OCLS Receives Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award

The Florida Library Association recognized Orange County Library System's after school program, Hero Spark After School Adventures with the 2019 Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award. The award – which is given out at the Florida Library Association's Annual Conference – recognizes outstanding programs of direct service to youth. Hero Spark provides tutoring and gaming programs to 11-18 year olds. Their primary program, After-School Adventures, blends homework help and gaming in a unique way that makes for a fun and engaging after-school experience. The program has resulted in a measurable increase in library use, seeing 12-24 students participating daily. In 2018, students participated in 2900 hours of homework help and face-to- face tabletop gaming, and Hero Spark served 108 unique participants at the Orlando Public Library alone.