Your complimentary ticket for admission might already be in your wallet if you’re looking for enjoyable things to do this weekend in South Florida.
Besides choosing your next book, a free Miami-Dade Public Library card lets you do a lot of other things.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the free things you can do with your library card, including listening to audiobooks and visiting museums all throughout the city.
1. Obtain books delivered directly to you
It’s okay if you would rather have a tangible copy of a book. If you choose, you can have the books delivered right to your door by the Miami-Dade Public Library.
When you browse the online catalog of your library, just click on “Please mail this item to me at no charge” and enjoy your selections at home.
2. Get your children’s homework help
Your child or someone you know could require a little assistance with their homework throughout the academic year. Their library card, though, might hold the secret to getting that additional help.
The Miami Dade Public Library provides free reading, math, and science tutoring as well as homework assistance from trained teachers.
On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 29 various branches, tutoring sessions are available in person. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., tutoring sessions are available online.
Click here to schedule an appointment.
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3. Get access to e-books and audiobooks
If you read a lot, it’s likely that you’ve converted to audiobooks or gone digital with e-books. But did you know that using your library card, you may access the majority of books on your phone for free?
You can download a ton of e-books and audiobooks to your mobile device with programs like Hoopla Digital, Libby, and OverDrive.
You can access a variety of collections from many genres from the convenience of your home by registering with your library card number.
4. Play and save your preferred films and songs
You might even be able to avoid some streaming subscriptions with your library card. You may download and watch movies and read some of your favorite periodicals on your phone or tablet with applications like Libby or Hoopla Digital.
With your library card, you may access digital copies of The New Yorker and Vogue as well as e-books that you may read. Additionally, you can view and download up to 16 million songs and music videos every month on sites like Freegal.
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5. Check out a laptop or tablet for thirty days
With your library card, you can use the computers and tablets in every library location for free, but did you know that some of the equipment can be taken home?
You may simply place a tablet, Wi-Fi hotspot, or Chromebook on hold by calling ahead or checking the availability at your local branch. You’ll get a notification when it’s ready to pick up the gadget of your choice.
6. Pick up a new language to speak
With your library card, you can study French, Spanish, or German for free if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do. Mango Languages is available to you via your local library.
You can select from more than 70 languages, receive carefully thought-out lesson plans, and quickly become a fluent speaker of that language. Just select the language and get started studying.
7. Explore some of Miami’s top museums
More than 15 museums in Magic City are free to visit thanks to the Museum Pass Program. The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, HistoryMiami, The Bass, the Museum of Graffiti, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and even Zoo Miami are among the collaborating museums.
Just visit the branch that is closest to you, ask a staff member, or look through their catalog to find out which free museums are offering passes. Then check out a book with your library card.
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8. Participate in free activities
Libraries all across Miami-Dade County provide frequent programs for card holders, many of which are free, if you have kids and would want to take part in story time or art workshops.
Click here to view workshops in your area or for a complete list of activities. You can even access the YOUmake Miami program by using your card.
This program gives you access to seminars in a variety of subjects, such as graphic design, painting, sewing, video production, 3D design, and much more.
9. Obtain access to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times online versions
Although subscription services to some of your favorite newspapers may get expensive, you can access The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal’s online editions for free using your library card. All you need to do is create an account for every book, get access codes from the library website, and you’re set to go.
You can use as many coupons as you like to keep updated and access these versions whenever you’d like. There are no usage restrictions.
10. Use LinkedIn Learning to access skills that will advance your career
Want to improve your professional abilities for your upcoming position? You can use your library card to gain free access to LinkedIn Learning. You can select from more than 16,000 expert-led courses in a variety of subjects using the online platform.
Whether you want to learn web design, editing, or business skills, you can use your library card to enhance your skill set for free.
What’s the process for applying for a library card?
A free library card can be obtained by anyone living in Miami-Dade County. Visit your local library to sign up in person. You will be given a physical card upon presentation of a valid ID, such as a photo ID. An electronic copy of your card can be saved by using the MDPLS mobile app.
Every person is eligible for a library card, although those under the age of sixteen require permission from a parent or legal guardian before they can use one.
Get a Miami-Dade County library card by clicking this link. In Broward County, register for one by using this link.
