100 Year Celebration
In 2023, Orange County Library System celebrates 100 years of service to the community. The Albertson Public Library opened its doors for the first time on November 8, 1923, and over the years, that single library building evolved to become the library system we operate today. All year long, we’ll be hosting special events and programs that illuminate our history and enhance our present. Bookmark this page to find out about special 100 Year Celebration music events, fiber arts projects, virtual reality experiences and signature author series.
You're Invited:
Orange County Library System welcomes international bestselling author Neil Gaiman, in conversation with celebrated cartoonist Art Spiegelman, to Orlando on November 6, 2023.
Saturday, October 7, 12 p.m.
Visit the Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. to enjoy a retro book fair and taste their limited-edition beer that commemorates the library’s 100 years of service.
The beginnings of the current Orange County Library System can be traced to the circulating library collection of the Sorosis Club of Orlando.
At the opening of the Albertson Public Library on November 8, 1923, the books available to the public included about 3,000 books donated by the Sorosis Club and 12,000 donated by Captain Charles Albertson.
Find out more about who Captain Albertson was from his personal accounts to newspaper reports of his life and actions.
Since their founding in 1949, the Friends of the Orange County Library System has displayed a commitment to supporting library services through a legacy of giving. Learn about their history of supporting the library.
On February 1, 1943, Clara Wendel became Orange County Library System’s second library director. Clara was 39 years old when she was selected for the position, and OCLS – still the Albertson Public Library at the time – was celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Travel back to the 1970s as we highlight the humble beginnings of one of the library's most celebrated services: Home Delivery!
Learn about former library director Glenn Miller and his successful campaign to expand the Orlando Public Library building and community services.
Upcoming Events
