N. Miami honors Aventura bookstore

Aventura's Borders bookstore was recognized for its efforts to get books into the hands of young readers.

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BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
The Borders Books and Music Store in Aventura was recently recognized for its efforts to provide books to local kids.

The city of North Miami recognized the store on Tuesday with a proclamation declaring the day in honor of the nearby Borders.

Borders has partnered with the Friends of the North Miami Public Library, which has tried to get books into the hands of kids from low-income families. The store helped collect more than 1,000 books -- corresponding to 652 individual titles -- worth more than $8,000.

``Being given the award is an honor to us all, but it is truly a reflection of the good nature and generosity of our customers as well the hard work and passion of our employees,'' said Borders general manager Eladio Sarmiento.

Sarmiento had his staff offer patrons the opportunity to purchase an additional book to donate to local libraries.

The books were given to youngsters and distributed by the North Miami Public Library, Opa-Locka Library, the North Miami Beach Public Library and the Miami Rescue Mission and Safe Space, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.

``A tough economy usually results in unfortunate cost cutting to public education and our local libraries have certainly endured the hit,'' said Sarmiento.

North Miami Public Library director Joyce Pernicone said the gift is gratifying.

``It is amazing what can be accomplished when people work together to improve the quality of life in the community,'' she said. ``Reading is the cornerstone of success and book ownership at a young age will benefit the child and the community now and in the future.''

Currently, the spring holiday Books and Bunnies campaign is taking place at the store, 19925 Biscayne Blvd. The collection started in March and will continue through May.

For information, call 305-891-5535.