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OCLS Summer Reading Challenge: Literacy at Your Library
This summer, the Orange County Library System encourages you to turn reading into a daily habit with the Summer at Your Library reading challenge. Read for 30 days, tracking your progress. Reading trackers are available at all library locations, and beginning July 1, turn in your completed tracker for a chance to win prizes. But…
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Friends of the Library Pumpkin Decorating Contest
The Winners of the 2025 Orange County Library System Pumpkin Decorating Contest are here and ready for Halloween. Earlier this month pumpkins were delivered to OCLS branches and departments for the 2025 Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Orange County Library System. The Friends of the Library help…
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Orlando 150 – Wells’Built Hotel
Dr. William Monroe Wells, one of Orlando’s first African American physicians, operated with the mindset that care extended beyond his patient’s physical wellbeing to the wellbeing of the community as a whole – leading to long-term investments in the Parramore District’s infrastructure and economy. When he noticed African Americans visiting Orlando could not find lodging,…
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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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Embracing the Aloha Spirit: A Celebration of AANHPI Heritage Through Culture and Connection
As we wrap up celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting deeply on the values, traditions, and spirit that shaped my upbringing—especially those rooted in my Native Hawaiian heritage. I was raised with the tradition and heritage of the aloha spirit—not just as a greeting or a…
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Q&A with Women in the Arts, Inc.
Women in the Arts, Inc. will host its annual event, the Women in the Arts Expo, March 29 in the Melrose Center at Orlando Public Library. We spent some time with founder Maria Guerrero to talk about the organization, the Expo and the broad impact her organization has in the Central Florida arts community. Tell…
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It’s Amazing the Stories That Start in a Library…
Orange County Library System welcomes New York Times bestselling author John Green back to Orlando on January 24! We will be exploring his literary journey, inspirations, and creative process through an engaging conversation moderated by Clarissa Moon. An Orlando local, Clarissa Moon is an actor, singer, improviser, violinist, and theater journalist. She has performed professionally…
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We’re Uncrating Something Fresh
Last year, we focused on the past. Our 100 Year Celebration gave us an opportunity to reflect on our history and our place in the community. But it also gave us a chance to consider what the future holds for Orange County Library System. We’ve always been confident that there’s a bright future ahead for…
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Book Bikes Roll Out Library Access Directly to Seniors
When the Orange County Library System (OCLS) Book Bike makes its monthly visit to Hyde Park Village, a 55+ community in Winter Garden, Florida, we know that for many of the residents, it’s a penciled-in occasion. As Branch Outreach Specialist Ethan W. rolls in to set up, you see eager residents waiting in the wings…
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Women’s History Month: Retelling HER Story
The Stories we Gain by Reshaping Myths with Women as the Main Characters Modern authors are myth-busting familiar tales by passing the pen to the side characters – women. Centuries of mythology across the world has historically centered around and celebrated male narratives: their origins, battles, journeys, wins and losses. Female characters, whether damsels or…
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