Miami-Dade County Earns National Honors for Innovation
Library Among Recognized Departments 🏆
Message from Miami-Dade County
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
As we celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September, I’m especially proud of our award-winning library system that drives lifelong learning and connection.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) recently recognized Miami-Dade County with 151 Achievement Awards across 14 County departments, honoring innovative programs that improve services, save money, strengthen our workforce, and improve accountability in government. Of those, an incredible 74 - nearly half - went to our libraries. Our library programs enrich the lives of so many by fostering learning opportunities and expanding access to technology.
From literacy initiatives to cultural events, internet access, small business resources, and much more, these award-winning programs are making a tangible difference — improving the lives of our residents every day.
While it's meaningful to be recognized on a national stage, what truly matters is serving you and helping our community thrive. These honors validate the creativity, dedication, and impact of our County workforce, and they inspire us to continue raising the bar, delivering resources, programs, and services that make our County stronger.
I’m grateful to our library staff — and all our County employees — for their commitment to excellence. To view the full list of 2025 NACo Achievement Award winners, please visit the naco.org awards page and enter “Miami-Dade County” in the search box.
And a reminder, if you don’t already have a library card, this September is the perfect time to sign up and start discovering all your library has to offer.
With gratitude,
Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor, Miami-Dade County
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Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month: Explore Everything Your Library Card Can Do!
Whether you’re new to the Library or a longtime user, your library card opens the door to endless possibilities.
With a library card, you can borrow books, eBooks and audiobooks, stream movies and music, learn a new language, access career and business tools, read popular newspapers and magazines, check out passes to local museums and attractions and much more!
Here’s how you can make the most of your library card:
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Get Started: Apply for a card at any library location or request an eCard online.
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Update Your Account: If you haven’t used your card recently, stop by your local library or email CustomerCare@mdpls.org to reset your PIN or reactivate your account.
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Encourage Others: Tell friends and family about the benefits of a library card and inspire them to sign up too!
Visit our Library Card Sign-up Month page to learn more and start exploring all the free resources your card unlocks today!
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You're Invited: Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit 🤝
Join the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library for an evening of celebration at their annual Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit fundraiser. This event is open to adults 21 and older and takes place Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Gables Branch Library. Guests will enjoy delicious food, refreshments, lively conversation and a silent auction – all in support of the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
For more than 50 years, the Friends have championed library advocacy and community enrichment. Funds raised through this event help support Library programs that impact lives every day.
Tickets are available now. Click here to learn more.
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Resource Spotlight
Stay Connected with the Library Anywhere, Anytime with Our Free Mobile App 📱
Did you know the Library offers a free mobile app that makes it easy to access resources and services wherever you are? With it, you can browse the catalog, place holds, renew items, store your library card digitally and much more.
You’ll also find features like a personalized “My Account” to view checkouts and event registrations, Apple Wallet integration and the option to see your loan history. It's the perfect way to get the most out of your library card.
Available for iOS and Android devices.
Click here to download the app today!
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community events
Explore Helpful Resources at Upcoming Community Events Across Miami-Dade County 🔍
Disability Resource Fair
Connect with more than 75 organizations offering essential services, enjoy inclusive activities and more.
Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Miami-Dade Youth Fair and Expo Center, Fuchs Pavilion
Learn More
Tenants Know Your Rights and Legal Clinic
Get free on-site help from attorneys and learn about your rights as a renter.
Saturday, September 6, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Kendale Lakes Branch Library
Learn More
Vendor Registration Boot Camp
Take the first step toward doing business with Miami-Dade County as experts walk you through the vendor registration process.
Friday, September 19, 1 – 3 p.m.
Hialeah Gardens Branch Library
Learn More
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employee spotlight
Tyler Brown Inspires Creativity at the Library's YOUmake Miami 🎵
Tyler Brown has always had a knack for using technology to connect people and introduce them to new ways of learning. Before joining the Library’s YOUmake Miami team in 2024 as a Library Media Project Instructor, he worked as an audiovisual engineer, a path he first discovered through community service in high school. He later expanded into livestreaming and conferencing, helping people stay connected in meaningful ways.
Now serving as a Library Media Project Specialist at the Miami Beach Regional Library’s YOUmake Miami makerspace, Tyler supports patrons with their media and technology projects and leads workshops tailored to their interests.
What is your favorite part about working at YOUmake Miami?
Helping patrons gain confidence with tools they were initially intimidated by. It’s rewarding to see their confidence grow, especially when they return to continue building on what they learned.
What is your favorite Library resource?
I’ve used LinkedIn Learning a lot to pick up new skills and refresh old ones, including video editing, audio engineering and podcasting. Free access to publications like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times online has also been great whenever I want to read an article that would otherwise be behind a paywall.
