[2] The Miami-Dade Public Library System can trace its roots to April 7, 1894 with the opening of a reading room in Lemon City.

[9] Louise Whitfield Carnegie donated books to help the library after she visited Coconut Grove and attended a Pine Needles Club meeting.

[13] By March 6, 1901 Miami-Dade County's first library building had been built in Coconut Grove and was occupied.

[16]In 1913, Henry Morrison Flagler donated land for a Miami Women's Club clubhouse with the provision that it contain a public reading room.

[17] The first bookmobiles served rural areas of the city and county where access to library was nonexistent.

Due to Covid-19, program has been relived and now the bookmobile makes weekly stops around parts of the city from Hialeah to Cutler Bay.

Along with books, DVDs, CDs and Audiobooks, Bookmobile patrons can now also borrow Chromebook laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Technobus offers computers on wheels where patrons can delve into digital photography, music production, graphic design, 3D printing, drone flying and virtual reality.

[20] In 1936, Paul Laurence Dunbar Library opened in a building donated by Annie Coleman, president of the Friendship Garden and Civic Club, to serve citizens of Overtown.

Voters approved a bond of $553 million initiative to building projects, branches and other beneficial constructions throughout the city.

[28][29] In 1997, the Miami-Dade Public Library system launched their website, expanding their catalogue and reach.

[34][35] In July 2014, a restructuring of the Miami-Dade tax schedule resulted in a $22 million increase in the county library budget.

[40] The library system's 50th branch location opened in the Town of Bay Harbor Islands in December 2016.

[44] The new facility, named Cybranium, offers virtual reality, 3D printing, children’s theater, and a brand new collection of library books among other services.

[45] Despite the change, both cities continue to work together to encourage residents to take part in the library system.

On July 16, 2021, MDPLS launched their Miami-Dade Public Libraries at Your Door program, allowing patrons to receive books in the mail free of charge.

In June 2023, the MDPLS announced summer programming aimed at promoting fun, literacy, education, and nutrition.

[49] These programs highlight MDPLS's commitment to serving diverse needs in the community, from educational support to nutritional well-being, making a significant impact on the lives of Miami-Dade County residents.