Miami-Dade Public Library System Receives Urban Libraries Council's 2024 Innovation Award for Equity and Inclusion 🏆
The Miami-Dade Public Library System is honored to be recognized as a Top Innovator for 2024 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) in the category of Equity and Inclusion. The award celebrates our Creating Autism Friendly Spaces initiative, which established autism friendly spaces at our libraries and expanded sensory friendly programs and services designed for families and children with special needs and neurodiverse individuals.
In 2020, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Raquel Regalado and supported by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, for the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) to develop a countywide autism and neurodiversity inclusion program. The Library proudly became the first County department to have our employees, services and programs certified as Autism Friendly by UM-NSU CARD and in 2021, we were named an official Autism Friendly Partner by UM-NSU CARD.
This prestigious award highlights our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and serving individuals with autism and the neurodiverse community.
To learn more about this achievement, click here.
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Public housing
Miami-Dade County Public Housing Waitlist Now Open: Apply by October 25 🏠
Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development has opened the public housing waitlist from October 15 through October 25, 2024. This initiative is a crucial opportunity for eligible low-income families, the elderly and individuals with disabilities to apply for safe, affordable housing.
Applications must be completed online at www.miamidadevoucher.myhousing.com and are available in English, Spanish and Creole.
No internet? In-person technical assistance will be available at select County library locations and community centers.
For a list of locations and more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/publichousing.
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Making strides against breast cancer
Walk This Way: Join Us in the Fight Against Breast Cancer 🎗
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time promote understanding of the disease and support ongoing lifesaving research. This year, the Library proudly continues its participation in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Miami.
We invite you to join us in this important cause. Support the Library's team and help fuel the fight against breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference!
Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m.
(Check-in begins at 7 a.m.)
LoanDepot Park
501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125
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special event
You're Invited: Celebrating 50 Years of the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library 🎉
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Community resource
Jumpstart Your Teaching Career with the Teacher Accelerator Program 🍎
Dream of becoming a teacher? The Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) helps college seniors and professionals with bachelor’s degrees - not in the field of education - to start their teaching careers with Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
This free program covers the cost of required courses and state exams and includes a paid summer internship for TAP participants to gain important hands-on classroom experience.
Ready to inspire the next generation of students? Click here to learn more.
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resource spotlight
Make Learning Phonics Fun with ABCmouse 🐭
Introduce your child to a world of learning with ABCmouse, available for free with your library card! Whether used in-library or at home, ABCmouse offers more than 10,000 learning activities in reading, math, art and more, along with access to over 850 classroom lessons for children ages 2 to 8 years.
No internet access? No problem. Download the free ABCmouse app to access the same great content offline. Parents can add up to three children to their family account.
Click here to get started.
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employee spotlight
Fabian Gonzalez is Dedicated to Helping Library Patrons Thrive 👏
Fabian Gonzalez has always had a talent for connecting people to the resources they need. Before joining the Library in 2017, he spent years in high-end electronics sales, where he honed his skills in providing exceptional customer service. Joining the Library was a natural progression for Fabian, fueled by his love for learning and helping others.
Now, as a Library Assistant at the Virrick Park Branch Library, he plays a key role in maintaining daily operations and supporting library programs.
What inspired you to pursue a Library career?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for libraries and have been a dedicated patron for many years. It still feels surreal to be a part of the very system I’ve admired for so long.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
My favorite part is undoubtedly the opportunity to engage with both our dedicated team and diverse patrons. Our vibrant community is so unique and working at the Library allows me to connect with people from all walks of life.
What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
One of my proudest achievements is running the Resume 101 program at the Virrick Park Branch. We've helped several individuals revamp their resumes, apply for jobs and eventually get hired. Seeing their success and reconnecting with them is incredibly rewarding—it reminds me of the impact the Library can make.
Are you working on any new/upcoming projects?
There’s always something exciting happening at the Library! I’m often involved in developing and planning new programs and projects. When a big project is on the horizon, you can usually count on me to be right in the middle of it.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I love to draw! My favorite thing to sketch are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—it’s a hobby I really enjoy and take great pride in.
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Library Card Design Contest
Don't Forget to Enter Our Library Card Design Contest ✍
Attention young artists! There’s still time to submit your design for the 2024 Library Card Design Contest for Teens. Let your creativity shine by designing a library card inspired by ancient myths and legends. Designs can be hand-drawn or created digitally. The winning design will be reproduced as a limited-edition library card and made available at all library locations!
