Newest Videos
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Learn all about the storytime partnership between the Central Florida Zoo and the Orange County Library System, and attend storytime at the Zoo and the Library!
(2:52)
Ever wonder why rabbits are so clever and wise? OCLS storyteller Bill Cordell will let you know through the amazing adventures of Zomo the Rabbit! (6:06)
Jump rope champion Adrienn Banhegyi of Hungary brings her talents to the Orlando Public Library in support of Cirque de Soleil's traveling show, "Quidam."
(1:19)
Dr. Rosalyn Howard, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Central Florida, traces the journey to freedom of a group of nineteenth-century former slaves from their home in the black Seminole town of Angola to a haven in Red Bays, Bahamas, where their ancestors still live.
(11:36)
Mystery maven Mary Jane Clark speaks to a crowd at the Orlando Public Library about her original inspiration for her Key News murder-mystery series as well as the experiences that informed her latest work, the Sarasota-set Piper Donovan novel "Footprints in the Sand."
(9:20)
Florida storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar tells some true and entertaining Florida stories, covering Ponce de Leon, crackers and cowboys, the pirate Gasparilla and the Five Flags of Florida.
(12:35)
Storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar spins a tale of a very clever, very hungry little mouse! (4:36)
Feel the rhythms of the flamenco and Spanish folk dances that came over from from Spain with Christopher Columbus and Ponce de Leon. Presented by the Orange County Library System; featuring the Flamenco Puro Dance Company. (2:19)
When you go trick-or-treating, make sure you beware of the house at the end of the street! (20:55)
So why does Alligator hate Dog, anyway? Find out in this retelling of an old Cajun tale! (7:29)
Sifu Charles Rivera and his students from Hung Fut Hung Man Fei Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Association perform the traditional Southern Chinese Lion Dance and demonstrate their kung fu skills at the Orlando Public Library in celebration of this year's Big Read, "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan.
(3:37)
We'd love to see you at the 2013 Adult Summer Reading Program, "Groundbreaking Reads," at the Orange County Library System! Check out
http://www.ocls.info/asr for a schedule and more information!
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Members of the South Creek Branch Library's Cuatro Gatos tertulia, or book club, celebrated their 6th anniversary at the Orlando Public Library with song, dance, poetry readings and awards. They also celebrated the culture and crafts of Ecuador.
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50 immigrants from countries around the world become American citizens at a naturalization ceremony held at the Orlando Public Library on April 16, 2013. Library director Mary Anne Hodel served as the keynote speaker.
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The Orlando Confectionary Artists Guild recently visited the Herndon Branch Library to showcase easy and fun ways of making cake pops, fondant animals and cute cupcake toppers!
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Join the TechKrew and go Beneath the Surface at the awesome 2013 teen summer reading program at the Orange County Public Library!
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Guitar-and-mandolin duo Murphy & Spiers recently appeared at the Orlando Public Library as part of the "America's Music" series of programs. In this song, "Stone of Light," an American soldier thinks about a long-lost love from across the globe. (5:02)
A small group of crafters at the Winter Garden library turn the pages from old books into beautiful paper flowers.
(1:53)
OCLS' Cuentame un Cuento (Tell Me A Story) bilingual book club is fun for all families! Register now by calling (407) 835-7323.
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Learn about the animals that live in the rainforest with the Central Florida Zoo and the Orlando Public Library! Meet a tarantula, a red-eyed tree frog, a python, and more!
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Dig into reading this summer with the Orange County Library System! Read fantastic books, learn new things at library programs and win fun prizes!
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North Carolina-based acoustic musician Jim Seem stopped by the Orlando Public Library as part of the America's Music series to play hits from the 40s, 50s and 60s, as well as some of his own compositions.
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Harpist Christine MacPhail entertains patrons at the South Trail Branch Library with Irish and Celtic songs in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Here is her rendition of the classic song "Danny Boy." (2:37)
Central Florida elementary, middle, and high school steppers compete for the title of best step team at the 8th annual Step Off! competition at the Orlando Public Library.
