Eatonville Branch Closed on Saturday, January 31

Eatonville Branch will be closed Saturday, January 31 during ZORA! Festival. The branch will resume normal hours on Monday, February 2.

New Library Catalog Preview

We are launching a new catalog on February 10 and would like your feedback. Preview the new catalog and take the survey


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  • man in orange vest and hat seated on a bench in nature facing lush green plants; chihuahua in his lap facing the camera

    Book Recommendations: Poetry That Celebrates Nature

    This month, we are celebrating National Poetry Month (April 1st to April 31st) and Earth Day (April 22nd). To highlight both, I thought, why not recommend poetry books that use the natural world as either the subject or core imagery of the book? The following list includes both classic and contemporary poets. The Lost Words:

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  • Ancient Greek ruins against a bright blue sky

    How Ancient Epic Poetry Shaped Modern Fantasy

    Poetry is often overlooked, yet its influence on storytelling is profound. I have always been captivated by the rich history of poetry, which holds a special place in my heart. The oldest form of it, epic poetry, has shaped literature for centuries, inspiring everything from novels to films. These grand narratives explore heroism, fate, and

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  • Stack of books on shelf create poem: To be honest, wherever you go - on a beam of light, the opposite of maybe: Rosie loves Jack

    Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

    National Poetry Month is celebrated every year during the month of April. Whether you are a seasoned poetry reader or are looking for some ways to gradually expose yourself to the world of poetry, these ideas can be used and modified to fit yourself and/or library. Sign up for Poem-a-Day Visit the website poets.org to

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  • books about how to write poetry for kids on library shelf

    Learning How to Write Poetry for Kids

    Does your child want to be a poet, but doesn’t know how to do it? These children’s book recommendations will help you get their creative juices flowing in no time. Regardless, if they are a beginner or have been writing poetry for a while, these books will both teach them that reading and writing poetry

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  • DIY Film Festival: National Poetry Month

    DIY Film Festival: National Poetry Month

    Celebrate Poetry Month with films from our digital section.Or request them through free home delivery, There’s quite a large selection.Either way works For they’re just some of the perks Of Orange County Library System’s movie collection.   Howl (Available on Kanopy, Hoopla & DVD)Allen Ginsberg was an angel-headed hipsterNot to mention, a 1950s poetic tricksterBut no one is laughingThanks to

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  • National Poetry Month-01

    Roses are Red, Violets are Grateful, That National Poetry Month Happens in April

    April is a time where flowers bloom from their winter sleep, birds sing as they fly across the skies and writers pick out their new seasonal pens of inspiration to write with. Well, not so much that last part. Among other celebrations, April is also recognized as National Poetry Month. National Poetry Month found its

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  • Poetry Contest

    2017 OCLS Kids and Teens Poetry Contest Winners

    April was National Poetry Month and to celebrate the library invited kids and teens to participate in a county-wide poetry contest. Two winners were chosen, one from the 6-12 age range and one from the 13-18 age range. Our 2017 Kids’ Poetry Contest winner is Seylah H. Seylah is seven-years-old and part of Orlando’s homeschooler

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  • Book covers of recommended Indigenous literature against dark teal background

    Shapes & Forms: A Guide to Contemporary Indigenous Literature

    The history of Indigenous literature is a lineage that runs deep throughout the American continent. From tales shared through oral traditions to modern poetry and prose, these narratives have often sought to illuminate the lived experiences of contemporary Indigenous reality while covering themes of heritage, nature, community, and preservation. For this Native American History Month,

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  • Pride: The Importance of Queer Stories

    “I often wonder what I’d do if there weren’t any books in the world.” – James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room Reading queer stories, whether it’s romance, or horror, or literary fiction, always feels like coming home. A place to rest, to unwind after a long day, and be truly, utterly myself. I find comfort in seeing

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  • Alphabet chart of Hebrew letters

    The Sound of Heritage: Hebrew and Yiddish in Jewish American Culture

    Working at OCLS gives me the joy of meeting people from all walks of life, each carrying their own unique history. Not long ago, I had a wonderful conversation with a customer eager to share theirs. They spoke about their family’s Jewish roots and the rich worlds of Hebrew and Yiddish. Their stories stayed with

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