It's Tax Season! Free Tax Preparation Assistance is Available
to Miami-Dade County Residents
If you haven't filed your federal income tax return yet, you still have time to take advantage of free tax preparation services at the library! Eligible Miami-Dade County residents can get tax prep assistance from IRS-certified volunteers at various library locations through April 18. The service is provided in partnership with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program made possible by the nonprofit Branches and AARP Tax-Aide.
Click here for more information and a list of participating library locations.
The Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department is also offering free tax preparation assistance to Miami-Dade residents through VITA at nine Community Resource Centers throughout the County. The service is available to individuals or households earning $60,000 or less annually, persons with disabilities, the elderly and residents who speak little to no English. Visit miamidade.gov/freetaxprep to learn more.
For more information about the 2023 tax filing season, visit IRS.gov.
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Learn About Investing Through Morningstar Investment Research Center
Whether you're new to investing, planning for retirement or need to review your investment portfolio, the Library's Morningstar Investment Research Center database can help!
Learn the basics of investing through informational videos and articles, Morningstar's Investing Classroom and more, plus you can now also access Morningstar Investor Newsletters, which offer commentary and analysis of current investing strategies and the latest financial news.
Take advantage of these and other useful features, such as a portfolio x-ray tool for analyzing asset holdings and a college cost calculator, available for free with your library card.
Click here to get started with Morningstar Investment Research Center.
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Community Information
Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week
Don't just be a consumer, be an informed one. Join the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources during Consumer Protection Week beginning March 6 for a series of community events that will provide valuable insight, knowledge and understanding of your rights as a consumer and learn about helpful services available to Miami-Dade County residents.
Monday, March 6, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
South Dade Regional Library
Learn about services available through the Consumer Protection Division.
Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Main Library
Discussion of landlord/tenant issues and services available to County residents.
Wednesday, March 8, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
Learn about Small Claims Court from Consumer Advocate Holly Beth Billington.
Saturday, March 11, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Westchester Library Health & Wellness Center
Learn about identity theft. (Free shredding services will be available.)
For more information, click here.
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Women's History Month 2023
Celebrating The Women Who Tell Our Stories
The Miami-Dade Public Library System is gearing up to celebrate Women's History Month in March with a variety of programs and events that highlight the significant contributions made by women across our nation. This year’s theme, "Celebrating the Women Who Tell Our Stories," pays tribute to women whose talents have helped shape art, culture and science throughout history.
Upcoming Events
Women's History Month Meet-and-Greet
Meet a famous woman from history each week in March during this role play program.
Thursdays, March 2 - 30, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library
The Six Wives of Henry VIII: A One-Woman Performance by Martina Mathisen
Friday, March 3, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
Click here for more Women's History Month events.
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Check Out Our Newest Library Card Design
Congratulations to Xanthe Teijeiro, the winner of our 2022 Teen Library Card Design Contest! The library card that she designed is now available at all library locations.
Xanthe was excited to get her card at the library and you can get one too! Whether your old library card could use a refresh or you're signing up for the first time, visit any Miami-Dade Public Library System location and ask for Xanthe's design.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest.
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Xanthe showing off her winning library card design at the Tamiami Branch Library.
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Employee Spotlight
Bringing Families and Communities Together at the Library
Gloria Cordova considers her work as a children's librarian at the International Mall Branch Library to be far more than just a job – it’s a place where she can make a difference. Through weekly storytimes and other programs, Gloria helps bring families closer together and creates a foundation for children's social development.
“Libraries aren’t only about books," said Gloria. "They are valuable centers of connection that promote growth within our communities."
What led you to start a career with the library? I joined the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 2015 and it was love at first sight! My branch manager was a wonderful mentor and inspired me to pursue a career in librarianship. I earned my Masters in Library Science soon after and here I am – seven years later – doing what I'm passionate about.
What is your favorite library program? Storytime! Programs like this bring families together and create a great environment for social development. It's great to see children grow before your eyes and have them return to the library later in life and remember you as an important part of their childhood. A mother once mentioned, “My daughter learned to love books because of Ms. Gloria.” Comments like this and seeing children develop a love for reading mean the world to me.
What was the last book you read? Living an Inspired Life by my all-time favorite author Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. The book is about finding inspiration in what really matters in life. I downloaded it using the Libby, by OverDrive app, where you can download thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks for free with your library card.
What is your favorite online library resource? I have found myself using a lot of the online databases in the Learning and Training page on our website. It is amazing the amount information that can be discovered through these resources!
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Digital Collections Blog
Celebrate Black History Month with Recipes and Stories from the Past
Attention foodies and history buffs! This month’s Digital Collections Blog post will take your taste buds on an adventure through time.
Journey back to 1983 as we explore the Black Heritage Cookbook – a collection of delicious recipes and personal anecdotes from Black American families, friends and community members in Miami compiled by the staff and patrons of the South Dade Regional Library.
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Support Biscayne Bay
Show Your Love for Biscayne Bay with a Specialty License Plate
One small action can make a significant impact. Help support Biscayne Bay restoration and education by reserving a “Protect Biscayne Bay” specialty license plate.
Proceeds will help support bay education and provide funding to preserve and restore Biscayne Bay. Three thousand plate vouchers must be presold to get the “Protect Biscayne Bay” specialty plate into statewide circulation and available at all tag agencies.
Click here to reserve your plate today!
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With just a few taps, you can instantly access thousands of popular magazines – anytime, anywhere – through OverDrive and the Libby, by OverDrive app! From news and entertainment to the latest fashion trends and tasty recipe ideas, your library card is your free ticket to explore current and past issues of your favorite periodicals.
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There's so much to see, do and learn at the library during Black History Month in February. From captivating storytelling and musical performances to special events, enjoy an array of exciting activities for all ages you won't want to miss!
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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African Heritage Jewelry Making
Join us as we create eye-catching bracelets while exploring the history and culture of different African nations.
Saturday, February 25, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Little River Branch Library
Ages 12 years and up.
Celebrating Black History Month Through Stories
Join us for a celebration of Black history and culture with interactive stories, songs, dance and more!
Saturday, February 25, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Edison Center Branch Library
Saturday, February 25, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
South Dade Regional Library
All ages.
Create Art Like Amalia Amaki
Learn about African American artist Amalia Amaki and create a piece of artwork in her style.
Monday, February 27, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Miami Springs Branch Library
Ages 12 - 18 years.
Heroes in My House: A Magical Journey Through Black History
Filled with original music, dance and comedy, this live show celebrates the contributions Black Americans have made to history. Presented by Fantasy Theatre Factory.
Tuesday, February 28, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library
All ages.
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