Miami-Dade Public Libraries Recognized For 50 Years of Service to the Community
We're honored to have received a proclamation recognizing 50 years of service to the community from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz and the Board of County Commissioners.
The proclamation declaring November 1, 2021, as "Miami-Dade Public Library System 50th Anniversary Day" was presented during the November 16 Board of County Commissioners meeting at County Hall in downtown Miami. Library Director Ray Baker accepted the proclamation on behalf of the entire Library team, noting that libraries in Miami-Dade County have continued to evolve through the decades due to the support of our residents and partner organizations, the customer service and ingenuity of our employees, and elected officials who continue to understand the value of libraries in our community.
We invite you to join us during our yearlong 50th anniversary celebration for special programs, events and exhibits. You can find more information at www.mdpls.org/50years, plus follow us on social media to stay up to date on the latest library news and share your library story using the hashtag #MDPLS50.
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The Miami Book Fair is on!
Come visit us at the Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College in downtown Miami! Stop by our tent and visit our Bookmobile during the Street Fair (Friday - Sunday, November 19 - 21) to checkout great books, learn about library services, sign up for a library card or just say hello!
And you don't want to miss our sponsored author session with author Lauren Groff on Matrix: A Novel in conversation with Leigh Haber, books editor for O, The Oprah Magazine, on Saturday, November 20 at 2 p.m. in the Building 1 auditorium.
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Westchester Regional Library
Did you know that the grand opening of Westchester Regional Library was delayed by over two years because of a bookshelf supply shortage?
Formerly known as West Dade Regional Library, the Westchester Regional Library has been a vital part of the community since officially opening its doors four decades ago. In this week's Branch Spotlight, we explore the history of the second largest library in the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
Click here to continue reading.
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Library Stories
Our patrons are at the heart of everything we do at the Library. As we spotlight five decades of service to the community, we are featuring your library stories in our newsletter. Here's one from Rosy, a patron at the Shenandoah Branch Library:
"My mom started taking me to the library when I was a little girl. The library was always my happy place, from being able to use computers to checking out books on nearly every topic. Now with the technology we have available, I always encourage my daughter to attend online library events and every month we check out books at the Shenandoah Branch Library. I enjoy passing down the habit of visiting the library to the next generation."
We’d love to hear your library story. Click here to share your favorite library memory or experience with us.
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Employee Spotlight
Felicia Brown Helps Make the Library Accessible to All
Assisting patrons with low vision is just one of the ways Librarian Felicia Brown works to make books accessible to everyone.
She helps manage the Braille and Talking Books Library based at North Dade Regional Library. This service mails audiobooks and braille materials to readers of all ages who have difficulty reading due to visual impairments or reading disabilities. "I love selecting new audio titles for my customers," said Felicia, who holds a master’s degree in library science.
Her career with the Miami-Dade Public Library System began in 1987 as a part-time Library Page at Main Library, where she sorted and filed various business resources available for public use. Felicia earned a full-time promotion and began working at the Coral Gables Branch Library in 1990, where she served for the next 19 years.
She then transferred to South Dade Regional Library and served as the Circulation Services Supervisor, teaching staff how to use the library's computer system. In 2016, Felicia found her calling when she became a Librarian in the Braille and Talking Books Library. "It was a perfect fit," Felicia said.
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Virtual Author Series
Explore the Power of Positivity with Author Nancy S. Torres
Join educator and author Nancy S. Torres as she reads from her children's book, "Say it With Me (Dilo conmigo)." This heartwarming, bilingual story teaches children the power of repeating positive affirmations. Plus, enjoy a Q&A session with the author. Ages 4 years and up.
Friday, November 19, 11:30 a.m. - Noon
Register online
Registration is required. Coconut Grove Branch is hosting this online event.
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Voices from Florida
Learn About Marjorie Harris Carr, Defender of Florida's Environment
During the 1970s, environmentalist Marjorie Harris Carr fought to protect and restore the Ocklawaha River in Central Florida, which was under threat by a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project. Join historian Peggy Macdonald as she explores Marjorie Harris Carr's efforts to protect Florida's natural environment. Ages 10 years and up.
Saturday, November 20, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Register online
Registration is required. Main Library is hosting this online event.
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November is National Novel Writing Month. This annual challenge encourages participants to write a novel of 50,000 words in just 30 days. Need some inspiration? Check out our list of how-to writing guides, memoirs and more – available for free with your library card on OverDrive and the Libby, by OverDrive app.
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 Celebrate the Season of
Gratitude with the Library
Thanksgiving is almost here! We invite you to get into the spirit of gratitude with a variety of Library programs, including decorative craft workshops, conversation circles for kids, cooking classes and more! Click the registration links for more information.
You can also browse our online Calendar of Events to explore even more programs. Select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range or library location to get started.
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Online Event: Thanksgiving Craft – Turkey Napkin Rings
Friday, November 19, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Register online
All ages.
Online Event: Thanksgiving Makes Our World A Better Place
Conversation Circle for Kids
Saturday, November 20, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Register online
Ages 6 years and up.
Online Event: Create Falling Clay Leaves for Autumn
Saturday, November 20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 5 - 12 years.
Online Event: Festive Stuffed Pumpkins – The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish
Tuesday, November 23, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Register online
Ages 16 years and up.
Online Event: DIY Thanksgiving Dinner Placemats
Wednesday, November 24, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Register online
All ages.
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