassadors for the library.
Engaging Partners and Communities in Virtual STEAM Fests
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Clarisa Arguello, Virrick Park Branch Library
Athy Fitos, Kendale Lakes Branch Library
Carolina Youse, Opa-locka Branch Library
Johnathan Quinones, Main Library
The Virtual STEAM Fest program was modeled after the successful in-person event hosted since Spring 2018. STEAM Fest highlights the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) fields and is presented by community partners involved in STEAM education, including Zoo Miami, Sharks4Kids, The CLEO Institute and more.
Virtual Exhibitions: Art Beyond the Library Gallery
Categories: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation
Entrants: Oscar Fuentes, Main Library
Crystal Garcia, Main Library
The Library’s Art Services and Exhibitions and Digital Collections divisions collaborated to digitize select pieces from the Permanent Art Collection and create 12 curated Virtual Exhibitions. The digital platform helps young artists, educators, patrons and beyond learn about artists and artwork that reflect Miami’s cultural composition and chronicle its artistic and social history.
Virtual Teen Programs – Bridging a Shutdown of Traditional Library Services
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Colin Creasy, Main Library
Within a week of closing to the public due to COVID-19, the Library’s teen technology education unit – YOUmedia Miami – began offering virtual teen programs for its patrons via the internet. Staff employed a combination of technology, creativity, and knowledge gained over years of providing in-person digital literacy and media production workshops to forge a new bond online between staff and patrons.
Virtual Programs and Storytimes
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Carmen Centeno, Main Library
Louise Gestwicki, Main Library
Leila Khalil, Main Library
Monica Martinez, Main Library
Miriam Quiros-Laso, Coral Reef Branch Library
Libraries have always been a place for trying new things, discussing books, and enjoying stories through the programs and events happening in our spaces. To continue providing a place for community, learning and entertainment, the Library transitioned to virtual programming. What began with sharing recorded storytimes on social media has grown to a robust calendar of live online content ranging from author readings and exercise classes to STEAM festivals and interactive storytimes.
Beauty 101 Academy
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Priscilla Hill, North Dade Regional Library
In a safe and judgement free environment, teens and adults at North Dade Regional Library learned about practical and affordable ways to care for themselves mentally, emotionally and physically.
Bilingual STEAM Junior
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Janelle Gonzalez, Westchester Regional Library
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) Junior is a bilingual, interactive storytime created at the West Flagler Branch Library. The goal of this program is to allow young children in Hispanic communities to explore STEAM topics through engaging storytelling and educational activities.
Circulo de Lectores en Shenandoah (Spanish Book Club at Shenandoah)
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Jessica Iglesias, Shenandoah Branch Library
Meeting monthly, Circulo de Lectores, an adult Spanish-language book club, brings together a diverse group of people for engaging and thought-provoking conversations that lead to opportunities to learn about different cultures and traditions.
Community Halloween Spooktacular
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Qiana Robinson, North Dade Regional Library
Jennifer Burdoo, North Dade Regional Library
Krystal Powell, North Dade Regional Library
During the 2017 Halloween season, staff at the North Dade Regional Library came together to create a family-friendly Community Halloween Spooktacular Program. The program’s success gave rise to an annual Community Halloween Spooktacular, attracting more than 600 visitors over a 3-year period.
Family Lego at Naranja Branch
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Milena Gonzalez, Naranja Branch Library
The Family Lego program at Naranja Branch Library served as an introduction to STEAM programs for young children. The children participated in interactive, sensory-friendly building activities that taught critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Japanese Culture Club
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Javier Herrera, Shenandoah Branch Library
The Japanese Culture Club for tweens and teens at Shenandoah Branch Library began with a mission to attract more of our community's youth by building on themes from anime and manga that are popular with this age group. Attendees were introduced to a new facet of Japanese culture each week, such as language, cuisine, holidays, customs, and traditions utilizing interactive activities.
Patent and Trademark Assistance
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Mary Garcia, Main Library
Shana Hinze, Main Library
As a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), the Main Library has helped small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the patent and trademark process for decades and now offers the service in Spanish to help reduce language barriers.
Senior Social Club
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Fatima Centeno, Lakes of the Meadow Branch Library
The MDPLS Senior Social Club was a program that addressed social isolation and loneliness in seniors. The club began in August 2019 at the Homestead Branch Library to bring older adults together by allowing them to gather, socialize, and connect with members of the community in a fun, safe, and educational manner.
Skygazing at North Dade Regional Library
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Jennifer Burdoo, North Dade Regional Library
This outdoor program served as a great reminder to look up at the night sky and admire the beauty of nature! Subjects varied depending on the night, with patrons being able to see stars, the moon, planets, constellations and the International Space Station.
Tween Team Thursdays
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Athy Fitos, Kendale Lakes Branch Library
Cynthia Saavedra, Kendale Lakes Branch Library
Tweens are having fun while learning during Tween Team Thursdays, a weekly program created with them in mind. Library staff from nine participating branches collaborate to provide an exciting and engaging program each week, where tweens learn about science, discovering their inner artist and more.
Veterans Day Salute
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Fara Jacobson, Palm Springs North Branch Library
Rachelle Record, Fairlawn Branch Library
Janelle Gonzalez, Westchester Regional Library
Since November 2017, the Library has hosted Veterans Day events honoring those who have served in the military and providing awareness of the sacrifices that veterans and their families have made for our country.
Drive-Up Wi-Fi
Category: Libraries
Entrants: Alisha Latham, Main Library
Louise Gestwicki, Main Library
Oscar Musibay, Main Library
From applying for jobs to connecting with friends and family, access to reliable internet is important and making it safely accessible is a priority for the library. Drive-up Wi-Fi, available at 22 participating branches, allows people to access the library’s free internet from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Grab and Go Meals Program
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Wil Fowler, Main Library
The Grab and Go Meals Program provided seven breakfasts and lunches weekly for children 18 years and under at participating library locations. The goal of this program, made possible by Sisters For Abundant Living, is to bridge the gap in nutrition in underserved communities and reduce food insecurity.
Expanded Home Delivery Service
Category: Libraries
Entrant: Jennifer Shipley, North Dade Regional Library
During COVID-19, the Library quickly acted to safely get library materials to patrons by expanding the home delivery service. The relaunched service, now called Miami-Dade Public Libraries @ Your Door Home Delivery Service, mails books, audiobooks and DVDs directly to people’s homes at no additional cost.
