Support your local libraries! This location is next to Government Center in Downtown Miami. Come here to work on your laptop, read a book, or take advantage of community resources. read more

See all

My heart breaks... I came here today to reminisce on the days I would come here often for research during my high school and college days. I was looking forward to coming and taking a look at their art book collection. It's unfortunate the amount of homeless people that have taken over the entire library. Every single table is taken, making it difficult to find a place to sit and look through your options in books before you check out. I completely understand the position they are in but the rest of the public has a difficult time enjoying its resources. One of them threw his "laptop" on the ground when I sat at his table. For the sake of my safety, I decided to get up and move. Overall, the staff is available, parking in the garage is validated and it's easy to get to. Unfortunately I won't be coming back :( read more

Amazing resource for the community! Besides the books, lots of great programming, art, and local archives that are great assets. And of course the fantastic museum pass program. Was lucky to take a tour with Open House Miami and learned so much about what the library has to offer. read more

Miami Dade Public Library System - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

The Main Library in Miami Downtown is awesome and a boon to the city. Miami is such a wonderful and diverse city that can be a bit overstimulating so washing the mind with good reads is what I was feeling and what I got. I love the aritcheture here. I was exploring and discovered Andy Warhol and Picasso originals on the walls which is awesome. The Special collection non-circulating books were on point including Vegetable Butcher aka plant based foodie guide for those getting handy in the kitchen. The book detailed various produce, pairings with it, heaps of details, seasonal, and knife skills and selection of produce. Very smart book. I loved the Keith Haring Coffee Table book. I have seen his originals in NYC and right in SF in a church and downtown. He is very dear to my heart. I also loved the smart selection of Art from Indian and Nepal over the centuries. So many cool things on the shelves. Friendly staff and again any library that has originals by some of my favorite artists is 5 stars in my book. read more

See all

We were traveling from Miami International Airport and needed a day to work from. So I searched near me and decided to work for a day at Miami Dade Public Library. It is a vast library with 2 floors along with different seating options, different options of books, documents, newspapers and magazines in several languages and has free wifi which helps people to work from Library. The service was excellent from Knowledgable staff and is always ready to help people. Public computers, photocopier machine and printers are readily available for use. First floor can be crowded but second floor is quiet and amazing place to work from. They also have a vast parking included with museum which is a great place plus the library is in miami downtown and there are lot of eating options available near the library. Only problem is homeless people which you could see in library and restrooms can be bad. read more

There's something magical about the smell of books. While it's easy to get lost in the aisles overloading in endless content of books ranging from non-fiction to culinary, historical, and even philosophical binded wonders; the city of Miami never ceases to fall short of cultural goodness to soak up in a text. While branches exist throughout all of Miami-Dade County, this is the original location that started it all. Collectively situated within the same platform as HistoryMiami across from the courthouse, this marvel from Miami's pioneering years shows stealth and nostalgia from the past with a promising future in providing the citizens (that have a library card) the resources to access fundamental reading material. While the other libraries are much smaller, this flagship location offers a city vibe to the library system that's difficult to replicate elsewhere. As I walked up the steps and made my way in through the tiled foyer with heavenly arches showcasing vintage metal chandeliers, I knew I was going to receive the full experience. While it's located in the heart of the city, there's a remote and tranquil feeling that overcomes you as soon as you walk in through the glass doors. Luckily, they are open on Saturdays until 6pm and have the largest variety in all of Miami for those researchers who'll stop at nothing for a fine text find. This library is a friendly place to escape the precociously abrupt tendencies that Miami tends to embed. Go rent a book, it's good for the soul! read more

See all

This is my favorite library, it honestly feels like a library. You can't knock homeless people for coming to spend time here so some shelter during the day but they tend to overcrowd the first floor. I love this library because you can take the train and you're right there off the stop on Government Center. The library is HUGE. Wonderful architecture, they've recently added some updated tables in the second floor, with added outlets which in this day and age is very much needed. You have a plethora of different books and there is a section where they have articles of old newspapers and magazine articles of Miami back in the day. They're slowly fixing it up and maintaining, there are also security guards on both floors for added security. It's quiet and what I love most is that it's dimly lit, some libraries are so bright. One of my favorites, sincerely! read more