(44:37)
Learn 3D modeling and printing at OCLS! Learn how to easily create objects, art, prototypes and more in computer-aided design programs and get an up-close look at OCLS' brand-new 3D printer. (1:09)
Jason Surrell, author of "The Art of The Avengers," visited the Orlando Public Library on January 5, 2013 to talk about his experiences on-set during the filming of 2012's most popular superhero movie. Surrell also signed copies of his book for the audience.
(9:11)
Vietnamese cook and cookbook author Ha Roda, known as "The Pho Queen," talks about her young life in Vietnam, what it was like to escape the country on a fishing boat, and the childhood meals that continue to inspire her today.
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Folksinger and autoharpist Adam Miller visited the Orlando Public Library to entertain with songs sung in Florida long ago. This is his performance of "The Golden Vanity," one of the oldest English folksongs to survive the ages.
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Folksinger Adam Miller performs "The Frog Song" at the Orlando Public Library.
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This video will help you navigate the login process for Zinio for Libraries and get straight to reading the Orange County Library System's collection of 250+ e-magazines.
(2:35)
Have a blast learning about electricity at the Orlando Public Library through a Snap Circuits workshop. The workshop, designed for kids and adults alike, teaches electrical basics through easy-to-use circuitry. (1:41)
Middle and high school students from across Orange County exhibited their art at the Orlando Public Library during the month of February and competed for prizes.
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Not sure which e-reader or tablet is right for you? Get some hands-on help in deciding & loading your device with downloadable content at the Orange County Library System main library & branches with our Technology Petting Zoo.
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Families at the Washington Park Branch Library recently met to learn how to make heart-healthy Valentine's Day treats with LuAnn Duncan, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The children and parents made baked tortilla chips as well as fruit and veggie kebabs.
(1:29)
The Eatonville Branch Library held storytime and face painting for the youngest attendees of the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts. Some of the stories told, like the short excerpt from "Why Dogs Chase Cats," were collected by Hurston herself.
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When 16th-century Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon decided to continue his search for the Fountain of Youth in modern Florida, he knew the best place to start was the Orlando Public Library!
Presented as part of Viva Florida 500.
Orange County Library System:
http://www.ocls.info/vivaflorida500
Florida Department of State:
http://www.vivaflorida.org (2:46)
Just over a decade ago, Loyola University professor and author Ron Tanner, who had never done anything like this before, bought a trashed fraternity house in Baltimore and started a years-long process of rehabbing it to its former glory. His rehab adventures are chronicled in his new book,
From Animal House to Our House. Here, he tells an audience at the Orlando Public Library a story from the most stressful period of the renovation process.
(9:37)
Dr. Eudene Harry, author of
How to Live Younger in 10 Simple Steps: a Practical Guide to Slowing Down the Aging Process from the Inside Out, begins her five-week residency at the Orlando Public Library by speaking about the effect the foods we eat can have on our overall health and how our bodies age. Dr. Harry will discuss topics such as weight loss and alternative therapies every Tuesday night until February 20, 2013.
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Joy Johnson, author of the BOOB Girls novels, speaks to the book club at the Southwest Branch Library of the Orange County Library System about the series, which chronicles the raucous adventures of a group of friends living together in a retirement home.
(3:36)
Reactory Factory's DJ Dan and Dr. Reacto help kids learn about books and get excited about reading at their recent concert at the Orlando Public Library.
(3:45)
Concert pianist Richard Dowling performs "Concerto No. 2, Op. 21, 2nd movement: Nocturne," composed by Frederic Chopin when he was only 19, at the Orlando Public Library on January 9, 2013. (9:07)
Concert pianist Richard Dowling treated audiences to a ragtime gem, composer Zez Confrey's "Kitten on the Keys," at a concert at the Orlando Public Library on January 9, 2013. (2:53)
Circus clowns from Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus return to the library to entertain a host of children.
