Virtual Storytimes and Programming

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Miami-Dade Public Library System’s (MDPLS) mission is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth and limitless opportunities for Miami-Dade County residents. To that end, MDPLS hosts over 22,000 in-person events annually throughout our 49 locations offering a broad range of programs that our diverse communities want and need. In early March 2020, in response to COVID-19, MDPLS suspended all library programs and events indefinitely and subsequently closed to the public on March 18 in accordance with local guidelines to help contain the spread of the disease. While MDPLS’s online library and digital resources continued to be available to patrons and were being very widely used, there was no mechanism in place to offer virtual programs. MDPLS quickly adapted to create virtual storytimes, programs and events to meet the needs of our community and continue to provide people of all ages with a diverse array of informative, engaging and entertaining online programs for them to enjoy from home. What began with library staff recording storytimes that were posted on social media has grown to include a wide range of live virtual programs, including author events, exercise classes and STEAM, presented via Zoom.