Director's Update: Answers to Your FAQs

Dear Library Patrons,

As many of you may know by now, all Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) locations remain closed to the public to help prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  Stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information and resources by visiting www.miamidade.gov/coronavirus.

We have been responding to your many phone calls, emails and inquiries that we have received since our closure on March 18.  Here is some updated information about the availability of library services and answers to common questions:

• Please do not worry about returning any library books or items that you have checked out. We have extended due dates for all library materials and there are no late fees.
  
  
• If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for an eCard online at ecard.mdpls.org or through our free mobile app available for iOS and Android.  You can use your existing library card or the eCard to access all our online services and digital content, such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, music, movies, and research and learning resources for people of all ages.

• You can also find downloadable apps for other digital content and resources on our mobile apps page, which are free with your eCard or existing library card.

• Our Customer Care team is available by email at customercare@mdpls.org Monday through Friday from
  9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. As of now, you can also call your local branch Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and your library staff will be glad to assist you or answer any questions that you may have.

• You can still place hold requests to reserve physical items through our library catalog.  However, please know that we will not be able to provide those items to you until further notice.

• We know that many people rely on access to our Wi-Fi.  As an alternative, Xfinity has opened its Wi-Fi public hotspots to everyone for free.  Go to http://wifi.xfinity.com and enter your zip code to find a hotspot near you.

We thank you for your understanding as we experience this unprecedented health crisis and the impact it is having on our day to day lives together.

We will continue to update you on any new developments and encourage you to follow us on social media and visit our website to stay informed about what’s happening at your library.

Thank you for being a library user and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Ray Baker, Director
Miami-Dade Public Library System