orlando public library
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The History of Orange County Library System: Glenn Miller and the Orlando Public Library Expansion
Glenn Miller got his start in libraries at an early age. At 16, he was a clerk at Saginaw Public Library in Michigan, and during college, he worked as a reference assistant. After graduating, Miller became the city librarian in Southfield, MI before he and his family moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he accepted…
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The History of Orange County Library System: Clara Wendel & the Construction of Orlando Public Library
On February 1, 1943, Clara Wendel became Orange County Library System’s second library director. Clara was 39 years old when she was selected for the position, and OCLS – still the Albertson Public Library at the time – was celebrating its 20th anniversary. Originally from Illinois, Clara’s family relocated to Gotha, FL in her childhood.…
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The History of Orange County Library System: Proud Past, Bright Future
One hundred years ago, there was no permanent library in Orlando. The only library that existed was a small circulating collection of books owned and loaned by the Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club, a philanthropic women’s organization that still supports education and local charities to this day. Recognizing the demand for a real public library…
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Our History Speaks Volumes: Children’s Library
In July of 1998, work began on a project to relocate the Children’s Library from its original location in the basement of Orlando Public Library, to the east wing of the first floor. The move – which was overseen by then Library Director Dorothy Field – was part of a concerted effort to enhance Orange…
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Our History Speaks Volumes: Light Waves Sculpture
Created by artist Christopher Janney, Light Waves is a unique glass sculpture comprised of four colored bands that bathe the western facade of Orlando Public Library in different spectrums of color depending on the position of the sun. The sculpture also includes a series of touch plates which, when pressed in a specific order, will…
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Our History Speaks Volumes: Orlando Public Library’s Expansion
April 6, 2020 marks the 35th anniversary of Orlando Public Library’s 230,000 square foot expansion. In 1966, when the building was first constructed, it occupied a comparatively meager 60,000 square feet. However, it was always the intention to further expand upon the library, and that consideration went into the original structure’s design by architect John M.…
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This Collection is Magic
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main…and best of all, you can enjoy these riches everyday of your life.” – Walt Disney Enter the treasure trove of Orange County Library System’s The Disney Collection and discover a wealth of…
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