{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library","home_page_url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org","description":"Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library","author":{"name":"Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library"},"items":[{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/wlrn-highlights-the-importance-of-library-funding","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library was recently featured in a WLRN Public Media story examining how proposed changes to Florida's property tax system could affect public libraries and the essential services the...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/wlrn-highlights-the-importance-of-library-funding","title":"WLRN Highlights the Importance of Library Funding","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library was recently featured in a WLRN Public Media story examining how proposed changes to Florida's property tax system could affect public libraries and the essential services the...","date_modified":"2026-07-06T14:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/welcome-to-our-first-executive-director-ava-habif","html_content":"

Today marks an exciting milestone for the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library as we welcome Ava Habif as our first-ever Executive Director.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/welcome-to-our-first-executive-director-ava-habif","title":"Welcome to Our First Executive Director: Ava Habif","summary":"Today marks an exciting milestone for the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library as we welcome Ava Habif as our first-ever Executive Director.","date_modified":"2026-06-30T15:33:54Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/how-public-libraries-transform-communities","html_content":"

How Public Libraries Transform Communities

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/how-public-libraries-transform-communities","title":"How Public Libraries Transform Communities","summary":"How Public Libraries Transform Communities","date_modified":"2026-06-26T17:16:51Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/bringing-free-virtual-author-talks-to-our-community","html_content":"

At the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, we believe access to ideas should be as open and dynamic as the communities we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce our support of a new initiative that does just t...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/bringing-free-virtual-author-talks-to-our-community","title":"Bringing Free Virtual Author Talks to Our Community","summary":"At the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, we believe access to ideas should be as open and dynamic as the communities we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce our support of a new initiative that does just t...","date_modified":"2026-06-03T19:24:00Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/stories-smiles-and-community-at-naranja-branch-library","html_content":"

The Great Big Free Book Fair Brings Stories, Smiles, and Community to Naranja Branch Library

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/stories-smiles-and-community-at-naranja-branch-library","title":"Stories, Smiles, and Community at Naranja Branch Library","summary":"The Great Big Free Book Fair Brings Stories, Smiles, and Community to Naranja Branch Library","date_modified":"2026-05-31T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/building-our-new-library-one-brick-at-a-time","html_content":"

Key Biscayne Branch Library - Legacy Brick Campaign

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/building-our-new-library-one-brick-at-a-time","title":"Building Our New Library One Brick at a Time","summary":"Key Biscayne Branch Library - Legacy Brick Campaign","date_modified":"2026-05-26T17:19:08Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/the-book-club-fair---a-celebration-of-stories-and-community","html_content":"

On Saturday, April 11th, something special unfolded under the palms at Pinecrest Gardens. What began as a vision to bring book lovers together turned into a vibrant, joy-filled celebration of reading, connection, and com...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/the-book-club-fair---a-celebration-of-stories-and-community","title":"The Book Club Fair - A Celebration of Stories and Community","summary":"On Saturday, April 11th, something special unfolded under the palms at Pinecrest Gardens. What began as a vision to bring book lovers together turned into a vibrant, joy-filled celebration of reading, connection, and com...","date_modified":"2026-04-23T15:28:30Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/why-libraries-matter-reflections-from-our-legislative-breakfast","html_content":"

On April 7, community leaders, elected officials, partners, and supporters gathered for the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Legislative Breakfast. This event created a moment to reflect on the vital role librari...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/why-libraries-matter-reflections-from-our-legislative-breakfast","title":"Why Libraries Matter: Reflections from Our Legislative Breakfast","summary":"On April 7, community leaders, elected officials, partners, and supporters gathered for the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Legislative Breakfast. This event created a moment to reflect on the vital role librari...","date_modified":"2026-04-16T14:45:20Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/the-book-it-5k-challenge-raises-8500-for-the-library","html_content":"

Thanks to the passion, creativity, and generosity of our participants, this year’s Book-It 5K Challenge was a true celebration of community and literacy. Together, we raised $8,500 to support the Friends of the Miami-Dad...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/the-book-it-5k-challenge-raises-8500-for-the-library","title":"The Book-It 5K Challenge Raises $8,500 For The Library","summary":"Thanks to the passion, creativity, and generosity of our participants, this year’s Book-It 5K Challenge was a true celebration of community and literacy. Together, we raised $8,500 to support the Friends of the Miami-Dad...","date_modified":"2026-03-22T15:27:08Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/the-great-big-free-book-fair-makes-a-lasting-impact-at-north-dade","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, the Books & Books Literary Foundation and the Miami-Dade Public Library successfully brought the community together for The Great Big Free Book Fair at the North Dade Regiona...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/the-great-big-free-book-fair-makes-a-lasting-impact-at-north-dade","title":"The Great Big Free Book Fair Makes A Lasting Impact at North Dade","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, the Books & Books Literary Foundation and the Miami-Dade Public Library successfully brought the community together for The Great Big Free Book Fair at the North Dade Regiona...","date_modified":"2026-02-17T14:17:15Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/a-day-for-readers-join-us-at-the-book-club-fair","html_content":"

