What's Happening at Your Library

 

Community resources, fitness classes, homework help and more!

Enjoy an Afternoon of Music and Movement at the Library Join us as we celebrate Older Americans Month in May with an afternoon of musical fun and relaxation! Enjoy games, activities and more and learn how to incorporate music into your everyday life for improved health and wellness during this program led by a board-certified music therapist. Ages 55 years and up. Friday, May 20, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Westchester Library Health & Wellness Information Center Tuesday, May 31, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Kendale Lakes Branch Library Registration is required. Please contact the branch for more information. Click here for more Older Americans Month events and resources. COMMUNITY RESOURCE Need Help Paying for Rent? Miami-Dade County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program is Accepting Applications Miami-Dade County residents who are unable to pay an increase in rent may be eligible for the County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which can help pay the difference between your current rent and the new rent for a period of three future months. Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development staff will be assisting with and accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program at the Kendall Branch Library on Monday, May 23 from 9:30 a.m. - noon. To learn more about ERAP and to see if you qualify, visit www.miamidade.gov/rentrelief. Presented in collaboration with the Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Enjoy Your Coffee Break with a Great Book at The Reading Corner! There's nothing like cozying up with a great book and a cup of coffee. And now, thanks to a new partnership between the Miami-Dade Public Library System and a local Starbucks you can do just that. Relax in The Reading Corner the next time you visit the Starbucks located at 7123 SW 117 Avenue and enjoy reading books provided by the nearby Sunset Branch Library. There are lots of titles to enjoy while you sip your coffee. And if you'd like to explore additional titles, visit the Sunset Branch or any library location to check out books, DVDs, tablets, Chromebook laptops, hotspots and more with your library card! BRANCH SPOTLIGHT Virrick Park Branch Library Surrounded by a canopy of oak trees and Spanish moss, the Virrick Park Branch Library has been a community staple in one of Miami's oldest neighborhoods, Coconut Grove Village West, since 2008. Named after local activist Elizabeth Virrick, the 3,500-square-foot library, located at 3255 Plaza Street, is part of a complex that also includes Elizabeth Virrick Park and a community center. Learn more about the Virrick Park Branch Library in this week's Branch Spotlight. LIBRARY STORY Your stories about the library continue to inspire us as we celebrate 50 years of serving the community. This week's story was submitted by Michelle, a patron at North Dade Regional Library, who shares how libraries have helped her navigate through tough times.  "When I was in the 5th grade, I moved to a new neighborhood and it was very difficult to make friends. So, I started going to the public library after school and it became my safe haven. When I was in college, I couldn’t afford the subscriptions needed to complete my research assignments and turned to the library. The public library had become my safe haven once again! I have continued to 'escape' to the public library throughout my life. Thank you for being there." We'd love to hear your story, too! Click here to share your favorite library memory or experience with us. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Pierre Laguerre Helps Make the Library a Welcoming Space for Everyone Pierre Laguerre is a Library Attendant at the Miami Beach Regional Library. His job is to help maintain the library as a safe space for everyone. Pierre joined the Miami-Dade Public Library System in 2013 and is currently pursuing a master's degree in library science. What is your favorite part about working at the library? I was born in Haiti and have lived in Miami for many years now. My favorite part about the library is how it opens its doors to everyone in the community. Everyone is truly welcome there. By being so open, libraries foster diversity and inclusion. Did you have a favorite subject in school? Mathematics is my favorite subject. I like it as much as going to the gym. The study of math allows me to become more open minded and helps with my problem-solving skills. What was the last book you read? The children's book Change Starts With Us by Sophie Beer, which depicts how we all have a responsibility in taking care of our environment. How do you bring your personality into your work? I am a person of faith and I always try to stay positive and make the best out of any situation. I do my best to make sure that my coworkers and our patrons feel safe and welcomed. Everyone on the team has a special importance because everyone has unique gifts. What has been your greatest achievement while working with the library? I am furthering my education by working towards a master’s degree in library science at Florida State University. The library really invests in its employees so we can provide better service to the public. LEARNING & TRAINING Get Free Tutoring and Homework Help from Certified Teachers Whether studying for a final exam or brushing up on a difficult subject, students can continue to build on their academic gains through our Homework Help & Tutoring Program. Free, one-on-one tutoring sessions in math and reading led by certified teachers are available to all K-12 students who reside in Miami-Dade County through Saturday, June 4. The last day of school is June 8, but learning doesn't have to end! Summer tutoring sessions will be available beginning Saturday, June 11. Enrolling in tutoring sessions at the library during summer break is a great way to help prevent the "summer slide," the loss of valuable skills and knowledge gained throughout the school year. More information on summer tutoring dates and times will be available soon.  Visit www.mdpls.org/tutor to learn more and to schedule a tutoring appointment. COMMUNITY INFORMATION Life, Love, Literacy Celebration! Community Resource Fair Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun and information at the Life, Love, Literacy Celebration! Community Resource Fair. Enjoy food trucks, music and more while learning about valuable services available to the public from representatives from over 20 community and governmental organizations. Don't forget to check out the Miami-Dade Public Library System's Technobus while you're there! All ages. Hosted by Precious Royalties and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Festivities Committee. Saturday, May 21, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Arcola Lakes Branch Library Please contact the branch for more information. COMMUNITY INFORMATION Center for Immigrant Advancement Citizenship Drive Get connected with free information about naturalization eligibility, screenings and citizenship applications.  A representative from the Center for Immigrant Advancement (CIMA) will be available to answer questions and assist residents with immigration forms. Space is limited. Registration is required. Ages 18 years and up. Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Hispanic Branch Library To schedule an appointment and for more information, please call 305-416-7902. STAFF PICKS The bond between a child and their grandparent can be among the most important. This month’s Staff Picks for kids celebrates Older Americans Month with a selection of heartwarming book titles that explore how grandparents can inspire their grandchildren. Let's get moving! From in-person fitness classes to online meditation sessions you can do at home, it's easy to stay active and improve your health and wellness with help from your Miami-Dade Public Libraries. You can also browse our online Calendar of Events to explore even more programs. Select a date and filter your search by event type, keyword, age range or library location to get started. Rhythm and Dance with Andres Arevalo (In-Person Event) Thursday, May 19, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Westchester Library Health & Wellness Information Center Ages 13 years and up. Zumba with Ms. Tangie (Outdoor Event) Saturday, May 21, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Golden Glades Branch Library Ages 19 years and up. REV+FLOW Functional Fitness (In-Person Event) Monday, May 23, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Westchester Library Health & Wellness Information Center Ages 19 years and up. Mindfulness Meditation (Online Event) Tuesday, May 24, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. North Shore Branch Library Ages 18 years and up. Dance it Up! Afro-Caribbean Dance Workout (In-Person Event) Wednesday, May 25, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. North Central Branch Library Ages 13 years and up.