Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with the Library! 🎉
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the Library invites individuals of all abilities to join us for a variety of special sensory-friendly programs and events. From engaging stories and storytimes for children and families to crafts, music programs and more, explore and discover resources that help foster a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Did you know we have Sensory Kits available for in-house use by people of all ages at each of our library locations? The kits contain items that can help create a calming and soothing effect, including fidget strings, squeezable toys and more. Noise reducing ear muffs are also available. Simply ask any staff member to borrow one.
Planning to visit us soon? Prepare your loved one for a fun trip to library with our customized social narratives for each of our library locations.
For more information, recommended reads and more, visit www.mdpls.org/AutismAcceptance.
The Miami-Dade Public Library System proud to be recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD).
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arts & Crafts
Let Your Imagination Soar with Puppets Galore! 🎨
Enjoy a collection of whimsical short films that celebrate touch and sound, followed by a hands-on art exploration and puppetry demo. Registration is required. All ages.
Thursday, April 25, 5 - 6 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
Saturday, April 27, 2 - 3 p.m.
Palm Springs North Branch Library
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MDPLS Virtual Author Series
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism with Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer🦓
Join authors Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer as they share their heartwarming story about a young Zebra with autism as he learns to embrace his individuality. After the reading, stay for an art activity inspired by the book. Registration is required. Ages 4 - 7 years old.
Saturday, April 27, 2 - 3 p.m.
Register Online
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Storytime
SENSE-sational Storytime - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Presented by Kiddz Sense 📚
Explore your senses as you listen through a whisper-ma-phone and travel through grickle grass and truffula trees to discover the story of The Lorax in this interactive storytime. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. All ages.
Tuesday, April 30, 10 - 11 a.m.
Naranja Branch Library
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Employment opportunities
Opportunities Await You at the 305 Second Chance Job and Resource Expo 💼
Looking for a fresh start? Join Miami-Dade County, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and CareerSource South Florida for the 305 Second Chance Job and Resource Expo.
This free event connects formerly incarcerated individuals to job opportunities with government and private sector employers, educational and vocational training information, voter rights restoration and much more.
More than 50 employers and providers will be in attendance. Don't forget to bring copies of your résumé!
Thursday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Main Library
Click here for more information.
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SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
Help Your Business Thrive with the STRIVE305 Small Business Expo 🤝
Looking to start a business or grow an established one? You can make your small business dreams a reality by attending the Miami-Dade County STRIVE305 Small Business Expo!
Access free resources and enjoy a day of learning and networking with other entrepreneurs, professionals and resource providers on a variety of topics, including:
- Incorporation
- Credit and loan applications
- Funding sources
- Government contracts
- Marketing
- …and much more!
Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
To register for this free event, click here.
Ages 19 years and up.
Presented in partnership with Miami-Dade County’s STRIVE305 Small Business Initiative, a program of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
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business resources
Learn the ABC's of Becoming a County Vendor 🤝
Are you a local business or freelancer looking to work with Miami-Dade County? Attend a free Vendor Registration Bootcamp and learn the ropes of becoming a County vendor!
Learn step-by-step how the County's vendor registration process works to make sure you are ready to participate on County contracts. This event is designed for businesses not currently registered as a vendor with Miami-Dade County.
Friday, April 19, 1 - 3 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
For more information and to register, visit www.miamidade.gov/vendorbootcamp.
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financial literacy for teens
Boost Your Financial Know-How with a Free Challenge! 💰
Calling all students in grades 7-12! Enjoy a fun day building your financial know-how by participating in a free Bank of America Financial Literacy Challenge Workshop presented in collaboration with Miami-Dade County District 7 Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado.
Students will learn how to manage their personal expenses, make financial decisions and more. Participants will receive community service hours and earn the chance to win cash prizes.
Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pinecrest Branch Library
To learn more about the challenge and to register, click here.
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Adult literacy
Help Change a Life: Become a Project L.E.A.D. Tutor 👨🏫
Interested in becoming a Project L.E.A.D. (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade) volunteer tutor? Join us for an informative workshop designed to equip you with the necessary tools to teach reading and writing skills to adults with low literacy. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
The Miami-Dade Public Library System's Project L.E.A.D. program offers free, one-on-one confidential tutoring taught by volunteers to help adults with low literacy improve their reading and writing skills.
For more information, visit www.mdpls.org/project-lead.
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library renovations & improvements
Exciting Upgrades Ahead: We’re Improving Your Library! 🚧
We wanted to let know about some upcoming Miami-Dade Public Library System renovation and improvement projects.
Beginning Monday, April 29, 2024, the Lemon City Branch Library will be closed for extensive interior and exterior renovations for approximately 10 months. The improvements include:
- New furniture with USB & device charging ports
- New energy-efficient LED lighting & fixtures
- Updated electrical & additional outlets
- New data wiring throughout the branch
- New energy-efficient “cool roof” & impact-resistant windows & doors
- Addition of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- New concrete sidewalks, stairs & ADA ramp with aluminum handrails
- New LED parking lot lighting; parking lot resurfacing & drainage improvements
Additionally, starting Friday, May 10, 2024, the Sunset Branch Library will be closed for approximately 30 days to complete an interior improvement project. This includes removing the existing flooring, installing new flooring and repainting the interior walls.
