Late at the Library: The Beyond the Books Benefit

Guests enjoyed the unique privilege of experiencing the Library after-hours, an evening among the stacks filled with music, refreshments, and community spirit, all in support of the Friends of the Miami-Dade Library.

Board of Directors: Liz Lasher, Jessica Neer, McDonald Lance-Geller, Jennifer Lee, Adam Schwartz, Stacey Gordon, Marylynne Schwartz, Aileen Sabanal, Kristy Quiros, Monique Lavender-Greenberg, John Quick, Katherine Huang

The Coral Gables Branch Library transformed into the setting for Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit. The evening brought our community together to celebrate and support the Miami-Dade Public Library System, highlighting the many ways our Library serves the community beyond their bookshelves: from digital resources and literacy programs to cultural events and educational workshops. The Library continues to be a vital hub for connection, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Guests enjoyed the unique privilege of experiencing the Library after-hours, an evening among the stacks filled with music, refreshments, and community spirit, all in support of the Friends of the Miami-Dade Library. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, sponsors, and volunteers, the event raised an incredible $221,562, surpassing last year’s $144,270 and marking a powerful step forward.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Marjory Stoneman Douglas Award to Mitch Kaplan, recognizing his incredible commitment to literacy, advocacy, and community.

As one of our guests shared, “It’s hard to believe this event is only two years old, or that the organization behind it is run entirely by volunteers. But that’s what happens when passion aligns with purpose.”

We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, partners, and every guest who made it possible. Your generosity fuels our programs and strengthens our impact.

Adam Schwartz, Elayne Norweb, Rhona Anderson, Natalie Orbis-Milian, Marylynne Schwartz, Katherine Huang
Aileen Sabanal & Dr. Anna Maria Patino Fernandez
Aileen Sabanal & Dr. Anna Maria Patino Fernandez
Jennifer Lee & Diana Rydbeck
Jennifer Lee & Diana Rydbeck
Jordan Greenberg, Bruno Mai, Alana Sullivan Garcia
Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, Mitch Kaplan, Marylynne and Adam Schwartz, Kristy Quiros, Monique Lavender-Greenberg
Nicole Tallman & Interim Library Director Lydia Lopez
Kyle Paige, Maddie Gibellini & Sarah Artecona
Kyle Paige, Maddie Gibellini & Sarah Artecona
Amber Seidle-Lazo, Ilene Pedroso, Francesca Madeo Valdes, Jessica Kraszewski, Monique Lavender-Greenberg, Maria Abdelnur, Nikki DeLuca Mayer, Elayne Norweb
Vahe Musoyan, Hasmik Alvrtsyan, Katherine Huang, Iva Kusan, Eric Dong
Richard Rosengarten, Rebecca Sterling-Rosengarten, Emma Rodgers, Blayne Yudis, John and Diane Quick
Amanda Limongi, Yarah Toussaint, Vanessa Mendez
Amanda Limongi, Yarah Toussaint, Vanessa Mendez
Ana ViegaMilton, Kionne McGhee, Stacy Hayes-McGhee
Mark Dougherty, Jane Muir, William Toby-Muir, Hon. Celeste Hardee Muir
Event Chairs Kristy Quiros, Monique Lavender-Greenberg and Marylynne Schwartz celebrating incoming donations
JG Entertainment
JG Entertainment
Late at the Library Sponsors
Late at the Library Sponsors