What's Happening at Your Library - July 23, 2024

What's Happening at Your Library
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July 23, 2024

YOUmake and YOUmedia Miami Makerspaces

Create and Innovate at the Library's YOUmedia & YOUmake Miami Makerspaces 💻

Access a world of innovation and creation at the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s YOUmedia and YOUmake Miami makerspaces! These vibrant hubs, available at six library locations throughout the County, offer teens, 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.

Summer is a great opportunity to try new things, and our makerspaces are the perfect place to dive into new hobbies and creative projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced creator, there's something for everyone. Expand your digital media literacy at one of our upcoming workshops or networking events listed below and click here to view the full list of makerspace events and start creating today!

Climate of Art: A Sea of Creativity

Climate of Art: A Sea of Creativity ♻

Repurpose ocean-bound plastics into art! Join Clean Miami Beach to build sculptures from recycled materials. Your masterpiece will be showcased at the Climate of Art exhibition on August 24. Registration is required. Ages 12 years and up.

Saturday, July 27 & August 3, 1 - 3 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library

 

YOUmake Miami: Character Design 101 ✍

Learn the art of character design in this hands-on workshop suitable for all skill levels. Ages 8 years and up.

Monday, July 29 & August 5, 5 - 6 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library

A character designer sketching out a new cartoon character
Networking event

Makerspace Business Networking Events 🤝

Blend creativity and networking with like-minded entrepreneurs during this business networking series where you can learn what's new in business and technology. Light snacks will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.

Monday, August 5, 5 - 8 p.m.
YOUmedia Miami - North Dade Regional Library

Thursday, August 8, 5 - 8 p.m.
YOUmake Miami - Miami Beach Regional Library


2024 Countywide Elections

Be Election Ready for the August 20 Primary Election 📧

The August 20 Primary Election is fast approaching. Here are some important dates and information registered voters need to know to be election ready:

  • The last day to request a Vote-By-Mail Ballot is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 2024.
  • Per a change in Florida law, all vote-by-mail requests expired on December 31, 2022. Voters are required to renew their request for the 2024 election cycle. Click here to request a ballot online.
  • Early Voting will be available from Monday, August 5, 2024, through Sunday, August 18, 2024. View the schedule online.
  • Election Day is Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/elections or call 3-1-1.

August 20 Primary Election

Click here to download our free mobile app!

Mayor's Career & Job Fair

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, meet representatives from County departments and more. Come prepared and dressed for success as many departments will be doing on-the-spot interviews and hiring - including the Library!

Wednesday, July 24, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Miami Dade College, North Campus
Bldg. 3, Room 3249, 11380 NW 27 Avenue
Miami, FL 33167


Community event

Visit Us at The Children's Trust Family Expo! 👋

Mark your calendars! Join us at the annual The Children's Trust Family Expo, our community's largest free family resources event, on Saturday, July 27 and August 3. Enjoy music, fun and resources that will help prepare you for back-to-school. Don't forget to visit the Library's Technobus and our outreach table to sign up for a library card, join our Summer Reading Challenge and more!

North Family Expo
Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Florida Memorial University
15800 NW 42 Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33054

South Family Expo
Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus  11011 SW 104 St, Miami, FL 33176

For more information, click here.

The Children’s Trust Family Expo

Interviewer greets candidate with a handshake

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Unlock Your Career Potential with Peterson's Career Prep 🔑

Discover the path to your dream job with Peterson’s Career Prep presented by Gale, a free online resource that provides a wealth of employment and education tools to help you succeed.

With Peterson's Career Prep, you can explore new job openings, get personalized career recommendations, build resumes and cover letters, explore training programs and receive advice for career advancement. You can also take advantage of Career Prep’s newest module, Career Peach, a 60-question quiz matching your individual character traits with ideal careers.

Click here to get started and access Peterson’s Career Prep online anytime, free with your library card.


Click here to sign up for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge!

Dorian Postell

employee spotlight

Congratulations to Dorian Postell for 30 Years of Library Service! 👏

Dorian Postell has always had an affinity for books and connecting people with information. Recently marking a milestone 30 years of library service, Dorian began his journey with the Miami-Dade Public Library System as a Library Page at the North Dade Regional Library. Previously, he worked as a part-time United Parcel Service sorter.

Dorian currently serves as a Library Assistant at the Culmer/Overtown Branch Library, where he fosters a welcoming environment for patrons and helps them access the resources they need.

What inspired you to pursue a Library career?
My love of books and helping people sparked my interest in libraries. As a child, the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Bookmobile was magical and the librarians were always friendly and encouraging. That positive experience stayed with me and impacted my life.

