Our story is rich with dedication, innovation, and community spirit, spanning many years of service to the people of Orange County. We invite you to take a journey through time and explore the milestones, passionate individuals, and memorable moments that have shaped our library into what it is today.
Proud Past, Bright Future
The only library that existed in Orlando one hundred years ago, was a small circulating collection of books owned and loaned by the Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club, a philanthropic women’s organization that still supports education and local charities to this day. On November 8, 1923, the Albertson Public Library opened its doors.
Olive Brumbaugh and the Albertson Public Library
In the spring of 1923, the library board was in need of an experienced librarian to organize and administer the newly established Albertson Public Library. After a lengthy search, on April 20, 1923, the position was offered to Miss Olive Brumbaugh.
Eddie T. Jackson and the Booker T. Washington Library
The Albertson Public Library opened its doors in November 1923, but until the mid-1960s, those doors were closed to members of the Black community because of segregation. The Booker T. Washington Branch was installed on June 11, 1924 and Eddie T. Jackson was appointed as its Head Librarian.
Friends of the Library Bookmobile
In 1949, the Albertson Public Library board received a proposal for a bookmobile. Believing that no other service would be a greater benefit to the community, Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club raised $6,000 to purchase a school bus and convert it into a mobile library that would make scheduled stops and distribute library materials across Orange County.
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Orange County Library System, often referred to simply as the Friends, was founded in 1949 and over the years, have remained a key stakeholder in library operations.
Clara Wendel & the Construction of Orlando Public Library
On February 1, 1943, Clara Wendel became Orange County Library System’s second library director. Clara was 39 years old when she was selected for the position.
Home Delivery
Orange County Library System books-by-mail program was initiated in December 1973. At the time, the library’s presence in Orange County consisted of the Orlando Public Library, nine branches and an aging bookmobile. The county population was about 350,000 and development was stretching in all directions.
Glenn Miller and the Orlando Public Library Expansion
Glenn Miller got his start in libraries at an early age. After graduating college, he became the city librarian in Southfield, MI before he and his family moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he accepted the role as Orlando Public Library’s assistant director in 1969.
The Storytelling Troupe
The importance of storytelling is apparent to Orange County Library System, which has hosted traditional storytimes presented by librarians since its founding.
Mary Anne Hodel & the New Millennium
Retiring director, Dorothy Field, had accomplished a remarkable amount to prepare the library system for the new millennium, including opening three new branches and ensuring public computers with internet access were available to all library users. But with Dorothy’s departure, a new era of opportunity was on the horizon, when Mary Anne Hodel arrived at OCLS in January 2002.
