General Election Voting at the Library
General Election Early Voting and Election Day voting will take place at select OCLS locations. Early Voting will be held from Monday, October 19 to Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 8 a.m.–8 p.m., and Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. During this time, you may notice increased activity at participating locations and parking may be limited. Learn more about voting at the library ›
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Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September
Library Cards Change Lives The resources offered by the Orange County Library System (OCLS) changed my life, and that is no exaggeration. I began using OCLS as a quiet place to crank out job applications. That was at the Eatonville Branch, nestled in the historical Black town which I fondly refer to as a second…
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From the Director, August 2026
Giving To A Community That Gives Back Thank you to everyone who participated in Summer at Your Library. It was one of our best summers yet and I enjoyed seeing people of all ages learning and engaging through themed programming, enjoying entertaining summer presenters and, of course, participating in summer reading. OCLS brings real value…
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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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