Ocls-blog logo

from the director

  • From the Interim Director, May 2022

    It’s hard to believe, but it’s already time for registration to open for the library’s annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s program theme is Oceans of Possibilities, and we’re inviting everyone in the community to take a deep dive into what the library has to offer for kids and adults this summer. The Summer Reading…

    Read More

  • From the Director Jan2022 Header-01

    From the Director, January 2022

    For almost two years now, we have been telling you about all of the ways you can take advantage of your library at home. From home delivery to live online classes to virtual events, we’ve been proud of the many ways we have been able to bring the library to you during this pandemic. But…

    Read More

  • From the Director, December 2021

    From the Director, December 2021

    Our Local Wanderer program launched with a simple premise: Arts and culture are vital to the health and well-being of a thriving community, and everyone should have access to them. We wanted to ensure that not only were our library cardholders aware of the wealth of enriching experiences available to them here in Central Florida, but that people have…

    Read More

  • From the Director, November 2021

    From the Director, November 2021

    It was this month 100 years ago that the first seeds of Orange County Library System were planted. A retired police inspector from Waverly, New York named Captain Charles Albertson, who spent his winters in Orlando, recognized that the city lacked a proper public library. Over the years, he had amassed a collection of 12,000…

    Read More

  • From the Director, October 2021

    From the Director, October 2021

    When this pandemic first started, I remember having conversations about how we could best serve customers, even though we couldn’t invite them to gather in our buildings for storytimes, author talks and computer classes. Our team hustled to find the right tools to convert everything we do to a virtual format, and I must say, I…

    Read More

  • From the Director August 2021 Header-01

    From the Director, August 2021

    Nothing goes hand-in-hand better than schools and libraries – two institutions dedicated to learning, growth and development. That’s why, every August, we like to feature back-to-school events designed to help parents and kids prepare for the return to the classroom. We’ll have a back-to-school virtual celebration on August 5, with storytimes, crafts and activities to…

    Read More

  • From the Director, July 2021

    From the Director, July 2021

    There’s nothing that brings a library to life like the smiles we see on the faces of children and families who come to our live events. We haven’t been able to see those smiles in person in nearly a year and a half, as we’ve held nearly all of our events and programs online while…

    Read More

  • From the Director, June 2021

    From the Director, June 2021

    June is here, and that means that our annual Summer Reading Program is about to kick into high gear, with hundreds of events, programs, camps and classes for kids and adults. Just like last year, all programs are virtual, so you can participate from the comfort of your own home. Learn to design a logo…

    Read More

  • From the Director, May 2021

    From the Director, May 2021

    It was only a year ago that Orange County Library System released a statement letting our community know that our library system stands for equality, inclusion and compassion for all of our citizens. We made that statement in the wake of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Protests…

    Read More

Alert Icon

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.