What's Happening at Your Library - March 19, 2024

What's Happening at Your Library
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March 19, 2024

International Dark Sky Week

Sensational Stargazing: Celebrate International Dark Sky Week at the Library 🌠

Explore the enchanting wonder of the night sky during International Dark Sky Week, a week-long celebration that brings awareness to the harmful effects of light pollution and emphasizes the importance of a starlit environment for our local wildlife.

Join us to celebrate and enjoy the natural splendor of our solar system. From gazing at stars through telescopes and creating cosmic crafts to watching a special presentation from astrophysicist Dr. Ata Sarajedini and listening to captivating starry tales, you don't want to miss out on our stellar events for all ages!

Wednesday, April 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Miami Springs Branch Library

Thursday, April 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library

Monday, April 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Naranja Branch Library

To learn more about the history of International Dark Sky Week, view recommended reads and more, visit www.mdpls.org/DarkSky.


Resource Spotlight - Online Learning

Resource Spotlight - Online Learning

Spring Into Learning: Online Resources at Your Fingertips 🧠

Attention parents and teachers! Did you know the Library has a wealth of free online learning resources for kids that can help enrich and enhance their academic growth? Dive into a world of knowledge and discovery – available 24/7, free with your library card – with:

  • Tutor.com: Instantly connect with expert tutors for live assistance in writing papers, help with schoolwork and more for grades K-12 and beyond.
  • ABCmouse Home Checkout: Access over 10,000 educational activities and 850 lessons tailored for kids ages 2-8 years, including interactive games, videos and more.
  • Starfall: Explore interactive lesson plans, free printables and books for at-home or classroom learning for grades Pre-K-5.
  • World Book Kids: Delve into a diverse range of content on a variety of subjects, curated for each stage of learning.

To access additional online learning resources available through the Library, click here.


Download Our Free Mobile App!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Exciting Opportunities Await You at the Miami-Dade County Career & Job Fair! 💼

Are you passionate about public service or seeking a fulfilling career with opportunities for advancement? Then this event is for you!

Attend the Miami-Dade County Career & Job Fair to learn about available positions and meet representatives from various County departments. Come prepared and dressed for success as many departments - including the Library - will be conducting on-the-spot interviews.

Wednesday, March 20, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment 4800 Palm Avenue Hialeah, FL 33012

Presented by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Miami-Dade County Human Resources Department and CareerSource South Florida.

Miami-Dade County Career & Job Fair
Briefcase

Career Pathways Scholarships

Scholarship & Training Opportunities

Boost Your Job Skills: Career Pathways Scholarships Now Available 💰

Advance your job skills and your career with individual training programs in various industries through a Career Pathways Scholarship, made possible by CareerSource South Florida and the American Job Center network.

Access up to $12,500 in scholarship funds and choose from over 132 programs designed for individuals seeking career advancement in industries such as healthcare, engineering, technology and more.

Kickstart your professional journey today! Visit a CareerSource South Florida Center to apply and learn more about available training programs.


Mobile Device Lending Program

TAX TIME RESOURCES

You Still Have Time: Get Free Income Tax Preparation Help at the Library 💲

Need help filing your federal income taxes? Visit the Library to receive free tax preparation services from IRS certified volunteers.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, find out what documents to bring and view the full list of participating library locations, click here.

Services are provided in partnership with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, made possible by Branches, Inc., Miami Tax Pros, United Way of Miami-Dade and AARP Tax-Aide.

Free Tax Prep Assistance at the Library

The Big Read 2024

Community book discussionS

Join the Conversation: 2024 Big Read Book Discussions 📖

Participate in a discussion about this year's National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read title, Circe by Madeline Miller, a reimagined take on the Greek goddess' life, exploring themes of family rivalry, love, loss and the celebration of female strength.

Visit one of our participating branches to pick up a free copy of the book (while supplies last). Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.

Interested in learning more about Circe? Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. as Madeline Miller delivers the 2024 NEA Big Read Miami keynote address, followed by a conversation with author and illustrator George O’Connor about themes in the book. For more information and to register for the livestream presented by Miami Book Fair, click here.

The NEA Big Read is an annual partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts, Miami Book Fair and the Miami-Dade Public Library System, showcasing how shared reading experiences connect communities.


Support Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library

Rolando Delgado Miranda

Employee Spotlight

Librarian Rolando Delgado Miranda Shares His Love for Books and Learning 📚

Libraries have always been an integral part of Rolando Delgado Miranda's life. Growing up in Cuba, his mother's dedication as a librarian at the José Martí National Library sparked a lifelong passion for Rolando. This passion propelled him to join the Miami-Dade Public Library System in August 2017.

Rolando currently serves as a librarian at the Hispanic Branch Library, assisting in the development of Spanish and Young Adult collections, ensuring that each cater to diverse interests and age groups.

