Branch Spotlights

The South Shore Branch Library has been serving the Miami Beach community for over five decades.

Originally established in 1964, the South Shore Branch Library was located at 225 Washington Avenue as one of three Miami Beach Libraries, including the original Miami Beach Public Library and North Shore Branch Library.

The Miami Beach Libraries joined the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 1986 and in 2005, the South Shore Branch was relocated to its current location in a large, 4,800-square-foot space on the ground floor of The Courts Condominium complex located at 131 Alton Road.

The branch offers a wide variety of programming and services for the community, such as craft workshops, teen gaming and English conversation classes, and tablets with built-in wireless internet and Wi-Fi hotspots available for patrons to borrow and take home to stay connected outside the library.

The South Shore Branch Library team also engages with the community through outreach to schools in the area, providing information on library programs, events and services, conducting storytimes, signing people up for library cards and more. The branch’s popular book club is a favorite among patrons, including snowbirds who live in Miami Beach only during the winter months. Tourists also frequent the branch to browse the internet, print airplane tickets or read a book.

"The South Shore Branch Library serves the needs of this community with everything from helping customers find a job to aiding those who need housing assistance to presenting fun, educational programs,” said Branch Manager Carolina Padron. “It is a true gem with a good selection of materials and professional customer-oriented staff ready to serve the community."

When the Miami Lakes Branch Library opened on February 9, 1981, it quickly became a community hub for residents from five surrounding neighborhoods to socialize and access information and services.

Originally known as the Miami Lakes/Palm Springs North Branch Library, it was built using Decade of Progress Bond Program funds to serve the diverse communities of Miami Lakes, Palm Springs North, Country Club of Miami, Hialeah Gardens and Carol City. Located off Ludlam Road just south of the Palmetto Expressway on land donated by The Graham Companies, the 11,000 square-foot library was easily accessible to residents of northwest Miami-Dade County. With the opening of Palm Springs North Branch Library on November 29, 2004, to better serve the growing community, the name of the existing location was changed to Miami Lakes Branch Library.

There are lots of activities to explore at the Miami Lakes Branch Library. From STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs, arts and crafts and bilingual storytimes to borrowing Wi-Fi hotspots and tablets with built-in wireless internet to stay connected outside the library and exploring the large collection of DVDs, books and more, the branch offers many different opportunities for patrons to engage, learn and have fun.

“While the Miami Lakes Branch Library continues to offer quality programming that promotes literacy, learning and personal growth, such as the bilingual storytime program offered outdoors in the adjacent passive park, in recent years we have complemented these with services that address more diverse needs,” said Branch Manager Carmen Docurro. “These include free summer lunches for children, driver license services through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, free workshops on physical and mental wellbeing and more. We love engaging with our patrons and use their feedback to offer programs and services that they want and need.”

The original Hispanic Branch Library, known as Rama Hispánica, opened on August 2, 1976, in the heart of Little Havana to serve Miami’s Spanish-speaking population.

Rama Hispánica was located in a two-story, 6,000-square-foot building at 2190 West Flagler Street, which quickly became a touchstone for the growing Cuban community. To highlight the branch’s role in educating residents about Cuba’s rich cultural history, the Cuban Rotary Club in Exile inaugurated in 1983 a monument to poet Agustín Acosta, who was named Cuba’s National Poet in 1955.

With the area’s community growing, the Miami-Dade Public Library System partnered with Carrfour Supportive Housing, a nonprofit developer and operator of affordable and supportive housing for low-income and formerly homeless families and individuals in Miami-Dade County, to build a larger branch that would be located on the ground floor of Carrfour’s Villa Aurora Apartments building, making it the first library in the County to become part of an affordable housing development.

The new 12,000-square-foot Hispanic Branch Library at 1398 SW 1st Street opened to the public on October 18, 2010, with many amenities, including more public computers and a larger meeting room for Library programs and public use. The branch also carried forward the tribute to Augustín Acosta with a plaque that hangs in the meeting room and continues to have one of the largest Spanish-language collections in our Miami-Dade Public Libraries.

