Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Miami offers outstanding library resources throughout South Florida's vibrant metropolis, from the Miami-Dade Main Library downtown to Florida International University's late-night study haven open until 2:00 AM. Whether you need Metrorail/Metromover-accessible downtown branches or university libraries serving Florida's largest public university, this complete guide covers Miami-Dade Public Library's 49 branches, FIU Green Library, and University of Miami.
✨ Miami Library Highlights:
- 🏛️ Main Library: Downtown hub (1985), 6 floors, 101 W. Flagler St
- 📚 49 Miami-Dade Branches: Largest library system in Florida!
- 🎓 FIU Green Library: Open until 2:00 AM Sun-Thu (24/7 during finals!)
- 🏫 University of Miami: Beautiful Coral Gables campus, open until midnight
- 🚇 Metrorail + Metromover: Free Metromover to Main Library
- 💳 FREE Library Cards: For all Miami-Dade County residents
1. Miami-Dade Public Library - Main Library
The Miami-Dade Public Library Main Library at 101 W. Flagler Street serves as Miami's flagship library. The 6-story building in downtown Miami houses extensive collections, the Florida Collection, and study spaces accessible via Metrorail and Metromover.
📚 Main Library Features:
- 6 Floors: Serving Miami-Dade County's 2.7 million residents
- Florida Collection: Extensive Florida history, genealogy, rare books
- Study Rooms: Multiple group study rooms + quiet individual study areas
- Computer Commons: 150+ public computers with printing
- Business & Career Center: Job search, resume help, business resources
- Bilingual Collections: Extensive Spanish, Creole, Portuguese materials
Miami-Dade Main Library Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
🚇 How to Get There (Metrorail + Metromover):
Best Option: Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center Station
Then: Transfer to Metromover (FREE!) Omni Loop to College/Bayside
Walk: 2 blocks west on Flagler St to library
Alternative: Walk 5 blocks from Government Center (10 minutes)
Address: 101 W. Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130
Parking: Nearby parking garages on NW 2nd Ave and Flagler
2. Popular Miami-Dade Library Branches
📍 Coral Gables Branch
3443 Segovia St, Coral Gables - Beautiful Mediterranean-style building
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 South Miami Branch
6000 SW 57th Ave - Large modern facility, popular with students
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 North Dade Regional
2455 NW 183rd St, Miami Gardens - One of largest branches
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 West Kendall Regional
10201 Hammocks Blvd - Southwest Miami-Dade, modern facility
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📝 Note: Branch hours may vary. Check Miami-Dade Public Library for complete 49-branch directory and holiday closures.
3. Florida International University - Green Library ⭐ Best for Late-Night Study
FIU Steven & Dorothea Green Library is Miami's late-night study champion, open until 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday during fall/spring semesters (extended to 24/7 during finals weeks!). The modern 5-floor library serves 58,000+ FIU students (Florida's largest university) and welcomes public visitors.
✨ FIU Green Library Late-Night Study Features:
- Open Until 2:00 AM: Sunday-Thursday during regular semester (latest in Miami!)
- 24/7 Finals Access: Building stays open continuously during final exam weeks
- 5 Floors: 2.1 million volumes, extensive study seating
- Quiet Study Floors: Floors 3-4 = silent study only
- Study Rooms: 90+ group study rooms (reservable online)
- Starbucks: In-library café (open late!)
FIU Green Library Hours (Fall/Spring Semester):
| Day | Regular Hours | Finals Week |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:30 AM - 2:00 AM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
⚠️ Summer/break hours shorter. Check FIU Libraries for current semester schedule.
🚌 Getting to FIU Campus (Modesto Maidique Campus):
Metrorail: Orange Line to University Station
Walk from Station: 12-minute walk west through campus to Green Library
From Downtown: Orange Line south to University (25-minute ride)
Parking: Visitor parking in Gold Garage or Blue Garage ($5/day)
Address: 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199
4. University of Miami - Otto G. Richter Library
University of Miami Richter Library on the beautiful Coral Gables campus offers late hours until midnight and extensive research collections. Public visitors are welcome during regular hours.
📚 UM Richter Library Highlights:
- Beautiful Coral Gables Campus: 239 acres with tropical landscaping
- Open Until Midnight: Sunday-Thursday (excellent late hours!)
- 5 Floors: 3.9 million volumes, extensive digital collections
- Cuban Heritage Collection: Premier collection on Cuban history/culture
- Special Collections: Rare books, University Archives
- Study Spaces: Quiet floors, collaborative areas, 60+ study rooms
UM Richter Library Hours (Fall/Spring Semesters):
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:30 AM - Midnight |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - Midnight |
⚠️ Summer/break hours shorter. Extended hours during finals.
🚌 Getting to UM Campus:
Metrorail: Orange Line to Douglas Road Station
Then: Take UM Shuttle (free with library visit) or Coral Way Trolley
From Downtown: Metrorail to Douglas Road (20 minutes)
Parking: Visitor parking in Pavia Garage ($8/day)
Address: 1300 Memorial Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33124
5. Miami Library Cards & Access
💳 Miami-Dade Public Library Card:
| Eligibility | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade Residents | FREE | Valid ID with Miami-Dade address |
| Florida Residents (other counties) | FREE | Valid Florida ID (reciprocal agreement!) |
| Non-Florida Residents | $120/year | Valid ID with current address |
Apply in person at any Miami-Dade library branch or Main Library - instant approval!
