Miami-Dade Public Library's Fall 2026 Programming: Poetry, Makerspaces, Author Talks, and More

The Miami-Dade Public Library System is launching a packed fall 2026 season of free and low-cost community programming across its 50 branches — spanning teen poetry, author talks, makerspaces, genealogy workshops, and more.

Teen Poetry Contest — Entries Open September 14 through October 17

In collaboration with Miami-Dade County Poet Laureate Nicole Tallman , the Library is inviting teens ages 13–18 to submit an original 14-line sonnet about freedom — inspired by Miami, the United States, or both — in celebration of America's 250th anniversary and TeenTober. Prizes include a $150 Books & Books gift card for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Entries are judged by Tallman alongside Poet Laureate Emerita Caridad Moro-Gronlier and Poet Laureate Emeritus Richard Blanco .

Two free sonnet-writing workshops support the contest: an online session with Nicole Tallman on Saturday, September 19 from 3–4 PM (registration required), and an in-person Writing a Sonnet in the Insta Age workshop with Caridad Moro-Gronlier on Saturday, October 3 from 10:30–11:30 AM at Westchester Regional Library.

Documentary Screening: Poetry City — Friday, September 18, 4:00–5:30 PM

The Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center hosts a screening of Poetry City , a documentary on Miami's vibrant spoken word and poetry scene. A post-film conversation features Nicole Tallman and The Biscayne Poet Oscar Fuentes . All ages, free admission.

Author Talks

The Library Speakers Consortium presents Yasmine Cheyenne in The Comeback Conversation: Shifting from Surviving to Thriving on Thursday, September 17 at 2 PM — a free online talk open to all (registration required). The Local Author Series brings Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mirta Ojito to the Pinecrest Branch Library on Saturday, September 19 from 2–3 PM to discuss Deeper Than the Ocean , a historical novel inspired by the 1919 sinking of the Valbanera.

G.I.R.L. Fest — Saturday, September 26, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM, Westchester Regional Library

Presented by Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida , G.I.R.L. Fest kicks off the new Girl Scout year with hands-on activities, program partners, local troop showcases, and food trucks. All ages, free. Girl Scouts can earn a special library patch by completing library-related activities on site.

Makerspaces: YOUmedia and YOUmake Miami

The Library's creative makerspaces offer hands-on workshops in video production, photography, sewing, 3D printing, and more. Upcoming sessions include Photography with the Canon DSLR: Level 1 at North Dade Regional Library, Creating Comics on Krita at Lemon City Branch, and Screen Printing 101: Cricut Maker 3 at Miami Beach Regional Library. Visit mdpls.org for dates and registration.

Free GED Tutoring — Starting September 30

The Library's Project L.E.A.D. program offers free 10-week online GED prep sessions for adults 18 and up. Math tutoring runs Wednesdays, September 30–December 16 ; science tutoring runs Thursdays, October 1–December 10 , both from 6:00–7:30 PM. Registration required at mdpls.org .

Design Contest: My First Library Card & Tote Bag — Entries Open Through October 31

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library has partnered with UNIQLO on a special design contest open to Miami-Dade County residents ages 13 and older who hold a library card. Participants are invited to submit an original design for a chance to have their artwork featured on a limited-edition My First Library Card and a co-branded UNIQLO tote bag. The winning artist will also receive a $500 gift card . Submissions are accepted October 1–31, 2026. Learn more and review design requirements at friendsofmdpl.org/uniqlo .

For the full calendar of events across all 50 branches, visit mdpls.org .

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar .