Get Ready for Our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! 📚
The Miami-Dade Public Library System invites you to join our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. Read, learn and engage with your local library and community – and have the opportunity to win great prizes!
Starting June 1 through August 14, readers of all ages can sign up for the challenge and embark on a journey filled with exciting tales and fun events. This year’s theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library, celebrates the thrill of discovering new worlds through reading. Every 30 minutes spent reading or listening to a book earns you an entry into our prize drawing. Attending any library programs or events gets you extra chances to win! Prizes include Miami Marlins Clubhouse Tickets and Batting Practice Passes, a Frost Science Museum family membership, gift cards and more.
Summer is an ideal time to build good reading habits and explore new interests – and for students to prevent the "summer slide," the loss of knowledge and achievement gains made during the school year. Embrace the freedom of summer, keep your mind active and let your imagination soar with every page you turn.
For more information, visit www.mdpls.org/2024SummerReading. Registration opens June 1. Sign up and start preparing for your adventure today!
And don't forget to join us for our upcoming Summer Reading Challenge kick-off events and fun programs all summer long.
 |
|
Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza 🎉
Enjoy an afternoon of exciting events and activities for the whole family, including a wildlife show, drumming program, storytimes, arts and crafts and more! All ages.
Saturday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Westchester Regional Library
|
Adventures in Magic 🎇
Join magician Brent Gregory for an interactive show that combines mind-bending magic with comedy. All ages.
Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. - Noon
Arcola Lakes Branch Library
|
|
 |
 |
|
Wildlife Show 🦅
Adventure begins at your library with the ultimate animal encounter! Meet a variety of friendly critters during this presentation led by an experienced animal trainer. All ages.
Saturday, June 8, 2 - 3 p.m.
Coconut Grove Branch Library
|
|
|
|
SALES TAX HOLIDAY
Save Money on Essential Supplies During the Disaster
Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
🌀
Florida's hurricane season is upon us, and we all need to be prepared. Save money by taking advantage of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday starting Saturday, June 1 through Friday, June 14. During this two-week period, you can buy a variety of disaster preparedness items without paying any sales tax including:
- Flashlights and lanterns ($40 or less)
- Reusable ice ($20 or less)
- Radios ($50 or less)
- Batteries and fuel tanks ($50 or less)
- Generators ($3,000 or less)
- And more!
Click here for a complete list of tax-exempt items.
For more disaster preparedness tips, check out the Miami-Dade County Hurricane Readiness Guide online or pick up a free copy at any Miami-Dade Public Library System location.
|
 |
|
|
|
small business workshop
Be Prepared: Free Disaster Recovery Workshop for Small Businesses 💲
Is your business disaster-ready? Join the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management for a free workshop designed specifically for small businesses.
Participants will learn essential tips on disaster recovery, including information about Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan programs, available Miami-Dade County resources, insurance tips, networking opportunities and more.
Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your business’s resilience and preparedness!
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. - Noon
South Dade Regional Library
|
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS grants
Grow Your Business Faster: Apply for Grants Today 📈
Looking to grow or enhance your small business? Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) is offering two grant programs for minority-owned small businesses in Miami-Dade County:
-
2024 Q2 Minority Small Business Capitalization Program provides $5,000 to businesses established for at least three years.
-
2024 Business Resource and Education Grant offers $2,500 to start-ups established six months to two years.
For more information on grant applications, eligible uses of funds and to register for an Access Granted workshop, click here.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Resource spotlight
Land Your Dream Job: Discover Millions of Job Opportunities with Reference Solutions 💼
Did you know that with your library card you can access over 7 million job postings across the U.S.? Reference Solutions U.S. Jobs/Internships database, now powered by ZipRecruiter, is your one-stop shop for launching a successful job search!
Refine your search by location, salary and job title and get matched with the perfect opportunity. Plus, you'll find helpful resources like resume writing guides, cover letter templates and interview tips.
With Reference Solutions, you can also explore a vast U.S. business database and access White Pages to conduct thorough market research – all the tools you need to explore business opportunities or research potential employers in depth.
Click here to get started.
|
Community Resource
Helping Hands for Homeowners: Apply for Mortgage Relief 🏠
The Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department's Mortgage Relief Program is providing support for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments and/or utility bills.
The program offers eligible residents up to $3,500 per household towards late mortgage payments, HOA fees, homeowner's insurance and utility bills.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, documents needed and to apply, click here.
|
|
 |
 |
|
MDPLS POETRY SERIES
*Snap, Snap*: Lunchtime Poetry & Jazz at the Library 🎷
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of rhythms and rhymes as poets Jubi Arriola-Headley and Yaddyra Peralta read their poetry while accompanied by the Diego Melgar Jazz Trio. All ages.
Thursday, June 6, Noon - 1 p.m.
Main Library
Hosted by Miami-Dade County Poetry Ambassador Nicole Tallman and Library Curator and Poet Oscar Fuentes.
|
music at the Library
Music Meets Philosophy: Enjoy a Free-Flowing Recital at the Library 🎵
Experience a world of boundless creativity at The Thousand Plateaus Recital: The Music of ATOMIC THEATRE, an evening of free-flowing, improvised music inspired by the work and ideas of French philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari.
You won't want to miss this transcendent performance celebrating the power of pure inspiration. All ages.
Thursday, June 6, 6 - 7 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
|
|
 |
 |
|
environment & resilience
Discover Biscayne Bay’s Impact on Our Ecosystem With Climate of Art 🌊
Dive into Biscayne Bay's numerous wonders with the Library's award-winning Climate of Art program. This inspiring initiative uses art as a tool for environmental awareness, fostering greater community engagement and advocacy.
