Celebrate Older Americans Month With the Library! 👴
May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of older adults across the nation and in our community. This year’s theme is Powered by Connection, which highlights the positive and profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on health and well-being.
From art programs and exercise classes to book clubs and job workshops, join us for a variety of engaging special programs and events that foster connection, creativity and fun. Check out some upcoming events we have planned below.
If you can’t make it to the Library, we offer several services and resources to help keep you connected. Our Connections Home Library Service mails free materials with return postage for those unable to leave their homes due to physical limitations, illness, disabilities or transportation issues. Additionally, our Braille & Talking Books Library provides audio and Braille books and magazines free by mail for those who have difficulty using printed books because of blindness or visual, physical or reading disabilities.
For a full list of resources, programs, recommended reads and more, visit www.mdpls.org/older-americans-month.
Painting with an Artist 🎨
Enjoy an art class taught by a professional artist! Participants will receive guidance and all the necessary tools to create their own artwork. Registration is required. Ages 55 years and up.
Monday, May 6, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library
Thursday, May 9, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
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Flowerpot Painting 💐
Learn tips and tricks to paint your own flowerpot, plus receive a flower seed packet to start growing your own blooms at home. Registration is required. Ages 55 years and up.
Saturday, May 11, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Main Library
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Friendship Through Flowers 🌷
Discover the beauty of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, by creating a stunning Ikebana arrangement. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 55 years and up.
Tuesday, May 14, 2 - 4 p.m.
Miami Springs Branch Library
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RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Achieve Your Academic and Life Goals with Peterson's Test Prep 🍎
Take your academic and career potential to the next level with Peterson’s Test Prep presented by Gale, a free online resource that provides a wealth of educational and employment tools to help you succeed.
From preparing for college entry exams and vocational and U.S. citizenship tests to exploring thousands of colleges and universities, finding scholarships, discovering job opportunities, building resumes and more, Peterson's Test Prep supports you at every step of your academic and professional journey.
Take charge of your future today! Access Peterson’s Test Prep online anytime, free with your library card.
To view additional helpful resources, visit www.mdpls.org/learning.
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SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
Turn Your Business Dreams Into Reality at the STRIVE305 Small Business Expo 🤝
Calling all aspiring and established entrepreneurs! The Miami-Dade County STRIVE305 Small Business Expo is your one-stop shop to propel your business forward.
Network with entrepreneurs and industry experts, tap into free resources and learn how to:
- Incorporate your business
- Apply for credit and loan applications
- Find funding sources
- Access government contracts
- Elevate your marketing strategies
- …and much more!
Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. - 2 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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Community Event
Seeking Answers, Bringing Hope: Missing & Unidentified Persons Event 🔍
The Miami-Dade Police Department's Special Victims Bureau and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Department are joining forces to host an important community event for families and individuals concerned about missing or unidentified persons.
Meet and speak with law enforcement officials, forensic investigators and representatives from various municipal police agencies. View unidentified composite sketches, submit new information on missing person cases, learn about resources for persons with autism and dementia and much more.
Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Florida International University
Ernest R. Graham Center
10955 SW 15 Terrace
Miami, FL 33199
Free parking and refreshments will be available.
For more information, click here.
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ART AT THE LIBRARY
Experience a World of Art & Poetry with Artist Daniel Medina 👨🎨
Dive deep into your emotions with Yūgen, a thought-provoking exhibit that seamlessly weaves American Pop Haiku quotes and paintings into beautiful expression, on view at North Dade Regional Library through Thursday, June 13.
Meet artist Daniel Medina for an engaging reception featuring live music and a special performance by the avant-garde jazz group ATOMIC THEATRE. You won't want to miss this profound experience exploring themes of nostalgia and our connection to the world around us.
Artist Talk & Reception
Friday, May 3, 2 - 4 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
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community Event
Celebrate Our Community’s Cultural Diversity During a Free Family Fun Day Event 🍥
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture at HistoryMiami Museum's Family Fun Day! Enjoy a free event packed with music, dance classes and demonstrations, origami, Ikebana flower arranging and other fun activities and presentations.
Make sure to stop by the Main Library for special children's storytimes, musical performances, a Tai Chi sword demo, calligraphy and more!
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
HistoryMiami Museum
101 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33130
For more information and to register, click here.
Presented in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board and the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
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Employee Spotlight
Montgomery Lopez is Making a POW-erful Impact in the Community 🦸♂️
Montgomery Lopez's infectious enthusiasm for comic books and all things entertainment extends throughout his work at the Library. Before moving to Miami in 1992, Montgomery worked at a commercial production company in New York. Upon moving to South Florida, he began working at a Borders bookstore, where his love for stories and fostering connections was born.
In 2006, Montgomery joined the Library as a page and currently serves as both assistant manager and young adult librarian at the Coral Reef Branch Library, connecting patrons with the perfect story or latest sci-fi flick, while also developing engaging programs that incorporate new technologies.
