Miami-Dade Public Library System – West Dade Regional

We made our way to West Dade Regional library after reading the glowing reviews for this library on
. It used the words: sprawling, must-​see, huge children’s area, and rain forest theme. We came here in hopes of finding a new, child-​friendly, air-​conditioned place to entertain a two year old.
We were SUPER disappointed.
I guess I might be used to larger and better designed libraries on the west coast. Other than being two stories, this library is not sprawling or must-​see. This library (especially the children’s area) was a bit depressing.
There was a loud, temporary air conditioner thing that was extremely distracting, but I’m glad it was cool inside. There are 2.5 out of 4 young children’s computers functioning. They are super slow and the programs are really old and not that engaging for kids. I do, however, appreciate the existence of them for young kids who just like to bang on keyboards.
Outside the library there is a small playground and shaded picnic tables which would be great to use when the weather is cooler.
Overall, I wish the libraries in South Florida were better funded, better designed, and had longer operating hours.

Everyone is very helpful if you do not know where to find something they will lead you and show you they are very nice and friendly and it’s very quite

22 MDPLS LIBRARIES OF 49 ARE SLATED FOR CLOSURE ¹⁰⁄₂₀₁₃.
Check the hours before going — the library system is being underfunded and many libraries are being slated to be closed in October 2013. Hours for Regionals may be reduced down to three days a week, surviving branches to two days a week. Check
to learn how to stop this.
If you want to let your opinion be heard:
MIAMI-​DADE COUNTY MAYOR CARLOS A. GIMENEZ TO HOST
BUDGET TOWN HALL MEETINGS
(MIAMI, July 23, 2013) — Miami-​Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez is hosting Budget Town Hall Meetings, where residents will be able to ask Mayor Gimenez and staff about the proposed Fiscal Year 2013 – 2014 County budget.
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183 Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33 056
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Village of Palmetto Bay Commission Chambers, 9705 East Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33 157
Date: Thursday, August 15, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: City of Aventura Commission Chambers, 19 200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL 33 180
Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Florida City, City Hall, 404 West Palm Drive, Florida City, FL 33 034
Date: Thursday, August 22, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: West Dade Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33 165
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 NE 59 Terrace, Miami, FL 33 137

This is not just a public library, this is a Regional Public Library, with a large structure resembling the federal buildings in downtown Miami and proving, once more, that «big brother» is everywhere and watching, according to Orwell. The area is surrounded with lots of greenery and sprinkled with sculptures that, to my taste, were on sale or were donated and deducted from some bureaucrat’s income tax. Also in the vicinity, a playground was built for little kids to play and interact, and a walkway is available for people to stroll or jog. The walkway is also used by kids who want to ride their bikes, and people who want to walk their dogs. Not too far and within walking distance, a fire station watches over and protects the library from fire.
This two story building hosts several collections, some large and some small. The collection of DVDs is large, although a lot of those DVDs are poor quality or scratched. There is a good collection of Manga, comic books and graphic novels, and a pretty good collection of travel books. However, there are two collections that are almost at par with the Main Library. One is the periodicals, with lots of magazines on almost every subject, and newspapers and magazines in different languages, including Spanish, to cater to the nearby community. The second area that is outstanding is the kids section, which occupies two rooms in the second floor. Here kids are free to walk around and to read with an adult. Not to get it confused with a playground or a nursery, kids need to be supervised at all times, specially toddlers, because if they make a run for the exit there is a long set of stairs going down waiting for them.
This library also has lots of cubicles for people to work in peace and quiet. There are some tables where people can sit in a group, but not in a private area where you could talk and discuss projects or presentations. Some private rooms are available, but for one person only. Wi-​fi, PCs and photocopiers are also available.
Lastly, just like the Main Library, there is a cart that serves coffee and pastries until the library closes. If you are hungry or thirsty, you can take advantage of the cart. Depending on the sensitivity of your ears, you may want to seat as far as possible because the coffee machine is louder than a diesel engine. It will distract you and inevitably take a couple of dollars out of your wallet. It will.