I usually visit the Main Branch Library located adjacent to the Stephen P. Clark 111 N.W. 1st Street Miami, Fla. The only drawback is due to the volume of people, it can get a bit noisy at times. To get a complete unconstructive experience, choose one of the satellite branches other than the Main Branch. Though the Main Library librarians are very attentive and informative with each individuals needs.
Love this place. A semi-wooded area, and the building itself is basically a bungalow. Old Miami style. I take the little girl I nanny here ALL the time. If you have kids, be sure to check out their storytimes, they're phenomenal. Stories, songs with hand motions, and BUBBLES. Highly recommend!
awesome library... professional staff..... nice people to meet n great casually 2.....
Great place. Parking $5 all day if parking pass is stamped by Library. Wonderful architecture. An area with racks to park bicycles out front.
The restrooms are like a homeless shelter_beside the guys that sleeping in the stall _me and son overheard drug sell,
and lots of secondhand smoking by front door
i am able to use the computers here and check out books no problem also service is amazing
I am a huge fan of Miami-Dade Public Library System. I belong to two book clubs and most of the books I read are from the library. MDPLS has an excellent selection of books, including recent releases in all its libraries. Ordering a book is easy and the wait is usually short. My local library is Lemon City where the staff are always 100%. Friendly, helpful and eternally in good form. It s a pleasure to go there, conveniently located two blocks west of Biscayne Blvd., with ample parking on the streets if the lot is full. I ve taken free Spanish lessons at the Westchester library and have enjoyed workshops and music performances at several libraries throughout the city and Miami Beach over the years. I go to the Main Library from time to time, usually to see an art exhibit-there s a fine space upstairs that showcases beautifully. Recently I attended a GMD workshop and this past Saturday, the Local Author Fair. It was a wonderful event and I had the opportunity to meet several local authors including Seth Bramson, Craig Pittman, Maika Moulite, Maritza Moulite, Tamara B. Rodriguez and more. South Florida has a treasure trove of talented writers. The event included live music performances and started on time with remarks from Ray Baker, Director at Miami-Dade Public Library System who thanked everyone for attending, encouraged all to get library cards and thoughtfully acknowledged the staff who worked tirelessly to pull this event together. Keynote speakers were Craig Pittman and Edwidge Danticat and both did entertaining, and in the case of Ms. Danticat, heartwarming PowerPoint presentations. Books & Books was on hand selling local authors books. I picked up several and wished I got more! The Main Library is located on the plaza level of the Miami-Dade Cultural Center along with HistoryMiami Museum on West Flagler Street. (The Cultural Center is a striking, fortress-like complex, designed by Philip Johnson, in the early 1980s in the heart of historic downtown Miami steps from the Metromover). Highly recommended getting a library card and spending a couple hours in this lovely library or indeed any branch around the city and county.
It is my favorite library it has a variety of books of all genres and languages. It has a children's area. They also have security guards which is very important. The toilet facilities are clean and also have access for people with wheelchairs. The employees they are bilingual and very helpful friendly.I invite you to their summer programs or English or GED classes
Thanks to this place, I can t get schoolwork done anywhere else
Friendly staff. Amazing selection and programs. I've been an habitue for 15 years and love it. Since I'm a freelancer, I frequently use it as my office away from my office: They have wi-fi, copiers and printers for a very low price.
I love the library, and I used to come to this location (main one, downtown Miami) with my son, as it is enormous tons of whatever you are looking for or researching.
However, today I had a different experience. At 5:58 the door was locked. I didn t know what time it was, until I checked my phone, after not being able to get in. I showed my phone (time) to the young African American woman security guard at the front desk. Another (African American, young male) came to the door as a reinforcement (to the heavy security risk I was presenting?), wanting to know what I wanted. I asked why are they closing before the indicated time.
