What's Happening at Your Library - February 8, 2022

 

Virtual author series, Valentine's Day crafts, poetry workshop and more!

Share             Donate February 8, 2022 Learn About the Groveland Four and Their Impact on Florida History from Jim Crow to Present Day In 1949, a group of four young African American men were accused of a crime they didn't commit in the central Florida town of Groveland. They later became known as the Groveland Four. Join us online for a discussion about the impact of the Groveland Four on Florida's history with Accidental Activist: Justice For The Groveland Four author Josh Venkataraman, who led the charge for the Groveland Four's posthumous pardons, which came 70 years later, Gilbert King, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America, and Carol Greenlee, who spent decades working to clear the name of her father, one of the Groveland Four. Ages 19 years and up. Saturday, February 12, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Register online Registration is required. Our Virtual Library is hosting this online event. Visit www.mdpls.org/black-history-month for a complete listing of our Black History Month programs taking place throughout February. FINANCIAL LITERACY Learn About Investing Through Morningstar Investment Research Center Whether you are new to investing, planning for retirement or need to review your investment portfolio, the Library's Morningstar Investment Research Center database can help! Learn the basics from informational videos and read commentary from industry experts. Enjoy features such as a portfolio x-ray tool for analyzing asset holdings, a college cost calculator and more. Explore this and more of the Library's financial databases today at www.mdpls.org/learning. BRANCH SPOTLIGHT Miami Lakes Branch Library The Miami Lakes Branch Library was the first Miami-Dade Public Library System branch to serve residents of northwest Miami-Dade County. Originally known as the Miami Lakes/Palm Springs North Branch Library when it opened in 1981, the branch became a community hub for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods of Miami Lakes, Palm Springs North, Country Club of Miami, Hialeah Gardens and Carol City. In this week's Branch Spotlight, we explore the history of the Miami Lakes Branch Library. Click here to read more. LIBRARY STORY We're really enjoying your library stories as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary, like this one from Amarilys, a patron at Main Library.  "For me the library represents an escape, a refuge and a sanctuary. My first memory of the library was being impressed by how beautiful and massive the library was. Imagine me, a little kid, stepping foot into what I assumed was a castle. I applied to obtain my library card. That’s where my love for reading developed. The children's center hosted many snacks, free tutoring and help with homework. All of the library's assistance helped my single, working mother tremendously. As a first-generation Nicaraguan American, the library offered a look into a different world – a world full of possibilities. It helped me expand my mind and my potential and for that I’m forever grateful." We'd love to hear your story. Click here to share your favorite library memory or experience with us.  BLACK HISTORY MONTH African American Poetry Workshop Join us as we discuss Langston Hughes' iconic poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers, which explores the themes of pride, heritage and nature. Use his poem as inspiration for writing your own poetic work during this online workshop led by New York-based poet and actor David Mills. Ages 11 years and up. Monday, February 14, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Register online Registration is required. The Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library is hosting this online event. ONLINE PERIODICALS The Wall Street Journal Online From reporting on financial markets around the world to covering the ups and downs of the U.S. economy, The Wall Street Journal connects you to the information you need. Get instant online access through the Library, free with your library card.  Logging in is quick and easy. Click this link to create a free account. Your access will be available for the next three days. After that, simply log in again as an existing user with the same username and password you originally created to continue receiving access. The Wall Street Journal is just one of the many periodicals and news databases available online through the Library. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT A Passion for Connecting Patrons to Technology For Librarian Latoya Darbeau, making technology more accessible to the community is the highlight of her 13-year Library career. Technology is one the many passions she has incorporated into her work since joining the Library System in 2007. She started as a librarian intern at the Golden Glades Branch Library and earned a master’s degree in library science in 2008. Over the next few years, Latoya worked at various branches and even helped open the newly built Naranja Branch Library in 2009. She also oversaw the children's and young adult departments at the South Dade and Miami Beach Regional Libraries. Now the Branch Manager of Culmer/Overtown Branch Library, Latoya is a passionate library advocate and serves on several committees, including the Library’s social services committee, helping to connect residents experiencing homelessness to support services, and the Black History Month committee, developing ideas to provide patrons with programs and events during Black History Month in February. Latoya says her greatest achievement is being part of the grant writing team that was awarded funding for tablets with built-in wireless internet that can be borrowed from the library for 30 days at a time, just like a book or a DVD. This program is part of the Library’s Community Internet Connectivity Initiative, which also includes Wi-Fi hotspots and Drive-up Wi-Fi. “Knowing that I played a significant role in bridging the gap in the digital divide for Miami-Dade County residents is a rewarding feeling," said Latoya, whose interests also include crafting, reading and community service. “I also love applying my creativity to programs like holiday crafts and the Urban Lit Club, which offer more great opportunities to get engage with the community.” STAFF PICKS Learn about African American leaders and icons and their contributions to the history of the United States through beautifully illustrated and inspiring stories in this month's Staff Picks for children.    Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Library! From paper heart crafts and flower arrangement classes to STEAM events and more, there is always something exciting happening at your Miami-Dade Public Libraries. Click the registration links on the right for more information. You can also browse our online Calendar of Events to explore more programs. Select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range or library location to get started. Create Together: Recycled Paper Hearts (Online and In-Person Event) Friday, February 11, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Country Walk Branch Library Register online Ages 4 - 18 years.  Flower Arrangement (Online Event) Friday, February 11, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Register online Ages 10 years and up. Valentine Storytime (In-Person Event) Saturday, February 12, 11:00 a.m. - Noon Shenandoah Branch Library Ages 4 years and up. Ask the Expert: What Are Heart Attack Symptoms for Women (Online Event) Monday, February 14, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register online Ages 19 years and up. STEAM Off in the Garden (Outdoor Event) Wednesday, February 16, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Kendale Lakes Branch Library All ages.