The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is proud to have been recognized with 28 National Association of Counties (NACo) 2022 Achievement Awards. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo Achievement Awards reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. MDPLS has been honored with 87 NACo Achievement Awards over the past six years.
Keep reading to learn more about our 2022 NACo Achievement Award-winning programs and services.
The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is proud to have been recognized with 28 National Association of Counties (NACo) 2022 Achievement Awards. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo Achievement Awards reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. MDPLS has been honored with 87 NACo Achievement Awards over the past six years.
Keep reading to learn more about our 2022 NACo Achievement Award-winning programs and services.
Launched in 2021, the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Adult Learning Academy offers vital educational opportunities such as adult basic education, language courses, test preparation and citizenship classes at no-cost to Miami Dade County residents. Click here to read more.
Author
Nora Morales
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Author: Nora Morales
Launched in 2021, the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Adult Learning Academy offers vital educational opportunities such as adult basic education, language courses, test preparation and citizenship classes at no-cost to Miami Dade County residents. Click here to read more.
A Team Approach to Tech Support
In 2018 the Miami-Dade Public Library System began providing one-on-one tech assistance to patrons at several branch locations serving the communities of Virrick Park, South Miami, South Shore and North Shore. The idea first started after several branches noticed a trend developing as patrons were bringing their devices to the regular computer classes wanting to know more about how to use their devices as well as how to access the Library’s online resources. Click here to read more.
Authors
Mary Garcia
Caroline Youse
Category
Libraries
A Team Approach to Tech Support
Category: Libraries
Authors: Mary Garcia & Caroline Youse
In 2018 the Miami-Dade Public Library System began providing one-on-one tech assistance to patrons at several branch locations serving the communities of Virrick Park, South Miami, South Shore and North Shore. The idea first started after several branches noticed a trend developing as patrons were bringing their devices to the regular computer classes wanting to know more about how to use their devices as well as how to access the Library’s online resources. Click here to read more.
Getting Started with Genealogy
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Opa-locka Branch Library developed a virtual programming series, Getting Started with Genealogy, to reach an often-underserved adult audience, especially those older adults who were most vulnerable to the physical and emotional stresses of the pandemic. Click here to read more.
Author
Caroline Youse
Category
Libraries
Getting Started with Genealogy
Category: Libraries
Author: Caroline Youse
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Opa-locka Branch Library developed a virtual programming series, Getting Started with Genealogy, to reach an often-underserved adult audience, especially those older adults who were most vulnerable to the physical and emotional stresses of the pandemic. Click here to read more.
Mastering Middle Grade Information Literacy
With in-person programming and outreach suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partnerships between branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System and local schools developed new ways to connect in a virtual space. Click here to read more.
Author
Caroline Youse
Category
Libraries
Mastering Middle Grade Information Literacy
Category: Libraries
Author: Caroline Youse
With in-person programming and outreach suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partnerships between branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System and local schools developed new ways to connect in a virtual space. Click here to read more.
Miami-Dade Public Library System librarians realized there was a need within their communities for bilingual-type programs to reach a large population of Miami-Dade County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to recreational and educational outlets was scarce, and parents and caregivers did not have places to go where their children would be able to socialize and learn a new language. Click here to read more.
Authors
Miriam Quiros-Laso
Susan Benitez
Category
Children & Youth
Category: Children & Youth
Authors: Miriam Quiros Laso & Susan Benitez
Miami-Dade Public Library System librarians realized there was a need within their communities for bilingual-type programs to reach a large population of Miami-Dade County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to recreational and educational outlets was scarce, and parents and caregivers did not have places to go where their children would be able to socialize and learn a new language. Click here to read more.
Storytimes That Meet the Needs of Youth with Down Syndrome
Early literacy programming for young individuals with Down Syndrome is rare due to the difficulties inherent in building literacy skills for these individuals. In an effort to address this, the Miami Lakes Branch Library partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides free, purposeful programs to children and adults with Down Syndrome. Click here to read more.
Author
Liana Pupo-Cuartas
Category
Libraries
Storytimes That Meet the Needs of Youth with Down Syndrome
Category: Libraries
Author: Liana Pupo-Cuartas
Early literacy programming for young individuals with Down Syndrome is rare due to the difficulties inherent in building literacy skills for these individuals. In an effort to address this, the Miami Lakes Branch Library partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides free, purposeful programs to children and adults with Down Syndrome. Click here to read more.
Voices from Florida, a monthly program hosted and curated by the Special Collections division of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, focuses on highlighting unique stories about Florida's history, culture, literature and communities. Click here to read more.
