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  • National Library Week

    National Library Week: The Melrose Center

    My name is Kaylie Pasternak, and I will be taking you through this year’s National Library Week at Orange County Library System! National Library Week is a time to bring libraries to light and show support for all they do. The Melrose Center was founded in 2014 by a grant from the Melrose family foundation…

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  • From the Director, March 2024

    From the Director, March 2024

    Every year, Orange County Library System holds a Staff Development Day in November, where we bring everyone together to learn, network and get to know their colleagues. A big part of the day is celebrating milestones. We’re lucky to have a lot of staff who’ve made working for the library not just a job, but…

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  • Meet You There. Stylized logo with a map pin containing an orange. Photos of library staff at outdoor events overlayed on an orange map of Orange County.

    Meet You There

    As you’ve read in Books & Beyond over the past year, Orange County Library System is committed to breaking down barriers to access, so everyone can take part in what our libraries have to offer. That commitment extends far beyond library walls. In 2024, our goal is to plant deeper roots in the community by…

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  • Q&A with Youth Services Intern Amanda Sarro

    Q&A with Youth Services Intern Amanda Sarro

    Hi, my name is Amanda Sarro and I am the intern in the Youth Services department for the summer this year. I am currently a University of Central Florida student studying Early Childhood Development and Education. This means that I am studying and learning about how children ages 0-8 grow and learn throughout those most…

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  • Q&A with Youth Services Intern Emily Gingras

    Q&A with Youth Services Intern Emily Gingras

    Emily Gingras has been interning at the library throughout the summer, working in the Youth Services department. As her internship comes to a close, we caught up with her to learn about her time working at OCLS and the upcoming blog series she’s writing for the library. What’s your major/minor at UCF and why were…

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  • Get Ready to Shell-a-brate Adult Summer Reading!

    18 Reasons Why Adult Summer Reading is Fin-tastic!

    Gather around, sea-mates! We hope by now you’re ready for Adult Summer Reading. In case you need a little pier-pressure, we asked our colleagues what they’re looking forward to this year. We’re shore the answers shared by your favorite OCLS branches and departments will convince you to participate. Grab your umbrella, towel and sunblock because…

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  • Our History Speaks Volumes: COVID-19

    Our History Speaks Volumes: COVID-19

    The most important events in Orange County Library System history are often those that dramatically improve or expand library service: November 11, 1921 – Captain Charles Albertson donates his personal library to the city of Orlando. November 8, 1923 – Albertson Public Library, the first public library in Orange County, opens. August 7, 1966 –…

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  • Our History Speaks Volumes: Remembering Glenn F. Miller (1937–1996)

    Our History Speaks Volumes: Remembering Glenn F. Miller (1937–1996)

    On November 1, 1970, Library Director Clara Wendel retired having served 27 years as head of Orange County Library System. She was succeeded by Glenn Miller, who became only the third library director in OCLS’ nearly 50-year history. Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, Miller began his career in library service in 1958, working as a reference…

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  • Best Books Of The Year, as Chosen by a 3 and 6 Year Old

    Best Books Of The Year, as Chosen by a 3 and 6-Year-Old

    I have two very opinionated readers. The eldest, L, has helped me make these lists the past two years. The youngest, M, is now joining the blogging game and is excited to share her favorite books that were published in 2020. As noted in previous years, these are favorites as chosen by my children –…

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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.