100 Year Celebration

In 2023, the 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.

 

100 Year Reading Challenge

Log your reading, write book reviews, and complete activities all year long to earn badges and enter for the chance to win a prize.*

History of the Orange County Library System

The beginnings of the current Orange County Library System can be traced to the circulating library collection of the Sorosis Club of Orlando. 

Captain Charles Albertson

Find out more about who Captain Albertson was from his personal accounts to newspaper reports of his life and actions.

Albertson Public Library: In the beginning

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. 

Upcoming Events

Book Page Gift Bags
Registration Required
Thursday
March
23
5:30​pm
Fairview Shores Branch
(Fairview Shores - Meeting Room 1)
Event Category: Arts & Crafting
Create a one-of-a-kind gift bag made from book pages. Recommended for Adults.
Learn more >
100 Years of Cinema
No Registration Required
Friday
March
24
3:00​pm
Fairview Shores Branch
(Fairview Shores - Ask at Desk)
Event Category: Music, Movies, Live Performances
This month, we're watching Shirley Temple's first technicolor film, The Little Princess. Join us for a screening of the movie, snacks and a drink named after the iconic actress.
Learn more >
Let's Knit: Monthly Block-by-Block -- Dishcloths
Registration Required
Saturday
March
25
10:15​am
Winter Garden Branch
(Winter Garden - Technology Lab )
Event Categories: Maker/DIY; Arts & Crafting
Build your knitting skills one block at a time! Use basic knit and purl stitches to create a beautiful, textured dishcloth (or blanket square). Students are required to bring tools and yarn.*
Learn more >
Orange County Bath Bombs
Registration Required
Saturday
March
25
3:00​pm
Southeast Branch
(Southeast - Meeting Room 2)
Event Category: Arts & Crafting
When the Library was founded 100 years ago, Orange County was covered in oranges. Relax and relive the refreshing scents with a bath bomb created to smell like walking through an orange grove.
Learn more >
STEM 100
No Registration Required
Monday
March
27
10:15​am
Southeast Branch
(Children's Area)
Event Categories: Storytime; Science & Math
What does 100 look like? How can we use 100 of something? Celebrate 100 Years of the library in STEM stations completing different activities, each using 100 items! Recommended for ages 3-5.
Learn more >
Online Class: Let's Knit a Cherry Pie Scarf (3-Part)
Registration Required
Monday
March
27
10:30​am
Online
(Online Fiber Arts Classroom)
Event Categories: Maker/DIY; Arts & Crafting
Celebrate OCLS's 100th birthday by knitting the decades with us. This month's featured pattern is The Cherry Pie Scarf by Yucca. It's a quick knit with star stitch and integrated I-cord details.
Learn more >
Cuisine Corner: Florida Seafood Stew
Registration Required
Monday
March
27
6:30​pm
Online
(Virtual Room - EPD)
Event Categories: Education & Learning; Cooking & Food
Join culinary expert, Dianne Morin, as she demonstrates how to make a delicious Florida seafood Stew with savory broth infused with local seafood and herbs served with crusty bread for dipping.
Learn more >
In-Person Class: Let's Knit a Cherry Pie Scarf (3-Part)
Registration Required
Tuesday
March
28
10:15​am
Southwest Branch
(Technology Classroom)
Event Categories: Maker/DIY; Arts & Crafting
Celebrate OCLS's 100th birthday by knitting the decades with us. This month's featured pattern is The Cherry Pie Scarf by Yucca. It's a quick knit with star stitch and integrated I-cord details.
Learn more >
Centipede's 100 Shoes
Registration Required
Tuesday
March
28
10:30​am
Southwest Branch
Event Category: Storytime
Help centipede put on his 100 shoes, then crawl into the celebration with stories, songs and rhymes about centipedes and other bugs in honor of the library's 100th birthday! Recommended for ages 3-5.
Learn more >
Escape Room: Captain Albertson's Library
Registration Required
Wednesday
March
29
3:30​pm
Chickasaw Branch
(Chickasaw - Combined Meeting Room)
Event Categories: History, Culture, Genealogy; Games & Activities
Your time machine froze in 1923. You are stuck in Orlando’s original library. Using your critical thinking skills, can you solve the puzzles to escape the past? Recommended for ages 13-18.
Learn more >

Featured Classes & Events >

Friends of the Orange County Library System