Celebrate Heritage, Culture & Community at the Library 🌏
Join us as we celebrate diverse cultures and histories that make our community so vibrant! Throughout May, we recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month by exploring the stories, traditions and contributions of these rich cultures through art, music, history and more.
From live performances and hands-on crafts to film screenings and beyond, there’s so much to discover and enjoy at the Library. Check out some featured events below, and for a full list of Heritage Month programs, click here.
Samurai Helmet Craft ✂
Discover the beauty and strength of ancient Japanese culture! Learn about the legendary warriors of Japan and make your own 3D samurai helmet to wear. Materials will be provided. Ages 8 - 12 years.
Friday, May 16, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Branch Library
Presented by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
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Madan Sara: Documentary Screening 🎬
In honor of Haitian Heritage Month, join us for a screening of Madan Sara, an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Etant Dupain that highlights the resilience and vital role of Haiti’s market women. After the film, enjoy a Q&A with co-executive producer Lu Childs. Ages 19 years and up.
Friday, May 16, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Model City Branch Library
Friday, May 23, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
Saturday, May 24, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
North Central Branch Library
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Celebration of Jewish American Heritage ✡️
Enjoy this interactive program that highlights the history, traditions and cultural contributions of Jewish Americans through lively stories, music and dance. All ages.
Saturday, May 24, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Coral Reef Branch Library
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online resource
Events Calendar Hack: Create Your Custom Library Event Brochure to Keep Track of Your Favorite Programs 🗓️
Looking for an easy way to stay up-to-date on new and upcoming library events and programs? Use our online calendar of events to create a custom brochure tailored to your interests and library location!
Simply visit our events calendar, select your preferred filters – age group, date and event type – then click the "Create Brochure" button on the left-side toolbar. You can instantly download the PDF brochure, email it to yourself or subscribe to receive it daily, weekly or monthly.
Start browsing today and discover what’s happening at your library!
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special student exhibition
Pinecrest Branch Hosts Award-Winning Student Art Exhibit 👗
Congratulations to TERRA Environmental Research Institute high school senior Leonardo Iglesias for designing the award-winning, avant-garde-themed gown titled Mirrorball!
The stunning dress, currently on display at the Pinecrest Branch Library, is made from 30,000 recycled soda tabs and was featured in the school's "trashion" show. Inspired by a desire to create a garment that challenges fast fashion trends, Iglesias' beautiful gown won the school fashion show and was also the winner of WPLG Local 10’s 2025 eARTh Day Art Contest.
To learn more about Iglesias' inspiration and view the story about his award-winning design, click here.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Student-Run Pop-Up Café Opens at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library ☕
The Library, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County District 11 Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez and Learning Links School, recently celebrated the grand opening of the student-run "Sips and Stories" pop-up café at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library!
Commissioner Gonzalez and Library Director Ray Baker joined Learning Links students, teachers and school administrators for the ribbon cutting ceremony on April 30.
Operated by students with autism spectrum disorders and other learning disabilities, the café offers hands-on job training opportunities while providing library visitors with a place to get hot and iced coffee and pastries.
The café is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Click here to learn more about this exciting new library service.
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IMProving MDPLS
Patron Notice: Upcoming Library Renovations & Improvements 🚧
An exciting transformation is on the way! The South Dade Regional Library will be closed starting Sunday, May 25 for approximately a year and a half to complete a major interior renovation and modernization project.
Improvements include a redesigned atrium/lobby with multi-functional stair seating, the addition of a second auditorium, study rooms and privacy pods, new furniture, carpeting, flooring and painting, upgraded Wi-Fi, a “Catio” lounge for cats in partnership with Miami-Dade County Animal Services and much more.
To view project details and design renderings, visit www.mdpls.org/SDRenovation.
As a reminder, the North Shore Branch Library is closed as of Monday, May 5 for approximately four weeks for facility maintenance and improvements, including resealing and water-testing the windows, refurbishing and repainting the window frames, completing the exterior painting project, replacing ductwork and drywall and refurbishing the ceiling grid and A/C grilles.
For questions or assistance, please email CustomerCare@mdpls.org.
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live performances
Enter a Musical Time Machine with Baby B Strings 🎻
Join violinist Belinda Niling Stohner and maestro cellist Jose Pradas of musical group Baby B Strings for lively renditions of timeless hits by artists like Elvis, Queen and more, celebrating several decades of unforgettable music. Ages 55 years and up.
Oldies but Goodies
Saturday, May 24, Noon – 1 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
Classical Rock Meets Classical Music
Saturday, May 31, 2 – 3 p.m.
Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
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resource spotlight
Explore Your Family History with AncestryLibrary 🧬
Curious about your family’s roots? AncestryLibrary makes it easy to explore your family tree online with access to billions of historical records – including census data, immigration documents, military files, newspapers and more – available 24/7, free with your library card.
Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just getting started, this user-friendly resource is a great way to uncover meaningful details about your heritage, right at your fingertips.
Ready to start digging? Click here to begin your genealogy journey today.
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employee spotlight
Daniela Gutierrez Fosters Creativity and Connection at the Library 🎨
Daniela Gutierrez has always had a passion for bringing ideas to life through art and education. Before joining the Library in October 2023, she worked at HistoryMiami Museum as a part-time manager, educator and exhibition installer, contributing to several major art exhibitions.
