Backgrounder
Orange County Library System
www.ocls.info
The Orange County Library System brings Information, Imagination and Inspiration to more than one million residents in the library district. Through its main location and 14 branches, the library systems builds, nourishes and supports the community by providing a rich environment for learning and the appreciation of knowledge.
The Orange County Library System delivers a wide range of materials and services to patrons. Traditional book collections have been expanded to include a wide array of electronic resources such as downloadable audio books, and complete video and DVD sections. The Orange County Library System offers an innovative service called MAYL (Materials Access from Your Library). Instead of holding requested items at a library location for patrons to pick up, the library has items delivered directly to patrons’ homes – free of charge.
Computers are also a critical component of Orange County libraries. Hundreds of free classes on everything from navigating the Internet to managing an Excel spreadsheet to learning how to use Photoshop are offered each month at the Orlando Public Library and its 14 branch locations. Many of the classes are also taught in Spanish and some are available in Haitian Creole.
Beyond classes offered, all libraries have public computers where library patrons can conduct a job search, email a family member, research a medical condition or learn another language. Patrons who bring laptops enjoy wireless access (WiFi) at the Orlando Public Library and all 14 branches as well.
Through numerous online databases in Orange County’s “Virtual Library,” patrons gain access to a wealth of information that they would normally have to pay for – all brought to them free of charge as a library cardholder. These databases allow them to tap in into consumer reports, stock analyses, genealogical research resources and much more.
Live homework help is also available to area students from home or office with a library card. It provides online, interactive assistance from qualified tutors for students in grades 4 through 12.
The Orange County Library System embraces a culture of customer service. Through Vocera software, library personnel can instantly communicate with others throughout the system using simple voice commands. This often saves patrons from visiting several floors to locate an item.
Through its Children’s Initiative, library staff members serve as liaisons to each public elementary school in Orange County and make regular contact with the school’s media specialist, principal and parent organization to foster early reading success. Students are encouraged to get library cards and use the library as a resource to supplement in-school activities. The Library hosts a “License to Learn” contest for select grades to encourage students in Orange County Public Schools to obtain their library cards.
The Orange County Library System provides themed summer reading programs to entice children to read during school vacation. The annual eight-week program includes events offered at libraries as well as within the community. Students are awarded for active participation in the program and receive gift certificates and other prizes donated by area businesses.
As part of its commitment to computer literacy, the Orange County Library System offers Camp Savvy – a summer series of computer workshops to help students in grades four through 12 “get savvy” about computers. Course titles include Photoshop, Podcasting, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and more. Internet skills classes are offered in English and Spanish, and Camp Savvy workshops are available at multiple library locations.
Library Meeting Rooms are available when there are no scheduled programs. The library offers the Meeting Rooms during regular library hours for gatherings – the primary purpose or nature of which is civic, cultural, educational and/or community-interest.
The library systems serves as a primary cultural center offering musical performances, art shows, author events, story telling and more at locations across the library district. Story times are available in Spanish at the main children’s library and select branches. Every Friday, there’s “Music in the Library” with lunchtime concerts in Library Central at the Orlando Public Library.
Orange County Library System @ a Glance
The Orange County Library System dates back to 1920 when Orlando’s first library, the Albertson Public Library, was founded. The Orlando Public Library building was dedicated in 1966 and later expanded. Today, the landmark 290,000-square-foot building encompasses an entire city block. To respond to area growth, the number of branch locations has doubled since 1980. The system is currently comprised of 15 locations – the Orlando Public Library and 14 branches serving more than 1 million residents in the library district.
The catalog lists approximately 2,000,000 items including books, audios, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers and the resources of the World Wide Web. Customers may also use public computers, take classes, attend children’s and adult programs, enjoy art exhibits and musical performances, use community meeting rooms and even have materials delivered directly to their home. The Library continues to evolve as a free multidimensional place for all people to access its resources and share in community experiences. For more information, visit the Library's Web site at www.ocls.info or call 407-835-7323.
