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Media Contacts
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
MIAMI-DADE (December 15, 2023) — On Monday, December 18 at 10 a.m., Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will be joined by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, City of Doral Mayor Christi Fraga and Codina Partners for the construction kick-off ceremony of the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s new Doral Branch Library.
The new, three-story, state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot library, designed for LEED Silver certification and approved as part of the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program, will be located in Downtown Doral and provide an enhanced array of services, programs and resources for residents in the Doral area and throughout Miami-Dade County. Amenities include a YOUmedia Miami digital space for access to 21st-century technologies, an innovation lab, collaboration areas for students and professionals, multi-purpose rooms, a dedicated children’s and storytelling area, a sensory-friendly room and an open-air courtyard terrace with shaded seating on the third floor. The new library will also include high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and an updated collection of books and other library materials.
Who: Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez
Members of the Board of County Commissioners
City of Doral Mayor Christi Fraga
Members of the Doral City Council
Miami-Dade Public Library System Director Ray Baker
What: Construction kick-off ceremony of the new Doral Branch Library
When: December 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 5360 NW 84 Avenue, Doral, FL 33166
Editor’s Note: Event will be held at the construction site on the southwest corner of NW 53 Terrace and 84 Avenue (diagonal corner from the City of Doral Government Center). Parking is available in the Doral Government Center parking garage located at 8401 NW 53 Terrace.
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth, and limitless opportunities. MDPLS is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. MDPLS was named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and has been honored with several awards, including 102 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past seven years, an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, and four Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018 – 2020. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
# # #
To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Connect with us:
Download our app:
Media Contacts
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
The public can now access U.S. passport services at three different library locations
MIAMI-DADE (August 25, 2023) — The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is proud to announce the opening of its newest U.S. Passport Services Office at the West Kendall Regional Library located at 10201 Hammocks Blvd., Miami, FL 33196. The office was inaugurated on Friday, August 18 with a ribbon cutting ceremony that included special guests Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez and representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Miami Passport Agency.
"Having passport services offices available in the Library underscores Miami-Dade County’s commitment to making essential services more easily accessible to our residents,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “As trusted community centers, our Miami-Dade Public Library System continues to innovate, providing new services and resources to engage and enhance our community.”
The new office at the West Kendall Regional Library joins MDPLS’s two existing official U.S. Passport Application Acceptance Facilities for the U.S. Department of State at the North Dade and South Dade Regional Library locations, offering residents convenient access to U.S. passport services.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez highlighted the convenience of the new office for residents, saying, “The ability to receive U.S. passport services at the West Kendall Regional Library makes it more convenient for residents in the area to apply for one by providing a location closer to where they live. And what better place than a library, where they can also take advantage of other beneficial library resources and programs?”
U.S. passport services are provided by library staff who have undergone special training and are approved by the U.S. Department of State to accept passport applications and serve as passport clerks.
“I am very proud of our dedicated staff in providing this invaluable service to our community,” said Library Director Ray Baker. “Since launching our first Passport Application Acceptance Office in 2015, MDPLS has facilitated more than 29,000 passport applications. I thank our partners at the U.S. Department of State’s Miami Passport Agency for their collaboration, which helps amplify the services we provide to the community.”
Miami-Dade Public Library System U.S. Passport Acceptance Facilities
West Kendall Regional Library
10201 Hammocks Boulevard
Miami, FL 33196
305-385-7135
North Dade Regional Library
2455 NW 183 Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
305-625-6424
South Dade Regional Library
10750 SW 211 Street
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
305-233-8140
Service is available by appointment. For more information, service hours and to schedule an appointment online, visit www.mdpls.org/passport or contact the library location. Residents can also email CustomerCare@mdpls.org for additional assistance as needed.
Editor’s Note: High-resolution photos available upon request.