Open to ages 13 - 19 years. Submission deadline is October 19.
For more information, click here.
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Teentober event
Make a Difference at the Teen Volunteer Fair 🤝
Looking for community service opportunities? Join us at the Teen Volunteer Fair to connect with local organizations that are making a difference in Miami-Dade County. Learn how you can get involved, develop valuable skills and earn community service hours for graduation or scholarships. Ages 13 - 18 years.
Wednesday, October 30, 3 - 5 p.m.
Culmer/Overtown Branch Library
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art at the library
Reflect on Immigrant Stories Through Impactful Art 🎨
Dive into the emotional journeys featured in ¿Buscando visa para naufragar?/Chasing a visa to end up shipwrecked?, a captivating exhibition featuring works from dozens of immigrant artists. Curated by contemporary art gallery homework, the exhibit highlights the powerful stories of individuals leaving everything behind in search of a new beginning in the United States.
Opening Reception
Thursday, November 7, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
On view now through January 9, 2025
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genealogy
Uncover Your Roots: Explore the Library's Genealogy Surname Files 🌳
New to the Library’s expansive Genealogy Collection is a treasure trove of Surname Files, perfect for seasoned experts and beginners alike who are looking to explore their heritage!
Search through donated self-published newsletters, family trees and other personal familial records, in addition to the Genealogy Collection's existing 27,000 publications and 35,000 microfilm units.
Begin your genealogy research today! Read more about these resources in this month’s Digital Collections Blog.
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Join Us for Engaging Local Author Events!
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Get Creative with Frankenslime Illustrator Ashley Belote 🧪
Meet illustrator Ashley Belote and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how she brings beloved book characters to life! After the presentation, stay for a fun, interactive drawing session where you'll learn to draw characters from Frankenslime. Registration is required. Ages 4 - 7 years.
Thursday, October 17, 4 - 5 p.m.
Register Online
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Born Blind: Discover the Inspiring Story of Author David Y. Block 📖
Hear author and documentary filmmaker David Y. Block’s remarkable life journey as he presents his memoir Born Blind: The Traumas and the Triumphs, detailing his life experiences. After the presentation, enjoy a Q&A with the author. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Friday, October 25, 3 - 4 p.m.
Register Online
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Explore the Wonders of Bats with Author Marta Magellan 🦇
Discover the truth about these fascinating flying creatures as author Marta Magellan presents her eye-opening book Amazing, Misunderstood Bats. After the reading, enjoy a lively performance of classic monster songs by the Magellan Stompers. Registration is required. Ages 4 - 10 years.
Saturday, October 26, 3 - 4 p.m.
Sunset Branch Library
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To see a full list of upcoming local author events, click here.
staff picks
Each child experiences the world in their own unique way. This month’s Staff Picks for Kids features heartwarming stories of children with disabilities, celebrating the beauty in our differences and highlighting the many ways we are all connected.
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Written by Heather Avis, Illustrated by Sarah Mensinga
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Written by Raymond Antrobus, Illustrated by Polly Dunbar
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Written by Mia Armstrong, Illustrated by Alexandra Thompson
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Our events lineup is packed with thrills and chills! Put your culinary creativity to the test in the Edible Book Contest, enjoy a live Halloween-inspired performance of Scary-Okee and discover activities for all ages. Check out what's coming up and join the fun!
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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Edible Book Contest:
Halloween Edition 🍰
Get inspired by your favorite book and create a tasty creation at home that resembles it! Drop off your masterpiece for judging between 11:00-11:30 a.m. Judging starts at 1 p.m. Registration is required. All ages.
Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
Purvis: Othello of Overtown 🎭
Celebrate Purvis Young's art with a preview of the play Purvis: Othello of Overtown, featuring live music and excerpts performed by award-winning actor Andre Gainey. Ages 19 years and up.
Saturday, October 19, 2 - 4 p.m.
Main Library
Presented by Grace Arts Florida.
Meet world-renowned investigator Dr. Bill Slevin and his team to learn about the paranormal world! Registration is required. Ages 8 years and up.
Saturday, October 26, 3 - 5 p.m.
Coconut Grove Branch Library
Presented by Dr. Bill Slevin of The Paranormal Existence Research Society.
Fantasy Theatre Factory Presents Scary-Okee🎤
Enjoy a frightfully fabulous Halloween-themed show, complete with spooky stories and tunes and fun karaoke! Registration is required. All ages.
Saturday, October 26, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fairlawn Branch Library
Sponsored in part by Florida Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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