What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
Providing excellent customer service is definitely my favorite. Assisting patrons on their learning journeys and giving back to the community is always rewarding.

What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
Reina Roja (Red Queen in English) by Juan Gómez-Jurado. It’s a very interesting thriller that follows the story of protagonist Antonia Scott, a talented crime solver who uncovers a strange mystery. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in an addictive fiction story, I highly recommend this book - it's quite the page-turner.

What is your favorite Library resource?
Our system has so many excellent resources, but my personal favorites are the various learning, training and research databases. There are so many topics and subjects of interest to dive into, including history, science and archived newspapers. Recommending these databases to patrons never gets old - I'm constantly discovering new things!

Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I’m an avid reader and lover of books. Books give me the ability to travel vicariously and learn about various regions and their history. I enjoy writers like Leonardo Padura, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, John Grisham and Julio Cortázar, just to name a few. I also wear glasses - can’t read without them!


Women's History Month - Click Here to Explore Events, Recommended Reads & More!

Digital Collections Blog

women’s history month

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lily Lawrence Bow 👩

In celebration of Women's History Month, discover the inspiring story of Lily Lawrence Bow, a community advocate turned librarian, poet and police officer, whose impact on the City of Homestead is still felt today.

Read more about her life and lasting contributions in this month's Digital Collections Blog.


ART AT THE LIBRARY

Explore Forbidden Pages by Rosa Naday Garmendia 🎨

Meet the artist behind Forbidden Pages, an exhibition featuring letterpress and linoleum prints, zines and a distinctive wallpaper mural, currently on view at the Hispanic Branch Library through May 16. 

Join Rosa Naday Garmendia, along with artists and art advocates Rosie Gordon-Wallace and Tom Virgin, for an engaging discussion about the exhibit and the power of art in sparking meaningful discourse. Attendees can also participate in a hands-on printmaking activity with the artists. All ages.

Meet the Artist
Thursday, April 25, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Hispanic Branch Library

Forbidden Pages

Exhibitions at the Library

Virtual Medicare: 10 Costly Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make

MDPLS Local Author Series

Virtual Medicare: 10 Costly Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make with Al Kushner 🩺

Learn about virtual healthcare and gain valuable tips on navigating the Medicare system effectively as award-winning author Al Kushner presents his insightful book. Ages 18 years and up.

Saturday, March 23, 2 - 3 p.m.
California Club Branch Library

 


MDPLS LOcal Author Series

A Story of Survival: Golden Bangles Hidden Tears with Nighat Naseer 🌎

Follow Nighat Naseer's incredible life journey and discover how she overcame adversity to forge her own path as she presents her remarkable autobiography Golden Bangles Hidden Tears. Ages 18 years and up.

Monday, March 25, 4 - 5 p.m.
Pinecrest Branch Library

Friday, March 29, 4 - 5 p.m.
Model City Branch Library

 

Golden Bangles Hidden Tears

Explore our Online Library

Staff Picks

In this month's Staff Picks for Kids, enjoy stories honoring the extraordinary lives and accomplishments of women from diverse backgrounds and eras, each leaving a lasting impact on our nation's history and culture.

The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music

Written by Roberta Flack with Tonya Bolden, Illustrated by Hayden Goodman

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen

Written by Charles R. Smith Jr., Illustrated by Charlot Kristensen

The Astronaut with A Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa

Written by Julia Finley Mosca, Illustrated by Daniel Rieley


Calendar of Events


Spring into fun for the whole family at the Library! We've got egg hunts and crafts for the little ones, plus fitness classes and exciting surprises in store all month long. Hop on over and take a “peep” at what we have planned!

In addition to the programs highlighted here, you can also 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.

Browse the Calendar of Events
Easter egg broken in half revealing an MDPLS library card inside

Springtime Crafts in Bloom

Spring is in the air! Enjoy an arts and crafts session making beautiful butterfly and flower creations. Registration is required. Ages 5 - 12 years.

Friday, March 22, 4 - 5 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library


Craft Your Stress Away

Participate in a hands-on craft activity to help relieve stress, calm your brain and relax your body. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.

Monday, March 25, Noon - 1 p.m.
Westchester Library Health & Wellness Information Center


ForeverFit! - Fitness Classes for the Ageless

Get moving with this heart-pumping workout that blends the upbeat rhythms of Zumba with the fluid movements of Tai Chi. Ages 55 years and up.

Wednesday, March 27, 11 a.m. - Noon
Arcola Lakes Branch Library


Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza!

Have an eggs-tra special time with family and friends as you hunt for eggs and enjoy spring-themed stories, food and festive activities. All ages.

Saturday, March 30, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Kendale Lakes Branch Library