For many, November is a time to focus on giving and to reflect on gratitude. This season, I’m especially thankful for the staff of Orange County Library System, who dedicate each day to enriching lives through lifelong learning and providing meaningful programs and services to our community both in our branches and across the county through outreach events. I’m also grateful for the support of our community partners whose collaboration helps us expand our reach and bring vital resources to diverse audiences in Orange County.
We have a wonderful and close partnership with the Friends of the Orange County Library System, a volunteer group who know that great communities need great libraries and contribute toward ensuring we continue to have exceptional and innovative offerings. Friends of the Library make it possible for the Orange County Library System to improve the quality and scope of its services by supporting literacy programs, staff scholarships and much more. You can learn more about the Friends and become a member at friends.ocls.org.
Every month, OCLS welcomes Orange County’s Office on Aging for programming designed just for seniors in our community. If you haven’t come to a LIFE Information for Elders event, you are missing out. This volunteer-led series meets at Orlando Public Library on the third Thursday of each month. Three other series are offered quarterly: Branching Out and Branching Out en Español at library locations around the county and On the Big Screen movies at Orlando Public Library. On November 10, visit North Orange Branch for La vida en tus manos: entrenamiento esenial de RCP, hands-on CPR training presented in Spanish by Orange County Fire Department. On November 20, Legal Aid Society will lead a program on Renters’ Rights and Obligations at Orlando Public Library. You can find all the details and more events for seniors at ocls.org/seniorevents.
Orlando Public Library offers two opportunities to experience expressive rhythmic performances during Native American History Month. On November 1, come for a Native American Flute Performance with Painted Raven and on November 9, enjoy Native American History, Music and Dance with Jim Sawgrass. South Creek and Fairview Shores branches will each host a Taino and Yaqui Nation Native Event with Story and Dance for families on Saturday, November 22. Details and more Indigenous culture and heritage events can be found at ocls.org/nativeamericanheritagemonth.
If music and performances are your family’s jam, join us for as famed nerdcore rapper Mega Ran takes the stage November 23 at 3 p.m. in Orlando Public Library’s Melrose Center; part of his latest tour for his chart-topping kids hip hop album, Buddy’s Magic Tree House. Mr. Richard will take the stage at 2:15 p.m., playing his iconic blend of rock and rhyme.
As we move through this season of gratitude, I hope you will reflect on how vital libraries are to the heart of a thriving community and share that thought with a friend. Orange County Library System is more than a place to check out books; it’s a hub for connection, learning and support for all ages and backgrounds. The collective efforts of our dedicated staff, generous volunteers and strong community partners make it all possible. Libraries like ours truly are one of our greatest community treasures, and I’m proud to celebrate all they do.
