What's Happening at Your Library - October 19, 2021

What's Happening at Your Library
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October 19, 2021

STEAM Fest NASA at My Library

STEAM Fest: NASA @ My Library Offers Rockets and 3D Simulator

STEAM Fest is back! We’re kicking off this special NASA @ My Library edition outdoors at the Westchester Regional Library with a NASA Solar System Ambassador and Florida International University CASE launching rockets and experiencing Orbiter, a computer-based 3D space flight simulator. Then we'll take the fun online with special NASA-related presentations. FIU CASE will conclude the festivities in-person at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library Plaza. Open to all ages. 

Saturday, October 23:

Weather permitting for outdoor events. Please contact the branch for information and to register.


Passport


Kelishia Rolle (right), North Dade Regional Library Passport Services Clerk, assists with a passport application.

In the Spotlight

Apply for Your U.S. Passport at the Library

For those planning to travel abroad, getting a passport is as simple as a visit to the library. The North Dade and South Dade Regional Libraries are official Passport Application Acceptance Facilities for the U.S. Department of State.

Since the program began in 2015, the Library has accepted 14,445 passport applications.

Applying for a passport is easy and convenient. Simply call the North Dade Regional Library or South Dade Regional Library to schedule an appointment with one of the Library's passport application acceptance agents. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday. Please note that passport photo services are not currently available at the library.

For more information, including what documents you'll need and service hours, visit www.mdpls.org/passport.


Download our mobile app!

Library Services

All Aboard the Storytime Express! Early Literacy Kits for Kids

Our Storytime Express Early Literacy Kits are perfect for parents looking to bond with their children or teachers wanting to engage students during storytelling hour.

Each kit comes with all the books, toys and music CDs you'll need for the perfect storytime! Choose from over 80 different story themes, such as bath time, the beach and music and dance, designed for children from birth through six years old. Kits are available for checkout to all library cardholders.

View the list of themes for each age
group at mdpls.org/storytime-express.
For more information and to order a
kit, call 305-375-4116.

Storytime Express Kits


From left to right: Turquoise bag (ages 3-6 years), orange bag (ages 0-3 years)


Min Shaheen

Employee Spotlight

Lifelong Learning Sparks the Light in Min Shaheen’s Heart

Min Shaheen’s love of learning brought her to the Library after working for some time as a news editor.

During her years at the news agency, Min edited and translated reports in English and Chinese into Spanish – a role that requires extraordinary attention to detail. She brings that same level of precision to her job as a Government Documents Librarian at Main Library in downtown Miami, making sure the collection is accurate and current.

“As the Government Documents Librarian, I have been working on matching and weeding older documents, maintaining the current collection, and making sure it’s accurate and accessible to the public,” she says. Government documents can include applications, pamphlets, U.S. Census questions and other pieces of information that might become outdated over time.

Min began her career with the Miami-Dade Public Library System in October 1998 at the Kendall Branch Library where she was the Adult Reference Librarian responsible for offering reference services to the public, selecting materials for adult and reference collections, supervising pages and conducting the adult program.

She sees endless possibilities for pursuing her passion. “Each day I learn something new and exciting,” Min says. “The constant change and challenge of the profession keeps my daily work really interesting.”


Explore our Online Library

Virtual Author Series

Discover Florida's Spookiest Spots with Author Mark Muncy

Most know Florida as the land of endless sunny beaches, but did you know it's also home to some of the nation's spookiest sites? Join horror and science fiction author Mark Muncy online as he discusses the top five scariest locations in South Florida featured in his book, Freaky Florida. After the presentation, enjoy an engaging Q&A session with the author. Ages 19 years and up.

Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Register online
Pinecrest Branch Library is hosting this online event.

Wednesday, October 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Register online
Naranja Branch Library is hosting this online event.

Registration is required.

Author Mark Muncy

Author Marta Magellan

Virtual Author Series

Learn the Truth About Bats with Author Marta Magellan

When people think about bats, thoughts of Halloween or vampires often come to mind. Yet, you might be surprised to learn the truth about bats. Join author and nature lover Marta Magellan online as she presents her book, Amazing, Misunderstood Bats, and sets the record straight about these winged creatures. Ages 5 years and up.

Friday, October 22, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Register online
Little River Branch Library is hosting this online event.

Thursday, October 28, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Register online
Doral Branch Library is hosting this online event.

Registration is required.


Support the Friends of the Library

Staff Picks

Everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the power to make a difference. This month's staff picks for kids features inspiring stories about children with disabilities and strategies for how to cope with challenging situations. Check one out today!

Okay Kevin Book Cover
All the Way to the Top Book Cover
We Are All Wonders Book Cover

Calendar of Events


The spooky season is upon us! We invite you to get into the Halloween spirit with terrifying tales from around the world, makeup lessons to help take your costume to the next level, not-so-scary stories in the park and more! Click the registration links for more information.

You can browse our online Calendar of Events to explore and discover great programs like the ones listed to the right. Select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range or library location to get started.

Online Events: Halloween Stories and Haunted House Tales with Katie Adams

Dates and times vary.
Click here for more information
Ages vary.


Online Event: Halloween Plushies

Friday, October 22, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 12 years and up.


Online Event: Bananaween! Stories and Songs with Shana Banana

Saturday, October 23, 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Register online

Saturday, October 30, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 3 – 8 years.


Online Event: Halloween Makeup Workshops

Tuesday, October 26, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Register online
Ages 8 –18 years.

Wednesday, October 27, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 19 years and up.


Outdoor Event: Not So Scary Halloween Spooktacular in the Park

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Golden Glades Branch Library
Register online
All ages.