You don’t need to spend a ton of money this summer to experience new things and get a taste of adventure – you can stay close to home and immerse yourself in scientific exploration, comedy, art, cultural experiences, music and more. Because this summer, Adventure Begins at Your Library – that’s the theme of our annual Summer at Your Library program.
We kick things off on June 1 at Orlando Public Library with Katie Nguyen, host of PBS Kids’ Mega Wow. She’ll bring her STEM-themed comedy kids’ show to the stage live, experimenting with floating objects, liquid layers and other science oddities.
Throughout summer, we’ll also be bringing back some of our favorite performers for kids, including Comedy Maks, Zoo Mom Science, Mr. Harley, Spheres Bubble Show, Music with Evan and Vanessa and more. We have performances and programs for kids all summer long at all locations – you can review the whole summer calendar at ocls.info/summer and browse offerings by age.
On June 9, in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the Melrose Center hosts the Orlando Gay Chorus, which performs a cabaret show on the stage that’s open to all. If you’re not familiar with OGC, it’s one of the largest LGBTQ+ choruses in the country.
On June 17, 18 and 21, catch Grammy-nominated recording artist Fyütch, who’ll visit several branches to perform a special Juneteenth-inspired concert, with songs about community, Black history and culture.
We’ll also be celebrating Caribbean culture with a celebration at the Hiawassee Branch on June 15. We’ll host a parade, food tastings, crafts and stories, as well as a musical performance with pannist Ravon Rhoden. Rhoden will also perform at Orlando Public Library on June 29, so you have two chances to catch his lively and upbeat show.
Art lovers, we have not one, but two artist receptions for you: On June 27, check out the opening of Andi Cates’ Nights From Earth large-format photo exhibit in the Melrose Gallery on the second floor of Orlando Public Library. Then on June 29 at Eatonville Branch, meet Emmy Award-winning TV producer Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, Jr., who will talk about the intersection of retirement and artistic expression.
You can find all of these events, and more, in the pages of this issue of Books & Beyond. You can also browse our website to find language classes, book clubs, sewing classes, meetups for parents and so much more that we can’t even fit everything in the pages of this magazine. Stop in and see us this summer and find out why we say Adventure Begins at OCLS.
