What's Happening at Your Library - August 15, 2023

Miami-Dade Public Library System sent this bulletin at 08/15/2023 06:15 PM EDT

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August 15, 2023

Set the Stage for a Successful School Year with the Library📚

Dust off those books - class is back in session for Miami-Dade County Public Schools starting Thursday, August 17. We've had a blast making memories and learning together this summer. As you gear up for back-to-school season and gather supplies, don't forget the most important supply of all – your library card!

We encourage everyone to explore and use the many Library resources and services we offer to help ensure a successful school year. Parents and students, check out our Library for Children and Library for Teens pages, and continue reading below for even more back-to-school resources.

Don't have a library card? You and your child can sign up for one at any library location or register for an electronic card (eCard) online and begin using it immediately! Keep convenient access to your library card and account by downloading our free MDPLS mobile app.

Already have a library card but don't know its status? Our Customer Care team can help! Email us at CustomerCare@mdpls.org or call 305-375-2665.

Tutoring Services

Homework Help and Tutoring Available at the Library📓

Help set your child up for a successful school year with the Library's Homework Help & Tutoring Program.

We offer free online and in-person tutoring in reading, math and science for students grades K-12 who live in Miami-Dade County. Taught by certified teachers, these sessions give students the opportunity to sharpen their skills and be better prepared for their academic studies.

Tutoring for the new school year kicks off on Wednesday, August 30.

Online 1:1 Tutoring - Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 - 7 p.m. (Registration opens August 23.)
In-Person Group Tutoring - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 29 library locations.

Click the button below for participating locations and more information.

Online Learning

Online Learning Resources Available for Students and Teachers 🧠

Continue learning and enhance your curriculum with free online resources available through the Library, including:

Tutor.com - connect to an expert tutor for real‑time help.
ABCmouse - access more than 10,000 learning activities and 850 lessons for children ages 2 - 8+ years.
World Book - get real-time and curated content for each learning level.
Mango Languages - learn a new language with over 40 foreign language courses and 15 English courses taught in your native language.

Click the button below to find even more great resources.

u.s. passport services

Library Opens Third U.S. Passport Services Location ✈

Applying for a passport just got more convenient! Our newest U.S. passport services office is now open at the West Kendall Regional Library.

The new office joins the North Dade and South Dade Regional Libraries as official Passport Application Acceptance Facilities for the U.S. Department of State. Passport services are by appointment only. Visit www.mdpls.org/passport for more information or click on the button below to schedule an appointment online.

ribbon-cutting ceremony

Join us as we mark the opening of our new passport services location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where will be joined by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez and representatives from the U.S. Department of State.

Friday, August 18, 5 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library

Employee spotlight

Meet Library Tutor Miriam Williams-Lyn-Ah-Ping📏

Miriam Williams-Lyn-Ah-Ping's greatest passion is teaching. Since joining the Library in November 2020, Miriam strives to make learning engaging and worthwhile for all her students. She currently serves as the Library's Homework Help & Tutoring Program's Lead Tutor at the Coral Reef Branch Library, specializing in reading and mathematics, as well as an instructor for our Adult Learning Academy.

What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. I frequently read children’s books to my students and this is one I revisit every year. The story follows a young mouse with a peculiar name. The mouse eventually becomes more confident after learning her teacher also has a strange last name. This story is very relatable to me since I too have a last name that was often joked about in my younger years. It’s a great lesson for students to grow confident in their own names and would highly recommend it.

Do you have a favorite Library program or event?
I greatly enjoy our many S.T.E.A.M. programs since they provide unique learning experiences to my students.

What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
This past school year, 85% of students tutored at our branch passed the FAST 2 assessment for reading and mathematics with a minimum score of three to a maximum score of five. This was greatly encouraging and I’m very proud of all my students.

What is your favorite part of working as a Library tutor?
I love connecting with families and their children and enjoy assisting various students in their homework/learning needs.

Click here to start reading your favorite newspapers online

Shop smart for the school year

Pick the Best School Supplies, Tech and More with Consumer Reports Online💰

Consumer Reports™ is all about helping you find the best products and be a savvy consumer. Don't miss out on this year's back-to-school guide to make smart shopping choices.

Read up on the best laptops, bedding, cooking tools and more - everything a student needs to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Lesson number one: You can get full access to Consumer Reports Online for free with your library card!

Click the button below to get started.

Mobile device lending Program

No Internet? No Problem! The Library Has You Covered💻

Don't have internet access at home? Or have access but need a mobile device?

Borrow a Chromebook laptop or tablet with built-in wireless internet access or a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to connect up to 15 devices - free with your library card. Mobile devices are loaned for 30 days at a time and will automatically renew up to three times if no other customers are waiting.

Click the button below to learn more.

hoopla digital

August Bonus Borrows Are Back! ⭐

Can't get enough of hoopla Digital? Now through August 31, you can access select audiobooks, eBooks, comics and videos without using your monthly instant borrows!

Enjoy timeless classics, hidden title gems, along with the rest of the online collection - available 24/7 with no waits or holds.

Click the button below to view the full list of eligible Bonus Borrow titles.

Digital collections blog

Page by Page: Explore Our Artists' Books Collection🔍

Go beyond the conventional meaning of a book page in this month's MDPLS Digital Collections Blog.

Featuring an assortment of unique works by various South Florida and national artists spanning four decades, the Artists' Books Collection is a must-see for readers and art enthusiasts alike.

Click the button below to read and see more.

Click here to read this month's Digital Collections Blog

staff picks

Not all children react the same when starting a new school year - some are more enthusiastic and confident, others uneasy and shy. In this month's Staff Picks, enjoy heartfelt stories that will motivate your children to be excited for a school year filled with friends, fun and everything in between.

Written by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Written by Drew Brockington

Written by Costantia Manoli, Illustrated by Magdalena Mora

Kick off the new school year at the Library with storytimes, special art exhibitions and more!

In addition to the programs highlighted here, you can visit our online Calendar of Events to see what else is happening at your library. Select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range or library location to get started.

Back-to-School Supply Drive

Help make sure students have fully stocked backpacks! Donate to our School Supply Drive taking place throughout August. Classroom essentials such as notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons and backpacks are needed. Donated supplies will go to Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services. All ages.

Through August 31, 9:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library

Back-to-School Painting Sesh

Enjoy an open painting session and take home your artwork! Materials will be provided. Ages 12 - 18 years.

Thursday, August 17, 4 - 5 p.m.
Miami Springs Branch Library

Back-to-School Stories

Let's go back to school with stories, songs, crafts and more! All ages.

Friday, August 18, 4 - 5 p.m.
Tamiami Branch Library

Climate of Art: Preserve the Glades

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art and explore captivating exhibitions inspired by the Everglades. Engage in a series of interactive, eco-friendly activities to create sustainable crafts using innovative techniques. All ages.

Saturday, August 19, 1 - 4 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library

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