This is a beautiful library in an unfortunate position. I've used it for many years, and when I was in school about a decade ago it was a great place to study. But when I needed a place downtown to get some work done and went there recently for the first time in years, I was appalled by what it has become. The homeless have completely taken over. I'm not talking about some homeless people sitting at tables and reading, as is expected at libraries. I'm talking about every seat and table taken, homeless camped out in the aisles, lying on the floor sleeping and surrounded by bags. You can't walk around freely without having to dodge people on the floor... much less find an unoccupied seat at a table. I even saw 2 people lying in a corner together making out. Which was even more gross than the smell that permeates the entire building. I'm not sure what the answer is. I know the library is in a tough position. It's really a shame. But if you're stuck downtown for a few hours and are looking for a place to get some work done, do yourself a favor and find a hotel lobby. read more

This is a great library...friendly staff, loads of books. This is a huge library on two floors. I come here once a week with my charges, as we regularly swap DVDs and books within the children's selection. The staff always recognise us and help the boys with any questions they personally have. It is always busy with lots of works of life..yes there are some homeless people, but they do no harm, so I don't understand why this is even mentioned in previous posts.. A library is for ALL.. read more

See all

You know how some libraries are nice to walk around and explore? Well, this is not one of those libraries. Homeless people come here to chill and with that comes an unpleasant odor. The rooms with tables are pretty dim and there are no desk lamps, making it an inconvenient place to do work or study. Somewhat sketchy people hang out on that ramp walkway to the entrance. I use the library to check out museum passes and pick up books placed on hold. One time I placed a book on hold and the status said "processing" for 2 weeks. I went to the library to check on it and the guy at the front desk emerged from someplace with the book. So who the heck knows why I was never notified it arrived. Parking outside seems like it would be tough. No parking lot, but possibly street parking. Metro is right across the street though. read more

This sounds goofy, but I was actually impressed with this library's selection over my alma mater's selection. Idk, but maybe since everyone in downtown Miami goes to the beach, there was NEVER any competition for the books I wanted. Every obscure or hot book out there that was on the top 100 books to read list? When I was back at Emory or at my hometown, those were books you'd be lucky if there's not 4-5 people ahead of you a least. But here?? I would lug a whole book bag home full of books because I would find every book there was that I wanted. Good place to study, felt a little dark in some corners, but it closes early so it's not so good for students who come out of class late and need a change of scenary. The one in downtown is also locatd in a more questionable area if you're someone who is not as confident about walking urban streets at night. Also, this library system is AWESOME bc you can check out museum passes and go to museums for free like Fruit and Spice, Deering Estate, the Perez art museum, science museum etc. You just need proof of florida residence like a bill or your address or a student ID. read more

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. read more

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. read more

See all

Main library, we have a love-hate relationship. I hate that you are a place of refuge for the hobos. They're stinky and, JESUS, I don't want to touch the keyboard NOR the chair after a hobo has been sitting there and typing away. That said, I love that you can give access to everyone to use your facilities. I used to come here all the time to use your computers and check out your books. Yeah...who understands me? Well, I love your helpful staff regardless and love you, Main Library. read more

Miami Dade Public Library System - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Goodness, this is the MAIN library? It's erm, rather small? There are only two floors and apparently only one shelf of science fiction/ fantasy books. Wow! Walking in, I saw all the books on hold just sitting out in the open. I guess they allow you to pick them up yourself? I headed upstairs to look at the non-English books and the children's books. Not bad, they were more extensive. And there were these giant mannequins dressed up for some story telling they were advertising all over the library. (Pictures in listing) Restrooms are on the first floor and fairly clean. There's also a small cafe inside. No gift shop as far as I can tell though. Overall, I'm very glad this library was a cool respite from the hot and muggy Miami weather. I had only wandered in because I saw the Miami Art Museum was closed on Mondays. read more

See all

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. read more

Miami Dade Public Library System - Main Library - SEP2014 - Libraries Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

