Dear Friends,

With great excitement I welcome you to our season. We have theatrical performances in Spanish and workshops for writers, visiting authors and storytimes for kids… and so much more! As I read through our fall and winter brochure I am struck by the variety of programs and events, and our relentless focus on our goals: celebrate reading, increase literacy, support writers, promote theatre — make art! Yes, at the heart of what we do at the Center is joy, and our desire to help you live joyfully through literary undertakings. We just want to share the joy that reading a good book, helping children learn to read or watching a good play can kindle in all of our lives.

We are just shy of celebrating our tenth year of programming. Just a couple of months more and we will reach this important milestone. And I as I take stock of all we have done for you and with you, I can't help but feel joyful. The Center’s fall will deliver on our promise to you, made ten years ago — quality literary programs that promote cultural engagement. Reading, taking part in theatre, 
writing… all are wonderful fun because the act of creation is so satisfying, so much a part of what it means to be human.

We are working on big celebrations to happen in 2012, but right now, with this brochure, I unveil our first big bang — new name! The hopes and dreams we've nurtured into programs over the past ten years have helped us become the place South Floridians look to when they want to bring the joy of literature into their lives. And we heard it again and again: the Center, the Center … and so we've officially adopted it as our new name—

Keeping it simple, keeping it focused on your wants and needs, making sure that at The Center you always find the kind of programming that nourishes, that helps you feel fulfilled, and above all, joyful.

With my best wishes,

Alina Interián, 
Executive Director, The Center @ MDC
alina.interian@mdc.edu