I guess he felt like arguing, or was stalling, so that the clock would advance. Then a hefty African American female hurriedly came to their defense pretty funny, as I was outside a locked door. She asked what was going on. I repeated my question; however the two minutes had passed, and yes, it was now 6pm. I did comment that they should remain open until they CLOSE. She said it was 6, and what did I think I was going to do with 2 minutes. I responded that I m outweighed, three-to-one, so I m not going to bother... THREE guards against me? Nah, I ll pass, and I told them so.
I m not writing this so much for the public, but more for the people in charge over there. Unpleasant, rough security guards...at a LIBRARY?
I felt as if I had hit the twilight zone, and had maybe visited a prison. Not my cup of tea, sorry.
Btw, this location seems to have a higher than average homeless population, so maybe that has affected the guards, but they need either some Zanax, or a different job. That s my 2cents.
Even though it does not have frer parking they have a good selection of books and great social clubs for after school kids
THE ONLY BAD IS THE NOISE THAT DOESN'T LET READ ... AND THOSE WHO ATTEND ARE UNLIKE
The library is in a handy location and is a beautiful building. The staff looked as if they'd rather dissect a cadaver than wait on me, but I know it's not everyone's dream to give a library card to a fat, sweaty guy who has been walking all over town. I did enjoy the desks for charging electronic devices and the free internet. Also, as with any downtown library anywhere, it is a great place to see a grown man take a bath in the sink. Funny enough, for the second time in two days, the drunk hobos causing a raucous got smiles from the staff whereas I got frowns. I'm starting to think that I am the problem!
The staff are not friendly and they quick to kick you out of out for even minding your business they be on you all the time.
The location nearest to me is very nice and friendly with good security and police station next door! Gender neutral bathrooms and lgbtq+ friendly overall a pretty cozy experience on the base of it however there is a large population of homeless around the later hours in the afternoon and barely any bike racks making it impossible for any people riding bike to go there after 6 other people are there on bike apart from that it's a good place and would highly recommend it.
To many homeless people sleeping inside . Smells a lot. But otherwise good place for getting a quick printout. Good staff.
Every single research item you can conceive of can be found here
I like because always has different activities, I can find old movies...or series, You don't have to pay for that. My daughter is 10 years and she got a library card, She enjoy a lot in this place. They have a room for kids...the only thing is that you see many homeless sometimes you don't feel safe however I never had a bad experience. Improve your kids to go to the Library
First time I have ever been here and was very happy with the friendliness of the staff and their help was very good. My kids enjoyed them selves so much that they didn't wanna leave
It was good,not a crowd,police in their was good to. Staff pleasant and very helpful
It is so far the largest library I have been to ...
It's beautiful. Plenty of computers & helpful people.
I can't praise them enough. Libraries are helpful for children, students of any age, adults, anyone can benefit from them. I have taken free classes, use the computers, printing affordable copies and reserve movies for weekends entertainment or getting passes for parks and theaters in the city, thank you!!!
No matter where I'm located or vacationed at. We've always made time to visit the libraries. MDPLS WE LOVE YOU. Also loved the summer reading books contest.
Organization, customer service. Security, multiple options to obtain information. Acceptable and clean bathrooms. Accessible elevators Area of books for children, wide and excellent texts.
Excellent. Congratulations for reopening the Allapattah library, all new, very well designed and the same employees who are wonderful. Downtown Main is my favorite. Thank you.
LOVE THE LIBRARY IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI SO MUCH BUT WAY TOO MANY HOMELESS BE AROUND AND INSIDE IT I KNOW THEY DONT HAVE MUCH ELSE TO GO ANYWHERE WITH THEIR MENTAL ILLNESSES AND DRUG ADDICTIONS. ANYWAY LOVE THIS LIBRARY SO MUCH BRUH!!!!! :D
This place is a homeless halloween!! I look at this place it was like nightmare on elm street!! Security not watching the building like they should!! One bathroom for men one bathroom for women only on the first floor!! If you on another floor u could use bathroom on yourself!!
