Celebrating Our Libraries: Hubs of Engagement and Opportunity 🤝
Message from Miami-Dade County
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
The holiday season is here, and as we embrace this time of celebration, I want to take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to have incredible libraries in our communities.
Libraries are more than places for books – they’re vital hubs that connect and engage people in meaningful ways. From bridging the digital divide through device lending and access to Wi-Fi to offering career resources, social services and opportunities for tutoring and lifelong learning, the library provides valuable support for all. I encourage you to explore the many resources available.
This season, give the gift of discovery with a library card. If you already have one, why not get one for a child in your life or encourage your friends and family to enjoy the benefits? It’s the perfect present that won’t break your budget – it’s free!
As I begin my second term as Mayor, I am grateful and excited to continue building a future-ready Miami-Dade County, where essential resources like our public libraries empower all residents to thrive.
Wishing you a joyful and enriching holiday season,
Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor of Miami-Dade County
|
Celebrate the holidays with the Library! From special interactive performances and storytelling to cookie decorating and karaoke, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check out our exciting holiday events, programs and more below and throughout the newsletter.
Story Extravaganza: Winter Wonderland of Fun! ⛄
Welcome the winter season with stories, crafts, outdoor games and a StoryWalk® featuring the children's book, In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming! Ages 6 years and under.
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. - noon
Golden Glades Branch Library
Presented by the Miami-Dade County Community Action & Human Services Department's Head Start/Early Head Start Program, University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and The Children's Trust.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Holiday Stories! 📖
Embrace the holiday season with master storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar as she shares heartwarming stories of Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa, followed by a fun craft activity. All ages.
Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. - noon
North Shore Branch Library
Registration is required.
Saturday, December 21, 1 - 2 p.m.
Doral Branch Library
|
Live Performance: Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol 🎩
Enjoy a fresh theatrical twist on a classic tale with Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol, presented by Fantasy Theatre Factory. All ages.
Saturday, December 14, 2 - 3 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
Friday, December 20, 2 - 3 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
Registration is required.
Made possible in part by The Florida Humanities.
Saturday, December 21, 3 - 4 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library
|
|
 |
Christmas & New Year's Holiday Hours
All Library Locations
Tuesday, December 24 & 31: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25 & January 1: Closed
Please note the Westland Gardens Park Complex, including the Hialeah Gardens Branch Library, will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
|
|
|
 |
grant funding opportunity
Help Make Your Neighborhood Safer: Apply for a Safe in the 305 Grant 🏘️
Attention residents! Miami-Dade County’s Office of Neighborhood Safety invites you to apply for a Safe in the 305 Grant, a Peace & Prosperity Plan initiative that offers funding ranging from $500 to $1,500 to support community-driven projects such as neighborhood beautification, activities for youth, gun violence awareness and more.
The application deadline is January 13, 2025. Free application assistance is available online via Zoom. Click here to learn more and apply.
|
|
|
READING CHALLENGE
Don't Forget: Join the Fall Into Winter Reading Challenge! 🍂
Winter break is almost here – what better time to cozy up with a great book and join our Fall Into Winter Reading Challenge!
Every 30 minutes you spend reading or listening to a book earns you an entry into our prize drawing. Plus, boost your chances of winning by attending library programs and events. Prizes include Beats headphones, a Mr. Coffee espresso machine, Amazon Fire tablets and much more.
The challenge ends January 6, 2025. For more information and to register, visit www.mdpls.org/ReadingChallenge.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
resource spotlight
Read Your Local & National News Anytime, Anywhere with NewsBank 📰
Looking for an easy way to stay informed this holiday season? NewsBank has you covered! Access the latest editions of the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald online, available 24/7, free with your library card.
With full-color editions and text-based articles, NewsBank makes it easy to read local and national news on any device. You can even dive into historical archives dating back to 1904!
Click here or download our mobile app to start reading.
|
 |
employee spotlight
Librarian Rita Mayer Inspires Connection at the Library 🤝
Rita Mayer has always been driven by a love for learning and teaching. Before joining the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 2015 as a Librarian at the Arcola Lakes Branch, Rita gained extensive experience as a special education teacher, middle school creative writing instructor and school library media specialist both across the country and abroad. She also worked as a college adjunct librarian and freelance writer, contributing an article about library databases to a published college textbook.
Now serving as Manager of the Miami Springs Branch Library, Rita oversees daily operations and develops community-focused programs. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and ensuring that her branch provides the resources and support patrons need to thrive.
