Resident shows appreciation to Miami-Dade Libraries staff

Libraries are a cornerstone of our community. They offer invaluable services, resources and programs. An email from a grateful resident praised dedicated employees at three Miami-Dade Public Library System branches for providing exceptional service. This heartfelt commendation not only recognizes the efforts of these individuals but also underscores the significant impact libraries have on our community.

Miami-Dade County resident Jessica Adler sent an email to Library Director Ray Baker, sharing her deep appreciation for the staff and programs at the Coral Reef, Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest Branch Libraries. Her message offers a window into the many ways Miami-Dade Public Libraries contribute to the well-being and enrichment of our residents and help our community to thrive.

In her email, Adler extends her appreciation and gratitude for the libraries and describes how her family benefits from the resources and programs provided.

“I wanted to reach out to thank you and the MDPLS team for consistently playing a major and positive role in the lives of Miami-Dade families. We live in South Dade and rely heavily on the Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest and Coral Reef Branches, and never cease to be grateful for extremely helpful staff and robust programming. We stop into each of our branches regularly, and the Palmetto Bay Branch serves as a sort of oasis for multiple generations in our family. My daughter has participated in the teen group there with librarian extraordinaire Yirca Salazar and my senior dad has participated in the reading group with Crystal Hanna. We are so thankful to have a place that feels like home,” Adler writes.

“I wanted to mention, too, the Coral Reef Branch Library, which is a big part of our lives, given the very active calendar of events and devoted staff. Librarian Rose Spector is always warm, kind and full of information about upcoming events. Monty Lopez and Miriam Quiros-Laso – the entire team, really – work so hard to make this branch a welcoming and safe space," Adler continued. We have come to rely on Coral Reef Branch for the weekly D&D club, which has a devoted and fantastic leader. My son and his friend look forward to gathering there with people of all ages and backgrounds every week. Big events like the recent STEAM Day, with fabulous guest presenter Didgeridoo Down Under are always so memorable and fun; just what's needed during the summer downtime."

“I also need to give a shout-out to the devoted Pinecrest Branch manager Ellen Book, who along with her team, including the fabulous children's librarian Sharon Carpenter, has generously supported Miami-Dade parents and kids in so many ways.”

Adler’s message is a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions of librarians and library workers. It serves as a testament to the broader value of libraries in our County. Her kind words highlight the dedication of the team across the Miami-Dade Public Library System. Our public libraries serve as welcoming community spaces where people come together to learn, connect and grow, providing essential services that help individuals of all ages and abilities to thrive.