The Hispanic Branch Library was designed to be conveniently accessible to Villa Aurora residents and the surrounding community. Neighborhood residents often visit the library to get help with applying for local, state and federal programs – including healthcare and supplemental food programs. The branch also engages with the community through outreach to schools in the area, providing storytimes and other programming for children who might not otherwise make it to the library.

“Hispanic Branch Library provides a bright organized space for an ethnically diverse urban community often challenged by language barriers and computer literacy. We offer a vast selection of Spanish-language publications for all ages and house a special Cuban Collection of rare books, as well as an art gallery that includes local artists,” said Branch Manager Camilo Barrero. “Our staff is proud to serve this community’s needs by helping patrons secure housing, employment, social and educational assistance.”

The Pinecrest Branch Library opened its doors to the public in October of 2008 next to the Village of Pinecrest Community Center and Pinecrest Gardens.

This 15,000 square-foot building was constructed as part of the Library’s capital plan approved in 2001. The single-story branch features 16-foot-tall ceilings in some places, natural light throughout the space and windows with panoramic views of the surrounding park.

There is an abundance of activities and resources to choose from when visiting the Pinecrest Branch Library. From literacy programs such as reading your favorite stories alongside a therapy dog, craft programs, a book club and digital literacy classes to computers, tablets for checkout and a great collection of books, DVDs and more, the branch has something for everyone.

“The crowds that attend the Pinecrest Branch Library’s programs voice accolades to their friends and neighbors,” said Branch Manager Ellen Book. “Those who visit the branch find answers to their questions and welcome the abundance of resources at their fingertips.”

In fact, the Pinecrest Branch Library is home to some of our County’s most voracious readers, consistently ranking at or near the top of the list of our branches with the highest number of library materials checked out each year.

The branch also has beautiful displays and artwork that engage the imagination, including many pieces of book art made by staff. One unique display in the library lobby includes an interactive book with playable bird songs and a corresponding collection of brightly painted hand carved birds donated by a former staff member.

“A family excursion to the Pinecrest Branch Library is considered a treat,” Ellen said. “Parents, grandparents, and caregivers make sure to bring a large tote to take out piles of literary finds. It is a vibrant place.”

Visitors can also take advantage of the adjacent park and the Village of Pinecrest Community Center or visit scenic Pinecrest Gardens, which is only a two-minute walk away.

The Art Deco-inspired architecture of the Miami Beach Regional Library is an enduring testimonial to its deep roots in the city.

Library service in Miami Beach is almost a century old. The area’s first community library was established by the Miami Beach Women's Club during the late 1920s. A larger building for the Miami Beach Public Library was later constructed on Collins Avenue at the current site of The Bass Museum of Art. The City of Miami Beach continued to manage its own libraries into the 1970s, expanding to include the North Shore and South Shore Branches.

Miami Beach’s three libraries officially became part of the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 1986. The construction of a Miami Beach Regional Library was approved as part of the Library’s capital plan in 2001.

The Miami Beach Regional Library officially opened its doors on April 1, 2005. The 45,000-square-foot, two-story building features terrazzo floors, large windows for natural lighting, and an outdoor seating area with large, tranquil fountains. The architecture is modern in execution while evoking the Art Deco-style of its historical neighbors.

The Miami Beach Regional Library offers a wide array of services, programs and materials plus a YOUmake Miami makerspace for children, teens and adults to explore robotics, graphic design, coding, 3D Printing, musical instruments, sound recording, sewing and much more.

“Miami Beach Regional Library boasts all the library services Miami-Dade County residents and visitors have come to expect,” said Branch Manager Bryant Capley. “People of all ages can access free computing and printing, and events providing education and entertainment. For those needing conference room or meeting space, this facility is uniquely blessed with several study rooms and a very spacious and beautiful auditorium.”