This year's theme, Beyond the Surface – A Deep Dive into Water, celebrates the vital role Biscayne Bay plays in our ecosystem. Join us for captivating art workshops, meet environmental artists and much more, culminating in a grand exhibition at the Miami Beach Regional Library on August 24.
To learn more about Climate of Art and view the full list of upcoming events, click here.
|
 |
Employee Spotlight
Javier Corredor is Leaving a Positive Mark on the Community 📕
Kendall Branch Library manager Javier Corredor loves to share his passion for learning and libraries with the community. Before joining the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 2005, he worked as a graphic designer in Colombia. After moving to the U.S., he pursued studies in library science and earned multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and in Spanish Literature. Javier has since served in various library roles across the country before finally settling in South Florida.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
Definitely collaborating with our team. It's incredibly inspiring to see the passion our team members bring to the table. Fostering an environment where they feel empowered to explore new ideas and develop professionally is a key focus. After all, when our team thrives, the Library thrives! Their growth fuels innovative programs and services that benefit the entire community.
What is your favorite Library resource?
Books! I have a deep passion for printed books. Reading a book is a profound pleasure and immersing yourself in its pages is a truly wonderful experience. I believe that books are one of the greatest resources that libraries around the world offer.
What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
I just finished reading Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, which chronicles the Pacific War during World War II. I appreciate O'Reilly's approach to history, as his narrative style is both engaging and insightful. His storytelling is so compelling that I found it difficult to put the book down. O'Reilly's ability to bring historical events to life makes this book a fascinating read.
Do you have a favorite Library program or event?
Children's programs, especially storytimes, are a highlight for me. It's encouraging to see children's eyes widen with wonder as they engage with the stories. Knowing the Library is contributing to their lifelong learning journeys and love for reading is greatly rewarding.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I'm a language enthusiast, constantly expanding my horizons beyond English and Spanish. I also enjoy fishing on the weekends. There's nothing quite like the tranquility of casting a line and enjoying the peace of nature.
|
 |
 |
|
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Sharpen Your Skills & Earn College Credit: Free Summer Program for Middle & High School Students 🏫
Attention middle and high school students! Want to get a head start on college and explore exciting STEM careers? Then check out the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus' free Generation FINN Dual Enrollment Summer Program.
Learn about exciting areas in STEM with hands-on activities, earn six college credits and you may even qualify for a $350 stipend!
Monday, June 17 - Thursday, July 25
Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus
300 NE 2 Avenue
Miami, FL 33132
To learn more and to register, click here.
|
LIFELONG LEARNING
Mark Your Calendars: Adult Learning Academy Summer 2024 Semester Coming Soon 📓
Registration for the Library’s Adult Learning Academy Summer 2024 semester opens Monday, June 3!
Enhance your English and Spanish language skills at any level and prepare for the U.S. citizenship test with free online and in-person evening courses taught by certified teachers. Classes span 10 weeks and will run from July 1 through September 9. Available to Miami-Dade residents ages 18 years and up.
For more information and to register, visit www.mdpls.org/AdultLearning.
|
|
 |
 |
|
MDPLS LOcal Author Series
The Power of Perspective: Become an Overcomer with Local Author R.J. McLean 💪
Discover how to cultivate optimism, build confidence and achieve your goals as local author R.J. McLean presents his inspiring book I Am the Product of Better Days: A Collection of Poetry, Parables and Perspective on How to Have a Positive Outlook on Life. Registration is required. Ages 16 years and up.
Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. - Noon
West Kendall Regional Library
|
MDPLS Local Author Series
Unwind and Experience Inner Calm: Enjoy a Relaxing Storytime with Marian de Diego Quintero 🐞
Learn breathing exercises to soothe your body and mind as local author and yoga teacher Marian de Diego Quintero presents her charming picture book Rita. The Angry Ladybug. After the reading, enjoy an art activity inspired by the book. Registration is required. Ages 3 years and up.
Thursday, June 6, 4 - 5 p.m.
Pinecrest Branch Library
|
|
 |
DIGITAL MUSIC
Whether you want to grill and chill, get beachy or make your own summer soundtrack, create your dream summer playlist with Freegal Music. Stream or download millions of songs and music videos, including chart-topping hits, 24/7, free with your library card!
|
|
|
Beat the heat and ignite your imagination at the Library! From crafting vibrant masterpieces to friendly board game battles and more, join us for lots of laughter, learning and a dash of healthy competition all summer long.
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.
|
Summer-Themed Arts & Crafts
Dive into summer fun and craft a cool collage brimming with beach vibes. All materials will be provided. Ages 5 years and up.
Friday, May 31, 4 - 5 p.m.
South Dade Regional Library
Have a ball and be amazed during this fun-filled juggling performance! All ages.
Saturday, June 8, 2 - 3 p.m.
Virrick Park Branch Library
All A-board! Board Game Bash
Escape the sun and join the family fun! Bring your loved ones and play a variety of board games at the library. All ages.
Tuesday, June 11, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
Mahjong for Older Adults
Put your strategic thinking to the test with a friendly game of mahjong, a classic Chinese tile-based game that combines skill and chance. Ages 55 years and up.
Wednesdays, June 12 - August 14
10 a.m. - Noon
Pinecrest Branch Library
Presented by the Village of Pinecrest Parks and Recreation Department.
|
|
|
|
|
