What's Happening at Your Library - November 12, 2024

What's Happening at Your Library
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November 12, 2024

Diverse group of people reading books together

Celebrate Miami Book Month with the Library! 📚

November is the perfect time to lose yourself in a great book! Join the Library in celebrating Miami Book Month throughout November with a lineup of exciting events and programs to ignite your love of reading. Here are some ways you can participate:

And don’t miss the Miami Book Fair, happening November 17-24 at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus! Stop by the Library’s tent and Bookmobile during the Street Fair (November 22-24) to sign up for a library card, explore library resources and more. Plus, check out our sponsored author session with Gregory Maguire on Saturday, November 23 at 2:30 p.m. as he presents his upcoming book Elphie: A Wicked Childhood.

Here’s to an unforgettable Miami Book Month filled with stories, adventures and new discoveries. Happy reading!


Libby, by overdrive

Upcoming Changes to OverDrive 🎵

Starting November 13, OverDrive’s legacy desktop app for Windows and Mac will no longer support the MP3 audiobook format. Patrons can continue enjoying audiobooks through the Libby, by OverDrive app or by using the “Listen now in browser” option on the OverDrive website.

For a streamlined experience, download the Libby app and access a wide selection of eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital
magazines—all free with your library card!

Ready to explore? Click here to get started.

Young teen enjoying an audiobook outdoors

A young girl and her father reading a digital book on a tablet

resource spotlight

Unlock a World of Learning with World Book Online 🌐

World Book Online opens up a world of knowledge—free with your library card!

With resources tailored for all ages, you can explore topics like art, history, language and social studies, access scripts and tools for plays, create and review timelines on a variety of subjects and much more. Interactive tools like Webquests and story maps make learning engaging and fun.

Click here and start exploring today.


2024 Fall Into Winter Reading Challenge - Click here to sign up

networking event

Connect with Top Talent at the Women in Tech Career Fair 💻

Attention local employers! Looking to hire skilled women in tech? Visit the Women in Tech Career Fair and connect with job-ready candidates who are eager to join your team. This is your chance to expand your talent pipeline, find qualified employees and network with industry leaders—all in one place!

Thursday, November 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
YWCA South Florida
351 NE 5th St
Miami, FL 33128

Registration is required. Click here to register.

Presented by CareerSource South Florida.

Female IT professional standing in front of a server rack

Career & Job Fair

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Miami-Dade County is Hiring! 💼

Looking to join the Miami-Dade County team? Don’t miss out on the Career & Job Fair hosted by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Miami-Dade County Human Resources Department and CareerSource South Florida.

Explore job openings, meet representatives from a variety of County departments—including the Library—and come prepared for on-the-spot interviews and hiring.

Wednesday, November 20, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Youth Activity Center
650 NW 5th Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034


Business Resources - Click here to learn more

resilience & Sustainability

Solar 101: Learn About Solar Energy for Your Home or Small Business 🌞

Interested in going solar? Join nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN) as they discuss the basics of solar technology, cost savings, how the Miami-Dade Solar Co-op works and  more. Stick around after the presentation for a Q&A session. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.

Thursday, November 21, 6 - 7 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library

Workers examining technical drawings for a solar energy project

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library 50th Anniversary

Special event

Bid for a Cause: Friends 50th Anniversary Silent Auction is Live! 🥂

Join the excitement as we count down to the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, November 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Coral Gables Branch Library. You still have time to join the party—fewer than 10 tickets remain!

Can't make it to the event? You can still support the cause through the silent auction, featuring a variety of amazing items and exclusive experiences up for bid, including:

  • Dinner with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
  • Incredible getaways
  • Signed sports memorabilia
  • Exclusive discussions and events with best-selling and local authors
  • …and so much more!

To browse auction items and learn more about the Friends, click here.

Proceeds will benefit the Library's Homework Help & Tutoring Program.


Give Miami Day 11.21.24 - Click here to show your support

Alexandra Rincon Kuzniar

employee spotlight

Alexandra Rincon Kuzniar Helps Preserve History and Art at the Library 📸

Alexandra Rincon Kuzniar has always had a creative eye for storytelling through art. After graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, she moved to South Florida and began honing her skills as a full-time photographer at a Wynwood studio. In 2016, she joined the Library as a part-time assistant in the Art Services Division, eager to connect her love for art with meaningful work.

Now, as a member of the Library's Digital Collections team, Alexandra preserves physical items—from artwork and artifacts to oversized books and sculptures—converting them into digital formats and ensuring that Miami’s cultural treasures are accessible to all, one photograph at a time.

What inspired you to pursue a Library career?
I've always been passionate about art, so finding a role in Art Services felt like a perfect fit. A few years later, I discovered the Library’s Digital Collections, which allowed me to blend my love for art with photography, capturing and preserving artwork in such a fulfilling way.

