Get Ahead for the Next School Year with Free Summer Tutoring
at the Library 🍎
School's out and summer is here, but learning doesn't have to take a vacation! Students can keep their brains sharp during the summer break with free in-person tutoring at their local library.
From June 15 through August 10, the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Homework Help & Tutoring Program will offer free, one-hour group tutoring sessions in reading, math and science for students in grades K-12. The sessions, led by certified teachers, will take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 29 library locations. It's a great way for students to stay engaged and strengthen their academic skills during the summer, helping prevent the "summer slide" – the loss of knowledge and achievement gains made during the previous school year.
To view the full list of participating branches, access helpful resources and for more information, visit www.mdpls.org/tutor.
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Summer reading
Don’t Forget to Sign Up for Our 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! 📚
The Library's 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is officially underway! Book lovers of all ages can join the fun and sign up for a chance to win great prizes anytime through August 12.
First time participating in the challenge? It's simple. Here's what you need to know:
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Read: Every 30 minutes you spend reading or listening to a book earns you an entry into the prize drawing. The more you read, the greater your chances of winning!
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Attend Events: Boost your entries by participating in all kinds of library programs, events and activities throughout the summer.
Visit www.mdpls.org/2024SummerReading to sign up and learn more or visit any Miami-Dade Public Library System location.
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writing workshop
Sharpen Your Legal Writing Skills This Summer ✍
Join Dwayne Robinson, former Reporter and former Appellate Law Clerk for the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, for a comprehensive legal writing workshop at the Library.
Designed for law students, summer associates and pro se litigants, this event is the perfect opportunity to enhance your legal writing skills. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required.
Tuesday, June 18, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Main Library
Presented by the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association.
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ONLINE Genealogy EVENT
Uncover Your Caribbean Roots with Genealogist Irisneri Alicea Flores 🔍
Do you have family from Cuba, Puerto Rico or another Spanish-speaking Caribbean island? Join genealogist Irisneri Alicea Flores to learn about resources that can help you trace your lineage and research your family's history. Registration is required. Ages 12 years and up.
Saturday, June 22, 2 - 3 p.m.
Register Online
Presented by the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Special Collections & Archives Division.
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early literacy
Receive Free Books with The Children's Trust Book Club! 📖
Ignite a love of reading in your little ones by signing up for The Children's Trust Book Club! Receive free, developmentally appropriate books for newborns and children up to 5 years old delivered straight to your door.
Book Club members will receive a new book in English or Spanish every month chosen by early education professionals along with a guide for parents with activities, information and suggestions on how to share the book with your child.
To learn more and sign up, click here.
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resource spotlight
Master New Languages with Mango Languages 🗣
Brush up on your language skills or learn a new one for your upcoming international getaway with Mango Languages, your free one-stop shop for mastering the basics and advanced phrases of over 71 languages, including French, Italian, Spanish and many more!
Mango Languages personalizes your learning journey with interactive lessons, conversations voiced by native speakers and spaced repetition exercises to reinforce what you learn.
Click here to get started and discover a world of possibilities!
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In the Spotlight
Meet the New President of the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library 🤝
Join us in welcoming Marlynne Schwartz as the new president of the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the Library through awareness, advocacy and fundraising.
Marylynne, a passionate advocate for library services, fondly recalls the library as a place that has always been a vital part of her life. Now, she's bringing that passion to the Friends.
What experiences with libraries led you to want to take on such an important volunteer role in supporting the Miami-Dade Public Library System?
The library is a place that has always met me where I am in my life. As a kid, I remember the library as an oasis where I could not only check out books but access the internet (a novelty at the time!). As I got older, the library meant researching school papers and getting help with my homework. When my daughters were young, we spent countless hours at storytimes and perusing the children’s section. I would check out 20+ children’s books at a time and be relieved to read them something other than Goodnight Moon for the thousandth time. Now that my kids are a little older, I still visit the library once a week to pick up my holds and we make a monthly family trip for the kids to be able to select their own books. The library has given me so much and I know that I have only used a small fraction of its incredible resources. I chose to volunteer in this role because I value that Miami-Dade Public Libraries serves everyone at all points in their lives.
What do you hope to accomplish as the new President of the Friends?
I want to reinvigorate the Friends to serve as a formidable advocacy and fundraising organization for the Library. I plan to improve our digital footprint, while also growing our real-life presence through events and opportunities for engagement.
What is your favorite Library service or resource that we offer and which is your go-to library location?
