What's Happening at Your Library - September 14, 2021

What's Happening at Your Library
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September 14, 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Library

Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 to commemorate the achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize their contributions to our nation. The Miami-Dade Public Library System invites you to join us for a variety of online programs, outdoor events and recommended reads for all ages!

From virtual storytimes en español and international craft activities to Hispanic-inspired cooking classes and outdoor dance fitness programs, there's something for the whole family to enjoy! Visit our website for a list of great things to do, see and read all month long. Check back often as new events are added every week!


Hialeah Gardens Library ExteriorLibrary Interior

In the Spotlight

Hialeah Gardens Branch Library Wins Project of the Year Award

The new Hialeah Gardens Branch Library has won the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Florida Region 2021 Project of the Year award in the Federal/State/County/Municipal category.

Design-build team Silva Architects and State Contracting & Engineering Corp. included many sustainable features in the library's design, such as large skylights that provide natural light and efficient mechanical and plumbing systems to help minimize non-renewable resource consumption.

The 13,500-square-foot library has large meeting rooms, collaboration areas, a café space and an open-floor concept for the circulation area. The building also features YOUmedia Miami production and post-production media rooms, allowing teens to learn how to create and edit professional quality audio and video content. Other amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi and the latest computers and tablets.

Please visit our website to learn more about the library design and see the DBIA Award-winning submission.


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Online Learning

Online Adult Learning Academy Registration Now Open!

Registration for the fall semester of the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Adult Learning Academy is now open! Whether you’re a first-time adult learner studying for the GED exam or a returning student ready to take your language skills to the next level, our free online courses taught by certified teachers will help you build the foundation for success in life, school and work.

Adults 18 years and older who live in Miami-Dade County can register for classes in a variety of subjects, including language learning in English, Spanish and Portuguese, basic education and test preparation. Courses are available Monday through Thursday over a seven- to ten-week period beginning September 27. Dates and times vary. Adult learners must commit to attending all classes in the course.

For more information and to register, please visit www.mdpls.org/adultlearning.

Woman using a laptop

Young girl painting

Arts in Education

Celebrating the Arts

Did you know it’s National Arts in Education Week? Observed annually during the second full week of September, this celebration unites art and education to promote creative expression by children in our community.

Your child can participate in the fun by joining with our partner, ProjectArt Miami, which is hosting free online art classes taught by local emerging artists through the Library every week for kids ages 4-18 years. To register, visit enroll.projectart.org and complete the online registration form.

Be sure to also check out the amazing artwork created by Miami-Dade County students in Through the Screen, an interactive virtual exhibition presented by ProjectArt Miami and the Miami-Dade Public Library System.


September is Library Card Sign up Month

Library Card Sign-up Month

Make Strides Against Breast Cancer with Your Library Card

According to the American Cancer Society, women have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the most common cancer in American women.

You can help raise awareness and show your support to help fight the disease by signing up for a library card and choosing our new, special edition pink breast cancer awareness card as the one you’ll proudly carry. The Library is also accepting donations at all our branches and online to benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign as part of Miami-Dade County’s overall initiative. In-person donations can also be made by cash or check at any of our branches.

Pink library card

Man shelving books

Staff Spotlight

MDPLS Employee Recognized for 40 Years of Service

Congratulations to our very own David Samuels, Reference Manager at the Westchester Regional Library, on being recognized for his 40 years of service with the Miami-Dade Public Library System!

David started as a librarian at the original Main Library on Biscayne Bay in 1981. Throughout his career, he has seen many changes – such as witnessing the introduction of the very first computerized cataloging system. He has also served as Branch Manager at the Miami Springs and Key Biscayne Branch Libraries. Today, David enjoys ordering new books for the library and conducting online programs via Zoom.

With a laugh, he said recently that he is looking forward to 40 more years at the Library. It's dedicated and experienced employees like David who make the Library such a great place for everyone.


Homework Help and Tutoring Program

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Announces New President

We'd like to extend a very warm welcome to Chad Di Stefano, the new president of Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library! The mission of the Friends is to promote increased knowledge and understanding of the Library's services and needs.

Chad’s advocacy dates back almost 20 years to his days in the Young Lions, the support group for The New York Public Library. He relocated to Miami in 2014, quickly connecting with the Miami-Dade Public Library System. His passion for reading soon landed him a seat on the Miami-Dade County Public Library Advisory Board.

“Reading has opened enormous opportunities for me,” he said. “Every kid in Miami can accomplish great things with the Library's resources."

More information about the Friends can be found on their website, along with a link to donate. All donations benefit Library programs and services for the community.

Chad Di Stefano

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Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

The Hispanic community in the United States has shaped our society, contributing greatly to American culture. This month's staff picks for kids celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, with stories of families from Mexico, Peru, and parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico, that capture the imagination through rich storytelling and vivid illustrations!

Across the Bay Catalog Link
A Girl Named Rosita Catalog Link
Let's Go Eat Catalog Link

Calendar of Events


From traditional Mexican face painting workshops to Caribbean dance classes, there's always something exciting happening at your Miami-Dade Public Libraries! We have dozens of new programs for you to discover each week, like the events listed on the right. Click the registration links for more information.

You can also browse our online Calendar of Events to explore more programs. Select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range or library location to get started.

Online Event: Basics of Day-to-Day Technology: Daily Apps

Wednesday, September 15, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 55 years and up.


Online Event: La Catrina – Sugar Skull Face Painting Workshop

Thursday, September 16, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Register online
Ages 6 years and up.


Online Event: In de Fete –
A Caribbean Dance Workout

Thursday, September 16, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 19 years and up.


Online Event: Kawaii Club –
Comparison of School in Japan and the U.S.

Saturday, September 18, 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Register online
Ages 8 years and up.


Online Event: Furry Tales:
Read to a Therapy Dog!

Dates and times vary. 
Click here for more information
All ages.