Authors
Stephanie Garcia
Katharine Labuda
Jocelyn Hurtado
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Authors: Stephanie Garcia, Katharine Labuda & Jocelyn Hurtado
Voices from Florida, a monthly program hosted and curated by the Special Collections division of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, focuses on highlighting unique stories about Florida's history, culture, literature and communities. Click here to read more.
Art for the People: Empowering our Community
"Art for the People: Empowering Our Community" is an Exhibitions and Programming initiative of the Miami-Dade Public Library System that brings free art displays and related programming using the Library’s Permanent Art Collection to inform and inspire the surrounding communities of Miami-Dade County. Click here to read more.
Author
Oscar Fuentes
Category
Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation
Art for the People: Empowering our Community
Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation
Author: Oscar Fuentes
Art for the People: Empowering Our Community is an Exhibitions and Programming initiative of the Miami-Dade Public Library System that brings free art displays and related programming using the Library’s Permanent Art Collection to inform and inspire the surrounding communities of Miami-Dade County. Click here to read more.
Hands On Art at Westchester Regional Library
Hands On Art is an art and art history program series for children at the Westchester Regional Library. During the initial cycle of the Hands On Art series, kids got the chance to explore classic artists and their most famous works through the medium of fingerpainting. Click here to read more.
Author
Brian Rubio
Category
Libraries
Hands On Art at Westchester Regional Library
Category: Libraries
Author: Brian Rubio
Hands On Art is an art and art history program series for children at the Westchester Regional Library. During the initial cycle of the Hands On Art series, kids got the chance to explore classic artists and their most famous works through the medium of fingerpainting. Click here to read more.
Miami-Dade Public Library System Teen Library Card Design Contest
The Teen Library Card Design Contest is an artistic competition of the Miami-Dade Public Library System established in 2020 to create an avenue for teenage patrons to display their artistic talent and promote library card signup and use. Click here to read more.
Authors
Miriam Kashem
Jennifer Shipley
Category
Libraries
Miami-Dade Public Library System Teen Library Card Design Contest
Category: Libraries
Authors: Miriam Kashem & Jennifer Shipley
The Teen Library Card Design Contest is an artistic competition of the Miami-Dade Public Library System established in 2020 to create an avenue for teenage patrons to display their artistic talent and promote library card signup and use. Click here to read more.
The Painting with a Librarian program at the Palm Springs North Branch Library is intended for all ages. It is a program where patrons can have a fun time challenging themselves by learning something new, hone existing skills, or simply play with a canvas and some paint. Click here to read more.
Authors
Yasha Collins
Christina Amilcar
Rachel Aleman
Fara Jacobson
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Authors: Yasha Collins, Christina Amilcar, Rachel Aleman & Fara Jacobson
The Painting with a Librarian program at the Palm Springs North Branch Library is intended for all ages. It is a program where patrons can have a fun time challenging themselves by learning something new, hone existing skills, or simply play with a canvas and some paint. Click here to read more.
Engaging Underserved Communities through Innovative Outreach and Programming
The children’s librarian at the Miami-Dade Public Library System North Central Branch Library saw the need for providing residents with unique programming opportunities that reach beyond the four walls of its neighborhood library facility. Click here to read more.
Authors
Christy Jules
Michele Stiles
Category
Libraries
Engaging Underserved Communities through Innovative Outreach and Programming
Category: Libraries
Authors: Christy Jules & Michele Stiles
The children’s librarian at the Miami-Dade Public Library System North Central Branch Library saw the need for providing residents with unique programming opportunities that reach beyond the four walls of its neighborhood library facility. Click here to read more.
Enhanced Connections Home Library Service: A Concierge Approach
The enhanced Connections program is a free service which provides library materials to residents who cannot visit their library because of a physical disability, long-term illness, caregiving responsibilities or lack of transportation. In June 2020, we enhanced the service by providing return postage and developing more inclusive, welcoming marketing collateral and streamlining the application process. Click here to read more.
Authors
Doris Albury
Jennifer Shipley
Category
Libraries
Enhanced Connections Home Library Service: A Concierge Approach
Category: Libraries
Authors: Doris Albury & Jennifer Shipley
The enhanced Connections program is a free service which provides library materials to residents who cannot visit their library because of a physical disability, long-term illness, caregiving responsibilities or lack of transportation. In June 2020, we enhanced the service by providing return postage and developing more inclusive, welcoming marketing collateral and streamlining the application process. Click here to read more.
MDPLS and The English Center: Helping Pave the Pathway for Student Success
Paving the Pathway of Student Success was a programming initiative developed in partnership with Miami Dade Public School’s English Center to prepare the students enrolled in their Success Pathway program, the Adult Basic Education and ESOL classes. Click here to read more.
Author
Jessica Iglesias
Category
Libraries
MDPLS and The English Center: Helping Pave the Pathway for Student Success
Category: Libraries
Author: Jessica Iglesias
Paving the Pathway of Student Success was a programming initiative developed in partnership with Miami Dade Public School’s English Center to prepare the students enrolled in their Success Pathway program, the Adult Basic Education and ESOL classes. Click here to read more.
MDPLS Storytime Express: Innovating our Early Literacy Program
In May 2017, the Miami-Dade Public Library System launched the newly designed early literacy program to provide registered day care centers and homeschool organizations with enhanced thematic storytime kits. Click here to read more.
Authors
Enrique Cordero
Jennifer Shipley
Category
Libraries
MDPLS Storytime Express: Innovating our Early Literacy Program
Category: Libraries
Authors: Enrique Cordero & Jennifer Shipley
In May 2017, the Miami-Dade Public Library System launched the newly designed early literacy program to provide registered day care centers and homeschool organizations with enhanced thematic storytime kits. Click here to read more.
Coral Reef Branch Library’s Bedtime Storytime is offered to provide an opportunity for working families with school age children with the opportunity to attend a library program at a time that was convenient to them. Click here to read more.
Authors
Miriam Quiros-Laso
Cynthia Saavedra
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Authors: Miriam Quiros-Laso & Cynthia Saavedra
Coral Reef Branch Library’s Bedtime Storytime is offered to provide an opportunity for working families with school age children with the opportunity to attend a library program at a time that was convenient to them. Click here to read more.
Promoting Quality Library Experiences Through Customer Care
Established in 2018, Customer Care provides online and telephone support to customers in high volume areas such as account access, online services, reference and general information. In addition to answering questions, Customer Care staff educate, promote, troubleshoot and analyze issues pertaining to the library’s numerous services and initiatives. Click here to read more.
Author
Qiana Robinson
Category
Libraries
Promoting Quality Library Experiences Through Customer Care
Category: Libraries
Author: Qiana Robinson
Established in 2018, Customer Care provides online and telephone support to customers in high volume areas such as account access, online services, reference and general information. In addition to answering questions, Customer Care staff educate, promote, troubleshoot and analyze issues pertaining to the library’s numerous services and initiatives. Click here to read more.
Public Library and Public Schools Partner to Better Serve Communities
Palm Springs North Branch Library reconnected with schools through volunteerism, volunteering to assist a school’s new media specialist with organizing the media center in preparation to reopen the center for students. Click here to read more.
Author
Fara Jacobson
Category
Libraries
Public Library and Public Schools Partner to Better Serve Communities
Category: Libraries
Author: Fara Jacobson
Palm Springs North Branch Library reconnected with schools through volunteerism, volunteering to assist a school’s new media specialist with organizing the media center in preparation to reopen the center for students. Click here to read more.
After a brief closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System reopened to the public with facial covering and social distancing requirements in June 2020. To meet the demand and expectations for exceptional programming for all ages, libraries quickly adapted traditionally in-person programs to a virtual model. Click here to read more.
Author
Caroline Youse
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Author: Caroline Youse
After a brief closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System reopened to the public with facial covering and social distancing requirements in June 2020. To meet the demand and expectations for exceptional programming for all ages, libraries quickly adapted traditionally in-person programs to a virtual model. Click here to read more.
Going Virtual: Miami Civil War Roundtable and Book Club
In collaboration with a local history teacher and library staff, a diverse group, ranging from seniors, high schoolers, local historians, and American Civil War buffs meet monthly to discuss books and topics on the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Click here to read more.
Authors
Liz Pearson
Monica Baugher
Category
Libraries
Going Virtual: Miami Civil War Roundtable and Book Club
Category: Libraries
Authors: Liz Pearson & Monica Baugher
In collaboration with a local history teacher and library staff, a diverse group, ranging from seniors, high schoolers, local historians, and American Civil War buffs meet monthly to discuss books and topics on the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Click here to read more.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Miami-Dade County implemented safer at home restrictions which brought about many programming challenges and resulted in residents feeling socially isolated and disconnected from society. Fortunately, it also created an opportunity for three library branches located in different geographical areas to offer a book club for patrons from different walks of life. Click here to read more.
Author
Jameliya Hall
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Author: Jameliya Hall
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Miami-Dade County implemented safer at home restrictions which brought about many programming challenges and resulted in residents feeling socially isolated and disconnected from society. Fortunately, it also created an opportunity for three library branches located in different geographical areas to offer a book club for patrons from different walks of life. Click here to read more.
Senior Connect: Assisted Living Outreach
The Senior Connect: Assisted Living Outreach was implemented by library team members in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outreach program targets socially isolated older adult residents that are a part of assisted living facilities in Miami-Dade County and is remotely delivered through the Zoom platform. Click here to read more.
