Miami Dade Public Library System – Main Library

As an aspiring Photographer/​Graphic Designer living in a high-​priced apartment with barely working AC window units and noisy surroundings. I frequent the MDPL being it is just a few mover stops away. I can attest to the very same thing most Unilocalers here complain about — the amount of HOMELESS people lined up at the door like a Black Friday deal was going on inside.
So, today I patiently walked to the opposite side of the library and took a seat (on the ground, being they have no seating/​benches anywhere in sight) while the homeless poured into the library/​bathrooms. Being I live just a few blocks away, I was dressed (as I normally am) in comfy/​casual sweats with my DSLR equipment and laptop in my backpack — which I’m assuming is considered «bum attire» because a security guard approached me and said «the library is open, you cannot sit there». I tried explaining that I was waiting for the line to get inside and I would go in eventually; only to be interrupted in my explanation, this time in a more aggressive tone as he walked off to heckle an actual (homeless)person.
I’ll honestly say, I am not one that has been to very many libraries. but the standards (or lack of) displayed at this place is quite distasteful. It’s not to say that any one person should be treated/​privileged any better than the next; but come on. The very fact that little to nothing is said or done about this unsanitary outbreak in MDPL is just un-​excusable. The library literally smells, people leave food/​beverages on tables, chairs and shelves. I literally saw a bald guy shaving his head and tapping off the loose hairs on the table. another clipping his toenails. I could go on and on. If you’re looking to be there for any duration that you may need to charge your laptop and phone, GOOD LUCK! Most tables are immediately taken upon opening by the inhabitants whom proceed to use them for eating, storage, sleeping and abusing the free wi-​fi.
The one star I did give, is for the kind staff members at this branch; whom I feel sooo sorry for having to put up with this daily. and there’s 2 security guards that are pretty cool as well.

Its a beautiful library_​but a shame the place has become
A refu for the homeless _​definitely need more police security _​as these panhandlers hold unpredictable personalities _​Unsanitized human skill _

I come here often as volunteer but I can’t say this is my favorite library.
First, due to its location, there are plenty of unsavory characters using the library. Homeless washing themselves in the restroom, people mumbling to themselves or yelling at no one, and if you are unlucky the person using the computer next to you is so smelly you’d wish he’d go take a sponge bath in the restroom.
While there are tables and chairs, there is no comfortable sofas to sit in, relax and read, although I can see it being intentionally so.
Being the main library, they have a bigger collection of audio books, manga, and other books than the branches. They also have the annual book sale which I love. But if you want a relaxing place to browse and read, this is NOT it.

Great location, easily accessible from the metrorail. This is my favorite location of all of the libraries in Miami — Dade County. This location also has the best selection of books. I always go here when the location closest to my house does not have what I’m looking for. They always have it. I enjoy coming here and just spending the day reading. The employees are very friendly and extremely helpful when needed.

I absolutely love the Miami-​Dade Main Library! The staff here is super friendly and if you don’t know exactly where to go (due to the library’s enormous size) you will more than likely need to ask for some guidance. This library is always packed due to the amount of resources inside. When I first moved to Miami, I spent so much time here researching native plants and gathering facts about the water resources issues. Once hired on to write about Biscayne Bay, The Main Library and History Miami (just right across the courtyard) basically functioned as my office for eight months. There’s an incredible amount of South Florida natural history books which I devoured in my first year living here.
I’ve noticed that I get the ol’ «I don’t read» from folks in this town. Not so surprisingly then, very few of the newer residents in the Downtown/​Midtown Miami area have made it over to the Main Library. However, to my «I don’t read» folks, there’s plenty for you too! You can rent movies or audio books. And if you have a tablet, grab a library card and now you’ll have access to a ton of online magazines, eBooks and Audio Books. This feature has totally stepped up the library’s game and hopefully this service will grow as more and more folks become aware of the resource!
This is my library of choice, not just because I work Downtown and its one train stop over, but I love the building, I love all the nooks and crannies for reading and I love the huge travel books section. Okay, okay, so the travel guide books are a bit dated (like 2011). This doesn’t bother me too much since I happen to use the best review site in the world (yes, you Unilocal!), so I refer to these travel books for the old standbys in whatever destination I choose to visit. In addition to the guide books, they have a ton of quite interesting accompanying books filed in with the guide books. I could spend all day in the travel section alone! And believe me there enough books on countries, continents, and regions to do so.
Another super cool feature at the Main Library is the exhibition area upstairs. This week, there are some super cool black and white pieces and I’m pretty sure I saw a Gryphon up there. The exhibits change monthly or quarterly and are always worth taking a look at.
Side note: My only beef with the Miami-​Dade County library system (no beef with you Main Library!) is that you can’t pay your overdue fines online with a card. You actually have to go in and do the Overdue-​Library-​Book-​Fine-​Walk-​of-​Shame and pay in person.

