In July of 1998, work began on a project to relocate the Children’s Library from its original location in the basement of Orlando Public Library, to the east wing of the first floor. The move – which was overseen by then Library Director Dorothy Field – was part of a concerted effort to enhance Orange County Library System’s services for children and feature them prominently.
The original Children’s Library reading area located in the basement of the Orlando Public Library
In addition to positioning the Children’s Library in a more visible area of the building, other notable improvements were made including modular rooms and open seating areas for storytimes, events and casual reading. To inspire enthusiasm for the collection, the entrance to the Children’s Library was adorned with floating pages of children’s book illustrations and suspended from the ceiling.
The original first floor reading area (left) and the current children’s library (right)
For nearly twenty years, the Children’s Library has kindled the imagination of young readers and engrained in families a love for reading together.
To learn more about the Children’s Library and other notable events in Orange County Library System’s history, visit orlandomemory.info.