What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
My favorite part is connecting with people of all backgrounds and ages. I love helping patrons find the resources they need, especially those new to computers. It reminds me of when I struggled with computers in college. Now, I can share my knowledge and contribute to making the Library a welcoming space for everyone.

What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
Helping people find the information they need is incredibly rewarding. The best moments are when they return to the library or thank me later, saying I helped them achieve their goals. One memory that really stands out involved two patrons who told me I inspired them to start reading again. That kind of positive story makes me feel like I'm truly making a difference.

What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
Lucky Me: A Memoir of Changing the Odds by Rich Paul. It's inspiring to hear the author’s story of overcoming adversity and finding success. It's a great reminder that valuable lessons can be learned from anywhere, even in challenging environments.

Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I love music and sports! I volunteer as a DJ at various Library functions and it’s always a hit with the community. I also enjoy participating in the Library's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Coed Softball Tournament.


Support Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library

Lunchtime Poetry & Jazz @ the Library Featuring Caroline Cabrera and Madison Whatley

MDPLS POETRY SERIES

*Snap, Snap*: Lunchtime Poetry & Jazz at the Library 🎷

Don't miss out on enjoying smooth rhythms and rhymes as poets Caroline Cabrera and Madison Whatley read their poetry while accompanied by the Diego Melgar Jazz Trio. All ages.

Thursday, August 1, Noon - 1 p.m.
Main Library

Hosted by Miami-Dade County Poetry Ambassador Nicole Tallman and Library Curator and Poet Oscar Fuentes.


Art at the Library

When Books Become Art: Experience Cover to Cover 📖

Explore the unique creations that stretch our imagination of what a book is and can be with Cover to Cover: Book Arts in Miami. From thought-provoking pieces to playful zines and beyond, these works challenge traditional book formats, offering an unforgettable experience for both book and art lovers alike. All ages.

On view now through August 24
Main Library

Presented by the Library's Vasari Project and made possible through generous funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs.

Cover to Cover: Book Arts in Miami Presented by the Library's Vasari Project

Click here to explore the Digital Collections

Warrior Judge: One Man's Journey from Gridiron to Gavel

Mdpls local author series

Beyond the Game: Discover a Miami Dolphins Star's Unexpected Life Journey 🏈

Join former All-Pro Miami Dolphins offensive guard and current South Florida judge Ed Newman as he discusses his memoir, Warrior Judge: One Man's Journey from Gridiron to Gavel. Follow his incredible story from football champion to cancer survivor to law school graduate, all while preparing for Super Bowl XIX. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.

Thursday, August 15, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Pinecrest Branch Library


MDPLS Local author series

Explore Careers & Spark Imagination with Author Milton T. Williams 💭

Spark your child's career dreams and ignite their imagination as local author Milton T. Williams presents his inspiring children’s book, Thomas Dreams Big: Where Imaginations Come to Life. After the reading, children can enjoy coloring activities and dress up in attire representing their dream professions. Registration is required. Ages 4 years and up.

Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. - Noon
Naranja Branch Library

Thomas Dreams Big: Where Imaginations Come to Life

Explore our Online Library

DIGITAL MAGAZINES

Check out the latest home décor trends, learn how to whip up delicious seasonal dishes and more with some of the most popular digital magazines available on OverDrive and the Libby, by OverDrive mobile app! Browse hundreds of titles accessible 24/7, free with your library card.

Good Housekeeping Magazine
Food Network Magazine
HGTV Magazine

Calendar of Events


Get your game on at the Library! From Summer Olympics watch parties to friendly competitions and more, it's all happening at your local library.

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.

Browse the Calendar of Events
Illustration of child riding a go kart

2024 Summer Olympics Watch Party 🥇

Cheer on your favorite Olympians and watch the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony at the library! All ages.

Friday, July 26, 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.
North Shore Branch Library

Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center


Meet Billy the Marlin & Enjoy STEAM Activities! ⚾

Take a picture with the Miami Marlins' famous mascot and join us for a variety of fun, hands-on STEAM activities. All ages.

Saturday, July 27, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library


Chess Club ♟

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced expert, hone your skills and learn a few new tricks about this game of strategy. Ages 8 - 18 years.

Tuesday, July 30, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Virrick Park Branch Library


Summer Showdown Mario Kart Tournament 🏁

Rev up your engines and join us for an exhilarating Mario Kart tournament that will take your gaming skills to the next level. Ages 13 - 19 years.

Wednesday, July 31, 4 - 6 p.m.
Kendale Lakes Branch Library