Celebrate Black History and Culture with the Library
Join us for a variety of programs and events throughout February in celebration of Black History Month. Enjoy film screenings, music, painting and art programs, special performances, recommended reads and more as we celebrate and recognize the achievements, influences and contributions of Black Americans to our country and its history.
Celebrating Black History Month Through Stories
Join us for a celebration of Black culture through interactive stories, songs, dance and more! Presented by the Miami-Dade Public Library System Story Troupe and special guests. All ages.
Heroes in My House: A Magical Journey Through Black History
Enjoy an entertaining and educational afternoon of original music, dance and comedy during this live show presented by Fantasy Theatre Factory. All ages.
Embracing Southern African American Traditions: Hand Quilting
Explore your creativity through traditional hand quilting alongside folk artist Dr. Anita Jones. Made possible by the City of Coral Gables. Ages 19 years and up.
Friday, February 10 & 17, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
For a complete list of Black History Month events, recommended reads and more, visit www.mdpls.org/blackhistorymonth.
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2023 Make A Bookmark Contest is Underway
Calling artists of all ages! Submissions for the Miami-Dade Public Library System's 2023 Make A Bookmark Contest are now being accepted.
Get creative and show us where a trip to the library will take you by designing an original bookmark using this year's theme of "There's More to the Story" as inspiration.
Participating is easy. Simply pick up an entry form at any library location or download a copy from our website and start drawing! Entries must be submitted no later than March 20. The winning designs will be made available at all library locations.
Visit www.mdpls.org/bookmarkcontest for more information.
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Explore the Library's New and Improved Online Catalog
We’ve officially launched our new online catalog powered by Vega Discover! From personalized reading recommendations and customizable lists that you can share with friends to finding other titles in a series, searching for your next great read is easier than ever.
Once you’ve used the new catalog, let us know what you think. Please give us your feedback by completing our brief survey. Your suggestions and comments will be used for future updates to help make your search experience even better. If you prefer our classic catalog, please note that it continues to be available.
Visit www.mdpls.org/vegadiscover for more information about the new catalog.
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Reading Challenge
Congratulations to our Fall Into Winter Reading Challenge Winners
We are excited to announce the winners of our first-ever Fall Into Winter Reading Challenge! Participants spent over 13,000 hours reading and attending library programs throughout the challenge, which wrapped up in January.
The winners received prizes ranging from gift cards and tablets to themed prize packs, Fairchild Botanical Garden passes, Beats Studio 3 Headphones, Kindle e-Readers and more. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Click here for a list of our prize winners.
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Employee Spotlight
Enriching the Community, One County Resident at a Time
For Lino La Rosa, connecting County residents to valuable online resources and helping English-language learners gain confidence in speaking is one part of what makes his work as a librarian so rewarding.
Lino began working at the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 2015 as a part-time library page at the Virrick Park Branch Library. Today, he serves as assistant branch manager at the South Shore Branch Library and is working toward completing his master's degree in library science at the University of South Florida.
What inspired you to pursue a library career? My affinity for helping people and the opportunity to interact directly with the community. Whether helping individuals on the computers or assisting them with locating an item, it all gives me great satisfaction.
What is your favorite library program? The online English Conversation Circle I host every Wednesday, which is designed for patrons learning to speak English as a second language. Participants improve their skills by reading English-language news stories and articles every week and discussing them.
What was the last book you read? Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History by S.C. Gwynne, a historical biography about the Comanche Nation that was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. The book was memorable for how it depicted the power of the Comanche Nation in colorful detail.
What is a notable personal achievement? Being just four classes away from earning my master’s degree in library science and having played a part in the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s COVID-19-related service to the community.
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MDPLS Author Series
An Afternoon with Author and Lawyer Haben Girma
Join us online or in person as human rights lawyer and author Haben Girma discusses her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law. Her book takes readers on adventures around the world, including climbing an iceberg in Alaska, fighting for blind readers at a courthouse in Vermont and talking with former U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House. Ages 19 years and up.
Monday, February 13, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
Registration is required. For more information, please contact the library.
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Online Event
Start Your Day with an Exciting Round of Animal Trivia
Think you know animals? Put your knowledge to the test and join us online or by phone for a morning of trivia! Challenge yourself by answering fun questions about the animal kingdom. Ages 19 years and up.
Wednesday, February 15, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Register online
Registration is required for this online event. For more information, please contact Connections Home Library Services at 305-474-7251.
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This month's Staff Picks for Kids pay homage to Black Americans who have persevered throughout history, reminding us all that a determined spirit can achieve extraordinary feats and create hope even in challenging times.
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Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Library! From craft making and flower arrangement classes to painting workshops and more, there is always something exciting happening at your Miami-Dade Public Libraries.
In addition to the programs highlighted here, you can also browse our online Calendar of Events at www.mdpls.org/events to explore even more of what's happening at your local library. To find an event, simply select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range and/or library location to get started.
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DIY Floral Arrangements
(In-Person Event)
Create your own unique floral arrangement using freshly picked flowers, just in time for Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 9, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
Ages 12 years and up.
Valentine's Day Friendship Bracelets (In-Person Event)
Join us as we celebrate Valentine's Day by making friendship bracelets to share with someone special.
Friday, February 10, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
Ages 12 - 18 years.
Painting at the Bay
(In-Person Event)
Follow along with library staff to create a Valentine's Day-themed work of art.
Saturday, February 11, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Palmetto Bay Branch Library
Ages 12 - 18 years.
Repair the World: Planting with Love (In-Person Event)
Gift your loved one a native plant in a pot that you decorate! Join us for this fun and engaging Valentine’s Day-themed workshop.
Monday, February 13, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Allapattah Branch Library
All ages.
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