How To Support the Miami-Dade Public Library

By Jason Boog 

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library criticized the potential closure of 22 libraries in Miami-Dade county. UPDATE: There is now an online petition opposing the cuts.

You can donate to the library system, join the #SaveOurLibrary hashtag on Facebook or contribute to the larger #SaveOurLibrary hashtag on Twitter.

If you want to contact government officials about the cuts, the Miami Dade County commission has this contact page and Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos Gimenez has this feedback zone.

We’ve included the complete Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library statement below.

 The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library are extremely disappointed by the County Commission’s budget decision yesterday which will effectively close almost half of the County’s public libraries. Unfortunately, it appears that the Commission does not realize the true impact of their vote. The vote will not only result in the loss of jobs and branch closures, but will severely limit, if not eliminate, the many invaluable programs and resources that the library system offers its community.

Without the funding necessary to support a strong library system, Miami-Dade County may be stunting its residents’ ability to follow in the steps of the many successful Miamians who have come before them. The next Jeff Bezos, Carl Hiaasen, or Sidney Poitier is out there. Whether young or old, rich or poor, we need to ensure every County resident has the ability to reach their full potential.

It is our hope that all of our friends continue to reach out to your commissioners and let them know what the Library truly means to you and your family, and the many roles it has played in your life. Stand with us, and show your support.