(2:00)
Ailyn Gonzalez, volunteer mediator with the Orange County Court Mediation Department, speaks to teens looking for ways to avoid fights and resolve conflicts with their families. This event was part of October 2012's "College Bound" series of programs for teens and their parents.
(15:54)
Storm chaser Chris Kridler, author of "Funnel Vision," appears at the Orlando Public Library to talk about what it's really like to chase tornados and supercell storms in Tornado Alley.
(9:40)
Olympian Gabrielle Douglas, winner of two gold medals for women's all-around individual and team artistic gymnastics at the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games, spoke at the Orlando Public Library about her inspirational story, her training regimen, and her life outside of gymnastics. Douglas recently released her first book,
Grace, Gold and Glory. (22:40)
Bellringer Marie Loeffler brings some holiday spirit to the Orlando Public Library, exhibiting a number of bell-ringing techniques during a concert full of popular Christmas music. (7:38)
Actress and re-enactor Karen De Vos takes on the role of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, delving into the life and times of the famed Florida writer, author of "Cross Creek," "The Yearling," and other novels featuring residents of the rural mid-century Sunshine State.
(16:45)
Peace Corps volunteer and recruiter Jessica Lampron speaks at the Orlando Public Library about what potential volunteers can expect while serving abroad in the Peace Corps.
(17:32)
Hollis Wilder, two-time winner of TV's Cupcake Wars and owner of Orlando cupcake shop Sweet By Holly, stopped by the Alafaya Branch Library on December 8, 2012 for a master decorating class that drew over eighty people and raised funds for the library. (2:06)
Join the bumbling magician Mr. Tim as he amazes, entertains, and makes children laugh at the Windermere Branch Library.
(2:20)
Dog Powered Robot and his friends, Lollibot, Scraps and Senor Basura, visited kids competing in the 2012 Lego Contest at the Orlando Public Library. Children exhibited their Lego creations and competed for prizes in three categories. Many thanks to iBrickAcademy, the National Women in Construction, the National Association for Civil Engineers and UCF College of Engineering.
(3:26)
University of Central Florida professor John Sacher recently gave a talk at the Orlando Public Library exploring why the Union won the Civil War over the Confederacy. In this excerpt, Sacher compares the leadership styles that influenced that outcome: President Lincoln vs. Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and northern General Ulysses S. Grant and southern General Robert E. Lee.
(9:39)
Participants in Power2Improv's free improvisational comedy class held a hilarious showcase on October 27, 2012 at the Orlando Public Library.
(2:07)
Five very different dance groups exhibiting dance styles from around the globe compete at the 2012 adult Talent X-Travaganza at the Orlando Public Library on September 29, 2012.
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Sherri Flynt, co-author of "SuperSized Kids" and the head of Florida Hospital's Center for Nutritional Excellence, discusses the childhood obesity problem and ways parents can help children make healthier choices about food and nutrition at a program on October 30, 2012 at the Orlando Public Library. (10:24)
Ryan Schram, chief marketing officer of IZEA.com, stops by the Orlando Public Library to speak about new trends in social media, including Facebook marketing, customer relations on Twitter, Pinterest, social media sponsorship and more.
(31:20)
It's the 10th birthday of the Orange County Library System mascot, Squirt -- and children of all ages came out to wish him a happy birthday, play party games and eat birthday cake! Celebrations were held all across the system -- check out some of the fabulous parties right here! (3:58)
Meet Mr. Joel, a real-life alligator wrangler from Gatorland, as he exhibits exotic animals like boa constrictors, bearded dragons and -- of course -- alligators! Learn which species of animal make good pets, and which are better off left in the wild.
(8:49)
The Orange County Library System now offers free access to e-Magazines for our cardholders! Download and read over 250 magazines on your phone, tablet, PC, Mac or supported e-reader. (0:32)
Take a look at the brand new OCLS Mobile, a breakthrough way to explore the Library using your iPhone or iPod Touch. Search the catalog, access your account, find Library locations and driving directions, learn about upcoming events, watch videos, and more! Start using it today at
m.ocls.info.
