Miami-Dade County to celebrate the grand opening of “Sips and Stories” pop-up café at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library

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.