I guess before you read this review you should know I'm a biblio and library - phile. I love books and magazine and from the time I was a kid I would gladly lose myself in the stacks. I would wait for the school book fair each year and beg my mother to buy every title my eyes landed on. I was an elementary school library aide. (yes, I've always been nerdy and you're cool) It's no wonder my first job was in a library, an academic library at that. So it should come as no surprise that to me libraries are almost synonymous with sanctuaries. A place usually quieter than most with knowledge from alpha to omega at your fingertips and inter-library loan depts to allow for any and every book or article you've ever wondered about. Imagine my disappointment when I recently arrived at Miami's Main Library, the one library tasked with being the flagship of Miami's library system, only to find it closes at 6pm except for Thursdays when the hours are pushed to 9pm and Sundays when they are open from 1-5pm. (yes, a whopping 4 hours, say it with me ooooooo) I'm a firm believer in libraries as cultural centers especially, in difficult economic times. Which is why to see the central library close so early is both baffling and disturbing. Of course, I had to ask why and was told that Downtown is dead after 6pm, that Miami like most American cities has a Downtown which empties after 6pm. Pardon me but isn't a library's job to be a beacon of knowledge and progress? Are we not now trying to bring life back to Downtown Miami? Is there not a push for more urban living? Could the library not be an evening cultural center, providing lectures, classes, and workshops? This is a beautiful library especially compared to some of the other libraries around the county (hello blocky-block, iron-curtain, eastern-block looking buildings). Plenty of people come here during their lunch hours. However, I am sure many more wouldn't mind popping in just past work. To anyone in the library system reading this just try staying open at least one more hour, 3 times a week. Best line from the few people I asked about the library hours was: "Maybe in NY libraries stay open late but not here." to which I responded "No, there are plenty of libraries in Dade that stay open later." -- And there should be plenty more libraries and people aware of needs and wants for libraries read more

I am a huge fan of Miami-Dade Public Library System. I belong to two book clubs and most of the books I read are from the library. MDPLS has an excellent selection of books, including recent releases in all its libraries. Ordering a book is easy and the wait is usually short. My local library is Lemon City where the staff are always 100%. Friendly, helpful and eternally in good form. It's a pleasure to go there, conveniently located two blocks west of Biscayne Blvd., with ample parking on the streets if the lot is full. I've taken free Spanish lessons at the Westchester library and have enjoyed workshops and music performances at several libraries throughout the city and Miami Beach over the years. I go to the Main Library from time to time, usually to see an art exhibit-there's a fine space upstairs that showcases beautifully. Recently I attended a GMD workshop and this past Saturday, the Local Author Fair. It was a wonderful event and I had the opportunity to meet several local authors including Seth Bramson, Craig Pittman, Maika Moulite, Maritza Moulite, Tamara B. Rodriguez and more. South Florida has a treasure trove of talented writers. The event included live music performances and started on time with remarks from Ray Baker, Director at Miami-Dade Public Library System who thanked everyone for attending, encouraged all to get library cards and thoughtfully acknowledged the staff who worked tirelessly to pull this event together. Keynote speakers were Craig Pittman and Edwidge Danticat and both did entertaining, and in the case of Ms. Danticat, heartwarming PowerPoint presentations. Books & Books was on hand selling local authors' books. I picked up several and wished I got more! The Main Library is located on the plaza level of the Miami-Dade Cultural Center along with HistoryMiami Museum on West Flagler Street. (The Cultural Center is a striking, fortress-like complex, designed by Philip Johnson, in the early 1980s in the heart of historic downtown Miami steps from the Metromover). Highly recommended getting a library card and spending a couple hours in this lovely library or indeed any branch around the city and county. read more

Miami Dade Public Library System - Main Library - Books purchased at library during Local Authors Fair - Libraries Near Me - Miami, Florida

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! read more

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 Yelpers 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. read more

I loveeeee wandering through libraries, and this is a great wanderer's library. I wish it were a little bigger and that all of the collections were open, but it's still a great place. Yes, the homeless have found refuge in the library. BUT, most of them aren't sleeping -- they're reading! I love that -- and it's cool with me. The library's organization is reallyyyyy easy to understand and its layout makes perusing the library's entire collection simple and seamless. I was surprised that the library was packed with all kinds of people reading away or getting information online. I got warm and fuzzy feelings when I saw a few people brushing up on their legal know-how because it's nice to see them taking matters into their own hands. The staff was very friendly and helpful -- just get some coffee, bring some hand sanitizer, pick a book, and claim a corner! read more