GET TICKETS

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/a-day-for-readers-join-us-at-the-book-club-fair","title":"A Day for Readers: Join Us at the Book Club Fair","summary":" GET TICKETS","date_modified":"2026-02-15T14:41:05Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/an-evening-of-stories-and-connection-with-author-alka-joshi","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library were thrilled to welcome Alka Joshi, the internationally bestselling author of The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, The Perfumist of Paris, and her latest book, Six ...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/an-evening-of-stories-and-connection-with-author-alka-joshi","title":"An Evening of Stories and Connection with Author Alka Joshi","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library were thrilled to welcome Alka Joshi, the internationally bestselling author of The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, The Perfumist of Paris, and her latest book, Six ...","date_modified":"2026-01-13T17:41:13Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/celebrating-our-librarians-a-year-of-gratitude-in-every-mug","html_content":"

This month, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library celebrated the heart of our library system - its incredible staff! As part of our Librarian Appreciation Event, we gifted more than 700 library team members across...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/celebrating-our-librarians-a-year-of-gratitude-in-every-mug","title":"Celebrating Our Librarians: A Year of Gratitude in Every Mug","summary":"This month, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library celebrated the heart of our library system - its incredible staff! As part of our Librarian Appreciation Event, we gifted more than 700 library team members across...","date_modified":"2025-12-11T21:27:35Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/a-record-breaking-give-miami-day-for-the-friends","html_content":"

We asked, and you answered in a big way! Thanks to your generosity, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library raised over $75,000 on Give Miami Day this year - our best year ever!

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/a-record-breaking-give-miami-day-for-the-friends","title":"A Record-Breaking Give Miami Day for the Friends!","summary":"We asked, and you answered in a big way! Thanks to your generosity, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library raised over $75,000 on Give Miami Day this year - our best year ever!","date_modified":"2025-12-01T16:43:11Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-host-author-talk-with-miami-art-critic-elisa-turner","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library hosted a members’ social on November 13 featuring an author talk with renowned arts journalist and critic of The Miami Herald for over 30 years, and Friends member, Elisa Turn...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-host-author-talk-with-miami-art-critic-elisa-turner","title":"Friends Host Author Talk with Miami Art Critic Elisa Turner ","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library hosted a members’ social on November 13 featuring an author talk with renowned arts journalist and critic of The Miami Herald for over 30 years, and Friends member, Elisa Turn...","date_modified":"2025-11-15T12:07:44Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/an-evening-to-remember-friends-annual-benefit-raises-221562","html_content":"

On October 11, the Coral Gables Branch Library transformed into the setting for Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit. The evening brought our community together to celebrate and support the Miami-Dade Public Lib...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/an-evening-to-remember-friends-annual-benefit-raises-221562","title":"An Evening to Remember: Friends Annual Benefit Raises $221,562","summary":"On October 11, the Coral Gables Branch Library transformed into the setting for Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit. The evening brought our community together to celebrate and support the Miami-Dade Public Lib...","date_modified":"2025-10-20T23:20:24Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/books-trivia-new-friends-at-our-first-members%E2%80%99-social-night","html_content":"

This month the Friends of Miami-Dade Public Library hosted our first-ever Members’ Social at Bunbury for an evening dedicated to connection, conversation, and celebrating those who support our mission.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/books-trivia-new-friends-at-our-first-members%E2%80%99-social-night","title":"Books, Trivia & New Friends at Our First Members’ Social Night ","summary":"This month the Friends of Miami-Dade Public Library hosted our first-ever Members’ Social at Bunbury for an evening dedicated to connection, conversation, and celebrating those who support our mission.","date_modified":"2025-09-27T11:50:21Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-gives-away-over-3500-books-to-children-across-miami-dade","html_content":"

In partnership with County Commissioners Marleine Bastien (District 2), Eileen Higgins (District 5), Raquel Regalado (District 7), Danielle Cohen Higgins (District 8), Kionne McGhee (District 9), Anthony Rodriguez (Distr...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-gives-away-over-3500-books-to-children-across-miami-dade","title":"Friends Gives Away Over 3,500 Books To Children Across Miami-Dade","summary":"In partnership with County Commissioners Marleine Bastien (District 2), Eileen Higgins (District 5), Raquel Regalado (District 7), Danielle Cohen Higgins (District 8), Kionne McGhee (District 9), Anthony Rodriguez (Distr...","date_modified":"2025-08-11T15:43:34Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/announcing-late-at-the-library-the-beyond-books-benefit","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library are proud to announce that Late at the Library: A Beyond Books Benefit will return on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Coral Gables Branch Library starting at 7:30 PM.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/announcing-late-at-the-library-the-beyond-books-benefit","title":"Announcing Late at the Library: The Beyond Books Benefit","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library are proud to announce that Late at the Library: A Beyond Books Benefit will return on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Coral Gables Branch Library starting at 7:30 PM.","date_modified":"2025-08-06T17:15:46Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/support-the-friends---become-a-member-today","html_content":"

