Miami-Dade Budget Grows 18%, Library Bruised by Wilma
-- Library Journal, 11/28/2005
The FY05/06 budget of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, FL has grown 18 percent, to $84.4 million, thanks to rising property values in the Dade County area rather than a tax rate increase. The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners also approved funding the library system's eight-year capital plan, which calls for the construction of ten libraries and the opening of eight storefront branches through FY10. Construction of the first library is expected to be completed by early next year. Three more libraries are expected to hold groundbreakings by the coming spring. The library system has already opened six of the planned eight storefront facilities, each averaging 15,000 square feet. Two more are slated in Miami and Palmetto Bay.
Hurricane Wilma closed most branches for a week beginning October 24, 22 branches reopened on November 1. Three weeks later, 36 of 40 libraries were open, but two branches have sustained significant damage. The Northeast Branch, in the midst of an extensive renovation, was closed indefinitely because of severe damage to the roof. Within a few days of the storm, a bookmobile was permanently stationed in front of the facility. The library's S.M.A.R.T. tutoring program was reinstated at a nearby community center. The Hispanic Branch Library, a leased facility, also suffered roof damage but was expected to reopen soon.
