Public Library

The Miami-Dade Public Library System provides branch libraries, physical and digital collections, public computers, internet access, learning programs, research assistance, printing services and other resources for county residents. This article explains how to locate a library, apply for a card, verify identity and residency, manage an account, search the catalog, borrow digital materials, use library technology and contact the correct office when assistance is needed.

Library System Overview

The Miami-Dade Public Library System, commonly identified as MDPLS, operates a countywide network of library locations and online services. Its collections include printed books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, comic books, movies and music. Cardholders may also have access to museum passes, laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, online learning resources and other materials offered through the system.

The official Miami-Dade Public Library System website is the central source for current announcements, events, new materials, digital collections, community resources and library card information. Patron notices on the homepage may identify temporary closures, construction projects, service interruptions or other conditions that could affect a planned visit.

Library services are divided between physical branches and online resources. A visitor may use a branch to browse materials, ask a reference question, attend a program, access a public computer, scan a document or print files. A cardholder can also use many resources remotely through a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

Finding the Correct Branch

Miami-Dade County has numerous library locations serving Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral, Aventura, Miami Gardens, Cutler Bay and other communities. Branch services, hours and available facilities may differ, so users should identify the appropriate location before traveling.

The official library locations directory provides several ways to review branches. Users can browse locations alphabetically, look for nearby branches, identify locations that are currently open or view branches on a map. The directory also includes access to Mobile Library and Virtual Library information.

Searching by Address or ZIP Code

The branch locator can search by a street address, ZIP Code or city name. It also allows the user to select a search radius. This is useful when the closest branch is outside the city entered or when several branches are within a reasonable driving distance.

Search results provide the branch name, address and phone number. Before visiting, confirm the listed hours and review any notices associated with the location. Renovations, temporary relocations or construction can affect normal access even when a branch remains visible in the directory.

Choosing a Branch by Service

The nearest library is not always the correct location for a specialized need. A user seeking genealogy materials, social services, a particular program, public computer access or another specialized resource should confirm that the intended branch offers that service. The Main Library includes several distinct service areas, including circulation, children’s services, general reference and the Florida Room and Genealogy collection.

Users who cannot visit a standard branch may review Mobile Library options, home delivery programs and other remote services. Eligibility requirements may apply to certain delivery or accessibility programs.

Library Card Eligibility

A Miami-Dade Public Library System card allows users to borrow physical and digital materials and access account-based services. According to the system’s eligibility information, a person may qualify for a free card by living in Miami-Dade County, owning property in the county or working for a qualifying employer.

An application may be submitted in person at any of the system’s 50 library locations or online through the official library card application page. Online applicants must complete the required verification process before receiving full access.

Municipal Eligibility Differences

Library card eligibility can depend on the applicant’s municipality and its relationship to the Miami-Dade Public Library Taxing District. Residents of Bal Harbour Village, Miami Shores and Surfside may apply for a nonresident card for a $65 annual fee.

Residents of Hialeah, Homestead, North Miami and North Miami Beach are eligible for a free card through reciprocal borrowing partnerships. Applicants should select the correct residency category and provide documents that support the address entered on the application.

Proof of Address

An applicant requesting a free card must provide proof of identity and residency within the Miami-Dade Public Library Taxing District. Address or employment documents may be submitted online or presented in person during library hours.

Accepted proof of address documents include:

A Florida driver’s license or Florida state identification card
A property tax receipt
USPS postmarked mail showing the applicant’s name and date
An electricity, water or gas bill
An executed lease agreement accompanied by an electricity, water or gas bill
A mortgage statement
A vehicle insurance card
A voter registration card
Proof of on-campus housing
A bank, credit card or insurance statement

Proof of address must be current. Statements used for verification must be no more than two months old. The name on the document must match the name on the identification and the library card application. A mismatch caused by a nickname, omitted surname or outdated address may delay verification.

Accepted Identification

Applicants must choose one accepted identification document. The library accepts a driver’s license or state identification card issued by any U.S. state, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory. Other accepted documents include a military identification card, passport, passport card, Permanent Resident Card and U.S. Work Authorization Card.

A school identification card may be used for a minor enrolled in a Miami-Dade school. With the exception of a school identification card, identification must include the applicant’s date of birth.

Online Identity Verification

Online applicants must upload images that allow the library to verify identity. The process requires a photo of a valid government-issued driver’s license, state identification card or passport. The applicant must also provide a current headshot taken with a phone or tablet.

The headshot must be an original, current image rather than a photograph of another photograph. It should show only the applicant’s head. Glasses or headwear that obscure facial features should not be worn, and no other person or activity should appear in the image.

File and Image Standards

Identification photos should be saved as JPG or PNG files. The library recommends a resolution of 2025 by 1275 pixels. Images should be in color, free from glare and clear enough for all identification text to be read.

Address or employment verification documents should be uploaded as PDF files. Before submitting any document, applicants should remove sensitive information that is unnecessary for library verification. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and credit card numbers should be redacted.