What can I say about this library?! Nice building and very spacious, except for all the HOMELESS people all the time!
The homeless in the City of Miami, and surrounded areas, go there because there is NOTHING to do, and NOWHERE to go. It is nice and cold there and that’s where they all congregate to avoid the hot weather.
It also smells and you can see the same people almost every day! I would recommend taking some wipes to clean the keyboard, table, and you hands! I do the same now when I go to the Miami Beach Regional Library, and there are homeless there too!
The City of Miami, and all the other cities in South Florida, should do something about the homeless population because it is getting out of control.
What a shame, Miami!

It seems that bums love to hang out at libraries but that said be careful not to leave your belongings at a table, they might not be there after a restroom break.

Now Ive been here a few times for work events where they shut down the place to the public, clean it, hire LOTS of security and turn on the lights. Thinking it was like that ALL the time I decided I wanted book to read at the pool while I tan.
Now I love libraries this one is hellish. I will never come back to it. It has 2 floors and very little books. It is DARK so you couldn’t read if you wanted to, so the lack of books works i guess. Huge areas were just empty. It has lots of ugly art from artist that are irrelevant which offends me. Donated art to fill up space where books should be. It does have a few computers.
Walking into the library I got chased inside by homeless man. No joke, he tried to follow me in but the security guard at the desk stood up with a look (bless that lady). And he ran off. To get inside you need to go threw metal detecters, thats just great do you feel safe? I don’t. Once inside this guy (another creeper) followed me threw the whole library breathing heavy. What the hell!!! I ran to the security desk and she scared that one off too! I didn’t get a chance to browse what literature they had because it was not a safe environment. My whole visit I felt like I was going to get raped, mugged, or attacked. I am very independent but this was just so so bad.
For the recored I was dressed in jeans, a tank and sweater, and my hair was in a bun… nothing about my appearance was saying «creepy ass men chase me.»
Upon leaving a bunch of homeless men got into a fist fight at the restrooms which are by the exit and the security had to break it up.
I am so traumatized and I had to pay for this experience.
I will never come back! Amazon delivers.

I’m quite impressed by this library. Beautiful architectural design, innumerable resources in multiple languages, all situated in the heart of downtown Miami. This place is huge, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find whatever you may be looking for. What you may not find, however, is a peaceful spot in certain areas. I had to locate a nice, quiet spot distant from a group of individuals who seem to frequent the library and were discussing their daily happenings. Upon moving to a quieter area, one of the library personnel seemed to provoke a few individuals who, in my opinion, were minding their own business. Apparently, they are used to the homeless spending the day there, searching for shelter as most are typically kicked out of their nearby homeless shelters on a daily basis and can only return in the evenings. I was appalled by this library worker approaching these two individuals who were murmuring and enjoying their respective books. This same lady approached another man who had fallen asleep while reading, rather brusquely I must say, by knocking on the table and asking him to leave as well. An argument quickly ensued and security was quickly requested. Aside from some rowdy behavior mostly due to this library worker, I would say this is an ideal, spacious place to spend a day studying. Additionally, I would certainly give it an additional star had longer hours. This is hands down the most beautiful library in Miami…

I’m not a big fan of the location of this library. No parking ever, unless you pay, and i wouldn’t feel very comfortable going there by myself. Then again, it’s not very different from the rest of downtown.
Pros: Great selection of books and knowledgeable staff.

The main library has a comfortable atmosphere along with an endless amount of books on many topics. The libary is equipped with an excellent amount of resources suitable for the present times, and will most likely continue to be empowered with the right information for the times. If you want nostalgic information from the past, the library also has that information preserved. If you would like information to innovate, the libary has it. If you want information only for entertainment, the library also has it. If you want information which is future oriented, the libary has it. Excellent environment for people of all ages and all walks of lives.