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16mm Film Collection

A Living Archive on Film

The Miami‑Dade Public Library System maintains one of the last remaining, circulating 16mm film collections in the nation. Established in 1956 as a teaching collection for public programming, it reflects a long-standing commitment to film as a tool for education, artistic exploration and community engagement.

The collection preserves a rich selection of Florida- and Miami-focused films, documenting the region’s landscapes, communities and moments of transformation. Also included within the collection are rare international feature films, experimental and avant-garde shorts and educational works produced by leading filmmakers, artists and institutions. 

Florida on Film
Highlights from the Collection

Last Night at the S&S Diner
Released: 1988

Viewing the Films

All of our 16mm films have public performance rights, meaning they can be shown at free public screenings without having to get clearance from the copyright owners.

Borrowing Policy:

  • Up to five films may be checked out at a time
  • Films are loaned for a period of two weeks
  • You must use your own projector (we do not circulate equipment and projectors)
  • Some films are only available for on-site use and cannot be checked out

All materials must be borrowed and returned at the Special Collections & Archives Division located on the second floor of the Main Library in downtown Miami at 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Customers can access the films on-site at the Main Library through a research visit.

Research visit requests can be scheduled online or sent by email to SpecialCollections@mdpls.org. 

The AV Club: Public Film Screenings

The AV Club program, hosted by the Special Collections & Archives Division, brings curated screenings of the 16mm Film Collection to various library locations and off-site venues.

Frequently Asked Questions
16mm Film Handling & Projection

Proper handling ensures that films in the circulating library collection are not damaged while in the user's care. The Miami-Dade Public Library System maintains one of the last remaining circulating 16mm film collections in the nation, making careful handling especially important to preserve these rare materials.

Films should be kept away from direct heat, moisture and dust at all times. When not being projected, reels should remain in their protective containers and be placed on a stable, clean surface. Avoid storing films near heat sources, such as windows with strong sunlight or humid environments, as temperature fluctuations and moisture can cause warping or deterioration of the film stock.

A knowledgeable projectionist should use a 16mm projector and ensure it is in good working order. The projector should be inspected and cleaned before use. Clean the film path, gate (the small plate through which the film passes as the light projects it on the screen) and lens. Use canned air to remove loose dust, use an alcohol-saturated swab to wipe down the film path and gate (do not use alcohol on rubber parts), clean lens with "lens cleaning solution" being careful not to scratch or streak the lens.

Stop the projector immediately at the first indication of difficulty, such as unusual sounds or film hesitation. After stopping, carefully inspect both the film and the projector before resuming operation.