Do you have a favorite collection in our Digital Collections? What makes the collection particularly interesting or meaningful to you?
The Edwin Villasmil and Elba Martinez collection is definitely one of my favorites. Their innovative concepts and techniques are inspiring, and meeting them personally gave me a special connection to their work. They’re not only talented but also share incredible stories about their journeys as artists, which makes this collection even more meaningful.

What is your favorite Library resource?
My favorite library resource is the art exhibitions featured across our branches. They provide a wonderful platform to showcase diverse artists and bring their art to the community in an accessible way, fostering creativity and appreciation.

Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I still work as a photographer outside the Library, capturing events and portraits. I also enjoy traveling, relaxing at the beach and exploring Florida's scenic nature trails.


Discover Florida's Rich History - Click here to view the Digital Collections

The Less Privileged Life

art at the library

Through His Eyes: The Art of Yves Estime 🎨

Experience the compelling stories captured in The Less Privileged Life, a collection of paintings by artist Yves Estime. Born in Verrettes, Haiti, Estime channels his talent to portray the struggles of the less privileged, drawing inspiration from his cultural heritage and experiences.

Opening Reception
Thursday, December 5, 5 - 7 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library

On view November 15, 2024 - January 31, 2025


Art at the Library

Discover Women’s Voices in Art 🗣

Marvel at Brave, Bold, Boundless: Women Speaking Truth Through Art, an inspiring exhibition presented by the Florida chapter of the National Association of Women Artists and curated by Janice Carragher Charles. This powerful exhibit amplifies the voices of women artists as they boldly express their truths through diverse media and styles.

Opening Reception
Friday, December 6, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library

On view now through December 19

Brave, Bold, Boundless: Women Speaking Truth Through Art

Exhibitions at the Library - Click here to see what's on view

Go Beyond the Pages: Engage with Local Authors at the Library!

Jocelyn Borgella

Step Into the Cleats of NFL Trailblazer Jocelyn Borgella 🏈

Hear a powerful story of resilience and triumph as former Detroit Lions defensive back Jocelyn Borgella shares his memoir, First Football Player of Haitian Descent to Be Drafted in the NFL. Experience his journey from growing up in Miami’s Little Haiti to leaving an indelible mark on professional football. Registration is required. Ages 16 years and up.

Tuesday, November 19, 6 - 7 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library


Experience a Story of Survival with Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman 📖

Embark on a journey of resilience as award-winning author Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman presents her inspiring book, On Sunny Days We Sang. Follow along as she shares her parents’ remarkable story of surviving the Holocaust and building a new life in Venezuela. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.

Thursday, November 21, 6 - 7 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library

Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman

Crissa-Jean Chappell

Unlock Your Creative Potential with Crissa-Jean Chappell ✍️

Calling all budding writers! Step into the world of storytelling and writing with award-winning author Crissa-Jean Chappell. Get valuable editing tips, explore best practices to refine your work and learn how to craft a piece of "flash fiction." Registration is required. Ages 16 years and up.

Saturday, November 23, 1 - 3 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library



To see a full list of upcoming local author events, click here.


eBooks, Audiobooks & More - Click here to browse the collection

staff picks

Our November Staff Picks for Kids spotlight stories that celebrate mindfulness and the beauty of individuality. Through tales of self-discovery, active listening and more, these books provide young readers and their families with heartwarming insights to explore and embrace their emotions. Check out a few of our picks below and find your next cozy read today!

Are You Listening?

Written by Susan Verde, Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo

We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

Written by Traci Sorell, Illustrated by Frané Lessac

The Light She Feels Inside

Written by Gwendolyn Wallace, Illustrated by Olivia Duchess


Veterans honoring the American flag


Get ready for an event lineup that’s anything but ordinary! Honor our veterans, learn lifesaving CPR, journey through virtual worlds and gaze at the stars—all at the Library. With activities for all ages and interests, there’s always something exciting waiting for you.

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
Earth and Moon

Veterans Day Salute 🎖

Join us in honoring our military with a commemorative presentation hosted by local veterans. Hear their stories, ask questions and enjoy light refreshments. All ages.

Wednesday, November 13, 6 - 7 p.m.
Kendale Lakes Branch Library


CPR Demonstration 🚒

Learn life-saving skills from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in this essential CPR demonstration, designed to help you recognize and respond to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.

Thursday, November 14, 10 - 11 a.m.
Westchester Regional Library


O Cinema Presents: OCVR 🥽

Immerse yourself in virtual reality storytelling and explore cave paintings inspired by artists Paul Gauguin and Caravaggio. Ages 12 years and up.

Wednesday, November 20, 3 - 7 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library

Made possible by the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation through the Pérez CreARTE Grant Program.


Stargazing & Storytelling 🌠

Explore the moon, planets and stars and join us for an evening of hands-on telescope sessions, sci-fi-inspired creative workshops and more. Ages 10 years and up.

Wednesday, November 20, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Naranja Branch Library