Upload Problems

Blurry images, reflected light and unreadable identification text can prevent verification. An applicant whose identification is outdated or whose current appearance differs significantly from the photograph may need to visit a library for in-person verification.

The library recommends Safari for applications submitted from an iOS device and Chrome for Android devices. Clearing browser cookies and cached files may resolve some upload or form problems. Applicants who cannot upload the required photographs may complete identity verification at a Miami-Dade Public Library location.

Catalog and Borrowing Accounts

The library’s online catalog allows users to search for available materials, review featured collections and locate titles held by the system. The official MDPLS library catalog includes a general search and an advanced search option.

Search results may include printed books, audiobooks and other items in the library’s collection. Availability can vary by location and format. Users should confirm that they are viewing the desired edition and should distinguish between a physical item held at a branch and an electronic item provided through an online service.

Cardholders may review checked-out items, requests, fines and fees through the official library account portal. Separate account access is also provided for Freegal Music, Hoopla and OverDrive or Libby. A borrower should use the account associated with the current library card number.

Replaced Library Cards

Replacing a card changes the card information connected to the borrower’s account. Because digital services may retain the previous number, users who have active OverDrive or Libby checkouts and holds should contact the library for assistance transferring or restoring access.

A replaced card can also affect accounts associated with other digital products. Users should avoid creating unnecessary duplicate accounts when a previously used account stops recognizing the old library card number.

PIN and Password Problems

A library account requires the correct card information and PIN or password. Users who cannot sign in should verify that they are entering the current card number rather than a number from a replaced card. Forgotten PIN or password issues can be handled through library account assistance.

Digital Books and Media

A library card provides free access to digital books, audiobooks, magazines, comic books, movies and music. These materials can be downloaded or streamed to a personal computer or mobile device. The library’s digital books and media page separates resources by format and identifies the service used for each collection.

OverDrive and Libby

The OverDrive collection includes eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines. Users can search, check out, request, read or listen to materials through the OverDrive website or the Libby app. An unavailable title may offer a request or hold option rather than immediate borrowing.

Users should confirm that Libby is connected to the correct library system and current library card. This is especially relevant after replacing a card or when more than one library has been added to the app.

Hoopla Digital

Hoopla provides eBooks, audiobooks, comic books, music and movies. The service allows cardholders to borrow supported materials online at any time. Hoopla is available through compatible mobile devices and other supported platforms identified by the library.

Freegal Music

Freegal provides access to approximately 16 million songs and music videos, including material from the Sony Music catalog. The service offers unlimited streaming and does not require digital rights management software.

Newspapers and Magazines

Library cardholders may also use online newspaper and magazine resources. The system identifies access to the Miami Herald, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, El Nuevo Herald, Consumer Reports and OverDrive magazines. Authentication requirements may differ by publication, so users should begin through the library website rather than attempting to purchase access directly from the publisher.

Computers and Internet Access

Library cardholders can use desktop computers and available tablets or laptops at library locations. These devices provide internet access, Microsoft Office and USB ports. Tablets and laptops may also have a read-only DVD drive available for checkout.

People without a library card may present identification at a service desk and request a courtesy guest pass. A guest pass provides temporary computer access but does not replace a library card for borrowing or other account-based services.

The official computers, internet and printing information page explains session limits, equipment rules and document services.

Computer Session Limits

Standard computer sessions are available in 60-minute increments. Express Computers provide 15-minute sessions. At the UHealth Jackson Station Library Kiosk, computer use is limited to one 15-minute session per person per day.

Reservations must be made in person and only for the current day. Desktop computers stop accepting reservations 20 minutes before the branch closes and automatically shut down 10 minutes before closing.

Library tablets and laptops are limited to use inside the library. They automatically shut down 30 minutes before closing and must be returned before the branch closes. Patrons should save their work frequently and allow time to transfer files before the device or computer shuts down.

Wi-Fi Requirements

All branches provide free Wi-Fi for visitors using personal wireless-enabled devices. The device should support IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac or 802.11ax standards and have a compatible web browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari.

Proxy settings must be disabled. The device’s TCP/IP settings should be configured to obtain an IP address automatically, with other fields left blank. Restarting the device may be necessary after changing network settings.

Printing, Scanning and Copies

All library computers, including available tablets and laptops, can send documents to a printer. Submitted print jobs remain in the system for 24 hours. Users should retrieve a print job within that period rather than assuming it will remain available indefinitely.

The library provides a courtesy allowance of 25 combined printed or copied pages per day. Pages beyond the daily 25-page allowance cost 10 cents per additional page. Because printing and copying share the same allowance, using 20 copy pages leaves five courtesy pages for printing that day.

Mobile Printing permits users to send documents from an internet-connected device to participating branches, including from a remote location. The user must still visit the selected branch to release and collect the job.

Scanning Documents

All branches except the UHealth Jackson Station Library Kiosk have at least one public computer station with a scanner. Scanning is free. A scanned document or image can be sent by email or saved to a USB flash drive.

