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Julia Child, Teaching America to Cook
For Women’s History Month this year, I’m presenting a children’s cooking program on Julia Child. In preparing for the program, I learned so much about her fascinating life! She grew up in California in the early 1900s, attending boarding school and playing sports. When World War II broke out, she tried to enlist in the…
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From the Director, March 2025
Women’s History is Our History March is Women’s History Month and what better place than your library to discover and celebrate the stories of great women all month long. This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” OCLS is a treasury of resources – if you want to chat about a…
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Q&A with Women in the Arts, Inc.
Women in the Arts, Inc. will host its annual event, the Women in the Arts Expo, March 29 in the Melrose Center at Orlando Public Library. We spent some time with founder Maria Guerrero to talk about the organization, the Expo and the broad impact her organization has in the Central Florida arts community. Tell…
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The Best Time to Read Black Literature
So many little things have become intrinsic to me as a person through reading. There are lines that I quote daily. There are passages I tear up just thinking about. There are words that have become essential to my vocabulary. I can barely begin to express in words how much reading has changed my life.…
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Book Recommendation: “Aphrodite and the Duke” by JJ McAvoy
I judge books by their cover. I know it is not what people should do, but when you have worked at as many bookstores and libraries as I have you start to know what will capture your attention. That is how I discovered Aphrodite and the Duke by JJ McAvoy. When I saw Aphrodite and…
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Brooklyn’s Bridge: a Victorian Woman in a Man’s World
Featuring all Orlando talent for 17-performance show run in February 2025 Join us for the world premiere of Brooklyn’s Bridge, a new musical. Following a workshop performance at Illinois State University in October 2019, a development production at Montclair State University in July 2021 and concert performances at Dr. Phillips Center in January 2024, Brooklyn’s Bridge is…
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Black Librarianship is Black History
This year, as we focus on the theme of African Americans and Labor set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the Founders of Black History Month, we reflect on how African Americans contributed to vocations across the workforce. Whether through agriculture or service-led industries, education or entrepreneurship, Black…
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Libraries With Heart Brings Orange County Residents Vital Health Resources
When you think about your local library branch, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s engaging storytimes with toddlers, a book club for romance fans or an after-school language program. Orange County Library System (OCLS) offers all these great programs and many more, but did you know you can use your library…
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Q&A with the Mennello Museum of American Art
A new year means new opportunities to experience the rich arts culture here in Orange County. Katherine Page, curator of art and education with the Mennello Museum of American Art, spoke with us about their mission to enrich the public through art exhibitions and education. The Mennello Museum of American Art has been a part…
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From the Director, February 2025
Welcome to Your Library Be Welcoming is an important pillar of our strategic plan. A big part of being welcoming is making sure our facilities, programs and services are accessible to every member of our community. This month in Books & Beyond, you will see changes to text color and size in our event listings…
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From book recommendations to pop culture discussions, the Orange County Library System wants you to join the conversation with library staff about the world around us.
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