Now, as a Library Exhibition Technician, Daniela helps coordinate, install and rotate exhibitions and art programs throughout our libraries. She’s committed to making art accessible, meaningful and engaging for everyone who visits.
What is your favorite part about working for the Library?
I love the variety of the work! One week I’m in the office sending emails, the next I’m installing exhibitions in our libraries throughout the County. I’ve learned so much about visual arts through our vast and diverse collection. It’s also rewarding to be part of a system that offers so many valuable services to the community.
What do you consider to be a personal achievement in your career at the Library?
Definitely curating my first installation. It was intimidating at first, but after carefully arranging and installing the show, I was proud of how it turned out – and the artist was happy too! It was incredibly fulfilling to know I understood and supported the artist's vision.
Do you have a favorite piece or collection from our Permanent Art Collection or Virtual Art Exhibitions?
I’m a big fan of Elizabeth Catlett’s work. Her pieces are powerful, emotional and deeply-tied to the Black liberation and arts movement. I also love a Bernard Buffet print we have in our collection, it's colorful and cozy, and I'm really impressed by a lithograph by Jill Cannady of a bulldog that captures a calm, delightful moment.
Do you have a favorite Library program or event?
I really enjoy the Bridging Generations: Art & Conversation programs with teens and older adults. The discussions are always meaningful, and it’s great to see how young adult librarians built such supportive spaces for connection and creativity across generations.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I love trying new things and picking up new hobbies. Lately, I’ve been getting back into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which I’ve practiced on and off since I was a kid. I’ve also taken up fishing. My favorite spots are out in the Everglades. Where exactly? I will never tell!
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Art at the library
Take in the Beauty of Patagonia with Arturo Fahrenkrog 🌄
Discover the wild beauty of South America’s southern frontier through the lens of photographer Arturo Fahrenkrog in Patagonia: Conservancy and Rewilding. Featuring powerful images of mountains, glaciers, rivers and forests, this bilingual exhibition reveals both the majesty of nature and the urgent need to protect it. All ages.
Opening Reception
Thursday, May 22, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
On view now through June 30.
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Art at the library
Women of AKA: 85 Years of Living the Dream & Creating a Legacy 💚
Celebrate the legacy of service, leadership and community impact of the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter in this inspiring exhibition. Including historical photographs, personal stories and meaningful artifacts, this curated art collection honors generations of changemakers who have advanced education, health, economic empowerment and social justice in Miami-Dade County.
On view now through June 1
North Dade Regional Library
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mdpls local author series
Be Bold with Shinetra Sanders 🩰
Cultivate self-love and confidence as Shinetra Sanders presents her empowering children’s book, Dance, Alika, Dance. Follow Alika’s journey of self-discovery through movement and joyful expression. After the reading, enjoy a fun craft activity that builds self-esteem and celebrates your child's uniqueness. Registration is required. Ages 3 years and up.
Saturday, May 31, 3 – 4 p.m.
Miami Lakes Branch Library
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MDPLS Local author series
Experience a Story of Courage with Martha Castiello 💪
Reflect on resilience and family legacy as Martha Castiello presents her heartfelt memoir, Abur: Four Years to Freedom. This powerful story explores Castiello's family exile from Cuba and the moving letters her father wrote her during their lengthy separation. Ages 18 years and up.
Saturday, May 31, 4 – 5 p.m.
Westchester Regional Library
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staff picks
In honor of Older Americans Month, celebrate the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren with this month’s Staff Picks for Kids! These heartwarming stories show young readers the important role older adults play in their lives and illustrate the power of intergenerational connections.
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Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Cover Illustrated by Natasha Donovan
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Written by Tanya Rosie, Illustrated by Chuck Groenink
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Written by Jean Reidy, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
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Looking to try something new? Whether it’s a lively musical storytime, a wild animal encounter, salsa dancing or a rare 16mm World War II film screening, the Library has something for every age and interest.
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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Mr. J Story Jams 🎶
Sing, dance and read along with a lively musical storytime! Enjoy classic and indie children's books, original songs and hands-on instrument play in this interactive performance. Ages 5 years and under.
Saturday, May 17, 1 – 2 p.m.
Coral Gables Branch Library
Made possible by the City of Coral Gables.
Wildlife Show 🐍
Get ready for a wild adventure! Meet fascinating creatures and learn fun facts about them during this wildlife presentation by an experienced animal trainer. All ages.
Saturday, May 17, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
California Club Branch Library
Salsa for Beginners 💃
Join award-winning Latin dancer Suzy Q for a fun, beginner-friendly salsa class designed to get you moving and grooving. Registration is required. Ages 12 years and up.
Thursday, May 22, 4 – 5 p.m.
Miami Lakes Branch Library
AV Club: Germany, Year Zero / Germania anno zero 🎥
Step into post-war Berlin with a special 16mm screening of Roberto Rossellini’s Germany, Year Zero (1948), a powerful exposition of devastation and survival in the aftermath of World War II. Ages 16 years and up.
Saturday, May 24, 3 – 5 p.m.
Miami Beach Regional Library
Presented as part of the Library's World War II at 80 program.
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