Northeast Dade – Aventura Branch Library’s environmentally-friendly design made it an important addition to the Library family.

The current location opened to the public on August 18, 2015 as the County’s first “green” public library. It earned a Gold Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for its design and construction. In addition to facing Aventura Boulevard to encourage pedestrian access, the construction incorporated recycled materials, special wood, outside air in the ventilation system and more.

Northeast Dade – Aventura Branch Library traces its roots back to the late 1970s. At the time, there was a vibrant discussion within the community’s leadership about where the library would be located. That discussion included Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, then president of Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library. Eventually local leaders, activists and the public agreed to build the library in Aventura. The original location opened in 1979 at the site of the current library and served the community until 2005, when Hurricane Wilma destroyed the old library.

Within a decade, the branch was redesigned and rebuilt better than ever. The library continues to be an important focal point for the community.

“The Northeast Dade – Aventura Branch Library serves the surrounding community as a vital hub,” said Branch Manager David Larsen. “From library and partnered programs, through relevant and modern collections, meeting spaces, computer stations, Wi-Fi, and more, our library and staff are dedicated to serving all sectors of society through both traditional library services and online resources.”

Nested along a busy business corridor, the North Central Branch Library has served the growing West Little River community for over three decades.

North Central Branch Library opened its doors on Northwest 27 Avenue on July 27, 1990. The 5,512 square-foot property was formerly used as a training facility for the Metro-Dade Transportation Department before being completely remodeled using Decade of Progress funds. It was also the first location in the library system to feature a fully computer-based catalog rather than a traditional card cataloging system. This allowed more space in the branch for public seating, community programming and a larger collection of library materials.

Benefiting from a full renovation in June 2021, the North Central Branch Library continues to provide innovative and community-focused spaces for residents of all ages, whether it be kids in the new storytelling nook or adults enjoying a book in the reading sofa lounge.

“We’re more than just books and computers,” says Branch Manager Sylvia Brown “The North Central Branch Library is a treasured gem accessible to all to gather and interact, imagine, create, build, and enrich community life for everyone.”

The Civic Center Porta Kiosk is a convenient place for busy commuters to pick up their favorite novel, audiobook or movie on their way to and from work or school.

This prefabricated plastic and plexiglass structure was built in collaboration with Miami-Dade Transit on the second floor of the Civic Center Metrorail Station. It opened to the public on January 15, 1992 and is the world’s first library to be built on an elevated transit system.

Occupying 160 square feet of space, the Civic Center Porta Kiosk is the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s smallest branch. While small in size, this innovative library contains a collection of over 14,000 items including the latest best sellers, audiobooks, paperbacks, children’s materials, DVDs and connects commuters to the internet through a public access computer and free Wi-Fi connection. Borrowed materials also can be returned to any MDPLS branch.

The library is conveniently open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Next time you’re traveling on the Metrorail System, be sure to pay the Civic Center Porta Kiosk a visit!

The history of Naranja Branch Library reflects the fast-growing community it serves. 

The original Naranja Branch Library opened as a small storefront location in 2003. During this time, the Miami-Dade Public Library System opened several new branches inside shopping centers and strip malls throughout the County to expand library services into communities that did not have any branches nearby.

After almost a decade of serving the area, the population in Naranja had more than doubled. It was becoming clear that “Little Naranja,” as it was referred to affectionately by staff and patrons, would not be able to meet the demands of the growing community. The decision was made to construct a new, state-of-the-art library facility that would better serve the needs of the area.

On December 16, 2009, the new Naranja Branch Library officially opened its doors to the public. The 15,000-square-foot building features high ceilings with large windows that let natural light shine throughout the branch.

“Naranja Branch Library has become a jewel of the neighborhood,” said Branch Manager Milena Gonzalez. “We provide the communities of Naranja, Homestead and Florida City with a plethora of programs and access to free Wi-Fi and computers. It’s the right choice for a place to be.”

South Miami Branch Library stands as a testament to the strong support of its community over the past six decades.

