COMMUNITY,
INNOVATION,
LEARNING,
AND MORE!
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
TREVOR HUNTER
CYBRARIUM DIRECTOR
This past year, the Homestead Cybrarium strengthened partnerships, created community-oriented programs, introduced innovative technology, and developed new resources to better assist our patrons. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue serving the community and further develop all our resources to meet the community’s needs.
Collections and Literacy
PHYSICAL ITEMS
CHECKED OUT
EMATERIALS
CHECKED OUT
Last year, in addition to our regular maintenance of the collection, we expanded our Creole and English literacy collections in partnership with the Association of Exchange and Development of Activities and Partnership. AEDAP is a local non-profit dedicated to cultural, economic, and literacy development within the Haitian-American community.
We increased our test prep collections and added the Military College Level Examination Program or CLEP test guides.
PROGRAMS AND LEARNING
STORYTIME FOR KIDS!
For childrenʼs programming, the Cybrarium continued regular storytimes while adding in two more. The first, Storytime in the Park from last April, brought stories, arts and crafts, and music to Losner Park. And in response to community interest, we added a Spanish-language storytime starting in August, offered once a month.
Summer Reading
As part of Summer Reading Programming, Frost Science
collaborated with the Cybrarium twice: July 13th saw their inflatable planetarium, and patrons enjoyed their Chill Zone and Power of Plasma programs on July 27th!
Engaging Events for Adults
Adults enjoyed a wide variety of entertainment and educational options, from our Senior Tech Connect series beginning in September, where participants learned computer and smartphone basics, to the monthly Adult Painting Parties with local artist Susan Sorrentino.
FULL STEAM AHEAD
We introduced tutoring with local author and teacher Milton Williams, monthly take-and-make crafts, and expanded our STEAM Saturdays programming due to increased interest.
CRAFTING CREATIVITY
In July, we tapped into teen creativity with the Cybrariumʼs Got Talent show, where teens auditioned and displayed their talents to peers and the community as part of our Summer Reading Programming. They also learned how to craft their own clothing through the monthly cosplay contests and explored the basics of photography in our Photography Club starting last August.
Health, Science, Music & More!
Stop the Bleed training in December and Astrophysics & Music with FIU physicist Dr. James Webb in April allowed for unique health and science-related activities for our community.
Total Programs
Program Attendance
EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENT
The Cybrarium hosted several major events this year, including our traditional Halloween Spooktacular, year-end holiday events, and our newly added Month of the Military Child and Diwali events.
Our weeklong book giveaway event in February involved giveaways of thousands of generously donated books.
As part of Summer Breakspot, the Cybrarium provided snacks to youth under 18. We also partnered with the Homestead Police PALS program to provide a space for their youth and many more organizations over the year.
TECHNOLOGY
The Cybrarium was thrilled to launch the MyLibro mobile app, allowing patrons the ability to search our catalog, place holds, and explore the Cybrarium all from their mobile devices. We also developed a virtual tour of the Cybrarium, allowing visits to the Cybrarium from anywhere.
Our Grow with Google scholarships, allowing users to take Google-certified IT courses, were renewed for another year, and we are happy to continue to offer this special resource.
All of our virtual reality headsets were upgraded for our high-quality VR experiences can continue to be offered to curious users.
WIRELESS SESSIONS
PC SESSIONS
VR sessions
OUTREACH
In the community
The Cybrarium frequented year-round Movie Nights in Losner Park and was a regular sight at local schools for classroom visits and career days.
Holidays
The Cybrarium was proud to staff an info booth at the City Holidays in Homestead event and offered Holiday Storytimes at City Hall..
Juneteenth
Staff developed a local history display for Juneteenth, unveiling it at the City Hall Juneteenth event.
LIBRARY VISITS
Volunteer Hours
New Borrowers
Additional COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thanks to all our volunteers and community partners who made this past year a great success for the Homestead Cybrarium.
- Barry University
- FIU Center for Children & Families
- Jackson Academy
- IFAS
- University of Miami Parent Club
- Miami-Dade 4-H
- Biscayne National Park
- Miami-Dade Fire Department