This April, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council and nonmembers can earn a Library Love patch with Orange County Library System by completing a self-lead program. The objective of Library Love program is to educate Girl Scouts on the library system, the resources available, and to have an enjoyable educational experience working together in our community.
The Girl Scouts were originally developed March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia with just 18 girls discovering, connecting and taking action. More than 40 years later, GSC were incorporated into the International Girl Scouts movement with more than 3.2 million girls and adults combined. The GSC is the leading organization for girls in Central Florida and they oversee six counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Locally, there are 15,000 girls and 7,000 adult volunteers in these six Central Florida counties. The Girl Scouts have over 2,500 members in Orange County alone, ages K–12 with adult participation. Girl Scout volunteers and alumni can still earn patches.
Multiple Central Florida libraries are participating in the Library Love program for Nation Library Week, then the program will be on-going. National Library Week is from April 4–10. Although this partnership is launching in April, this program can be completed anytime. All Orange County Girl Scout members are invited to participate in a fun and educational self-lead library program to earn their Library Love patch.
The first step for the Library Love program is signing up for an OCLS library card:
Girl Scouts can sign up for their library card using this special registration page.
Girl Scout adults and/or volunteers can also register to get their library card here.
Then the GSC Troop can download and open the Library Love PDF and continue the self-lead program to learn more about library amenities and resources. The library Girl Scout webpage also continues information on Making the Most of Your Library Card and the library’s annual Summer Reading Program. Lastly, the webpage has a link to the library’s Youth Services e-newsletter, to receive news on upcoming events and resources for Early Learning, Kids and Teens.
Girl Scouts and community members are required to sign up for a free library card in their county and complete activities based on their grade level. This patch was designed to provide the opportunity for girls to gain insight into their local community library. The program covers the benefits of owning a library card and the instructions on how to locate library materials using the library catalog. The troops can explore their local library, learn about rules, library etiquette, and are encouraged to register for classes, programs and events of their interest.
Upon completion of the requirements, the girls will have a better understanding of their community library. The GSC believe in wholesome development, viewing troop members as emerging leaders in every field, visionaries for local and global change, capable of astounding influence. Through the Library Love program, the Girl Scouts can learn how the library inspires independent lifelong learning in children and prepares teens for adulthood by providing access to educational resources and fun interactive programs. The library supports academic success with engaging activities to practice self-guided learning and opportunities to connect with peers, developing the skills needed for success later in life.
