69 years ago, journalist Helen Muir arrived in Miami, marking a legacy to be remembered for future generations. Through her efforts, the Coconut Grove Library joined the Miami Public Library System, and a united City and County Library System was created in 1971, thus giving birth to the Miami-Dade Public Library System. Ms. Muir worked in all phases of journalism and was the women’s editor at The Miami Herald. A recipient of the Florida Women’s Press Club Award, the Women in Communications’ Community Headliner Award, she was also recognized with the Herald’s Spirit of Excellence Award and was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.

Ms. Muir intensively advocated and campaigned to improve the quality of life of Miami-Dade residents in a number of ways, including passing the 1972 Decade of Progress Bond Issues, which resulted in the construction of twelve libraries, including three Regional Libraries and a new, Main Library. This visionary was also the recipient of numerous community service, professional and library services’ awards, she was a founding member of the Friends of the Library.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System will commemorate Ms. Muir’s multifaceted contributions to our existing County Library System and South Floridians on Monday, September 13 at the Main Library. On that occasion, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commission will present her with a plaque that reflects the co-designation of the Library’s Florida Room as “Helen Muir Florida Collection” in recognition of her pioneering efforts and advocacy on behalf of the Miami-Dade Public Library System. The community is invited to attend the dedication.

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