Miami: Group Works To Save Miami-Dade Public Libraries From Closures, Layoffs

During the past few weeks we’ve posted multiple items (see below) about the possibility of many Miami-Dade Public Library branches being closed. The number of branches has been reduced (as of this hour) from what was first announced but nothing is definite at this time and grassroots efforts are essential.
Shortly after news broke about Miami-Dade the “Save the Miami-Dade Public Libraries” group was formed by Andrew Herridge and his sister-in-law Vanessa Reyes-Herridge.
Vanessa Reyes-Herridge is a former Miami-Dade librarian who now lives in Boston as she works on a Phd in Library and Information Science at Simmons.
Andrew Herridge graduated Florida State University in Psychology and Editing, Writing, and Media will beattending graduate school at University of West Florida for Clinical Psychology.
Like many, he “grew-up” at his local library.
Andrew and Vanessa tell us:

[We] collectively believe that libraries hold the key to the success of the next generation. Libraries are responsible for giving access to and teaching patrons how to use new forms of technology today are evolving and being incorporated into society

On Facebook, “Save the Miami-Dade Public Libraries” had more than 2,000 supporters after week one. Currently, that number is over 4,000.
Finally, the group passed along an open letter sent to residents of Miami-Dade.
It’s titled, “How to run a 49-branch library system without laying off 251 library staff.

Learn More/Interact with Save the Miami-Dade Public Libraries

• via Facebook
• via Twitter
• via Instagram
• via Tumblr
• via WordPress
• Online Petition (via Change.org)

infoDOCKET Coverage

• Two More Miami-Dade County Libraries Could Be Spared From Closure (August 2)

• “Six of 22 Miami-Dade Libraries Could Be Saved From Chopping Block” (July 30)

• Video: NBC Miami Airs Report on Proposed Miami-Dade County Public Library Closings (July 24, 2013)

• Miami-Dade Public Library Closure Plan Would Hit Poorer Areas Harder (July 17, 2013)

• Miami Dade Library To Close Nearly Half its Branches (via LJ)

• Miami-Dade County Releases List of 22 Public Libraries on Chopping Block, 251 Layoffs Also Possible (July 16, 2013)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries