Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Digital Collections Blog Logo

The Expansion of the Miami-Dade Public Library System Seen Through Photographs
Celebrating 50 years of serving the community

11/23/21

By: M. M.

The Library has received a proclamation recognizing 50 years of service to the community from the Board of County Commissioners. Over the last five decades, the system has grown from a small group of local libraries to become one of the largest public library systems in the country. Miami-Dade County is currently home to 49 library locations, ranging from large regional libraries to cozy neighborhood-oriented branches.

Lemon City Library Exterior

Lemon City Reading Room, opened in 1894, was the first public library in South Florida.
mdplflalb201904290006

Coconut Grove Library Exterior

Cocoanut (original spelling with an additional “a”) Grove Library opened shortly after in 1895.
mdplflalb201904240008

Coral Gables Library Exterior

Coral Gables Branch Library opened in 1969.
mdplflalb201904240003

Hispanic Branch Library Exterior

Hispanic Branch Library was the first public library location dedicated to serving a largely Hispanic population.
mdplflalb201906050002

Culmer/Overtown Branch Library Exterior

Artist Purvis Young’s mural outside the Culmer/Overtown Branch Library.
mdplflalb201906100019

Main Library Under Construction

Main Library in downtown Miami opened in 1985
mdplflalb201912300119

New items are frequently added to the Historical Records of Miami-Dade Public Library System collection, so check back frequently to see what new items we’ve added to showcase. For more information, click here.