I’m a big fan of the digital resources. I love being able to checkout and download an audiobook straight from Libby by Overdrive and be listening to it within seconds. Additionally, the Library's free mobile app is seamless. I am constantly adding books to my hold list, and then running to my local branch to pick them up. My go-to library location is the Pinecrest Branch – they make everything so easy! When I just want to pick up my holds and go, I’m in and out in two minutes, but when I want to browse, it’s a beautifully curated and cozy space to get lost in.
How long has the Friends organization existed and where can people get more information?
The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library has been around since the 1970s but is currently in a rebuilding phase. We know that there is a lot of room to grow and are looking for people who want to be involved. For more information about the Friends, please visit www.friendsofmdpl.org or email me directly at Friends@friendsofmdpl.org.
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community event
Join Us at the Miami Dade College Finn-Con Anime & Gaming Expo! 🎮
Get your game on at the annual Finn-Con@MDC Expo and enjoy gaming sessions, tournaments, anime, cosplay, scavenger hunts and more during this free event.
Saturday, June 15, 1 - 9 p.m.
Miami Dade College - North Campus
11380 NW 27th Ave, Building 2 & 5
Miami, FL 33167
And don't forget to stop by our table to sign up for a library card, make fun crafts and learn about our many resources and services.
For more information and to reserve your free tickets, click here.
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library makerspaces
Create & Collaborate at the Library's YOUmedia and YOUmake Miami Makerspaces 💻
Access a world of innovation and creation at the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s YOUmedia Miami and YOUmake Miami makerspaces!
These vibrant hubs offer teens, young children and adults the chance to explore emerging technologies and develop skills in podcasting, film and music production, photography, graphic design, 3D printing and much more.
Expand your digital media literacy at one of our upcoming workshops. Click the links below to view the full list. Start creating today!
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Enjoy Engaging Author Events at the Library!
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Experience a Story of Fortitude and Resilience with Author Alvin Hayes 💪
Step into a journey of strength and resilience as author Alvin Hayes presents his historical fiction novel If Cotton Could Talk, a gripping tale that explores how enslaved people and slave owners chose different paths in preparation for freedom two years before Juneteenth (June 19, 1865).
A Q&A session will follow the author's presentation. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Saturday, June 15, 2 - 3 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
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Enjoy an Inspirational Artist's Story with Author Carole Sarkan 👩🎨
Join author Carole Sarkan for a heartfelt reading of her book Aunt Mary's Pottery, an inspiring story about her late aunt Mary Grabill who, despite having arthritis and polio, became a prominent ceramics artist. After the reading, enjoy a craft activity inspired by the story. Registration is required. Ages 5 years and up.
Tuesday, June 18, 5 - 6 p.m.
Coconut Grove Branch Library
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Explore American Social Literature with Local Author William Castano-Bedoya 📚
Dive into a compelling tale as local author William Castano-Bedoya presents his book, We the Other People: The Beggars of the Mercury Lights, a poignant story of a family grappling with poverty and societal neglect, raising important questions about political power and the human cost of hardship. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Wednesday, June 26, 6 - 8 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
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Staff picks
In this month's Staff Picks for Kids, enjoy a selection of stories about the love, care and compassion shared between children, adults and their caregivers. Sit back, cuddle up and experience these touching stories that will surely warm your heart.
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Written by Francie Latour, Illustrated by Ken Daley
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Written by Elle Duncan, Illustrated by Laura Freeman
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Written by Su-an Lee, Illustrated by So-ra Kim
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Join us at the Library for fun-filled activities all summer long! Honor your dad or father figure in your life with Father's Day celebrations, meet an Everglades National Park ranger, participate in creative craft sessions and more. Whatever you decide, your local library is your destination to make this summer one for the books!
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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Father's Day Celebration! 🍩
Celebrate Father's Day with donuts, coffee and crafts! Enjoy a yummy snack and create a heartfelt gift with your dad or father figure in your life. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 6 - 12 years.
Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. - Noon
Coconut Grove Branch Library
Magical Treehouse Adventure Crafting Session 🎨
Design and build your own treehouse model alongside artist Carolina Cueva! Learn basic architecture and 3D building techniques using various materials to create your treehouse. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 8 - 12 years.
Friday, June 15, 3 - 5 p.m.
Fairlawn Branch Library
Feathered Friends of the Everglades 🦅
Meet an Everglades National Park ranger and learn about the various species of birds that inhabit our river of grass. Ages 6 years and up.
Friday, June 21, 11 a.m. - Noon
Sunset Branch Library
Presented by Everglades National Park.
Financial Literacy Program for Teens & Adults 💲
Learn effective budgeting methods with Dade County Federal Credit Union's free financial literacy program led by a certified instructor. Registration is required. Ages 12 years and up.
Friday, June 21, 3 - 4 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
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