Miami-Dade Public Library System

When the Board of County Commissioners approved the Library System’s Capital Plan in 2001, it was the first time in nearly a decade that the department had resources to open new libraries in many underserved communities and relocate or renovate existing branches. The Capital Plan called for the immediate opening of a new wave of smaller libraries and the construction of 10 new libraries by the year 2013. These smaller libraries stemmed from what originally began as a homework center in the City of Doral. The homework center later developed into a “mini” storefront library location and served as the model for future storefront libraries in shopping centers around the County. In rapid succession, the Library System successfully began opening these storefront libraries in the areas of Country Walk, Hialeah Gardens, Tamiami, Naranja, Sunset, Opa-Locka, Lakes of the Meadow, Concord, California Club and Palm Springs North.

While opening these storefront libraries, the Library System, in partnership with the County’s General Services Administration, completed designs for 7,500 and 15,000 square foot prototype libraries. In December 2006, the Golden Glades Branch Library became the first constructed library since the opening of the Main Library in downtown Miami in 1985.  During these last five years, the Library System has opened seven new libraries which include International Mall, Virrick Park, Kendale Lakes, Pinecrest Palmetto Bay, Naranja and Hispanic Branches and completely renovated the Shenandoah and Miami Springs Branches.

In 2004, the Library System’s Capital Plan gained further momentum when voters passed the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program – a 2.9 billion dollar capital improvement initiative that would help to fund three additional libraries and provide for major renovations and maintenance to existing sites.

Today, the Miami-Dade Public Library System is the eighth largest public library system in the country with 48 branches in neighborhoods throughout the county. The Arcola Lakes Branch is nearing completion and will open its doors this summer. The Northeast Branch, which was damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2006, will start construction later this year.