Celebrate National Poetry Month with Miami-Dade County's First Poet Laureate
Join us online as we wrap up National Poetry Month with Miami-Dade County’s first-ever Poet Laureate and fifth Presidential Inaugural Poet of the U.S. Richard Blanco in conversation with Miami-Dade County Poetry Ambassador Nicole Tallman. Blanco will read, share and discuss poems relating to his sense of home and cultural identity as a Miami-raised Cuban American. Ages 19 years and up.
A Q&A session via Zoom chat will follow the discussion.
Saturday, April 30, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Virtual Library
Registration is required for this online event.
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Experience Asian American and Pacific Islander Cultures Through Language Learning
Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures are rich in history, beautiful traditions and diverse and interesting languages, such as Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Hawaiian, Thai and Filipino.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May is the perfect time to explore learning those languages or choose from over 70 others – including Spanish and Haitian Creole – through Mango Languages!
Find lessons for learners of all levels, which also cover cultural and grammatical nuances. Mango's immersive courses bring the context of real world situations to life, wherever your journey takes you, available for free with your library card.
Click here to start learning.
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North Shore Branch Library
The North Shore Branch Library has been serving the communities of North Beach, Biscayne Point, Surfside, Mid Beach and Normandy Isles for 45 years.
Originally opened in 1977, the North Shore Branch Library was remodeled and expanded in 1990 to include a larger collection, new children’s room, an open patio and an auditorium, providing additional space for community programs.
Learn more about the North Shore Branch Library in this week's Branch Spotlight.
Click here to read more.
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Library Story
As we continue to celebrate 50 years of serving the community, we're featuring your library stories in our newsletter. This week's story was submitted by Judith, a patron at the Lemon City Branch Library.
"One day, I visited the Lemon City Branch Library and wanted to do research on a particular topic. I have cancer and did not have a lot of energy or time. A very kind library worker helped me accomplish my mission without any stress and I was very grateful for the assistance."
We'd love to hear your story. Click here to share your favorite library memory or experience with us.
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Employee Spotlight
Library Programs Are Her Specialty
Edda Rodriguez facilitates many of the programs patrons love at the Miami-Dade Public Library System. She started her career at the Library in 2005 as a librarian intern at the Westchester Regional Library. Today, she serves as Programming Librarian, helping to plan programs and events for all 50 of our library locations.
What brought you to the library? I studied anthropology and worked for a few years at the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy in Miami. Although I loved anthropology, I felt there weren't many job opportunities. I've always loved libraries and one day a friend suggested working at the library – and here I am!
What is the last book you read? My favorite genre of fiction is horror, so I was thrilled to come across a book called Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes in the Library collection. It’s about a ghost ship in space and is very creepy and atmospheric.
What is your favorite library program? My most memorable experiences have come from the family festivals and convention-type teen programs we’ve planned and hosted over the years. It’s a great deal of work to put together, but it’s so rewarding seeing everyone enjoying themselves and seeing teens be themselves and embrace their nerdiness.
What is your favorite online library resource? My favorite is the Libby, by OverDrive app because I enjoy reading print books, but also love the convenience of being able to read using the app on my mobile devices.
What is the last eBook you downloaded from Libby, by OverDrive? All Systems Red, the first book in The Murderbot Diaries Series by Martha Wells, is a very interesting sci-fi/thriller that touches on the theme of what it means to be human.
What was your favorite book as a kid? Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe. I also loved the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark collection by Alvin Schwartz and all of Lois Duncan’s paranormal fiction. (See a running theme here?)
What was your favorite subject in school? English literature and art were my favorites because I love not only reading, but also diving deeper into a book’s themes, character development, etc. Art allowed me to express my creativity and I also had an amazing art teacher in high school that always inspired me to be creative.
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Food and Nutrition
Cook it Up! Healthy Plant-Based Snacks for Kids
Who says kids don't like their veggies? Explore new fruits and vegetables while using plant-based ingredients to create a nutritious, delicious and easy-to-make Brazilian Salad Boat! Ages 8 - 12 years.
Monday, May 2, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library
Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch.
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Health & Wellness
Yoga with Shanti
Gain a centered mind and body with this simple yoga class for all levels led by a certified instructor. All you need to start is comfortable clothing and a mat or towel. Ages 19 years and up.
Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. West Kendall Regional Library
Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch.
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From cookbooks, children's stories, cultural studies and more, celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month in May by immersing yourself in a curated collection of Jewish American-themed eBooks and audiobooks available through hoopla Digital – free with your library card!
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 From DIY body scrubs to floral arrangements, cards and more, make a special Mother's Day craft at your local public library. They make great gifts! Remember, Mother's Day is May 8.
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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DIY Mother's Day Body Scrub (In-Person Event)
Saturday, April 30, Noon - 12:30 p.m. Little River Branch Library Ages 8 - 18 years.
Mommy and Me Floral Arrangements (In-Person Event)
Monday, May 2, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. North Dade Regional Library Ages 8 years and up.
Mother's Day Floral Card Craft (In-Person Event)
Wednesday, May 4, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Edison Center Branch Library Ages 6 - 12 years.
Mother's Day Craft - Double Gift Surprise! (In-Person Event)
Wednesday, May 4, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. International Mall Branch Library Ages 8 - 11 years.
DIY Mother's Day Floral Arrangement (In-Person Event)
Wednesday, May 4, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Golden Glades Branch Library Ages 8 years and up.
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