Families looking to squeeze one more week out of summer before Miami-Dade County schools reopen Thursday, Aug. 13, have a full slate of free programs at the Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach branch libraries starting this week.

Aventura Branch Offers Chess, Meditation and Homework Help

The Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library at 2930 Aventura Blvd. kicks off Monday, Aug. 3, with Chess Club from 4 to 6 p.m. for ages 8 and up. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Romie leads a Lunar Meditation session from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for adults 19 and older, focused on emotional and spiritual well-being.

Wednesday, Aug. 5, brings two wellness offerings at the Aventura branch, according to the South Florida Sun-Times: Falun Gong Meditation and Exercise at 10 a.m. (available in person or via Zoom with advance registration) and Overcoming Stress & Anxiety with Meditation at 1 p.m., led by instructor Steve Pollack. Both are open to adults.

Kids ages 6 and up can drop in Thursday, Aug. 6, for Color Me Happy, a coloring session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. with materials provided.

Saturday, Aug. 8, wraps the week with Summer Homework Help and Tutoring from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Certified teachers work with small groups of students in grades K-12 on reading, math and science in one-hour sessions. The program is funded in part by The Children's Trust and the Kislak Foundation.

Sunny Isles Beach Branch Hosts Citizenship Class, Chess Club, Toddler Program

Over at the Sunny Isles Beach Branch Library, inside the Government Center at 18070 Collins Ave., the Citizenship Class meets Tuesday, Aug. 4. The recurring course helps adults prepare for the U.S. citizenship test, covering eligibility, U.S. history and government, and interview tips. Call 305-682-0726 to confirm the session time.

Chess Club for Tweens and Teens (ages 8-16) meets Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 4 p.m. Talking is Teaching – Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers runs Thursday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers.

All programs are free. They are run by the Miami-Dade Public Library System. Residents who need ADA accommodations can contact Monica Martinez at 305-375-5094 or [email protected] at least five days in advance.

Full Schedule for Both Branches This Week

Aventura Branch Library – 2930 Aventura Blvd., 305-931-5512

  • Monday, Aug. 3 – Chess Club, 4-6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4 – Lunar Meditation with Romie, 1-2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Falun Gong Meditation, 10 a.m.; Stress & Anxiety Meditation, 1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 6 – Color Me Happy, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 – Summer Homework Help & Tutoring, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sunny Isles Beach Branch Library – 18070 Collins Ave. (Government Center), 305-682-0726

  • Tuesday, Aug. 4 – Citizenship Class (call to confirm time)
  • Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Chess Club for Tweens & Teens, 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 6 – Talking is Teaching (Toddlers), 11 a.m.

Registration details and the full calendar are available at mdpls.org. The first day of school for Miami-Dade County students is Thursday, Aug. 13.