The library was first established in 1960 when area residents decided to convert their old town hall into a community library with the City of Miami's help. Three years later, the City of South Miami decided to run the library on its own to reduce cost but rejoined with the City of Miami Public Library in 1966.

By the time the Miami-Dade Public Library System was officially established as a County department in 1971, South Miami residents had a new more ambitious vision for their branch. The Decade of Progress bond issue soon followed, providing the funds to build a new library on land the City of South Miami donated across from the original location.

The new 11,500-square-foot library first opened its doors on November 20, 1978 and featured a mural created by artist Susan Felz entitled Where Memories Remain. “South Miami Branch Library is like a time capsule filled with the memories of the community we serve,” says Branch Manager Will Runyan. “We want to preserve the sense of newness that defined the South Miami Branch when it first opened without sacrificing the traditions we inherited from the librarians before us.”

Located in the heart of the Westchester community, the Westchester Regional Library has served as a hub for residents, businesses and community leaders alike for over four decades.

Westchester Regional Library, formerly known as West Dade Regional Library, was built using “Decade of Progress” funds, which was a $553 million initiative that made possible the construction of a dozen new library facilities between 1972 and 1985.

The building itself was completed in September 1977 and was scheduled to open to the public in December of the same year. However, the library’s grand opening date was delayed due to a bookshelf supply shortage. Over two years later, the last book was shelved and the library officially opened its doors on June 19, 1980.

The 54,000 square foot Westchester Regional Library is the second largest library in the system, with a collection of over 200,000 books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines and newspapers. From language classes to small business resource fairs and cultural programs, the library provides residents with easy access to world-class events and programs.

“Westchester Regional Library fosters a sense of pride for the neighborhood,” said Branch Manager Janelle Gonzalez. “With wonderful spaces and a park right across the plaza, the library is the perfect place to enjoy a day of reading and relaxing with the whole family.” 

In January 2021, construction began on the Library’s Westchester Health and Wellness Information Center, adjacent to the Westchester Regional Library. Once completed, the center will serve as a community resource where the public can receive guidance on health information and tap into programs including lectures and seminars on topics such as managing blood pressure, nutrition, overall wellness and more.

Main Library draws its roots to Downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park. In 1951, the first home for Main Library (known then as Miami Memorial Library) was built in the park at 1 Biscayne Boulevard. It was the first public building in Miami with air conditioning and was a gathering place for the community. In the 1960s, it also became a touchstone for immigrant children from Cuba with no relatives in Miami. During the holidays, the kids would trim Christmas trees and enjoy other festivities at the library.

Within 20 years, a vision emerged to move the library west, making it an anchor in the planned Metro-Dade Cultural Center, which would also include the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (now HistoryMiami) and the Miami Art Museum (now the Perez Art Museum of Miami on Biscayne Bay).

Opened in 1985, the 200,000-square-foot Main Library building on Flagler Street was designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. The four-story building, framed with limestone, featured a rotunda, a wide, two-story staircase and large windows throughout.

Today, Main Library, the flagship branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, is comprised of several different departments including the Special Collections and Archives, Digital Collections, the Social Services in Libraries Program (SSLP), helping the homeless find housing and essential services, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). The building is also home to the Art Services and Exhibitions Division, which maintains the Permanent Art Collection, made up over 6,000 pieces.

Additionally, the building includes a mural by California artist Ed Ruscha. The piece is entitled Words Without Thought Never to Heaven Go, and features a quote from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, with each word separately presented and installed in a continuous frieze that runs throughout the first floor.

Some of library system’s most innovative programs and services are also housed at Main Library, including the Special Collections Division. This extensive collection features materials covering a wide range of topics from genealogy to Cuban ephemera and includes the Helen Muir Florida Collection, archives, rare books and a 16mm film collection. The Special Collections Division also includes The Vasari Project, dedicated to documenting, collecting and preserving Miami‑Dade County's art history from 1945 to the present.