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Staff and patrons of the Orange County Library System wish Squirt, the system's mascot, a happy 10th birthday!
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Pianist Yehaa! Bob visits Library Central to play for and sing along with elementary-schoolers.
(19:45)
At West Oaks, learn how to use the "Egg-Bot," a unique machine able to draw on eggs and other curved surfaces. Join us as we make science and art-based crafts using mixed media to explore science and future technology! Registration required. (1:08)
Hear the poems, stories and real-life tales of the competitors in the 2012 Talent X-Travaganza, held at the Orlando Public Library!
(19:45)
Geddy the Gecko visits children at the Orlando Public Library for a cha-cha-dancing good time!
(2:17)
Attendees of the Latin Cultural Expo at the Orlando Public Library enjoyed learning about the art, music and culture of the many countries of Latin America.
(1:58)
Jiggleman brings his unique brand of comedy to the Orlando Public Library to thrill adults and children alike. (1:43)
Author, artist and Caldecott Medal honoree John Rocco reads his book, "Wolf! Wolf!" to an audience of children at the Orlando Public Library.
(7:49)
Virnell Ann Bruce, author of the one-woman play "Shells: A Cameo of Anne Morrow Lindbergh," speaks at the Orlando Public Library about the writer's works, accomplishments and marriage to aviator Charles Lindbergh. (23:43)
Kendra Lott, publisher of the magazine
Edible Orlando, visits the Orlando Public Library to introduce patrons to Central Florida's varied and differing options for delicious local autumn seafood and produce.
(12:45)
Authors featured in Burrow Press' short story collection, "15 Views of Orlando," read their work at the Orlando Public Library. (21:41)
Jessica Martinez, author of Young Adult novel
Virtuosity, speaks to teens at the Orlando Public Library about writing from experience and the creation of book covers. (15:59)
Corb Sarchet, Orange County Library System Trustee Emeritus, talks about his memories of living in Orlando, including the planning and construction of the Orlando Public Library and founding Fiesta in the Park. (15:16)
Doc Lucky Meisenheimer, Orlando resident and holder of the Guinness world record for the world's largest yo-yo collection, demonstrates yo-yo tricks at the Orlando Public Library. (1:35)
Teen Battle of the Bands is back at the Orlando Public Library for 2012. Enjoy performances by iStaredMedusaDown, Jetsail Drive, and first-place winners Eden. (10:16)
Famed attorney, media commentator, and author Marcia Clark visits the Orlando Public Library to talk about her new novel,
Guilt by Degrees, and her transition from prosecutor to novelist. (10:26)
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs discusses her life in Orlando, how much the city has changed, and her favorite local places to go. (2:55)
Ken Melrose presents the Orange County Library System with a check for $1,000,000 as the library unveils its plans for the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation & Creativity at the Orlando Public Library. Follow the Center's progress at
tic.ocls.info. (16:10)
Interested in running your own food truck business, but not sure how to get started? Learn the ins and outs of the world of food trucks in this panel discussion featuring the owners of some of Orlando's best gourmet food trucks. Moderated by Mark Baratelli, creator of
The Daily City and The Food Truck Bazaar, and presented by the Orange County Library System.
(57:43)
Central Florida elementary, middle, and high school steppers from are back in action at the 7th annual Step Off! competition at the Orlando Public Library. (33:59)
OneClickdigital is the newest way to discover and download audiobooks from the Orange County Library System. Watch this video for a quick introduction to the service, and get started at
ocls.info/oneclickdigital. (1:43)
Glen "Big Baby" Davis of the Orlando Magic visits the Orlando Public Library to announce the brand new partnership between the Orange County Library System and the Glen "Big Baby" Davis Foundation, as well as to discuss the importance of libraries and to meet some of his fans!
(6:51)