We apologize for any inconvenience as we make improvements to serve you even better.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact CustomerCare@mdpls.org.
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Employee Spotlight
Congratulations to Patrick Noel for 30 Years of Library Service! 👏
Patrick Noel is devoted to serving the residents of Miami-Dade County. In fact, he was recently recognized for 30 years of dedicated service with the Miami-Dade Public Library System. His Library career began in 1991, when he worked as a security guard at the Allapattah Branch Library. It was there that he had the opportunity to witness firsthand how fulfilling a career as a librarian could be.
Patrick currently serves as manager of the North Dade Regional Library, overseeing all aspects of library operations and helping patrons connect with library resources and programs.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
I genuinely love empowering people through knowledge. Whether it's helping someone learn a new language or navigate a complex topic, knowing I'm contributing to a more informed and skilled community is incredibly fulfilling.
What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
Witnessing the impact of my contributions to public service and community engagement on patrons' learning journeys is incredibly rewarding. Their success is the most meaningful achievement I could have ever hoped for.
What was the last book or eBook you read, and what did you think of it?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. I’m always looking for ways to improve myself professionally and this book was a great tool in achieving some of my goals. I highly recommend it for those looking to grow in their personal development and want to learn how to be more productive.
Do you have a favorite Library program or event?
Every Halloween, our branch orchestrates an elaborate haunted house that is very popular with patrons. We also hold lots of fun not-so-scary stories events around that time as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
In my leisure time, I enjoy playing soccer, running and exercising daily.
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Art at the Library
Technology Meets Poetry: Discover the Enchanting Power of Wish-a-Poem 🌟
Experience Technically Poetic: Wish-a-Poem, an interactive installation inviting patrons to participate in the co-creation of a poem by rubbing a magic lamp to conjure up AI generated verses, on view at the Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library and Westchester and Miami Beach Regional Libraries through Wednesday, May 8.
Join us at the Wish-A-Poem opening reception to meet artist, poet, and coder Yucef Merhi, and discover more about this captivating installation that unites poetry and technology.
Monday, April 22, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
Exhibition made possible with funding provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and presented in partnership with O, Miami.
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community engagement
Announcing the Winners of Our 2024 Make A Bookmark Contest! 🏆
Drumroll, please! Please join us in congratulating the talented artists behind the winning designs of our 2024 Make A Bookmark Contest: Ryan Cocopardo (5 years and under), Alma Rodriguez (6-11 years), Natalia de la Rosa (12-18 years) and Vanessa Grijalba (19 years and up).
Library Director Ray Baker announced the winners and finalists - who received gift cards to local art stores as prizes - and revealed the winning designs on Saturday, April 13 in a special ceremony at the Main Library.
The winning designs will be reproduced and made available at all library locations beginning next week.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Your creativity and designs were truly inspiring.
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MDPLS LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES
Medieval Magic: Embark on an Epic Quest with Local Author C.V. Shaw 👑
Enter a world of royal magic and mystery set in medieval sixteenth-century England as local author C.V. Shaw presents her debut novel The Spell, a captivating tale of a king's quest to save his family and kingdom. Registration is required. Ages 16 years and up.
Saturday, April 20, 3 - 4 p.m.
Kendall Branch Library
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MDPLS Local Author Series
Feast on a Fun Family Story With Local Author Sita Singh 🥭
Experience a mango-licious storytime with local author Sita Singh as she reads her whimsical children's book Mango Memories, a celebration of family, generational traditions and of course, mangos! After the reading, enjoy a fun craft activity. Registration is required. Ages 4 - 8 years.
Saturday, April 27, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
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Staff Picks
In this month's Staff Picks for Kids, celebrate Earth Month with a collection of stories emphasizing the significance of nurturing and protecting our planet! These tales will leave young readers with a deeper appreciation for Earth's wonders and inspire them to support its preservation for years to come.
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Written by Marion Dane Bauer, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
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Written by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
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Written by Shaunna and John Stith, Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga
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We have a month packed with fantastic events at the Library! From sharpening your chess skills to unleashing your inner thespian, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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.
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Chess Clubs @ the Library
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced expert, hone your skills and learn a few new tricks about this game of strategy. All ages.
Mondays - Saturdays, Times Vary
View Participating Locations
From the Page to the Stage Theatre Workshop
Shine in the spotlight! Participate in an interactive theatre workshop and acquire skills in improvisation, expressive movement, public speaking, audition techniques and more! Ages 13 years and up.
Friday, April 19 & 26, 4 - 5 p.m.
Arcola Lakes Branch Library
GeekFest @ the Library: Anime and Comics Drawing Workshop
Learn techniques and drawing methods from published comic book artist and cover illustrator Kenny Calderon. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 12 years and up.
Saturday, April 27, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
Learn with Shakespeare
Join Dr. Lillian Schanfield, Professor Emerita of English at Barry University, to explore and discuss the vast wisdom, poetry and quotes of William Shakespeare. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.
Tuesday, April 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
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