Why You Should Get a Library Card
Libraries are often portrayed as dusty and antiqued, but are actually the unsung heroes of the community. They provide free resources just waiting to be utilized.
Books
Obviously libraries offer books, but people underestimate the sheer volume of books they offer. There’s the assumption that they do not have current reads, but the Miami-Dade Public Library System stays up-to-date and has a New York Times Bestseller section on their website.
Cataloging has also become easier because of the internet. By using the Miami-Dade Public Library app, you can search if the book you want is available. You can also request for a book to be brought to your branch.
Apps
More of a listener than reader? Libraries partner with the free library app Libby. It allows library card owners access to hundreds of ebooks and audiobooks and is compatible with Apple and Android devices.
Hoopla Digital is another library partner that offers audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines or music. The collection on Hoopla is vast and includes recent releases. It can be streamed on almost any device including televisions and kindles.
Music can also be streamed on the app Freegal, which has about 16 million songs and music videos. It has no software to download, no digital rights management restrictions and is available on Apple and Android devices.
News
In this world of never-ending subscriptions, libraries make news more accessible. Library card owners can access subscriptions to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. They also can retrieve Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald archives.
For casual reads there is Consumer Reporters . The publication provides advice and reviews on products. It’s ad-free and run by members, allowing readers to get unbiased information.
Tutoring
The main purpose of libraries is to make knowledge accessible to the community. There is Project L.E.A.D (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade), which provides free one-on-one sessions with volunteer tutors to adults hoping to improve their English literacy skills. There is also Talk Read Sing, which focuses on early childhood literacy. For students there is the Homework Help & Tutoring Program. It provides free K-12 online and in-person tutoring in reading, math and science.
Assistance
Since the library is a public service, it’s equipped to help with social services. You can apply for a U.S. Passport and at select branches connect with social services for mental health, housing, food and other government assistance programs.
There is also the Assistive Services and Technologies to aid disabled members of the community.
Culture
Yes, reading is a big part of the library experience, but libraries are not just for reading. A library card allows you to get free passes to select museums throughout Miami.
The Main Branch Library located at 101 West Flagler Street has a free Permanent Art Collection that contains more than 7,000 works that focus on African American, Latino and Miami artists. The collection features works on paper, photographs, paintings, artists’ books, multiples and small sculptures, and strives to serve as a reflection of our community.
Every week each branch has events that educate and connect the community. That includes talks with local authors and arts and crafts.
How to Apply
So, visit your local library to get a physical card or register for an ecard using Miami-Dade County Public Library’s website. Cards are free.
