Need to connect to the internet? You can now borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot from the Library to stay connected wherever you go!
The Miami-Dade Public Library System is now lending Wi-Fi hotspots with built-in cellular service for residents as part of our Community Internet Connectivity Initiative to help provide equitable access to the internet and technology for Miami-Dade County residents.
Library cardholders can now borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to the internet, giving them access to free, reliable internet service they can use for work, school, personal browsing and more. The Wi-Fi hotspots allow up to 15 devices to connect at the same time to a mobile 4G LTE wireless network and are loaned for 30 days at a time. Hotspots will automatically renew up to three times after the original due date if no other customers are waiting.
Wi-Fi hotspots are the latest addition to the Library’s Mobile Device Lending Program, which has been offering tablets with built-in wireless internet access and Wi-Fi capability for checkout since May 2021. The Mobile Device Lending Program, along with the Library’s Drive-up Wi-Fi service, which allows residents to connect to free Wi-Fi from the comfort of their vehicles at 22 library locations, are part of the Library’s Community Internet Connectivity Initiative to provide more digital connectivity options for residents and equitable access to technology.
For more information, visit www.mdpls.org/mobile-device. For questions and assistance, email customercare@mdpls.org or call 305-375-2665.
 |
|
Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month
with the Library
We invite you to join us for a variety of in-person and online programs and events throughout February in honor of Black History Month, including film screenings, book discussions, recommended reads, author events and more!
Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter to learn more about upcoming events or visit our website for a complete listing of Black History Month programs.
|
|
|
|
Explore the Work of Artist
Purvis Young
Did you know that one of artist Purvis Young's largest murals adorns the walls outside the Culmer/Overtown Branch Library?
The late artist, who was born in Miami and lived in the Overtown neighborhood, has a special connection to Miami-Dade Public Libraries. He created many pieces at our branches and incorporated library books into his art.
You can learn more about his artwork and see it online on our Virtual Exhibitions page. Some of Young's work can also be seen in person at Main Library, the Northeast-Dade Aventura, Naranja, and Culmer/Overtown Branches and the West Kendall Regional Library.
Fans of Young's work can also join in activities led by the City of Miami Historic Negro Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum. Terrance Cribbs-Lórrant, who heads the museum and chose the artist’s birthday on February 2 as Purvis Young Day, is posting about upcoming events and video interviews of Purvis Young on Facebook.
|
Purvis Young painting mural outside the Culmer/Overtown Branch Library, 1984.
|
|
|
 |
Hispanic Branch Library
Which library was the first in the County to become part of a public housing development?
The original Hispanic Library Branch, known as Rama Hispánica, opened in 1976 in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood to serve Miami’s Spanish-speaking population.
Within three decades, it was relocated to a new building on the ground floor of Carrfour Supportive Housing's Villa Aurora Apartments. In this week's Branch Spotlight, we explore the history of the Hispanic Branch Library.
Click here to read more.
|
|
|
library story
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, we're featuring your library stories in our newsletter. This week's library story was submitted by Maritza, a Hispanic Branch Library patron.
"When I was a kid, my mom would take me to the old location of the Hispanic Branch Library on Saturdays. They offered a tutoring/homework help program. After my sessions, I was allowed to go through the library. I would carry stacks of books that were above my reading level to the checkout desk. Going to the library helped fuel my love for reading and I hope to continue that Saturday tradition with my own children one day."
We'd love to hear your story. Click here to share your favorite library memory or experience with us.
|
|
 |
Employee Spotlight
Bringing Color into our Public Libraries Through Art
Ever wonder how the art you see at our Libraries is chosen? Oscar Fuentes, who leads the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Art Services and Exhibitions Division, carefully selects and installs each piece at our branches.
The artwork is part of the Library’s Permanent Art Collection, which contains over 6,000 works of art. Many of these pieces can be found hanging on the walls of branches or displayed in open spaces throughout the Library System.
Oscar joined the Library team in 2007, conducting art-related classes, tours and installing artwork in the branches. In 2012, he became the Library Exhibitions and Programming Specialist in the Art Services unit, overseeing art related programming, lectures, receptions and workshops, as well the Library's Permanent Art Collection, which focuses on African American, Latino, and Miami artists.
Oscar is also author of four books of poetry and essays and outside of the Library is known as The Biscayne Poet. He was the recipient of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Inaugural Miami-Dade Mayoral Poetry Commendation in 2021, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the literary arts community.
Oscar’s passion for the arts is his life’s work. “My personal life as an artist, poet and family man, blurs a lot of the times, with my work at the Library. My connection to the Miami arts/literary community, and my connection with the Library’s resources, places me at a unique intersection of public service and ongoing artistic development,” Oscar said.
|
adult Literacy
Project L.E.A.D. (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade)
The Library's Project L.E.A.D is an adult literacy program designed to assist English-speaking adults with low literacy skills by providing free, one-on-one confidential tutoring either in person or online to help adults improve their reading and writing skills.
Tutors are caring volunteers like Merle Wexler, an adjunct instructor at Miami Dade College, who has been helping adult learners achieve their literacy goals for three years at the Coral Gables Branch Library. After the COVID-19 pandemic began, the program expanded to include hybrid sessions.
“We haven’t allowed a pandemic to stop us from speaking via phone every Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.," Merle said.
Interested in becoming an adult literacy volunteer tutor or adult learner? Click here to register for Project L.E.A.D's online information session on February 24 to learn more.
|
In Memoriam
Remembering Library Advocate
E. Darwin Fuchs
We are saddened by the loss of E. Darwin Fuchs, a former chairman and member of the Miami-Dade County Public Library Advisory Board for over 20 years.
Mr. Fuchs, who passed away on January 23 at the age of 85, was a staunch advocate for the Miami-Dade Public Library System and played a vital role in our success, growth and evolution.
Mr. Fuchs was also the longtime president and CEO of the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition, where he turned a small community fair into one of the largest in the country.
Miami-Dade County honored Mr. Fuchs for his service to the Library and the community with a Proclamation declaring March 26, 2018, as E. Darwin Fuchs Day. We are grateful for his service and support.
|
Gather together with friends and family to watch hoopla's Family Flicks and TV Picks collection, instantly available for free with your library card.
|
|
From poetry writing and storytimes to movie screenings and more, join us for a variety of programs and events in celebration of Black History Month. Click the registration links on the right 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.
|
Black History Month Storytime (In-Person Event)
Monday, February 7, 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Miami Lakes Branch Library
Register online
Ages 3 - 5 years.
Celebrating the Poetry of Rita Dove - Poetry Writing Session (Online Event)
Wednesday, February 9, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Register online
Ages 14 years and up.
Tween Teen Thursdays: Kehinde Wiley-Inspired Artwork (Online Event)
Thursday, February 10, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Register online
Ages 8 - 12 years.
Movie Screening & Discussion - Liberty City, Miami (Online Event)
Thursday, February 10, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Register online
Ages 12 years and up.
Celebrating Black Life, History and Culture through Stories (Outdoor Event)
Thursday, February 10, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Golden Glades Branch Library
Register online
All ages.
|
|
|
|
|