🎓 University Library Access:
| Library | Public Access | Borrowing Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| FIU Green | Yes - open to public | $125/year community borrower card |
| UM Richter | Yes - open to public | $150/year community card |
6. Best Miami Libraries for Different Needs
🌙 Best for Late-Night Study:
Winner: FIU Green Library
- Open until 2:00 AM Sun-Thu (latest in Miami!)
- 24/7 during finals weeks
- Quiet floors strictly enforced
- 90+ study rooms, Starbucks café
- Metrorail University Station access
🏛️ Best Collections & Campus:
Winner: UM Richter Library (Coral Gables)
- Beautiful tropical Coral Gables campus
- 3.9 million volumes
- Cuban Heritage Collection (premier)
- Late midnight hours Sun-Thu
🚇 Best Transit Accessibility:
Winner: Miami-Dade Main Library
- Metrorail to Government Center + FREE Metromover!
- 2 blocks from College/Bayside Metromover station
- Downtown location
- Alternative: 5-minute walk from Government Center
📚 Best System Size:
Winner: Miami-Dade Public Library (49 branches!)
- Largest library system in Florida
- 49 branches throughout Miami-Dade County
- Bilingual collections (Spanish, Creole, Portuguese)
- FREE for all Florida residents
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Miami Main Library close?
Miami-Dade Public Library Main Library closes at 8:00 PM Monday-Thursday, 6:00 PM Friday-Saturday, and 5:00 PM Sunday. This is the longest hours of any Miami-Dade branch.
Can non-students use FIU library?
Yes! Florida International University Green Library welcomes public visitors. Non-FIU visitors can access the library for research and studying, though borrowing books requires FIU affiliation or a paid community borrower card ($125/year).
Which Miami library is open latest?
FIU Green Library has the latest hours, open until 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday during fall/spring semesters (24/7 during finals weeks). University of Miami Richter Library stays open until midnight. Among public libraries, Main Library closes at 8:00 PM Mon-Thu.
Are Miami libraries open on Sunday?
Yes, Miami-Dade Main Library is open Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. FIU Green Library: Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (during semesters). UM Richter Library: Sunday 12:00 PM - midnight. Most smaller branches are closed Sundays.
How do I get a Miami library card?
Visit any Miami-Dade Public Library branch with valid ID showing Miami-Dade County address. Cards are FREE for Miami-Dade residents AND all Florida residents (reciprocal agreement!). Non-Florida residents can purchase a card for $120/year.
Does Miami have 24-hour libraries?
No Miami libraries are open 24/7 year-round, but FIU Green Library extends to 24-hour access during finals weeks (typically 2 weeks in December and May). During regular semester, it closes at 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday.
How do I get to Miami Main Library by Metrorail?
Take Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center Station, then take Metromover (FREE!) Omni Loop to College/Bayside station. Walk 2 blocks west to 101 W. Flagler St. Alternatively, walk 5 blocks from Government Center.
Which Miami library is best for studying?
FIU Green Library is best for late-night studying (open until 2:00 AM, quiet floors, 24/7 during finals). For public libraries: Main Library's upper floors offer quiet study rooms. UM Richter Library provides beautiful Coral Gables campus setting with late midnight hours.
🌴 Miami Library Insider Tips
🚇 FREE Metromover Hack
Metromover is completely FREE! Take Metrorail to Government Center, then transfer to Metromover for free. Get off at College/Bayside for Main Library. You literally ride above downtown Miami for free views.
🌊 FIU Beach Day Combo
FIU Green Library is 15 minutes from South Beach. Study until 2AM, crash at a 24-hour diner, catch sunrise on the beach. Only in Miami! The Starbucks in Green Library stays open late too.
🎓 UM Coral Gables Paradise
Richter Library is surrounded by the beautiful Coral Gables campus - Spanish architecture, lush tropical landscaping. Take study breaks walking through campus. The nearby Miracle Mile has great Cuban coffee shops.
🇨🇺 Cuban Heritage Collection
UM Richter has the world's premier Cuban Heritage Collection - if your family is Cuban, their records might be here. Pre-revolutionary newspapers, exile community archives. Researchers fly in from worldwide!
🌴 Florida Library Card Statewide
Your Miami-Dade card works EVERYWHERE in Florida! Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville - all free with your Miami card. Planning a state trip? Your library card travels with you.
🌡️ A/C Survival Strategy
Miami summers are brutal. Main Library and all branches are heavily air-conditioned - like 68°F cold. Bring a light jacket! The 4th floor of Main is particularly arctic. Perfect escape from the heat.
📖 Related Resources:
Discover Miami's outstanding library system today! Whether you need FIU's 2:00 AM late-night hours, UM's beautiful Coral Gables campus, Florida's largest library system with 49 branches, or FREE Metromover access to Main Library downtown, Miami offers world-class library resources for students, researchers, and community members across South Florida's vibrant metropolis.