Miami-Dade Public Library System Wins 77 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards 🏆
We're thrilled and proud to announce that the Miami-Dade Public Library System has been recognized with seventy-seven 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, including a prestigious Best in Category award for creating autism-friendly spaces in our libraries! This included Autism Spectrum Disorder and Strategies for Inclusivity training for all staff, creating custom social narratives for each of our library locations, expanding sensory-friendly programs and designating sensory-friendly spaces within our libraries, creating a supportive and comfortable experience for everyone.
The annual NACo Achievement Awards celebrate innovative and impactful government programs that enrich residents' lives. From programs about genealogy research and financial literacy to expanding our Mobile Device Lending Program, art classes and more, our dedicated and resourceful library team continues to develop exciting programs, resources and services that engage and empower residents and help our community thrive.
Over the past eight years, the Library has won 179 NACo Achievement Awards, including three Best in Category awards. To learn more about our 2024 award-winning programs, click here.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Miami-Dade County is Hiring! 💼
Interested in working for Miami-Dade County? Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Miami-Dade County Human Resources Department and CareerSource South Florida invite you to attend Miami-Dade County's Career & Job Fair.
Learn about jobs available at the County and meet representatives from several County departments. Come prepared and dressed for success as many departments will be doing on-the-spot interviews and hiring - including the Library!
Wednesday, June 26, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Offices at Doral Square
8600 NW 36th Street, 1st Floor
Doral, FL 33166
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ADULT LEARNING ACADEMY
Online Classes: Unlock Your Financial Potential 💰
Learn practical tips and gain real-world knowledge through our online financial literacy series covering a variety of financial topics, including how to purchase your first home and the importance of maintaining good credit.
Session 1: Buying a Home
Wednesday, July 10, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Register Online
Session 2: Credit Reports and Scores
Wednesday, July 24, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Register Online
Please register for each class separately.
Presented by the Foundation for Financial Planning in partnership with the Financial Planning Association of Miami and Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library.
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all about water
Dive into Science & Conservation with a Microbiologist! 🔬
Explore the world of water conservation during this interactive presentation with a professional microbiologist from the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department! Learn fun facts about using water efficiently and so much more. Ages 6 years and up.
Friday, June 28, 11 a.m. - Noon
Sunset Branch Library
Presented by the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department.
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family fun
Join the Excitement at Indiana Jon’s Magic Adventure Show 🤠
Experience an unforgettable magical journey at the Library with Indiana Jon! Join him as he amazes adventurers with his whimsical magic tricks and incredible skills. All ages.
Saturday, June 29, 3 - 4 p.m.
Lakes of the Meadow Branch Library
Saturday, July 20, 3 - 4 p.m.
Main Library
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Resource Spotlight
Embark on a Digital Adventure with National Geographic Virtual Library 🗻
Uncover the world's many wonders with National Geographic Virtual Library, a comprehensive archive of National Geographic magazines from 1888-1994.
This resource, presented by Gale, offers a treasure trove of articles, images, maps and videos from past editions for students, researchers and curious minds to start their research or learning journey.
Click here to get started and discover over a century's worth of remarkable content!
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art in public places
Discover Public Art Installations Throughout Miami-Dade County 🤝
Explore the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places Digital Collection, a collaboration between the Library and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.
Since 1973, the Art in Public Places program has acquired and commissioned over 1,000 art installations, enriching public spaces like Miami International Airport, PortMiami, Zoo Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and many of our library locations.
Learn more and see featured installations in this month's Digital Collections Blog.
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Employee Spotlight
Jennifer Burdoo Loves Enriching Young Minds and the Community at the Library 🧠
Librarian Jennifer Burdoo has always had an affinity for teaching and exploring new subjects. Before joining the Library in 2012 as a Youth Services Librarian at the Golden Glades Branch, she honed her skills at the Broward County Library. With a master's degree in history and library science, Jennifer's passion for reading and helping others led her to a fulfilling library career.
Currently serving at the Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library, Jennifer focuses on children's programming and outreach, along with reference duties. Each day, she strives to showcase how libraries can enrich the community, from interactive storytime sessions to leveraging digital resources.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
I love demonstrating all the new and innovative ways libraries contribute value to our community. They’re not just shelves of books. We offer eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, numerous databases, Storytime Express Early Literacy Kits and maker spaces like YOUmake Miami and YOUmedia Miami for creatives. Libraries are accessible in so many ways and are important to the fabric of our society.
