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  • LOTE4Kids App

    NEW! LOTE4Kids: Storytime in Your Language

    LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) is the newest language learning platform for Orange Couty Library System users! Explore a digital collection of picture books (eBooks and audiobooks) in a diverse range of world languages. Some of the languages available are: American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish (Mexican and Latin American) and Tamil.…

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  • Three paper dolls

    Women’s History Month: Retelling HER Story

    The Stories we Gain by Reshaping Myths with Women as the Main Characters Modern authors are myth-busting familiar tales by passing the pen to the side characters – women. Centuries of mythology across the world has historically centered around and celebrated male narratives: their origins, battles, journeys, wins and losses. Female characters, whether damsels or…

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  • From the Director, March 2024

    From the Director, March 2024

    Every year, Orange County Library System holds a Staff Development Day in November, where we bring everyone together to learn, network and get to know their colleagues. A big part of the day is celebrating milestones. We’re lucky to have a lot of staff who’ve made working for the library not just a job, but…

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  • Title: Q&A with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Image: Orchestra performing in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. P. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

    Q&A with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the many great cultural institutions that are part of Local Wanderer, Orange County Library System’s culture pass program which provides free access to library card holders across the county. We wanted to get to know them better, so we sat down with Executive Director Karina Bharne to talk…

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  • Learn More About The Women in the Arts Expo

    Learn More About the Women in the Arts Expo

    Over the past 13 years, Orange County Library System has helped support women in the arts by hosting the annual Women in the Arts Awards. This year, the event has shifted to an expo. We were able to catch up with the founder and executive director of Women in the Arts Inc., Maria Guerrero, to…

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  • CFCArts Brings “The Giver” Stage Production to Local Wanderer Program

    As Central Florida Community Arts continuously strives to weave enriching performing arts experiences into the fabric of the Central Florida community, we’re excited to extend a special invitation to you and your family. This month, the CFCArts Youth Theatre program is bringing to life a beloved literary classic, The Giver, at the CFCArts Black Box…

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  • two people tending to a garden

    South Creek Branch Blossoms with New Community Garden 

    South Creek Branch is proud to launch our new community garden to teach the benefits of sustainability and self-sufficiency to customers of all ages. We hope our garden will inspire and educate for years to come!  The community garden started out as an ambitious dream shared by the employees at the South Creek branch library: …

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  • blood pressure monitoring cuff on arm

    Check Out Heart Healthy Habits With OCLS

    Did you know you can use your library card to check out a blood pressure monitoring kit? February is Heart Month and OCLS is proud to partner with the American Heart Association and HCA Florida Healthcare in the Libraries With Heart program. OCLS card holders can check out blood pressure monitoring kits free of charge…

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  • From the Director, February 2024

    From the Director, February 2024

    If you’ve been reading Books & Beyond over the past year, you’ve heard us talk a lot about diversity and inclusion. In the past year, we have placed an emphasis on making sure that everyone knows that they belong at the library. We want to meet people where they are, no matter their stage in…

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  • A tile mosaic depicting the Black community of Hannibal Square crossing the tracks to vote. Text reads, "Strength, Learning, Story, Faith, Family, Memory, Unity." "In 1887 the citizens of Hannibal Square joined together and crossed the tracks to vote, electing two African American men." "Winter Park Community Pride in Hannibal Square."

    Q&A with Hannibal Square Heritage Center

    The fabric of Orange County’s history is interwoven with the stories, memories, struggles and victories of the Black community. The Orange County Library System is proud to welcome the Hannibal Square Heritage Center to Local Wanderer, a program that gives library holders access to historic, cultural and educational attractions. To celebrate our new partnership, we…

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Southwest Branch Closing for Maintenance

Southwest Branch will be closed on Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 for replacement of the HVAC unit. The book drop will remain open and we plan to resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, March 27.