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth, and limitless opportunities. MDPLS is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. MDPLS was named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and has been honored with several awards, including 102 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past seven years, an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, and four Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018 – 2020. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
# # #
To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Connect with us:
Download our app:
Media Contacts
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
Summer Reading Challenge, free lunch for kids, tutoring and more
MIAMI-DADE (June 16, 2023) — The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is proud to offer an engaging and enriching selection of summer programs and events focused on fun, literacy, education and nutrition. From fostering a love for reading to providing academic support, lifelong learning and healthy lunches, Miami-Dade County residents of all ages can have a vibrant and thriving summer with the Library.
MDPLS’s 2023 summer programs include the following:
2023 Summer Reading Challenge
Residents are encouraged to read for fun and prizes by joining the Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge. Every 30 minutes spent reading or listening to a book earns participants an entry into a prize drawing at the end of the challenge. An added bonus for students: reading helps prevent the “summer slide,” the loss of knowledge and achievement gains made during the school year. Additional entries are earned for each library program or event attended. The challenge is open to all ages and runs through August 14. Visit www.mdpls.org/2023SummerReading to sign up and learn more.
Homework Help & Tutoring Program
Students in grades K-12 can stay engaged, prevent summer learning loss and strengthen their academic skills with the Library’s Homework Help & Tutoring Program. Free 60-minute tutoring sessions in reading, math and science taught by certified teachers will be available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning June 17 through August 12 at 29 library locations. For a list of participating libraries and more information, visit www.mdpls.org/tutor.
Free Lunch at the Library for Kids/Summer Food Service Program
Kids 18 years and under can enjoy free nutritious lunches at 19 participating MDPLS locations, now through August 16. Meals are served on-site, and no registration is required. Lunches are available Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. and are being provided in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department as part of the Summer BreakSpot program. This initiative ensures that children have access to balanced meals during summer recess when school breakfasts and lunches are not available. For a list of participating library locations, visit www.mdpls.org/SummerLunches. To find other Summer BreakSpot locations, such as parks, schools and churches, serving meals at no cost, go to www.summerbreakspot.org.
MDPLS Adult Learning Academy
Individuals 18 years and older who live in Miami-Dade County can enhance their language skills or prepare for the U.S. citizenship test this summer through the Library’s Adult Learning Academy. Free 10-week online English (in-person class also available) and Spanish language courses and U.S. citizenship classes taught by certified teachers are available. Registration is now open for the summer semester, which runs from June 26 through August 31. For class times, more information and to register, visit www.mdpls.org/AdultLearning.
For more information about other programs and events happening at the Library this summer, visit www.mdpls.org/events, call 305-375-2665 or email CustomerCare@mdpls.org.
To sign up for a library card online, go to www.mdpls.org/library-card.
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth, and limitless opportunities. MDPLS is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. MDPLS was named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and has been honored with several awards, including 102 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past seven years, an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, and four Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018 – 2020. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
# # #
To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Connect with us:
Download our app:
Media Contacts
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida
Andi Phillips
andi.phillips@outlook.com
305-401-5908
MIAMI (May 5, 2023) — The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) and Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida (GSTF) officially launched the Girl Scouts Library Patch Program. The new patch was unveiled during a special ceremony at the South Miami Branch Library on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
"Being a Girl Scout was such an important part of my childhood, and I am thrilled to see the Girl Scouts continuing to offer new opportunities for girls to learn, grow and be engaged in their community," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The Library Patch Program is a wonderful way for girls to develop a love of reading and learn more about the important role libraries play in our community. I encourage all local Girl Scouts to participate and earn their Library patch.”
Girl Scouts of all levels can now earn a special patch called "Your Library: A Portal to Paradise” by completing the required number of library-related activities for their grade level, including reading, conducting research, creating art, signing up for a library card and more by visiting any MDPLS location in-person and the online library at www.mdpls.org. The patch and the activities list were created by a team from the Miami-Dade Public Library System in collaboration with Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida.