What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
Every time we meet the needs of our patrons, I consider it a personal achievement. Knowing we’re here to serve the community and provide positive, enriching experiences is incredibly fulfilling. It’s the heart of what we do, and it brings me so much joy.
Do you have a favorite Library program or event?
Our storytimes are my absolute favorite! It’s so rewarding to see children light up as they engage with the books and activities. Beyond building literacy, these programs teach valuable social skills like sharing, turn-taking and being an attentive audience member. For many, it’s also their first experience with a live performance. It’s fun, educational and a wonderful preparation for preschool.
What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
Oneida: From Free Love Utopia to the Well-Set Table by Ellen Wayland-Smith. It was interesting to learn the unexpected and surprising origins behind an everyday household item like tableware. The history is very cool – I highly recommend reading about it.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I feel so fortunate to live in a vibrant city like Miami that’s constantly changing and evolving. In my spare time, I love exploring both the old and new corners of our County. There’s always something exciting to discover!
|
 |
|
art workshop
Handcrafted Memories: Enjoy a Collaborative Bookbinding Experience 📚
Transform your personal photos and found materials into a beautifully hand-stitched book in this engaging saddle stitch bookbinding workshop led by local photographers Isabella “Isa” Marie Garcia and Andrea Sarcos. Registration is required. Ages 12 years and up.
Saturday, December 14, 2 - 4 p.m.
Main Library
Presented in conjunction with What They Saw: Historical Photobooks by Women Reading Room, an inspiring exhibition on view at the Main Library through January 3, 2025.
|
DIGITAL COLLECTIONS BLOG
Melodies Across Time: The Anita Mull Music Boxes Collection 🎶
Travel back in time to discover the wonderful sounds and intricate designs of the Library's remarkable music box collection, curated and donated by late Miami-Dade Public Library System librarian Anita Mull.
This month’s Digital Collections Blog highlights the artistry and melodies of these music boxes, brought to life through stunning photos, interactive 3D models and audio clips.
Click here to read more and start exploring.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Miami-Dade county animal services
Make a Shelter Pet’s Holiday Wish Come True 🐶
Give the gift of love this holiday season by welcoming a shelter pet into your home! Now through December 31, Miami-Dade County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs aged four months and older. Each adoption includes age-appropriate vaccines, microchipping and more.
Find your perfect companion at the Animal Services Pet Adoption & Protection Center or one of its satellite adoption centers. Click here for more details.
And remember, you can also spread holiday cheer by donating treats and supplies for shelter pets to the Presents for Pets drive, now through December 31.
|
connect. adopt. love.
Home for the Pawlidays: Pet-Friendly Snacks & Animal Adoption Drive 🐾
Spoil a furry friend this holiday season by joining us for an interactive cooking session to learn how to make pet-friendly pumpkin cheese balls. Then, speak with a Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department representative to meet adorable dogs available for adoption. Registration is required. Ages 3 years and up.
Friday, December 13, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
|
|
 |
staff picks
Winter is just around the corner, and while South Florida won’t see any snowflakes, this month’s Staff Picks for Kids will bring all the seasonal magic you need. Enjoy heartwarming tales of family, wonder and holiday traditions that will inspire young readers to cherish special moments and celebrate the season with gratitude.
|
|
Written by Janet Fox, Illustrated by Jasu Hu
|
|
|
Written and Illustrated by Travis Jonker
|
|
|
Written by D.M. Farrell, Illustrated by Glenn Thomas
|
|
|
|
Round up the whole family and visit your local library for cheerful holiday events all season long! From Santa visits to jolly karaoke sessions and more, there’s snow much to enjoy and explore.
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.
|
Here Comes Santa! 🎅
Bring the whole family to snap a photo with jolly Saint Nick and deliver your letters to the North Pole. All ages.
Saturday, December 14, 2 - 4 p.m.
Kendall Branch Library
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating 🍪
Sweeten up the holidays by decorating your own gingerbread cookies! Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 8 years and up.
Tuesday, December 17, 6 - 7 p.m.
Arcola Lakes Branch Library
Winter Caroling Karaoke 🎤
Warm up your voice and get ready to sing your favorite winter tunes! From holiday classics to modern hits, this karaoke session is perfect for singers of all skill levels. All ages.
Saturday, December 21, Noon - 1 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library
Frosty Fun Film Fest: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) 🎬
Enjoy this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's book by Dr. Seuss. Ages 8 years and up.
Saturday, December 21, 3 - 5 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library
|
|
|
|
|