Authors
Fatima Centeno
Matthew Chance
Christine Monge
Category
Libraries
Senior Connect: Assisted Living Outreach
Category: Libraries
Authors: Fatima Centeno, Matthew Chance & Christine Monge
The Senior Connect: Assisted Living Outreach was implemented by library team members in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outreach program targets socially isolated older adult residents that are a part of assisted living facilities in Miami-Dade County and is remotely delivered through the Zoom platform. Click here to read more.
The Stronger Together Book Club is a monthly virtual event whose mission is to unite the Miami-Dade County community and invited guest speakers such as authors and other changemakers, to discuss thought-provoking book titles that explore topics on cultural awareness, discrimination and race. Click here to read more.
Authors
Clarisa Arguello
Athy Fitos
Stephanie Garcia
Miriam Kashem
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Authors: Clarisa Arguello, Athy Fitos, Stephanie Garcia & Miriam Kashem
The Stronger Together Book Club is a monthly virtual event whose mission is to unite the Miami-Dade County community and invited guest speakers such as authors and other changemakers, to discuss thought-provoking book titles that explore topics on cultural awareness, discrimination and race. Click here to read more.
Library Partnerships Empower Communities Through Environmental Stewardship
Many of today’s conveniences create environmental degradation affecting the quality of our water, landscapes and climate. Rather than let these problems overwhelm us, the Miami-Dade Public Library System provides ways to inspire and connect all ages to community-based solutions. Click here to read more.
Author
Ellen Book
Category
County Resiliency
Library Partnerships Empower Communities Through Environmental Stewardship
Category: County Resiliency
Author: Ellen Book
Many of today’s conveniences create environmental degradation affecting the quality of our water, landscapes and climate. Rather than let these problems overwhelm us, the Miami-Dade Public Library System provides ways to inspire and connect all ages to community-based solutions. Click here to read more.
Mind and Body Connection for Seniors in Spanish
Mind and Body Connection for Seniors is a monthly outreach to the Antonio Maceo Park’s Senior Activities Center presented in Spanish to the seniors using the center. The program focuses on the well-being of the mind and body and how everyone can control their thoughts and feelings through meditation. Click here to read more.
Authors
Alice Connors-Suarez
Maria Companioni
Category
Libraries
Mind and Body Connection for Seniors in Spanish
Category: Libraries
Authors: Alice Connors-Suarez & Maria Companioni
Mind and Body Connection for Seniors is a monthly outreach to the Antonio Maceo Park’s Senior Activities Center presented in Spanish to the seniors using the center. The program focuses on the well-being of the mind and body and how everyone can control their thoughts and feelings through meditation. Click here to read more.
Mindful Moment: Teaching Accessible Coping Skills to Navigate the New Normal
The stress of the lasting pandemic and gaps in mental health services made people overwhelmed and unable to deal with their emotions in a healthy way. In response, the Miami-Dade Public Library System created a new weekly program, Mindful Moment, to address the community’s mental, physical and emotional needs. Click here to read more.
Author
Gabriella Imbimbo
Category
Libraries
Mindful Moment: Teaching Accessible Coping Skills to Navigate the New Normal
Category: Libraries
Author: Gabriella Imbimbo
The stress of the lasting pandemic and gaps in mental health services made people overwhelmed and unable to deal with their emotions in a healthy way. In response, the Miami-Dade Public Library System created a new weekly program, Mindful Moment, to address the community’s mental, physical, and emotional needs. Click here to read more.
Staff at the Palm Springs North Branch Library have found innovative ways to connect with residents during the pandemic. Staff were aware of the need for programs that support military spouses. Click here to read more.
Author
Fara Jacobson
Category
Libraries
Category: Libraries
Author: Fara Jacobson
Staff at the Palm Springs North Branch Library have found innovative ways to connect with residents during the pandemic. Staff were aware of the need for programs that support military spouses. Click here to read more.
Fearless Mindful Youth Initiative
The Fearless, Mindful Youth Initiative (FMYI) provides opportunities for at-risk teenagers in Miami-Dade County to develop life skills, learn about careers, and create art. For eight consecutive months, teens attended workshops and developed skills that help increase the likelihood for their success. Click here to read more.
Author
Marlon Moore
Category
Libraries
Fearless Mindful Youth Initiative
Category: Libraries
Author: Marlon Moore
The Fearless, Mindful Youth Initiative (FMYI) provides opportunities for at-risk teenagers in Miami-Dade County to develop life skills, learn about careers, and create art. For eight consecutive months, teens attended workshops and developed skills that help increase the likelihood for their success. Click here to read more.
