Media Contact
Leila Khalil
khalill@mdpls.org
305-375-5291

(Miami, FL – May 1, 2020) Miami‑Dade County residents who have been missing the opportunity to borrow books, DVDs and other materials during the library's closure will be able to pick up pre‑ordered library materials outside all 50 Miami‑Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) locations beginning Monday, May 4^th. MDPLS will provide walk‑up service to library patrons for materials that have been reserved through the Library's online catalog, mobile app, by email to Customer Care or by calling the branch. Additionally, all MDPLS locations will continue to distribute state Reemployment Assistance applications and Florida Department of Children and Families applications for food, medical and temporary cash assistance.

Please note: Effective immediately, the new operating schedule, which now includes all 50 MDPLS library locations, is Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. ‑ 6 p.m. Although outdoor walk‑up service will not be available on Sundays, residents may still pick up applications at the library entrances.

Here's how the outdoor walk‑up service for pre-ordered library materials will work:

Step One: Pre‑order and reserve library materials

Library patrons may pre‑order books, DVDs and other library materials by reserving items and selecting their preferred library location using the MDPLS online catalog or MDPLS mobile app. Residents may also email customercare@mdpls.org or call their nearest library branch.

A MDPLS library card is needed to request and check out materials. Residents who don't have a library card can apply for an eCard (electronic card) online and begin using it immediately. Patrons who need help with their accounts or library card activation, including PIN resets, may call their nearest branch or contact Customer Care via email at customercare@mdpls.org for assistance.

Step Two: Wait for notification that items are ready for pick up

Library patrons will be notified by email, phone or text when their requested items are ready for pick up.

Step Three: Pick up items

After receiving notification that items are ready for pick up, patrons can walk up to the entrance of their designated library location to pick up their materials while remaining outside.

Library patrons should have either their physical library card or digital library card available to be scanned with the Library's barcode scanner for check‑out.
Social distancing will be strictly enforced. Patrons must remain six feet apart from each other and library staff. There will be social distancing markers on the ground. Patrons must wear face coverings in order to receive service.

Library staff will be wearing face coverings and sanitize their hands for each check-out transaction and will adhere to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safety guidelines.

Walk-up library patrons should come alone if possible but will be required to maintain social distancing if visiting with more than one person unless they are family members.
Library patrons wishing to return library materials may do so. Book drops have been unlocked, but please note that you may continue to hold on to your items until further notice. All returned library materials will be quarantined for 48 hours before being checked-in or reshelved following CDC best practices.

Miami‑Dade Public Library System buildings remain temporarily closed to the public. Lobbies, restrooms and computers will not be accessible.

For a complete list of library locations, addresses and phone numbers, please visit www.mdpls.org/branches.

For more information, questions or assistance, please email customercare@mdpls.org or call 305‑375‑2665 from 9 a.m. ‑ 6 p.m. seven days a week.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, information and resources, visit www.miamidade.gov/coronavirus.

About the Miami‑Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth and limitless opportunities. MDPLS has been recognized with 20 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past two years and has been honored with the Florida Library Association (FLA) Award for Library Innovation for its Technobus in 2019 and the FLA Award for Excellence in Marketing and Public Relations in 2018. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.