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 home since attending school in the big yellow church across the street. I adored the quaint library, friendly atmosphere, and familiar setting which helped lift the blanket of anxiety that came with drafting cover letters.
Still, I was feeling a lot of emotions from making a career change and needed books that could help me make sense of it all. But buying books was adding up. Cue the library! With my library card, I borrowed audio and e-books using Libby and Hoopla; and for physical books at other branches, I used the library’s free home-delivery service. With a bounty of books at my disposal, I had language for my emotions and even hope for my future. Relief washed over me, opening the doorway for my passions to reenter.
My friend and I share a love for film and floated the idea of starting a podcast, but I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for equipment. Determined to find a solution, I took to the internet. I was stunned to learn the Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library downtown offers access to a podcast booth. I completed the required orientation in less than an hour and used the online reservation tool to secure the podcast booth for the following week. The Melrose Center provided everything I needed, including Shure SM58 Microphones, a Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 audio interface, a USB dock, XLR cable adaptors, and an Apple monitor. I was podcasting like a pro for the low cost of free!
Job Searches and Job Resources
It finally occurred to me to apply for roles at OCLS. I wanted a job that fed my hunger for arts, culture, storytelling, and education, and it was obvious that OCLS fit the bill. I was hired as a Branch Customer Service Associate at the West Oaks Branch where I discovered new (well, new to me) resources. I helped customers utilize OCLS’s free career tools, including ResumeMaker – a tool that helps you make high-quality, personalized resumes – and LinkedIn Learning which library cardholders can use to earn certifications and improve job skills. I also made use of Mango, a language learning app, to improve my Spanish.
Now I am working full-time as a Development Project Coordinator, helping run the OCLS cultural pass program called Local Wanderer, which allows library cardholders to reserve passes to local arts, history, culture, and science organizations. I still make time to attend library programming, my most recent being a trip with my sister and godchildren to Cookies and Milk with a Cop.
Get Your Card
If you do not have an OCLS library card, I urge you to sign up for one at your nearest branch, or you can do it online now. Don’t be afraid to let them know what you need. They will happily point you to free resources and exciting opportunities that add big value to your life.