I needed a book for my flight home to NY and had trouble finding a book store. I went to the Library to see if they were selling any used books. I had missed the book sale, but when I went to the reference librarian she was extremely helpful. She looked up local book stores and offered to print me out a map. Then she looked to see if there were any books I could use. As I waited, I skimmed the shelves and found amazing books beautifully organized. The library was one of the best looking, organized, and generally the best I have come across. Thank you! read more

The Main Library has so much to offer everyone--and all for FREE. Brush up on your conversational English every Tuesday morning at 10:30AM and your Spanish on every Thursday morning at 10:00 AM. See fabulous art by Elizabeth Catliett, Purvis Young, Emilio Garcia, Ed Ruscha as well as by contemporary artists. Plus: free teen gaming on Friday afternoons and free kids programs Tuesday mornings, homework help tutoring Saturday mornings for K-12, and yoga the first Saturday mornings of the month! and more!!! read more

Miami Dade Public Library System - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

I forgot to thank this place to help me finish my study for finale before I take my holiday from university. Love this atmosphere is like a museum will good vibes lovely buildings in Miami read more

I'm almost sure this is where the hobo created an email account and handed me a note threatening me to email or something will happen to my mother. ...ah what wonderful memories I treasure. While it is smaller than what you think a main library should look like, I remember coming here for the first time with my parents and my sister and feeling like I was finally, in that one moment, proud of Miami as a cultural, progressive city. While inside it lacks the liveliness one would expect/hope, there are many interesting characters that really make this library unique and almost entertaining. I do, however, wish the library would stay open later and every day. Some think that a reading culture does not exist in Miami but if this library were to invite speakers, hold more events, and reimagine itself as the library it should be, it'd be able to draw those who lurk in the B&Ns and situate them in what could be a great cultural center. read more

Today was by far the worse experience I've had since I've started coming to this branch regularly, being that it next door to my job. So I went to scan some important documents to my USB drive nothing major right? The clerk downstairs pointed me upstairs for quicker service since the machine on that floor was already in use. That's great no problem thanks however once I got upstairs I was treated as if no wanted to help me the first clerk an older lady was on her way to lunch obviously and she shoed me off on to another clerk a young man who was in full diva mode (Keith) who had no idea how to use the machines but after some time we figured it out. Again no problem at least we were getting somewhere. Then comes the flustered clerk another woman (Aleta) who acted if I wasn't a priority any longer because she now has a line of 4 other guests waiting for assistance she removes Keith from the machine where we were almost finished scanning my document instead of calling for assistance from other clerks who were available at that moment. Aleta could definitely benefit from some thorough customer service training please and thank you. read more

Miami Dade Public Library System - Main Library - Entrance to library - Libraries Near Me - Miami, Florida

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. read more

This library really needs to be cleaned up!!! Walked into the lobby & the first thing I noticed was the terrible pungent odor that carries through out the entire library!!! I also noticed a lot of the shelves had dusty materials. Most of the sitting areas were dirty/Unclean!!! Can not stand to stay inside (breathing in the territory pungent odder/Dusty/Musty smell) long enough to even enjoy browsing through/Looking at the any of the books. Very disappointed!!! read more

This place is beautiful and I'm a huge fan of just wandering around sometimes. I started coming here back when I was a teen for research on school papers, and now it's my neighborhood library Unfortunately some of the other "patrons" aren't too savory because it's a free place for bathrooms and air conditioning. read more

An often overlooked asset here in Miami. The courtyard is beautiful. I had the opportunity to hear a lecture here and the space and offerings here are great. Didn't have a chance to check out the book selection...will see about that next time. read more

I have never been to the Main Library in Miami and the good thing is that I live close enough to walk. If you don't, then you do have to pay for parking which I can see as an inconvenience. Although for me it's great, the place itself was really nice. You have the museum near by, a nice walk, and fairly big inside. You can rent anything from movies, to old records, books and more. You even have the option to see old school newspaper articles (which I find very cool). They have a little cafe, with snacks if you are there all day, and a lot of places to eat in the area that you can walk to. You can bring your laptop for free wifi and they even rent out laptops if you need one. Great place to read and study. I think I might be going here to study from now on. xo kristin nicole read more

