Fall in Love with Our Libraries This Month 📚
Message from Miami-Dade County
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
February is a time for connection and community – and our Miami-Dade Public Libraries are the perfect place to find both.
It’s Library Lovers Month, the perfect time to visit your local public library branch and experience all it has to offer. From checking out books and mobile devices to job and small business resources, educational programs, art exhibitions and more, our libraries provide countless opportunities to enrich your life.
I saw this firsthand at the Library’s 2025 Local Author Book Fair last month. It was inspiring to meet so many of our community’s talented writers. Events like this show how our libraries foster innovation and generate exposure for local creatives. This complements the County’s work to support entrepreneurs through our STRIVE305 program, which provides comprehensive resources to help small businesses thrive.
February is also Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black leaders, innovators and creators who have shaped our history and culture. Your library is a great place to explore this rich legacy through engaging events, exhibits and curated resources, as well as a variety of programs happening throughout the County.
I encourage you to take part in these February celebrations. Visit your local library and fall in love with all it has to offer today!
Yours in service,
Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor, Miami-Dade County
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Celebrating Excellence: Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Employee Recognition Awards 🏆
Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Employee Recognition Awards, which honor exceptional achievement in innovation, teamwork, leadership, service and impact!
Inspired by the legacy of two remarkable Miami-Dade Public Library professionals, Eleanor Guldbeck and Julio Castro, this awards program was established to celebrate those who go above and beyond in their dedication to the Library and community.
Please join us in congratulating our outstanding award recipients:
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Eleanor Guldbeck Impact Award – Cynthia Saavedra (Kendale Lakes Branch Library) & David Hildenbrand (Naranja Branch Library)
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Julio Castro Innovation Award – Shiham Colegial-Lorenzo (Capital Programs)
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Leadership Award – Milena Gonzalez (Naranja Branch Library)
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Service Award – Adriana (Anna) Blake (Collection Development) & Daymi Roman (Social Services)
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Teamwork Award – Qiana Robinson (Public Services, Customer Care)
A special thank you to the Friends for their continued support and for creating this program to honor Library employees.
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Small Business grants
Local Small Business Grant Applications Now Being Accepted 💲
Attention small business owners! The Miami-Dade County Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program offers funding opportunities to help local businesses grow and thrive. Eligible businesses can use the grants for new equipment, supplies, advertising, inventory, insurance, security systems, minor renovations and more.
Several County districts are now accepting applications with varying deadlines and funding amounts:
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District 1 – Apply by Feb. 25
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Districts 7, 8 & 13 – Apply by Feb. 28
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Districts 4, 9 & 12 – Apply by March 7
For eligibility requirements, guidelines and more information, click here.
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Resource Spotlight
Boost Your Business Savvy with the Business Library Collection 💼
Looking to sharpen your business skills or explore entrepreneurship? Visit our Business Library on OverDrive or the Libby, by OverDrive app to explore a wealth of eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines on topics such as business strategy, personal finance, management and more – available 24/7, free with your library card!
Simply visit our OverDrive page or download the Libby app to get started.
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Life-saving skills training
Stop the Bleed: Learn to Save a Life 🩹
In a crisis, every second counts! Gain the skills and confidence to help save a life by learning essential techniques such as packing and applying pressure to wounds, using tourniquets and more in this hands-on training session, presented by HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. Ages 19 years and up.
Thursday, February 20, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
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Health & Wellness event
Healthy Aging & Nutrition: Tips for Brain Health 🧠
Want to keep your brain sharp as you age? Join us for an informative session about brain health and cognitive aging, where experts will share practical tips on how sleep, mindfulness, diet and other factors impact brain function and overall well-being. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.
Friday, February 21, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
Presented by the University of Miami Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute.
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employee spotlight
Milena Gonzalez: Enriching Our Community Through Learning and Service 📖
Librarian Milena Gonzalez has always been dedicated to serving others. Before joining the Library in 2004 at the Doral Branch, she gained experience working at the Language Lab at Miami Dade College. She later moved to Tallahassee, where she worked with a statewide children's health insurance program, helping families access essential healthcare while pursuing her master's degree.
Now, as Manager of the Naranja Branch Library, Milena oversees daily operations alongside a dedicated team. She works to make the library the heart of the community, connecting residents with valuable resources while fostering a welcoming, enriching environment.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
My favorite part is seeing the joy and gratitude we bring to our patrons, no matter their age or background. Whether it's through a program or helping someone find a resource they need, knowing we made a difference is incredibly rewarding.