What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
Organizing the highly successful skygazing program at the North Dade Regional Library. It gradually grew in popularity and now many of our other library locations offer similar events.
What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
I consider myself a voracious reader. Currently, I’m about halfway through a 1950s sci-fi series titled The Adventures of Lucky Starr by Isaac Asimov. It is certainly a book of its time, but enjoyable nonetheless. I also frequently listen to audiobooks in the car, with my current listen being The Science of Discworld 2: The Globe by Terry Pratchett. It's really fun since it’s mixed with the author's signature satire.
Are you working on any new/upcoming projects?
I just finished decorating the Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch's children's area for the Library's 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! I'm holding several craft programs, games and activities based on its theme Adventure Begins at Your Library. There are plenty of opportunities to participate and earn chances to win prizes.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I enjoy playing tabletop games, especially historical war games and fantasy role-play. Using many of the skills I've learned from tabletop gaming, such as modeling and painting, I've been able to develop programs that blend math, history and teamwork into engaging group activities.
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Theatrical Show
Watch Bluey’s Big Play at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts 🎭
Experience iconic characters Bluey and her sister Bingo like never before! Join them as they try to get Dad off the beanbag in Bluey’s Big Play, a live theatrical adaptation of the beloved Emmy award-winning children's television series. All ages.
Saturday, June 29 - Sunday, June 30
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Ziff Ballet Opera House
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
Use promo code HEELER20 for a 20% discount on tickets! For more information, click here.
"Bluey’s Big Play" is an original story written by creator Joe Brumm with new music composed by Joff Bush.
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SUMMER THEATER WORKSHOPS
Enjoy Theatrical Fun for Kids with Miami New Drama 🎉
Attention parents! Keep your child's creative spirit engaged this summer with Miami New Drama's MiND Summer Theater Intensive!
Led by theater professionals, this three-week program gives students the opportunity to develop their acting and playwriting skills. Lunch will be provided. Ages 8 - 12 years.
Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 26
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library
Interested library users can receive full and partial scholarships for the program by sending an email with the subject line "ActingLibrary2024" to education@miaminewdrama.org.
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MDPLS Local author Series
Experience a Tale of Canine Love with Author Silvia Mesa 🐶
Discover the remarkable life story of Prada, a golden retriever who overcame cancer and became a therapy dog, as local author Silvia Mesa presents her moving memoir Walking with Prada: Our Journey of Love and Adventure. Registration is required. Ages 16 years and up.
Saturday, June 29, 3 - 4 p.m.
Kendale Lakes Branch Library
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MDPLS Local author series
Go on a Journey with Author Susana Illera Martinez and Her Furry Friends 🐱
Witness the power of generosity as local author Susana Illera Martinez presents her bilingual children’s book, Chickens Don't Go Meow!/¡Las gallinas no hacen miau!, an amusing and heartwarming story following a young girl’s journey to spread kindness with the help of some of her furry friends. Registration is required. Ages 3 years and up.
Saturday, July 13, 2 - 3 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
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ART AT THE LIBRARY
Enjoy the artistry of our community at the Library! Our vast collection features works from both established and emerging artists, past and present. Explore in person or online through our virtual exhibitions. Visit www.mdpls.org/art for more details and to stay up to date on the latest exhibits.
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A collection of over 7,000 works with a focus on African American, Latino and Miami artists.
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Dedicated to documenting, collecting and preserving Miami-Dade County's art history from 1945 to the present.
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Virtual exhibitions highlighting works from the Library's art collection, featuring high-resolution scans.
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Cultivate your artistic side at the Library! From trying your hand at knitting and crocheting to learning the basics of painting and more, enjoy a wide variety of creative activities for all skill levels, 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.
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Knitting and Crochet Group 🧶
Bring your knitting needles or crochet hooks and work alongside crafters of all skill levels. Materials will be provided. Ages 12 years and up.
Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library
Drop-in Coloring Fun 🖍
Grab a coloring page (or two) and color your cares away! Materials will be provided. All ages.
Tuesday, July 2, 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Concord Branch Library
YOUmake Miami: Painting 101 🎨
Unleash your inner artist and learn essential painting techniques! This workshop is perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts alike. Painting supplies will be provided. Registration is encouraged. Ages 19 years and up.
Wednesday, July 3, 6 - 7 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library
Annual Edible Book Contest 📕
Turn your favorite book into a delicious work of art! Create an edible book design at home and bring your masterpiece for judging. Categories include Funniest/Punniest, Most Appetizing and Most Creative. Register by July 13 to participate. All ages.
Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
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