Connections: Home Library Service Making a Positive Impact in our Community for Nearly 50 Years

1/23/24

By: J. S.

Since the mid-1970s, the Miami-Dade Public Library System has consistently demonstrated innovation and commitment to meeting the needs of older adults and people with physical limitations and disabilities in Miami-Dade County through the work of its Connections: Home Library Service program.

Connections, a four-time National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award-winning program, was originally developed with grant funds and has expanded alongside our growing community. The goal of Connections is to provide traditional library services to people of all ages who are unable to visit the library in person by providing at-home delivery of library materials, access to essential resources and tailored outreach programs.

Connections circulates regular and large print books, audiobooks, DVDs in English, Spanish, French, Russian and other languages, tablets with free Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots. In addition to standard library services, Connections also offers free virtual programs on topics such as Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Brain Health, Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Retirement Solutions, Healthy Habits Book Club, Trivia, Memoir Writing, Nostalgia through Picture Books and Mail and Make Crafts. The Connections program is special to homebound patrons because it represents a thoughtful and creative service. The program frequently mails small pieces of artwork created by teenage volunteers to those who may be grieving or recovering from illness. It also promotes an Intergenerational Pen Pal program of traditional letter writing for younger adults and teens to build relationships. Lastly, Connections makes essential items, such as reading glasses, face masks, social service applications and Golden Ticket Art Guides available to patrons. All library materials are shipped to patrons free of charge. Return postage is also provided so customers can conveniently return their library materials.

To illustrate the importance of Connections, former Librarian Audrey Ryan memorialized many of the events, programs and patron thank you cards into annual scrapbooks during the 1970s – 2000s. Here are a few testimonials featured in the scrapbooks:

The Miami-Dade Public Library System is proud of the lasting impact of the Connections program. As a symbol of its significance, all scrapbooks have been compiled in the Connections series of the Miami-Dade Public Library System Digital Collections. Click here to view more memories or visit www.mdpls.org/connections to learn more about the program.