The Plot Thickens: Miami-Dade Commission Mulls New Brickell Library

Miami-Dade County is checking out whether the Brickell neighborhood is overdue for a site with more stories than its tallest skyscraper.

There's no word on a specific location — but there might be a clue.

"The Brickell Metrorail Station is one of the most frequented in Miami, serving as a pivotal transit hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike, thus indicating a high potential foot traffic for a new library," reads a resolution Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously passed at their October 16 meeting.

The resolution, which "[directs] the county mayor to undertake a feasibility study of establishing a library in the Brickell area and to provide a report," was approved as part of a consent agenda with no discussion.

Located south of the Miami River, east of Interstate 95, and north of Coconut Grove, Brickell has burgeoned in population over the past decade. According to U.S. Census statistics, from 2010 to 2020, Brickell went from 27,776 residents to 37,876 residents, a jump of 36 percent.

Of the county library system's 50 branches, the resolution cites four that are nearest to Brickell: the main branch at 101 W. Flagler St., the Hispanic branch at 1398 SW First St., the Culmer/Overtown branch at 350 NW 13th St., and — see the aforementioned clue — a kiosk at 1501 NW 12th Ave., inside the UHealth/Jackson Metrorail Station (formerly known as the Civic Center station). Library kiosks are small structures that can provide services in areas where it may be difficult to establish a full library.
District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, whose district includes Brickell, was the prime sponsor of the resolution.

"The demographics of Brickell have changed," Higgins tells New Times. "There are more families, more schools, and more children. It only makes sense that we ensure access to the incredible resources our public libraries offer."