Do you have a favorite Library program or event?
I’m biased, but my favorite program so far has been my recent Caribbean American Heritage Month workshop, Reggae Rhythm & Roots. I used it to teach patrons about the history of reggae and its role in Jamaican culture. As a Jamaican, it was especially meaningful to share my heritage with others. We ended by creating reggae songs using Apple’s GarageBand, a beginner-friendly music production software, which patrons were able to save and share.
Are you working on any new or upcoming projects?
We’re always exploring new ways to showcase the many tools available in our YOUmake space. It’s exciting to see what people create once they have a foundation to build on with our guidance and support.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about yourself?
I like to produce music in my spare time. Sometimes I collaborate with friends or hire vocalists to record tracks. Maybe one day I’ll work up the courage to release them!
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volunteer opportunity
Help Young Readers Thrive with Uplift Literacy 📖
Want to make a difference in a young reader’s life? Uplift Literacy is seeking volunteers to give just one hour a week to help Pre-K through third-grade students build essential reading skills.
Attend an upcoming in-person training session to learn how to become a Reading Pal and support children on their literacy journey.
For more information and to register, click here, email info@upliftliteracy.org or call 305-981-6234.
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adult test prep
Get Ready for the GED Test with Free Online Tutoring ✍
Strengthen your math and science skills for the GED (General Educational Development) test with the Library’s Project L.E.A.D. (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade) program!
Led by trained volunteers, this free 10-week series offers 90-minute online tutoring sessions where students review key concepts, practice problems and build confidence to succeed on test day. Registration is required. Ages 19 years and up.
Math Tutoring
Wednesdays, September 24 – December 17
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register Online
Science Tutoring
Thursdays, September 25 – December 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register Online
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arts program
Express Your Creativity with Youth Arts in the Parks 🎨
Attention kids and teens! The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs invites you to join Youth Arts in the Parks, an inclusive, socially-oriented arts program for kids ages 6-17. This 12-week series offers Saturday morning classes in animation, visual arts and creative movement at various locations, including the West Kendall Regional Library. Classes are led by professional artists, certified instructors and disability experts.
Don't delay! Registration closes Wednesday, September 3. To learn more and register, click here.
Presented by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs All Kids Included initiative in partnership with Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion, the Miami-Dade Public Library System, the Sandrell Rivers Theater and Arts for Learning/Miami.
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MDPLS Local author series
Enjoy a Touching Storytime with Natalia Sylvester 🤗
Embark on a playful adventure as Natalia Sylvester shares her touching picture book A Maleta Full of Treasures. This heartwarming story shows young readers that home is not just a place, but the enduring love of family across any distance. Registration is required. Ages 4 years and up.
Thursday, September 18, 11 a.m. – noon
Sunset Branch Library
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digital newspapers
Hot off the press! Access The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal online anytime, anywhere – free with your library card. Stay current with breaking news, explore past issues and much more. Simply log in through the Library’s website or mobile app to get started!
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Experience the arts in a whole new way at the Library! Enjoy 16mm film screenings, step into immersive VR, make scented candles and explore YOUmake Miami makerspace programs — there’s something for everyone!
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. Simply select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range and/or library location to get started.
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O Cinema Presents: OCVR 🥽
Immerse yourself in powerful virtual reality stories that spark imagination and open new perspectives. Ages 12 years and up.
Wednesdays, September 3 – 24, 2 – 6 p.m.
Various Branches
Made possible by the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation through the Pérez CreARTE Grant Program.
Creative Candle Making 🕯
Get creative and make your own colorful, scented candle! Choose your wax color, pick a fragrance and learn how to pour and shape your candle to take home. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up.
Thursday, September 4, 5 – 6 p.m.
Shenandoah Branch Library
AV Club: Bless Their Little Hearts 🎥
Experience curated screenings from the Library’s 16mm film collection and take part in a guided discussion with Dr. Terri Francis from the University of Miami's School of Communication as we watch and reflect on Billy Woodberry’s 1984 drama Bless Their Little Hearts. Ages 14 years and up.
Saturday, September 6, 3 – 5 p.m.
Main Library
Presented by the Library’s Special Collections & Archives Division.
Learn & Create with YOUmake Miami ✂️
Explore hands-on workshops at the Library’s YOUmake Miami makerspaces, where you can develop new skills and bring your ideas to life. Upcoming events include still life drawing, script writing, sewing, painting, 3D modeling and more.
YOUmake Miami - West Kendall Regional
Register Online
YOUmake Miami - Miami Beach Regional
Register Online
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