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children’s books

  • Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program 2020 Book List

    Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program 2020 Book List

    On April 23, the Florida Association of Media in Education revealed this year’s titles for the Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program (SSYRA). The SSYRA is a statewide initiative to encourage students to read independently to improve reading fluency. Books picked for the annual lists appeal to a wide audience, have literary value, represent different…

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    #OCLSReads: 2020 Early Childhood Literacy Calendars

    The Public Library Association (PLA) has developed a new product designed to boost early childhood literacy programming in libraries, schools and daycare centers. PLA’s 2020 Early Literacy Activities Calendar is now available for Orange County Library System customers. Based on the core practices of Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library, PLA’s parent-education initiative, the publication emphasizes activities involving reading,…

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  • The Best Books of 2019, as Decided by a 5-year-old

    The Best Books of the Year, as Decided by a 5-Year-Old

    Last year, I wrote a blog post on my 4-year-old’s favorite books published that year. Well, we’re doing it again! And as you may have guessed, this time she’s 5. This time we have some chapter books added. And this time, we went back through her archive of library checkouts to ensure we didn’t miss…

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  • SSAS - A Conversation with Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos-01

    Sunshine State Author Series: A Conversation with Zack Loran Clark & Nick Eliopulos

    Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos are the co-authors of The Adventurers Guild, winner of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award for grades 6–8. The Adventurers Guild tells the story of two best friends as they battle monsters to protect one of the last surviving cities in the world. Zack and Nick will visit the Fairview Shores Branch…

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  • How to Find Books For a 1-Year-Old

    #OCLSReads: How To Find Books for a 1-Year-Old

    Last year I wrote a post from my 4-year-old’s perspective, listing her top books of the year. Today I’m bringing you some of my 1-year-old’s favorites, and this was inspired by several interactions. As a librarian, many parents ask me for book recommendations, specifically for babies/toddlers who aren’t interested in books yet. They don’t take…

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  • oclsreads_EARLYliteracy-02

    #OCLSReads: Early Childhood Literacy Calendars

    The Public Library Association (PLA) has developed a new product designed to boost early childhood literacy programming in libraries, schools and daycare centers. PLA’s 2019 Early Childhood Literacy Activity Calendar is now available for Orange County Library System customers. Based on the core practices of Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library, PLA’s parent-education initiative, the publication emphasizes…

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  • Best Picture Books of the Year, as Chosen by a 4-Year-Old

    The Best Picture Books of the Year, as Decided by a 4-Year-Old

    My four-year-old loves books. We read up to five before bed, and several more during the day. As penalty for the audacity of having a full-time job, I’m required to bring her home at least three books a day. I guess it’s a good thing I’m a librarian.  As the year ends, there are many…

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  • Sunshine State Author Series

    A Conversation with Sharon Robinson

    Sharon Robinson is the author of The Hero Two Doors Down, based on a true story about her father, Jackie Robinson, and eight-year old Dodgers fan, Steve Satlow. The Hero Two Doors Down, on the Sunshine State Young Readers Award list for grades 3–5, is a story about baseball, friendship and breaking racial barriers. Robinson…

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  • bookbuzz recommendations

    Book Buzz Recommendations: December

    December is the perfect time to reminisce on the many great things we’ve accomplished throughout the year, including the many books that have been read. After a long day of fun-filled holiday activities, pour some of your favorite hot cocoa and snuggle up with some of this month’s recommended stories. Happy Holidays from the Orange County…

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    Book Buzz Recommendations: November

    We all have plenty to be grateful for; from family and friends to our favorite books. This holiday season while your stomachs are full make time to spend together with your loved ones and snuggle up with some of our picks for this month’s Book Buzz. Happy reading! (Ages 1-3) I Know An Old Lady Who…

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Thanksgiving Closure

Orange County Library System will be closed starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 and remain closed through Friday, November 29 in observance of Thanksgiving. The library system will resume normal business hours on Saturday, November 30. Learn more about library closures >

Upcoming Southwest Branch Closure

Southwest Branch will be closed Monday, December 2 through Thursday, December 5 for replacement of the HVAC system. The book drop will remain open. We plan to reopen for normal business hours on Friday, December 6.