Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library
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  • About
  • Support Us
    • Annual Fundraiser
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
  • Volunteer
  • News & Updates
  • Contact Us
  • SHOP
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Support Us
      • Annual Fundraiser
      • Donate
      • Become a Member
    • Volunteer
    • News & Updates
    • Contact Us
    • SHOP
Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library
  • Home
  • About
  • Support Us
    • Annual Fundraiser
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
  • Volunteer
  • News & Updates
  • Contact Us
  • SHOP
Exterior of library.

About the Friends

 The Friends was established in 1974 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. In our 50+ year history, the Friends has successfully advocated for library funding and against budget cuts and can take credit for saving many library branches from closure. 

People doing yoga in the library.

our Mission

To create public interest in the Miami-Dade Public Library and its branches; to promote increased knowledge and understanding of its services and needs; and to foster public support for the Library’s necessary development so that it may adequately address the needs of the diverse communities it serves.

People posing for photo.

Our MEMBERS

Show your support for the Miami-Dade Public Library, help fund library programs, and encourage reading in our community by becoming a member today.

Learn more
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Our Volunteers

Whether you are looking for service hours to give back to the community one day at a time, you are a student interested in an internship, or you are ready to support day to day operations by joining one of our committees - the opportunities to help abound.

Learn more

Our Leadership

BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 2024-2025

Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about the Miami-Dade Library and making a difference in our community. They volunteer their time to offer their unique talents and experiences to ensure the Friends success. The board has primary responsibility for our long-term strategic planning, for advancing its mission, and for carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities.

Marylynne Schwartz

President

Jackie Kates

Secretary

Lance Geller

Trustee

Jennifer Lee

Trustee

Kristy Quiros

Trustee

John Quick

Vice President

Adam Schwartz

Treasurer

Monique Lavender Greenberg

Trustee

Elayne Norweb

Trustee

Helen Wright

Trustee

Our Three Pillars

Tow women looking at books.

Awareness

Fundraising

Awareness

 The Friends seeks to promote awareness of the tremendous breadth and depth of resources offered by the Miami-Dade Public Library System. By promoting such awareness, we seek to increase Library utilization and strengthen the community’s perception of the Library as an invaluable resource. 

Man riding the biblicycle.

Advocacy

Fundraising

Awareness

The Friends is the primary advocacy organization for the Library. The Friends' advocacy efforts have helped maintain critical funding for the Library and kept branches open that otherwise would have closed. The Friends continues to work toward ensuring the Library’s interests are protected.  

People near a tent.

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

 The Friends raises critical funds that help supplement public funding in order to support and expand Library programs and services. Our fundraising efforts are focused on both individuals and corporations. We take donations big and small - every penny helps!  

Find Out What We've Been Up To

Visit our blog to learn more about our programs, initiatives, and the ways we support the Miami-Dade Public Library.

News & Updates

Copyright © 2024 Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.  

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