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new membership program! Membership is a great way to show your support for the Miami-Dade Public Library, help fund library programs, and encourage reading in our community.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/support-the-friends---become-a-member-today","title":"Support the Friends - Become a Member Today!","summary":"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new membership program! Membership is a great way to show your support for the Miami-Dade Public Library, help fund library programs, and encourage reading in our community.","date_modified":"2025-07-23T16:09:40Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/help-shape-the-future-of-the-friends","html_content":"

As we kick off summertime, the Friends is asking for your help. With just a few minutes of your time you can help shape our strategic plan, change the lives of students by volunteering for back to school resource drives,...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/help-shape-the-future-of-the-friends","title":"Help Shape the Future of the Friends","summary":"As we kick off summertime, the Friends is asking for your help. With just a few minutes of your time you can help shape our strategic plan, change the lives of students by volunteering for back to school resource drives,...","date_modified":"2025-06-17T16:26:51Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/a-huge-success-for-the-friends-first-annual-book-club-fair","html_content":"

On Saturday, April 12, the Friends of Miami-Dade Public Library hosted the inaugural Book Club Fair.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/a-huge-success-for-the-friends-first-annual-book-club-fair","title":"A Huge Success for the Friend's First Annual Book Club Fair!","summary":"On Saturday, April 12, the Friends of Miami-Dade Public Library hosted the inaugural Book Club Fair. ","date_modified":"2025-04-15T13:33:06Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/join-us-at-the-book-club-fair","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library is proud to host a Book Club Fair on Saturday, April 12th from 1pm - 4pm at the Westchester Regional Library.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/join-us-at-the-book-club-fair","title":"Join Us At The Book Club Fair","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library is proud to host a Book Club Fair on Saturday, April 12th from 1pm - 4pm at the Westchester Regional Library. ","date_modified":"2025-02-21T12:50:35Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/honoring-the-friends-of-the-library-employee-award-winners","html_content":"

In recognition of the valuable and important work of Miami-Dade Public Library employees, the Friends are pleased to announce the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Employee Recognition Awards. The awards honor exc...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/honoring-the-friends-of-the-library-employee-award-winners","title":"Honoring the Friends of the Library Employee Award Winners!","summary":"In recognition of the valuable and important work of Miami-Dade Public Library employees, the Friends are pleased to announce the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library Employee Recognition Awards. The awards honor exc...","date_modified":"2025-02-08T21:19:53Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/50-friends-attend-the-asha-elias-pink-glass-houses-happy-hour","html_content":"

Over 50 Friends of the Library attended last Thursday's Asha Elias exclusive author event at Santorini by Georgios. Over champagne and tapas, Asha gave insights on the inspirations and the journey that led to the publica...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/50-friends-attend-the-asha-elias-pink-glass-houses-happy-hour","title":"50+ Friends Attend the Asha Elias Pink Glass Houses Happy Hour","summary":"Over 50 Friends of the Library attended last Thursday's Asha Elias exclusive author event at Santorini by Georgios. Over champagne and tapas, Asha gave insights on the inspirations and the journey that led to the publica...","date_modified":"2025-02-04T22:25:33Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/volunteers-needed-coconut-grove-arts-festival","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library will be at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival February 15-17. We are seeking volunteers to help us sell photo books and prints of the Miami-Dade Public Library's art collection ...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/volunteers-needed-coconut-grove-arts-festival","title":"Volunteers Needed: Coconut Grove Arts Festival","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library will be at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival February 15-17. We are seeking volunteers to help us sell photo books and prints of the Miami-Dade Public Library's art collection ...","date_modified":"2025-02-01T16:18:58Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/an-exclusive-author-event-asha-elias","html_content":"

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library invite you to an exclusive event with Asha Elias, author of Pink Glass Houses, on January 30th hosted by Santorini by Georgios in Miami Beach. Asha will answer questions about...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/an-exclusive-author-event-asha-elias","title":"An Exclusive Author Event: Asha Elias","summary":"The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library invite you to an exclusive event with Asha Elias, author of Pink Glass Houses, on January 30th hosted by Santorini by Georgios in Miami Beach. Asha will answer questions about...","date_modified":"2025-01-16T17:35:45Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/record-breaking-35000-raised-on-give-miami-day","html_content":"

We asked and you answered. The Friends raised over $35,000 on Give Miami Day this year - our best ever! Over 350 people donated to rank us 6th amongst 1,000 small charities in Miami-Dade. 

