friends of the library
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From the Director, September 2023
While doing some research on what OCLS was like in the 1990s, I learned something new: The first issue of Books & Beyond was published in 1996, which makes the magazine 27 years old. The first issue was a simple black-and-white newsletter, just four pages long, consisting of a few program listings, a story about…
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The History of Orange County Library System: Friends of the Library
If you’re a regular library user, you’ve probably heard mention of the Friends of the Orange County Library System, often referred to simply as the Friends, and wondered who they are and what they do. The organization was founded in 1949 and over the years, the Friends of the Orange County Library System have remained…
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The History of Orange County Library System: Friends of the Library Bookmobile
In 1949, the Albertson Public Library board received a proposal for a bookmobile that would reach residents in outlying areas of the county. Believing that no other service would be a greater benefit to the community, Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club raised $6,000 to purchase a school bus and convert it into a mobile library…
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From the Director, December 2020
What gets you out of bed in the morning? For some people, it’s seeing friends or going to restaurants. For others, it’s family or a favorite hobby. For some, though, it’s a simple love of something light and fun, and maybe even seemingly trivial, that brings a smile to people’s faces. And that is what…
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From the Director, November 2019
November is a month to be grateful, so I’d like to take a moment to extend my sincerest thanks to those who helped us make this year’s Booktoberfest such a great success. Every October, the Friends of the Orange County Library System host this fundraising event that helps support our libraries. Every year, the event…
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From the Director, October 2019
October is one of my favorite months at the library. All month long, we focus on hosting fun, safe events that your whole family can enjoy together. If you need Halloween costume inspiration, find it in our sewing studios, where our instructors will teach you to make your own original witch hats and superhero capes.…
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From the Director, May 2019
I want to take a minute to tell you about the Friends of the Orange County Library System. They’re an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that exists to help fund library programs that aren’t covered by our budget. They are the organization that runs our bookstore and gift shop, helps coordinate our volunteer program and funds the…
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What’s the Deal with Influencer Marketing?
Influencer marketing is something that many might still be skeptical of. Author and influencer Brittany Hennessy first witnessed the power of influence when her blog went viral in 2010. One thing led to another, and the next thing she knew, she was in Germany on a cruise ship with Rihanna and all she had to…
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Giving Tuesday is in just a week!
Each year, nonprofit organizations around the world call on their supporters to help raise funds for the meaningful work they do in their communities on Giving Tuesday. Entering its seventh year, Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. This year, we are raising funds for the Friends…
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OCLS Nominated for Best of Orlando
For the seventh year in a row, the Orange County Library System has been nominated in the Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando Readers Poll. From June 27 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, local residents can vote for their favorites from among the nominees who advanced to the final round. The Best of Orlando Poll celebrates all the…
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