STEAM Programs

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is the 6th largest Public Library system in the United States. More than 2,400,000 residents of the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s district enjoy access to a collection of nearly 4,000,000 items, 230,000 downloadable or streaming audio and eBooks, 7,000,000 downloadable songs and music videos, and nearly 250 downloadable digital magazines in a wide variety of formats and languages. MDPLS provides a state-of-the-art public computer system, as well as high speed laptops and tablets with full Wi-Fi Internet access for public use. The Library System operates a Main Library, 5 regional branches, 45 neighborhood branches, 2 YOUmedia Miami locations, 2 YOUmake Miami locations, 2 bookmobiles, and the Technobus. The library system engages the community by providing lively, relevant programming for all ages. As of July 2013, the library system significantly enhanced its public programs in the form of educational technology programs for children, teens and adults. These programs are often referred to as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs with an emphasis on the technology portion. The STEAM programs have brought cutting edge, next generation technologies and concepts into the hands of library patrons who may not have access to expensive technologies or may not be aware of their existence.