Mr. Baker was appointed Director of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) in June 2017, having served as Interim Director since February 2017 and Assistant Director prior to that. As Director, Mr. Baker is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of library services for a 50-branch public library system and mobile library services for a service area of more than 2.7 million residents.
During his tenure, Mr. Baker has spearheaded the development of several innovative initiatives and services, such as the Mobile Device Lending Program, Drive-up Wi-Fi, Libraries @Your Door Home Delivery Service, Social Services at the Library, the Customer Care resident response service, and the transition to becoming a fine-free library system. He also continues to oversee a comprehensive capital improvements program, which includes the renovation, modernization, and new construction of various library locations, including the Coral Gables Branch renovation, construction of new locations such as the Bay Harbor Islands Branch and the Westchester Library Health & Wellness Information Center, construction of the replacement Hialeah Gardens Branch, the soon to be constructed Doral, Key Biscayne, and Chuck Pezoldt Park Community Center Library Branches, the expansion of the MDPLS YOUmedia and YOUmake digital learning centers, and the addition of U.S. Passport Services Offices in three MDPLS regional libraries.
Under Mr. Baker's leadership, MDPLS has been recognized for its high level of service, creativity, and innovation, including being named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and being honored with over 100 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards from 2017-2023, an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, and four Florida Library Association Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018-2020.
Mr. Baker has been with Miami-Dade County for 30 years and has a wide range of past experience and knowledge with Miami-Dade County government, including service in the Internal Services Department, the Office of Management and Budget, the County Executive Offices, and in the Regulatory and Economic Resources, Environmental Resources Management Division, where he began his career with Miami-Dade County.
Mr. Baker holds a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Miami.
During his tenure, Mr. Baker has spearheaded the development of several innovative initiatives and services, such as the Mobile Device Lending Program, Drive-up Wi-Fi, Libraries @Your Door Home Delivery Service, Social Services at the Library, the Customer Care resident response service, and the transition to becoming a fine-free library system. He also continues to oversee a comprehensive capital improvements program, which includes the renovation, modernization, and new construction of various library locations, including the Coral Gables Branch renovation, construction of new locations such as the Bay Harbor Islands Branch and the Westchester Library Health & Wellness Information Center, construction of the replacement Hialeah Gardens Branch, the soon to be constructed Doral, Key Biscayne, and Chuck Pezoldt Park Community Center Library Branches, the expansion of the MDPLS YOUmedia and YOUmake digital learning centers, and the addition of U.S. Passport Services Offices in three MDPLS regional libraries.
Under Mr. Baker's leadership, MDPLS has been recognized for its high level of service, creativity, and innovation, including being named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and being honored with over 100 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards from 2017-2023, an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, and four Florida Library Association Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018-2020.
Mr. Baker has been with Miami-Dade County for 30 years and has a wide range of past experience and knowledge with Miami-Dade County government, including service in the Internal Services Department, the Office of Management and Budget, the County Executive Offices, and in the Regulatory and Economic Resources, Environmental Resources Management Division, where he began his career with Miami-Dade County.
Mr. Baker holds a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Miami.
Libraries
Ray BakerDirector
Main Library
101 W Flagler St,
Miami, FL 33130
305-375-2665