What inspired you to pursue a Library career?
When I worked at Borders, I absolutely loved being surrounded by books, especially the graphic novel section. I got to host fun in-store programs, like a mini–Star Trek convention! That experience really stuck with me. Once I started as a page at the Miami Lakes Branch Library, the manager at the time discovered my love for Star Trek and asked me to coordinate a library event. It was after that event that my connection to libraries was solidified.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
I'm passionate about sharing new media and stories with patrons. Throughout my years working at various branches, curating the graphic novel collections has been the most rewarding part. This year, Free Comic Book Day falls on Star Wars Day (May 4th) – a match made in geek heaven! Witnessing the excitement children have for these events fuels my passion to ignite a new generation's love of comics.
Speaking of Star Wars Day, which film from the Star Wars saga resonates most with you? May the Force guide your answer.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the original film. I was 10 years old when I first saw it in theaters back in 1977. It wasn't just a movie to me - it was a launching pad for my imagination.
Are you working on any new/upcoming projects?
I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be participating in a special exhibition at the 2024 Florida Library Association (FLA) Conference next month! The FLA is a nonprofit organization that advocates and supports libraries throughout Florida. My exhibit will highlight the exciting potential of 3D scanning and printing to transform board game experiences.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I’m very hands-on and like to create things in different mediums, including action figure photography (using action figures as models to create miniature scenes), origami crafts and podcasting. I also enjoy running - I completed a half marathon in 2013 and a full one in 2014.
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FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL
Celebrate Creativity at the 18th Annual All Kids Included Family Arts Festival 🥳
Experience a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion at the 18th Annual All Kids Included (AKI) Family Arts Festival, a free community event bringing children and families together for an immersive and engaging experience featuring interactive art activities, live performances, free giveaways, community resources for caregivers and more.
The winners of the 2024 AKI Student Art Competition will be announced at the festival. Click here to view a highlight of this year's entries recently showcased at the Main Library.
Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center
10950 SW 211 St.
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
Don’t forget to visit the Library's table to sign up for a library card and learn more about our sensory-friendly programs and resources.
Presented by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and The Moss Center with support from The Children’s Trust.
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Free Comic book day
Don't Miss Out on Free Comic Book Day at the Library! 💥
Readers of all ages - assemble! Grab a free comic book on Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 4, at any participating library location. Whether you're a loyal reader or just starting your comic journey, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
After picking up a free comic, be sure to explore the Library's expansive collection of comics, graphic novels and manga, available for free with your library card.
To view the full list of library locations participating in the festivities, click here.
Comic books provided by Diamond Comic Distributors. (Available while supplies last.)
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MDPLS Local Author Series
A Window into Haitian Life: Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with Author Lyonel Gerdes 📔
Discover how author Lyonel Gerdes overcame adversity growing up in Haiti during the 1960s and 70s as he presents his captivating memoir, Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Duvaliers’ Pax Haitiana Dynasty & My Coming of Age in the Time of Compas Direct and Mini Jazz. Following the event, enjoy live traditional Haitian music. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.
Friday, May 3, 4 - 6 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
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MDPLS LOcal Author Series
A Story of Perseverance: One Egg Basket with Sadrul Fasihi 💪
Be inspired to face life's challenges head-on as local author Sadrul Fasihi presents his remarkable memoir, One Egg Basket, recounting his upbringing as a Pakistani immigrant and how he found success against all odds. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Saturday, May 18, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
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Star Wars Collection
May the 4th be with you this Star Wars Day! Celebrate the beloved sci-fi saga by delving into our vast physical collection of Star Wars media, including movies, books and video games, available for free with your library card.
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Exciting events await you at the Library! From creating festive and heartfelt crafts to meeting professionals in the film industry and more, there’s always something to spark your curiosity and fuel your imagination.
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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Mini Hat and Piñata Craft
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by creating traditional and festive mini hats and piñatas. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 6 - 11 years.
Thursday, May 2, 4 - 5 p.m.
Hialeah Gardens Branch Library
GeekFest @ the Library: Meet Special Effects Makeup Artist Bobbie Weiner
Meet renowned Hollywood special effects makeup artist Bobbie "Bloody Mary" Weiner and learn about her career working in the film and television industry. Stick around for a live movie makeup transformation and a behind-the-scenes look at the artist's incredible process! All ages.
Saturday, May 4, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
Mother's Day: DIY Perfume Craft
Create a unique fragrance that captures your mom or mother figure in your life's essence and beauty. Materials will be provided (while supplies last). Ages 8 - 12 years.
Wednesday, May 8, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Edison Center Branch Library
AV CLUB: Meet the Filmmaker!
Join us as local filmmaker Diana Larrea screens and discusses her short film, Querido Pequeño Haiti, a visual love letter to the rapidly changing neighborhood of Little Haiti. Plus, view and discuss related curated titles from the Library’s 16mm film collection. All ages.
Saturday, May 18, 3 - 5 p.m.
Main Library
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