"We are proud to partner with Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida on the Library Patch Program,” said Library Director Ray Baker. “It’s a great opportunity for girls to explore their local library, develop new skills and interests and gain a better understanding of the Library as an important resource in their lives. It’s only fitting that the program was announced during National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries and library workers play in helping our communities thrive.”
“The Library Patch Program is a fantastic way for girls to discover and explore all the amazing resources available to them at their local library,” said Lori Ross, Chief Mission Delivery Officer at Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. “As we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year, this program exemplifies our long tradition of working with community partners to invest in today’s girls and tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Your Library: A Portal to Paradise” patches will be available at all Miami-Dade Public Library System regional libraries: Miami Beach, North Dade, South Dade, Westchester and West Kendall, and the Coral Gables and Northeast Dade – Aventura Branch Libraries, for Girl Scouts to obtain once they complete their required number of activities and present their activity sheet to the library.
The Library Patch Program is made possible with the generous support of Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library.
For more information about the program and to download an activity sheet, visit www.girlscoutsfl.org (search “patch”) or www.mdpls.org/girl-scouts-patch.
Editor’s Note: Image of the patch and photos available upon request.
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth, and limitless opportunities. MDPLS is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. MDPLS was named a finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2022 and 2023 and has been honored with several awards, including an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, 87 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past six years, and four Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018 – 2020. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
About Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida
Serving Miami and the Florida Keys, Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida builds girls of courage, confidence and character. Founded in 1923 by the first troop in Coconut Grove, today, Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida is the leading organization for girl development serving nearly 3,000 girls across every zip code in Miami and the Keys. Learn more at www.girlscoutsfl.org.
About Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library
Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library (“Friends”) was established in 1974 in order to create public interest in the Miami-Dade Public Library System and its branches, to promote increased knowledge and understanding of its services and needs and to foster public support for its development. Friends was established by a number of historically significant South Floridians, including Frank Brogan, Mae Knight Clark, Helen Dorsett, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Margaret Ewell, Douglas Fairbairn, Pamela Johnson, Helen Muir, William Muir and Ralph Renick. Today, Friends is focused on promoting the Library through three main avenues: awareness, advocacy and fundraising. Learn more at www.friendsofmdpl.org.
# # #
To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Connect with us:
Download our app:
Media Contacts
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Savannah Young
syoung@vancomm.com
202-248-5446
MIAMI (March 31, 2023) — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced that the Miami-Dade Public Library System is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Miami-Dade Public Library System is one of three institutions and the only library system in Florida to be selected as a finalist for this award.
“I am immensely proud of our Miami-Dade Public Library System for this outstanding achievement of being nominated for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service for the second year in a row,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This prestigious honor recognizes excellence and innovation in the best of our nation’s museums and libraries. Being named a finalist reflects the excellent leadership and incredible work done by our Library team in serving residents and helping our community thrive.”
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
“We are honored to once again be selected as a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service and to be included among the nominees for this prestigious award,” said Library Director Ray Baker. “This distinguished recognition is a testament to the professionalism and passion of our dedicated Library team in serving and engaging our community.”
“So many museums and libraries across the country are committed to providing programs that are vital to the health and growth of engaged communities. We are very proud to announce the 30 finalists for this year’s IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “These institutions represent the best of what museums and libraries do for their communities.”
To celebrate this honor, IMLS and the Miami-Dade Public Library System are encouraging the community to share their library stories, memories, pictures and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory, #IMLSmedals and #MDPLS and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces, and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth, and limitless opportunities. MDPLS is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. MDPLS was named a finalist for the prestigious 2022 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service and has been honored with several awards, including an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award, 87 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past six years, and four Florida Library Association (FLA) Awards for Excellence and Innovation from 2018 – 2020. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support and empower America’s museums, libraries and related organizations through grantmaking, research and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
# # #
To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Public Library System-sponsored program or meeting, please call Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or email programs@mdpls.org five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Connect with us:
Download our app: