Our Libraries... More Than Just Books and Meeting Spaces

Today, I tried to imagine a Miami without libraries. In my mind's eye, I saw a young girl, seeking infinite possibilities with increasingly limited resources. I saw a young man hoping to expand his opportunities by reading something inspirational, motivational or informative but there was no place for him to do so.  I saw community leaders looking for a free meeting space to engage their neighbors in a discussion about how to collaboratively meet their communities' challenges.

 

I decided that this is not the kind of Miami I want to imagine.  So, I write these few words to say that even in this economy where we all have had to make some tough choices about how to spend a dollar, Miami-Dade County needs to find a way to compromise someplace else.  Some of our leaders may need help in reconsidering decisions that limit access to these resources, that eliminate opportunities for our children and hurt our desire to seek knowledge, understanding the wisdom of our residents.

On September 10, 2013, please join the many voices that will be united in a chorus to say... We need our libraries. Mayor and Commissioners, we urge you to make wiser decisions about how our tax dollars are being used.

Author: 

Denise Velazquez-Marrero is the Advocacy Director at Catalyst Miami. 

For more information on how you can support the cause, please visit the following sites:
Catalyst Miami's August Newsletter 
"Save the Miami Dade Libraries" FB Page
or sign this change.org petition