Before scanning a large file, users should confirm that their email service can accept the attachment or that the USB drive has enough available storage. Library fax machines are not available.

Programs and Specialized Services

The library provides programs beyond traditional lending. The official library services directory lists adult education, accessibility, delivery, tutoring, technology and community programs.

Learning and Reference Help

Learning services include the Adult Learning Academy, Digital Learn, Homework Help and Tutoring, Project L.E.A.D. Adult Literacy and early literacy resources. Ask A Librarian is available for reference questions that require research assistance rather than account support.

Patrons should distinguish between reference questions and customer service requests. A question about locating reliable information belongs with a reference librarian. A problem involving a card, PIN, account or borrowing record should be directed to Customer Care or branch staff.

Accessibility and Home Services

Available programs include Braille and Talking Books, Library Connections Home Library Service, Libraries at Your Door Home Delivery Service and Storytime Express Early Literacy Kits. Users should review the applicable program information before assuming that a delivery or specialized service is available automatically.

Devices, Rooms and Other Services

The service directory also identifies a Mobile Device Lending Program, Mobile Printing, InterLibrary Loan, reservable library spaces, Social Services at the Library, Suggestions for Purchase and U.S. Passport Services.

InterLibrary Loan and Suggestions for Purchase serve different purposes. InterLibrary Loan concerns access to eligible materials outside the local collection, while a purchase suggestion asks the library to consider adding a title. Submitting a purchase suggestion does not guarantee that the title will be purchased.

Library Record Confidentiality

Florida Statute 257.261 provides that public library registration and circulation records are confidential. The library states that this information can be released only to properly identified cardholders.

A person requesting account information should be prepared to establish identity. Family members should not assume that they can obtain another person’s borrowing history, requests or account details simply because they share an address. Questions about confidentiality or library policies should be directed to the local branch.

Customer and Records Requests

Account questions and general assistance may be submitted through the official library contact page. The form requests the user’s first and last name, daytime phone number, email address, branch visited, subject and message. Required fields must be completed before submission.

When reporting a problem, include the branch involved and enough detail for staff to identify the issue. Do not place a Social Security number, bank information, full credit card number or other unnecessary sensitive information in the message.

Public records requests concerning the Miami-Dade Public Library System are handled through the system’s Public Records Custodian. Reference questions should instead be sent through Ask A Librarian, and requests for titles should use the library’s Suggestion for Purchase process.

Common Application Mistakes

Library card applications are more likely to require additional review when the identification, address document and application use different names or addresses. Applicants should also avoid submitting an old statement when the proof-of-address rules require a document no more than two months old.

Other common problems include uploading a cropped identification image, using a black-and-white or blurry photograph, including glare over identification text, submitting an image of an existing portrait instead of a current headshot or uploading an address document in the wrong file format.

For branch visits, users should avoid relying on remembered hours or assuming that every location offers the same services. Checking the current branch listing is particularly useful during renovations, holidays or temporary relocations.

For computer use, arrive early enough to complete the work before automatic shutdown periods begin. Print jobs should be collected within 24 hours, and users working with scanned files should bring a USB drive or have access to an email account capable of receiving the files.

Library Offices and Contacts

Miami-Dade Public Library System – Main Library
101 W. Flagler St., Miami, FL 33130
305-375-2665

Miami-Dade Public Library System Public Records Custodian
101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
305-375-5291

Public Library FAQs

How can I check for temporary library closures?

Review the official Miami-Dade Public Library System homepage before visiting. Patron notices may announce branch closures caused by construction, renovations or facility improvements. Because a closed branch may still appear in search results, confirm both the current notice and the branch listing. The library’s locations page also lets users browse branches alphabetically, identify locations marked open and view libraries on a map.

Can I keep my library card on my phone?

Yes. After receiving a library card, patrons can download the official MDPLS mobile app for iOS or Android and save a digital version of the card. The app also provides convenient access to the patron’s account. Keep the physical card and account information secure, since some library services or account-recovery situations may still require verification.

Where can I review requests and charges?

Use the library’s My Accounts page to reach account tools for checked-out items, requests, fines and fees. The page also provides separate access points for Freegal Music, Hoopla and OverDrive or Libby. Patrons should select the service connected to the item or transaction they need to review rather than assuming every digital activity appears in the main borrowing account.

How do I request a title the library does not have?

First search the official library catalog, including the advanced search option, to check for alternate editions or formats. If the title is not listed, use the library’s Suggestion for Purchase service. This submits the item for consideration but does not guarantee that it will be acquired. For materials available through another library, review InterLibrary Loan instead, since that service is intended for borrowing eligible items outside the local collection.

Are passport and room-reservation services available everywhere?

No. Specialized services can vary by location. The official library services directory lists U.S. Passport Services, reservable spaces, home delivery, mobile device lending, social services and other programs. Open the relevant service page and verify participating locations, eligibility rules and appointment requirements before choosing a branch.