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Media Contacts
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
Miami-Dade County to celebrate the grand opening of "Sips and Stories" pop-up café at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library
MIAMI-DADE (April 29, 2025) — On Wednesday, April 30th at 10 a.m., Miami-Dade County District 11 Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, the Miami-Dade Public Library System, and Learning Links School will close out Autism Acceptance Month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of “Sips and Stories,” a student-run pop-up café at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library, located at 15205 SW 88 Street, Miami, FL 33196.
“I’m incredibly proud of our Miami-Dade Public Library System, along with Commissioner Gonzalez and Learning Links School, for bringing this innovative project to life,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “By empowering students with real-world skills and meaningful public engagement, we are not only closing out Autism Acceptance Month but also opening new doors for lifelong success.”
This new initiative highlights the importance of community collaboration in supporting inclusive, skills-based opportunities for young adults. As part of their learning experience, Learning Links students operate a small coffee and snack stand at their school under the supervision of their teachers. Building on that success, Commissioner Gonzalez approached the Library about offering a similar service at the Kendale Lakes Branch, giving students the opportunity to run a pop-up version in a public space while gaining job training and engaging with the community.
“I’m so happy to have made this connection between Learning Links and our Library,” said Commissioner Gonzalez. “This important collaboration will significantly benefit Learning Links students and provide a welcome amenity for our residents to enjoy coffee and snacks at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library.”
Learning Links School, located in the Hammocks in West Kendall, serves students with developmental disorders, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Its vocational curriculum for students ages 18–22 emphasizes practical, hands-on training tailored to each student’s strengths, abilities, interests and goals.
“This collaboration with Miami-Dade County will provide our students with real-world experience working in a public setting that we hope will lead to future employment opportunities,” said Learning Links School Director Yarisa Valle-Echevarria.
The “Sips and Stories” menu features a variety of hot and iced coffees, along with pastries available for purchase. Initial operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with plans to expand hours soon.
Who: Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, District 11
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Learning Links School
What: Grand Opening of “Sips and Stories” Pop-up Coffee Stand
When: April 30, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Kendale Lakes Branch Library, 15205 SW 88 Street, Miami, FL 33196
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The Miami-Dade Public Library System (Library) provides extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth and limitless opportunities. The Library is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. The Library was also named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and has been honored with several awards, including 179 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, including three Best in Category, over the past eight years, Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Innovation Awards in 2020 and 2024 and seven Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018 – 2024, including being named Library of the Year in 2024. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
About Learning Links School
Learning Links School was established in 2007 as an option for families seeking a different school experience. Created with a teacher's goal and a mother’s vision of what education should be like for all students, regardless of their emotional and educational needs. Olga Ruiz and Yarisa Valle-Echevarria founded the school together, each for different reasons but with one common goal: to create Learning Links School as a one-of-a-kind program for children affected by developmental disorders, learning disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learning Links’ primary focus has always been to educate the whole child and give every child the opportunity to enjoy everyday life experiences. Learn more at www.learninglinksschool.org.
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To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
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Media Contacts
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
Miami-Dade Public Library System hosts 2025 Local Author Book Fair
MIAMI-DADE (January 23, 2025) — On Saturday, January 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Miami-Dade County Public Library System will present the 2025 Local Author Book Fair, a free annual event celebrating and supporting Miami-Dade County's rich literary talent, at the Main Library in downtown Miami.
Attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to meet and connect with more than 50 local and independent authors, participate in informative publishing, marketing and illustration workshops, enjoy author readings, live performances, photo ops with storybook characters – including Pete the Cat, Cookie Mouse and Rainbow Fish – craft activities and much more.
Featured workshops include:
- Becoming an Author Through Family, Culture, Community (and Abuelas) with author Pablo Cartaya
- Building Author Visibility with author Rochelle Weinstein
- Picture Books: Pathway to Publication with author Sita Singh
- How to Create a Graphic Novel with Marvel & DC Comic Artist Ralph Cabrera
For a complete schedule of events and the full list of participating authors, visit www.mdpls.org/author-fair.
Who: Miami-Dade County Public Library System
What: 2025 Local Author Book Fair
When: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Main Library, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Parking Information: Parking is available at the West Lot Garage, 220 NW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33128, for a flat rate of $5.00 with ticket validation. Please bring your ticket to the Main Library Security Desk for validation.
Public Transit: Take Metrorail to the Government Center Station. The Main Library is across the street.
# # #
To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Connect with us:
Download our app: