Commitment to Community

Brent Capley, Branch Manager at the Coral Gables Library with the Miami-Dade County Public Library System (MDPLS), is always looking for creative ways to keep his team and community engaged. “Aside from the pay and benefits, I’ve found that people who choose to work in the public sector have a genuine desire to give back and serve their communities,” shared Brent. “It’s our job as leaders to discover what motivates them and help ignite that passion.”

Brent began his career in public service in 2011 with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (SAO) shortly after graduating from the University of Florida Law School. “Right after law school, I had the opportunity to join the State Attorney’s Office and manage their law library, helping to support state prosecutors,” he said. While it was a great opportunity, Brent wanted to provide that same level of support directly to the community.

“I’ve been involved with libraries my whole life. My mother was a school librarian, and I remember spending summers with her at the library. Looking back, I realize that at a young age I was helping her perform librarian tasks without even knowing it. It never felt like work, it was fun,” he recalls.

Shortly after joining the SAO, Brent decided to pursue his desire to serve the community by pursuing another degree, his Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida’s. After graduating and some encouragement from his brother, who also works with MDPLS, Brent decided to make the career change and joined MDPLS in February 2020.

“I remember it vividly because I had just started with the team in Miami Springs and was excited to help execute their upcoming St. Patrick’s Day program before COVID had other plans,” explained Brent.

From Miami Springs, Brent was promoted to Branch Manager of the West Flagler Branch before joining the Coral Gables Branch, where he currently serves.

Brent often uses a method known as a reference interview to better understand what library patrons truly need versus what they initially ask for. “Sometimes you’ll have a patron come in with a child who is looking for books about space. It’s our job to dig deeper and ensure the resources we provide meet their actual needs. The books and materials we recommend can differ greatly depending on whether they are learning about the solar system or researching a future career as an astronaut,” he shared.

“Having the opportunity to serve different communities has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the programs and resources each community needs. Those needs can vary significantly, and as a branch manager, you have to understand your community in order to truly give back. I like to think of it as planting seeds of opportunity. Not all of them will germinate, but the more seeds you plant, the greater the chance that one will grow and make a lasting impact.”

One of those seeds Brent recalls fondly involved a parent who was seeking help for her daughter with math. Brent recommended one of the tutoring services offered through MDPLS. Sometime later, the parent returned to thank him. As a result of her daughter's improved math scores, she qualified for and received a college scholarship.

A few weeks ago, Brent and his team at the Coral Gables Branch hosted the NACo Award-winning program, The Garden of Eating, which showcased cuisines from around the world. Among those in attendance was a medical student who has relied on her local library throughout medical school. Having witnessed Brent’s leadership and service firsthand, she shared “I have consistently been impressed by Brent's professionalism, passion, and commitment to serving the community,” she explained. “Whether he is assisting parents and children, helping students and young professionals who use the library as a study space, providing tours and guidance to visitors, or organizing community events, he approaches every task with enthusiasm and genuine care.”

When he’s not sharing MDPLS resources or creating engaging programing for the community, Brent enjoys spending time outdoors and caring for his beloved red-footed tortoises, Jocko and Pebble. He appreciates how unhurried and present they are. Brent also enjoys playing Wingspan and chess, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with family and friends.

When asked what advice he would share with others, Brent shared this message: “Be kind to one another and help each other without looking for anything in return. While we can’t control how others treat us, internally, we can choose to be kind.”

Keep THRIVING, Brent!