Media Contact
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291

(Miami, FL – June 17, 2020) The Miami‑Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is pleased to announce that it has once again been recognized with prestigious national and state awards for delivering innovative library programs and services to the residents of Miami‑Dade County. MDPLS has won nine 2020 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards and has also won the 2020 Florida Library Association (FLA) Award for Exemplary Instructional Programs or Services for its Homework Help & Tutoring Program, which was previously recognized with a NACo Award in 2019.

The FLA Award honors excellence in Florida libraries. The MDPLS Homework Help & Tutoring Program promotes literacy and learning by providing students grades K‑12 with free tutoring in reading, math and science from certified teachers every Saturday. The popular in‑library program was adapted to an online program to continue to provide this valuable service in the wake of COVID‑19. The program, which has also been awarded grant funding from The Children's Trust to help expand its services, inspires and supports student achievement. More information is available at www.mdpls.org/tutor.

This is the third consecutive year that MDPLS has been recognized with an FLA Award, having won the FLA Library Innovation Award for its Technobus in 2019 and the FLA Award for Excellence in Marketing and Public Relations in 2018.

NACo Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Over the past four years, MDPLS is proud to have been honored with 33 NACo Awards, including this year's awards for programs ranging from social services and community outreach to family festivals, art and author fairs as follows:

• MDPLS Author Series and Local Author Fair
• May the Fourth Be with You: A Star Wars Day Celebration – Entertaining and Informational Family Festival
• Year-Round Book Sales at the Library
• Cookbook Bookclub – Exploring New Cuisines and Connecting through Food
• Climate of Art – Environmental Art Workshops and Exhibition
• Teen Curatorial: Empowering Young Artists at the Library
• Coffee and Conversations with a Librarian – Connecting with those Experiencing Homelessness
• Social Services in Libraries Program – Addressing Needs of At‑Risk Populations
• Miami VA Healthcare System Community Living Center Outreach to Veterans

"Miami‑Dade County's Public Libraries have extraordinarily dedicated and talented professionals who are continuously creating innovative programs and services focused on the needs of the residents they interact with every day," said Library Director Ray Baker. "It's an honor to again have our library team recognized for the hard work and caring involved in providing essential programs and services for our patrons."

About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami‑Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth and limitless opportunities. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.

About the National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America's 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public's understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org.

About the Florida Library Association
The Florida Library Association (FLA) is a statewide organization that promotes excellence in Florida libraries by advocating strongly for libraries and providing high quality professional and leadership development for a diverse community of library staff, volunteers, and supporters. Learn more at www.flalib.org.