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  • 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…

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  • 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…

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    #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,…

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    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…

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  • Our History Speaks Volumes: Books-By-Mail (Pictured: A brochure circa 1970s and a publicity photo from 1976.)

    Our History Speaks Volumes: Books-By-Mail

    (Pictured: A brochure circa 1970s and a publicity photo from 1976.) Our Books-By-Mail service began in December 1973. In its earliest iteration, customers could mail a card or letter to the library requesting up to three titles from the collection. The books were delivered by the U.S. Postal Service in bags that could also be…

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  • Melrose in the Mix: Q&A with Steven Garron

    Melrose in the Mix: Q&A with Steve Garron

    (Pictured: The Garron-Tees (l-r): Justin Martin, Steve Garron, Wheeler Newman and Chris LeBrane.) The Melrose Center started 2020 by making one of their popular programs even more accessible. In January, Melrose in the Mix premiered on WUCF TV featuring beloved local musician Terri Binion. Melrose in the Mix is a live recording session and customers…

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  • From the Director, March 2020

    From the Director, March 2020

    Parents, we know it can be tough to keep your kids busy when school’s out of session. So, our staff has come up with a series of fun, creative spring camps to help beat the boredom. This month, we’ll host programming at multiple locations during spring break that’ll give your kids a chance to sample…

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  • We’ve Got Questions For Dhonielle Clayton and Tim Dorsey

    We’ve Got Questions for Dhonielle Clayton and Tim Dorsey

    Dhonielle Clayton is the author of The Belles and its follow-up The Everlasting Rose. She is a former elementary and middle school librarian, and co-founder of CAKE Literary, a creative kitchen whipping up decadent – and decidedly diverse – literary confections for middle grade, young adult and women’s fiction readers. She is also Chief Operating…

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  • Read It! Don't Lose It: How to Regain Your Focus While Reading

    Read It! Don’t Lose It: How to Regain Your Focus While Reading

    Imagine you have just picked up a book from your “books I need to read” list. You prepare your favorite beverage and find the comfortable spot on your couch. Enthusiastically, you open the book and begin to read it, scanning the words, feeling the pages on your fingertips every time you turn to the next…

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Your Library Has a Fresh New App!

Discover a new way to experience your library with the OCLS app – a gateway to a world of books, music, events and more wherever you are. Download it today! >

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Independence Day Closure

Orange County Library System will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The library system will resume normal business hours on Saturday, July 5. View a complete list of holiday closures >