HUGE library and great customer service! They also have a very interactive story time each week on Tuesday mornings for children. The architecture is also beautiful, I highly recommend this location.
Very big library with lots of choice. Very big Spanish department and classic books from international writers. Big department for kids and teens. They even gave lunch (some sandwiches I guess) for free when we were there. Only negative that there are too many homeless people..
They need more comics books ..also would be nice if they add beds for homeless people and people to relax while reading books..they should have feild trips here..also to other public libraries..they should have more video games..i think they should build more public libraries in miami..
The biggest, most beautiful library in Miami! It's the perfect place to research any topic in Miami history.
fun spot to ge and see some Miami history. They have the old photos, phone books and so much more for free admission
Love thier selection of video games, no fees and open during COVID.
The library card is free with a Florida ID. Free Wi-Fi available + they have an enormous selection of books, DVDs, and computers with updated software and internet access perfect for resesrch amd homework.
I always love this library. They have a lot of James Patterson books, both old and new! They also have a kids area and it is pretty huge. The staff is always nice and kind.
There are many services if you sign up, just ask ...
Big. Powerful building. Full of nhowledge. Go there.
A really beautiful library. The children's section is organized so so well! We love it! The library has 2 stories and lots of computers for plenty of people to work. There is also a charging station/work bench. There are always really great activities and events at the library. Just today, there was a kids art class from 4 to 5! Make sure to check in online or sign up for their emails to get informed!
A lovely place to expand your mind.
I got books Bettie traveling.
Some about Renaissance history. American literature as English or French.
Gotta have it!
Nice library but their wifi kept disconnecting on my computer and stopped working
This library is a great place to go and I enjoy spending time here. It is clean, quite, and extremely large. I can find nearly every book I search for, and the staff is very nice and knowledgeable. My only problem is the parking.
I enjoy so much my interactions with all Miami Dade Public Libraries. They are a much needed place, rest, in our communities. Thsnk you for your service always.
Good children's section. Books, Lego blocks, iPads with children learning apps and friendly staff. The atmosphere is very peaceful and inviting. Ubuntu!
I can get what I need to check out no problem there. I know the librarians work hard but some of them have attitudes. We all have bad days but no need to spoil mine. Or give the side eye because I had trouble finding my card. Like I wasn't going fast enough. We are all human and nobody is perfect.
Library is Open and people are observing proper sanitizing measure.
A short metromover ride to a great library. Everything is well maintained and of course, if you need a book they don't have they'll find it elsewhere in the county system and get it to you in a day. Staff is always helpful. A real downtown treasure.
The library is still available to help all of our patrons.
Place itself is okay. The main attraction: The Local Downtown women. Suddenly this is a great place to come and study.
I go to this library maybe 2 times a month. Just to get some books of the shelf and read some pages there. This library really NEEDS to get an update on the book selection.
And the staff really needs to apply more regulation on matters of the people who enters there.
Extremely rude library staff. Worst library branch in miami. Go to any place but here.
This place saved my life. Litiiirally. Ill never forget that papo. And anyone who reviews a library that comments on a homeless person being there, go f*** yourself. I hope you go through that situation one day, they have no where else to go. At least let the homeless use the library's free resources to get off the street? You are part of the problem by forcing them out and shaming them.
I ve been to libraries in San Francisco, NYC, Los Angeles, Washington DC etc. in comparison Miami sucks. Save yourself the trouble, no idea how this rates 4 stars unless staff are padding the score
They are very helpful at the Library. Whenever you need to know anything about the computer, the scanner, the printer, how to use the computer etc , they are always very helpful & co- operative. It is a pleasure going to the Library. These people that work there are committed.
Time to get new computers and find some employees that actually want to help the customers!
This library is a grand place and I enjoy spending my time here. The architecture is huge, fascinating and beautiful, I highly commend this place.
Nice place with good collection of books. The interior was superb and the ambiance was calm enough. I like this place because of their positivity and quietness. Recommended place book lovers.
mdpls.org
