This is the "main library" of Miami Beach. It's located right next to Collins Park. 1st floor is…read moreadult fiction/non-fiction/periodicals/DVDs/CDs. 2nd floor is children's & young adult. Also on the second floor is the YouMake Studio, an area where you can do/participate in different hands-on activities like 3D design/printing, video/music production, photography, robotics/LEGO, and many types of arts & crafts. As stated in previous reviews, yes there were a few homeless people but not many, and no, the library didn't have an odor. Internet use is limited to 2 hours/day per patron.

This is actually a relatively new regional library. They have a lot of books, but in my personal…read moreopinion, I think the interior doesn't have a homey feel a library should have. But that's not unique to this location - many of the Miami-Dade Libraries share the same problem. I probably would prefer the Coral Gables Library since there's more plush seatings, tables with chairs, and a good library collection.

The staff, especially the lady at the front desk, is always extremely rude. When I asked about…read moremuseum passes, she was dismissive like I was inconveniencing her. When I had follow up questions, she responded condescendingly, as if I should already know. The other lady I interacted with also at the front desk I guess wasn't as rude but just seemed bothered with my son. He was next to me just looking around and sort of walking, not making any noise or even speaking she quickly told him to stay still because this wasn't a place to walk? I've also been for the children's programs they have two, one on Mondays for smaller children up until three years old and then they have one on Wednesdays for children three till five I believe. The one on Wednesday was terrible they put the children in a tiny room with barely any space and all they do is give them a piece of paper to color and that's pretty much it. The gentleman who was in charge was very kind though, complete opposite from the staff upfront. I'll never understand why people who hate customer service decide to work at front desks...

Hi All, this place is very nice except for some people who gets too loud at times! However, I do…read morefeel some people don't get the concept of being pin drop silent at a library. I was on a look out for a quiet place where I could work with better internet connectivity. Unfortunately this is second such spot where it was difficult to find an internet connection expect for a hard two bar connection. Later, I realised that it had to do with my laptop which was quite old and had just 2.5 ghz of wifi connectivity. Whereas, nowadays it's all about 5 ghz. So, my bad! I would definitely recommend this place and do not go for the sign boards at the parking as anyone wishing to spend time at this library has the privilege to park your vehicle for free of cost. This library is well arranged as all the furniture's are aesthetically placed based on user requirements. They do have small kiosks for working or studying in groups too. The library management system in this country is thumbs up!

Ocean Drive is the most iconic street in Miami Beach, running along South Beach with historic Art…read moreDeco buildings, restaurants, and cafés. The pastel-colored hotels and neon lights make the area feel lively both day and night. Walking here gives you the true South Beach vibe with music, sports cars, and beach views. Even a short stroll along this stretch feels like stepping into a movie scene. At night, the whole area takes on a completely different vibe. Since it's a one way road, you really notice the kind of cars cruising through--and some of them are just incredible to see. The party energy spills out everywhere, with people roaming around freely until the early hours of the morning.

If you haven't been, it's a nice place to visit. We've been numerous of time so it wasn't like we…read morehad ti stop and see and do everything. It is a major tourist trap along the strip with restaurants and bars. They'll solicit you in with deals but once inside, it can be very pricey. Also, be careful with your bill, so many different fees added on as well as gratuity. You may end up tipping double if you don't check. Places does get pretty wild and loud at night and especially on the weekend. It was pretty mellow during the daytime as evening during our stay mid week. Also, weather wasn't that great either. Beside that, it's a staple of your in Miami.

This library was very helpful. I had about a two hour time period from my Airbnb departure time and…read morethe time I needed to arrive at the airport for my flight. I needed a place to plug up my laptop and work. The library had several tables with outlets, and I was able to use their Wi-Fi. Perfect situation for me.

It's small and quaint. The second floor is meant for charging your electronics and a quiet area…read more There are some homeless that frequent this place. It's small so you're going to hear every thing. It's a nice place to pass by if you're coming to the beach, there's a park next door as well.

I'm a UM alum so I'm biased - the Richter library has many fond (and less fond) memories for me as…read morea student. The standout here is the Cuban Heritage collection, which is open to the public and has an amazing collection of lots of artifacts from Cuban history. Everything from the original daiquiri recipe to copies of ration cards. The collection also partners with the Freedom Tower. A wonderful resource for the community.

Lots of mixed feelings about this place…read more Plenty of computers and floor space but oddly not enough tables and chairs. The study rooms are like freezers but midday on the second floor is an oven. Plenty of printers but the wifi is spotty. Recently the management changed study room policy greatly limiting the flexibility of group work- resulting in mostly empty rooms as opposed to the constant battle for them. The stacks are quiet but have terrible ambience and even more terrible internet connectivity. It can get a bit creepy at night as desperate study spot vultures circle the shelves behind you. Accidentally taking the elevator down to the M level is also reminiscent of a potential horror movie scenario with its locked cage gates and dimly lit narrow aisles. Nonetheless, the place is open 24/7 during finals and is a reliable place to surround yourself with people doing mildly academic things. You'll at least feel a little less guilty about not studying after sitting here for half the day. Try the music library or the law library for a better library experience. If you're just here to get books, Richter is just as good as any other. At the end of the day, Richter is a University Library which could be a lot worse and has a fair number of amenities, and at least- does it's job passably. More like a 3.5 but I'll round to 4 for effort!

Support your local libraries! This location is next to Government Center in Downtown Miami. Come…read morehere to work on your laptop, read a book, or take advantage of community resources.

My heart breaks... I came here today to reminisce on the days I would come here often for research…read moreduring my high school and college days. I was looking forward to coming and taking a look at their art book collection. It's unfortunate the amount of homeless people that have taken over the entire library. Every single table is taken, making it difficult to find a place to sit and look through your options in books before you check out. I completely understand the position they are in but the rest of the public has a difficult time enjoying its resources. One of them threw his "laptop" on the ground when I sat at his table. For the sake of my safety, I decided to get up and move. Overall, the staff is available, parking in the garage is validated and it's easy to get to. Unfortunately I won't be coming back :(

Vanderbilt Mansion offers some history. It is now part of the Fisher island club…read more The historic Mediterranean-style Vanderbilt Mansion was designed by renowned Palm Beach architect Maurice Fatio in 1935. It houses the Garwood Lounge and Piano Bar, the Snooker Club Billiards, the City View Café, the Library Drawing Room and Salon, Café Tangier, the Grand Ballroom, and a heated saltwater pool. While Fisher Island was bought by Carl Fisher in 1919, only a year later it was traded to William Vanderbilt II. The heir interestingly received the island in exchange for a large boat and only ten dollars. Over the next two decades, the Vanderbilts owned Fisher Island where they constructed an airplane landing dock, many large houses, and their ornate mansion that is still the island's centerpiece. Ownership has changed many times since Vanderbilt's death in 1944, with Fisher Island Club holding the reins since 1987.