Congratulations on your Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Leadership Award! How do you hope to continue making an impact in your role as a librarian?
I’m honored and humbled to receive this award, and I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues for their support. Moving forward, I hope to continue making a difference by leading with respect, empathy and a strong commitment to my community, my team and the profession.
What was the last book or eBook you read and what did you think of it?
I’m currently reading The House of Secrets by Brad Meltzer. It follows a young woman who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of her past, forcing her to unravel the mysteries surrounding her life and family. If you enjoy suspenseful stories with historical twists, this is a great read.
What is your favorite Library resource?
I love using the Libby, by OverDrive mobile app. It’s user-friendly, convenient and makes accessing books and audiobooks effortless. Having an entire library at your fingertips anytime, anywhere is unbeatable!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I love reading, dancing and traveling – though I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like!
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dr. seuss inspired events
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at the Library 🥳
Dr. Seuss, the beloved author of The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, delighted generations with his whimsical stories and playful rhymes. In honor of his birthday in March, we're hosting a Seuss-tacular lineup of events across the Library!
From special storytimes to Seuss-inspired crafts, games and a magical performance by family entertainer Marci Poppins, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
To view the full list of events and participating library locations, click here.
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digital collections blog
Explore the Artistic History of Rare Embroidery Portfolios 🧵
Step into a world of intricate needlework with this month’s Digital Collections Blog! Explore rare embroidery pattern books from the early 20th century, showcasing exquisite textile designs from Egypt, India, Russia and beyond. These detailed pieces offer endless creative inspiration for graphic design, fashion, interior décor, crafts and more.
Click here to read more.
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mdpls local author series
Experience a Journey of Resilience and Triumph with
Anita Mitchell 🥈
Find inspiration as author and U.S. Masters Swimmer Anita Mitchell presents God Took My Arms but He Gave Me THIS GIFT, chronicling the powerful true story of Abbas Karimi, an Afghan refugee born without arms, who became a two-time silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Saturday, March 1, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
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MDPLS Local author series
Embark on a Birthday Adventure with Author Jill Dana 🎉
Celebrate a special reading of author Jill Dana's children’s book Butternut & Buttercup, a delightful story about friendship, thoughtful gift-giving and the joy of shared experiences. Follow along as Butternut embarks on an adventure to find the perfect birthday gift for his best friend, Buttercup.
After the reading, enjoy a playful activity and tea-themed game of bingo! Registration is required. Ages 3 years and up.
Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
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staff picks
This month’s Staff Picks for Kids commemorate Black History Month through beautifully crafted picture books that celebrate Black voices, stories and achievements. Featuring inspiring tales of historical figures, resilience and unity, these selections invite young readers to explore the rich legacy of Black history.
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Written by Breanna J. McDaniel, Illustrated by April Harrison
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Written by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey
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Written by Mel Nyoko, Illustrated by Joelle Avelino
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Celebrate Black History Month at the Library! Join us for movie screenings, craft sessions, storytimes and more as we honor African American history, culture and achievements with engaging events all month 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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Movie Afternoons: Coach Carter (PG-13) 🎥
Inspired by true events, Ken Carter returns to coach his former high school’s struggling basketball team, pushing them to succeed on and off the court. Ages 13 years and up.
Thursday, February 20, 2 - 4 p.m.
Main Library
Benjamin Banneker Clock Craft 🕑
Create a clock inspired by inventor Benjamin Banneker and explore his historic contributions in this hands-on craft session. Materials will be provided. Ages 6 - 11 years.
Friday, February 21, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Miami Springs Branch Library
Tap, Scat, Swing and Sing with Miss Leslie 🕺
Celebrate Black history with a musical storytime! Sing, dance and groove along to rhythmic tales that bring the spirit of jazz to life. All ages.
Saturday, February 22, 1 - 2 p.m.
South Dade Regional Library
Honor Trailblazing African Americans in Florida 👏🏽
Discover the stories of African Americans who broke barriers and shaped Florida’s history in this inspiring presentation. Light refreshments will be served. Ages 12 years and up.
Friday, February 28, 11 a.m. - noon
North Central Branch Library
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