Overall I like the library and the staff. In every job there's people who are lazy. I'm not going to let a few spoiled apples ruin it. I'm getting exhausted with having to screen every single thing my child watches or reads... lumberjacks ladies is it a gay graphic novel the animation shows it. Sailor Moon they only have the Asian one not the converted American one it is the gayest cartoon ever.... just because you guys want to exploit every child to LGBQT doesn't mean that you can sneak it into our children. I have found so many International anime comic books that are disturbing. Subliminally planting seeds in my child is not giving me any choice but to utilize you far less. read more

Check the hours as the library system is being dismantled. Well, it's "What to do?" time. We the public have six August public meetings with our Mayor to let him understand the "other" point of view that the "dozens" made him ignore. For dates and times click on http://www.miamidade.gov/mayor/advisories/2013-07-23-budget-town-hall-meetings.asp. On Sept. 10, the first commission public hearing will consider the budget and property-tax rate at County Hall. This is the last glimmer of hope for the library system to stay intact and keep its staff. The hearts of three of the seven commissioners would have to change for each to reconsider their yes vote about the flat millage. The other option is that our hard-working and honest mayor is somehow convinced to veto the July millage vote. For more information see https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheMiamiDadePublicLibraries read more

The library in downtown Miami is beautiful but it's so loud. I believe it's one of the biggest public library systems in Miami with a plethora of books to research or just have a simple read. They have a large variety of tables to study but it's so loud that I reccomend bringing headphones or earplugs. It's not the people in the library but it's the people renovating or working on the library as if they were outside. This also includes some employees, not all. I would only come here to get work done if it was close to the last option I had. read more

Reason it not a 5 star, because the restroom are atrocious... Don't use it... Beware, don't use it. Other than that, the computers are nice. 3 floors with a elevator. Handicap friendly... read more

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 Yelp!), 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. read more

I love that there is a giant library that I can walk to from my place and when I say giant I mean it. This place is huge, it's clean, doesn't smell of musty books, and they pretty much have everything: new fiction, a children's section, cookbooks, movies, a Spanish section and this list goes on. The thing I don't like about this library is that it is overrun with hobos. Yes, I know that most libraries across the country have their fair share of homeless people given the free internet, air conditioning etc... but I believe that this library has more then the usual amount given it's location. It's a bit annoying having so many hobos around when your trying to browse books, for example I was just there sitting in an aisle looking through one of my favorite authors books, when I had to stand up and move not once, but twice to allow passage for a zoned-out old man who was dragging a giant, black, duffel bag behind him. He was honestly just making the rounds over and over through the aisles for no particular reason. Another yelper mentioned that she didn't like that the library was only open a few hours on Sunday. Honestly, I think that's a plus. The last city I lived in closed down all the libraries on Sundays. read more

I love the library. I think libraries are the coolest and I'm pretty damn cool. Either way, the Main Library is a Miami staple. It's located right off the Metro's Government Center stop which makes it ideal for anyone who doesn't want to pay for Downtown parking or for those of us who live a step from the Metro. This library is set up right next to HistoryMiami and another museum which creates this nice cultural niche in a bricks and mortar business and government center of activity. There's an open patio connecting the three where there are some tables and chairs. Bonus: The library is open on Sundays...or at least it will be as long as they have enough money to keep the lights on. People are complaining about "hobos" and homeless using this library or at least mentioning it on their reviews. I'd like to apologize to the Main Library for that. Homeless can be a nuisance but, well, the beauty of libraries is that they're free, they're accessible, and they exist...for now. I've visited enough times to know that it's really not that big a deal. Wander the stacks, borrow a DVD (this branch has a great collection) or book, or view their art exhibits (yes, they have them). Keep libraries alive. Keep your brain active. read more

Love the smell of books when there are no homeless people going by me because then the smell is not so pleasant. It is located in the heart of Downtown Miami and it has the busiest metro rail stop in front of it. I like that you can get to it through public transportation, they are open Saturdays and they have the Miami museum at the same location. You can find almost all the books you are looking for here. Their costumer service can improve a lot. I am sure it is not great because of the many transients they get daily. It looks sketchy, but they are pretty harmless during the day. They have an elevator that takes you to the entrance of the library, stairs or a ramp. Lots of little coffee shops around it, very busy during the week not so much during weekdays. read more

I haven't been to this location in years... There is a reason for that. Too many homeless people. I didn't feel safe there with my children. I went once and never came back. read more