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/record-breaking-35000-raised-on-give-miami-day","title":"RECORD BREAKING $35,000 RAISED ON GIVE MIAMI DAY","summary":"We asked and you answered. The Friends raised over $35,000 on Give Miami Day this year - our best ever! Over 350 people donated to rank us 6th amongst 1,000 small charities in Miami-Dade. ","date_modified":"2024-12-17T03:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-50th-anniversary-party-raises-145000","html_content":"

Our 50th Anniversary Party was an unmitigated success!  We raised nearly $145,000 - almost twice our initial goal!  The Coral Gables Branch Library was absolutely transformed with close to 300 people looking to show thei...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-50th-anniversary-party-raises-145000","title":"Friends 50th Anniversary Party Raises $145,000","summary":"Our 50th Anniversary Party was an unmitigated success!  We raised nearly $145,000 - almost twice our initial goal!  The Coral Gables Branch Library was absolutely transformed with close to 300 people looking to show thei...","date_modified":"2024-12-01T02:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/support-the-library-on-give-miami-day-this-november-21","html_content":"

SAVE THE DATE: Give Miami Day is on November 21, 2024! Early giving starts on November 17.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/support-the-library-on-give-miami-day-this-november-21","title":"Support the Library on Give Miami Day this November 21","summary":"SAVE THE DATE: Give Miami Day is on November 21, 2024! Early giving starts on November 17. ","date_modified":"2024-10-16T02:50:13Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/our-50th-anniversary-is-coming-soon","html_content":"

We invite all Lifelong Learners, Community Supporters, and Bookworms to join us for food, refreshments, conversation, a silent auction, and special guests, including legendary Miami author Dave Barry, as we celebrate the...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/our-50th-anniversary-is-coming-soon","title":"Join the Friends' 50th Anniversary celebration","summary":"We invite all Lifelong Learners, Community Supporters, and Bookworms to join us for food, refreshments, conversation, a silent auction, and special guests, including legendary Miami author Dave Barry, as we celebrate the...","date_modified":"2024-09-19T18:31:41Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/enter-our-student-logo-contest-to-win-100","html_content":"

Founded in 1974, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and we need your help developing our new logo!

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/enter-our-student-logo-contest-to-win-100","title":"Enter Our Student Logo Contest To Win $100","summary":"Founded in 1974, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and we need your help developing our new logo!","date_modified":"2024-08-01T15:22:51Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/volunteers-needed-to-help-with-give-miami-day-campaign","html_content":"

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/volunteers-needed-to-help-with-give-miami-day-campaign","title":"Volunteers Needed to Help With Give Miami Day Campaign","date_modified":"2024-07-29T16:00:15Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-present-adult-learning-academy-financial-literacy-series","html_content":"

The Miami-Dade Public Library System offers a broad range of programming designed to enrich the lives of its patrons. One area of focus for both the Library and Miami-Dade County is improving access to financial literacy...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/friends-present-adult-learning-academy-financial-literacy-series","title":"Friends Present Adult Learning Academy Financial Literacy Series ","summary":"The Miami-Dade Public Library System offers a broad range of programming designed to enrich the lives of its patrons. One area of focus for both the Library and Miami-Dade County is improving access to financial literacy...","date_modified":"2024-07-15T12:45:45Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/icymi-meet-the-new-president-of-the-friends%F0%9F%A4%9D","html_content":"

Marylynne Schwartz, the new president of the Friends was recently highlighted in the Miami-Dade Public Library’s June 11, 2024 edition of the What's Happening at Your Library newsletter.

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/icymi-meet-the-new-president-of-the-friends%F0%9F%A4%9D","title":"ICYMI: Meet the New President of the Friends🤝","summary":"Marylynne Schwartz, the new president of the Friends was recently highlighted in the Miami-Dade Public Library’s June 11, 2024 edition of the What's Happening at Your Library newsletter. ","date_modified":"2024-06-20T14:33:43Z"},{"id":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/2023-year-in-review","html_content":"

A world class library system deserves a world class Friends group. Built around the core pillars of Advocacy, Awareness, and Fundraising, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library had several positive accomplishments ...

","url":"https://friendsofmdpl.org/blog/f/2023-year-in-review","title":"2023 Year in Review","summary":"A world class library system deserves a world class Friends group. Built around the core pillars of Advocacy, Awareness, and Fundraising, the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library had several positive accomplishments ...","date_modified":"2023-12-31T16:44:08Z"}]}