Ocls-blog logo
  • Preschool Fun: Colors!

    Preschool Fun: Colors!

    You’re home with your child and you don’t know what to do next. You want something educational, but fun, and you’ve watched far too much Paw Patrol. We get it! Though you can’t come to the library for one of our awesome programs, we can bring library ideas to you. Each week I’ll post a…

    Read More

  • National Poetry Month-01

    Roses are Red, Violets are Grateful, That National Poetry Month Happens in April

    April is a time where flowers bloom from their winter sleep, birds sing as they fly across the skies and writers pick out their new seasonal pens of inspiration to write with. Well, not so much that last part. Among other celebrations, April is also recognized as National Poetry Month. National Poetry Month found its…

    Read More

  • Cuisine Corner: Dalgona Coffee aka Frothy Coffee

    Cuisine Corner: Dalgona Coffee aka Frothy Coffee

    You can recreate the latest coffee trend, Dalgona Coffee or Frothy Coffee, at home in a few easy steps. All you need is instant coffee, sugar, water, your milk preference, a mixer (or a whisk/fork if you are looking for an arm workout) and a glass. Popular in South Korea, Dalgona Coffee gets its name from…

    Read More

  • Our History Speaks Volumes: Orlando Public Library’s Expansion

    Our History Speaks Volumes: Orlando Public Library’s Expansion

    April 6, 2020 marks the 35th anniversary of Orlando Public Library’s 230,000 square foot expansion. In 1966, when the building was first constructed, it occupied a comparatively meager 60,000 square feet. However, it was always the intention to further expand upon the library, and that consideration went into the original structure’s design by architect John M.…

    Read More

  • 5bestKanopy-01

    The 5 Best Films Available for Credit-Free Viewing on Kanopy

    With no shortage of subscription-based streaming services out there, sometimes it’s nice to watch something with a little less financial obligation. Kanopy, an on-demand streaming platform which features documentaries, children’s TV series and the best in classic and independent cinema is accessible completely for free with your library card. Typically, users can access up to…

    Read More

  • Library Bootcamp for Teachers - Library U

    Library Bootcamp For Teachers

    Every June, educators from across Orange County are invited to Orlando Public Library to participate in the one-day, interactive learning experience, Library U. From storytimes, to Virtual Reality Game Design classes, Orange County Library System (OCLS) offers an almost imposing number of learning opportunities for students at all points of their academic career. Library U…

    Read More

  • Become Your Best Self with the Enneagram

    Become Your Best Self with the Enneagram

    I never expected to benefit from yet another personality test but as it turns out researching my Enneagram type was a wise choice. With a limited investment of time, you can learn a ton about yourself and the people you love.     The Enneagram types, represented by numbers one through nine, are more than personalities. They help to explain a person’s worldview, self-image and motivations. For example, I learned that people of my type, the Four, strive to be unique and authentic. They tend to…

    Read More

  • oclsreads_EARLYliteracy-02

    #OCLSReads: 2020 Early Childhood Literacy Calendars

    The Public Library Association (PLA) has developed a new product designed to boost early childhood literacy programming in libraries, schools and daycare centers. PLA’s 2020 Early Literacy Activities Calendar is now available for Orange County Library System customers. Based on the core practices of Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library, PLA’s parent-education initiative, the publication emphasizes activities involving reading,…

    Read More

  • BlogHeader-01

    How to Social Distance & Still Use Your Library

    Amid ongoing concerns about COVID-19 and directives from public officials to implement social distancing practices, Orange County Library System has decided to cancel all events and classes. The library takes the safety and wellness of our customers and staff very seriously and will do its part in mitigating the current health crisis.  Despite these well-intentioned…

    Read More

Alert Icon

Holiday Closure

Orange County Library System will be closed Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday, December 25, Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year's. View a complete list of holiday closures >

Winter Garden Branch Closure

From January 6 through February 15, Winter Garden Branch will get a much needed refresh to better serve the community. Learn more about the Winter Garden Branch closing >