May 1, 2013
MAY MEANS MOTHERS AND MORE
It's hard to believe it's already May. And May 12 is Mother's Day. So first and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to all the "Moms" and of course "Grandmoms" out there. Here at the Orange County Library System, we continue to celebrate Viva Florida 500, the milestone anniversary of Ponce de Leon's historic landing on the state's east coast in 2013. As part of the celebration, the Flamenco Puro Dance Troupe will perform at the Orlando Public Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. Why not treat your Mom to this free performance as a special way to celebrate Mother's Day?
May is also Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month which coincides with the library's program series The Big Read in honor of Asian American author Amy Tan. Throughout the month, we will host events at multiple locations celebrating the many and proud accomplishments of Asian Americans. There are entertaining programs ranging from crafts and Chinese kites for kids to Tai Chi demos, book discussions and a Japanese Taiko drum performance for all to enjoy. Come learn about the healing spices of Asia or explore local Asian eateries with food blogger and author Ricky Ly.
We invite you to make the most of May with OCLS. As always, we endeavor to enlighten, enrich and entertain. See you at the library!
The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Visit www.neabigread.org for more information.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 9:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 1, 2013
It's a Natural
For the last several years, the Orange County Library System has been pleased to offer Citizenship Inspired, a multi-week program to help local immigrants prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. The free program has enjoyed a high pass rate with many participants going on to successfully become U.S. citizens. This month, we will honor new citizens with a special Naturalization Ceremony on Tuesday, April 16 at 10 a.m. Come share the joy with new U.S. citizens as they take the Oath of Allegiance at the Orlando Public Library.
It was in April 1513 when Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon made his historic landing on Florida's east coast. And this month, the celebration of Viva Florida 500 continues with programs and events at all library locations. A highlight this month is our cover feature, a Second Saturday program Claiming La Florida for King and Cross. Actor Chaz Mena will portray Pedro Menendez de Aviles--the Founder of St. Augustine, Governor of La Florida and acclaimed Spanish Admiral.
National Library Week also falls in April. So what better time to join the Friends of the Library? To sweeten the deal, the Friends are hosting a membership drive. Anyone who joins as a new member or upgrades his or her current membership is entered in a drawing to win great prizes. Yes, April marks National Library Week, but I encourage you to enjoy our many resources 365 days a year.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 10:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 1, 2013
America's Music!
March means "music" here at the Orange County Library System. This month, we kick off a six-week series of public programs celebrating uniquely American music genres. The special series includes live performances, documentary screenings and scholar-led discussions. Check out the outstanding line-up for America's Music.
Saving money is always in style and OCLS wants to teach you how. Please join us for a session of Consumer Savvy. Stop by and discover tricks and tips to budget better. This workshop will be offered at three library locations this month. Throughout 2013, the library is celebrating Viva Florida -- the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon's arrival on Florida's east coast. Every month, we'll offer a host of programs to commemorate 500 years of Florida history and the different cultures that thrive together in Florida today. In honor of our state's rich and diverse cultural heritage, OCLS will bring you many occasions to celebrate Viva Florida 500. We hope to see you there.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 12:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 1, 2013
Love Your Library!
February means Valentine's Day and the month brings you many opportunities to love your library. February is also Black History Month. Come check out a special art exhibit in honor of the occasion. Personalities by Dr. Michael Shelton will be on display at the Washington Park Branch. The exhibit features life-size figures in oil. Join us at the branch to meet the artist during the opening reception on Tuesday, February 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Next we have a delicious opportunity to show your love for the library. All you have to do is dine at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza at 8031 Turkey Lake Road any Tuesday in February. Tell your server you're there to support the library and the restaurant will donate 20 percent of your bill to the Orange County Library System. How simple is that?
Wrap up your month on a musical note when Derek of Derek and the Slammers performs live at the Edgewater Branch Library. The concert is Saturday, February 23 at 2:30 p.m. This free family event brings fresh fun to the library and is yet one more way to celebrate February with us. Hope to see you there!
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 9:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 31, 2012
Happy New Year!
The year 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León's landing on Florida's east coast. Throughout the year, the library system will host a series of programs, performances and special events to commemorate Florida's rich heritage and diverse cultural history. We invite you to celebrate this major milestone with us beginning on Saturday, January 12 when a Ponce de León re-enactor visits the Orlando Public Library for a special performance.
If saving money is among your New Year's resolutions, we have a new service for you. The Orange County Library System now offers more than 250 e-magazine titles through Zinio for Libraries. The e-magazines can be read on your computer and a variety of mobile devices. Please check out this amazing new way to save on magazine subscriptions.
Finally as the Orange County Library System's director and CEO, of course I've "liked" OCLS on Facebook and encourage you to do the same in order to see and participate in the institution's dynamic programming, special events and community outreach. And Facebook isn't the only place for friends. If you're not already a member of the Friends of the Library, please consider joining in 2013. You'll help the library and enjoy some great special benefits at the same time. Here's to a great year.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 2:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 3, 2012
Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays! This special season is upon us and OCLS is here to help you celebrate. This month, we have a host of holiday programs to bring the season to life.
The holiday theme continues throughout the month with programs at multiple library locations. Representatives from the University of Florida Extension Service will offer instructions for making gifts from the kitchen this holiday season. What could be more personal than a home-made gift crafted with love? Learn how to create such gifts by attending one of the programs offered at six different branches this month.
Our Gifts & Greetings shop at the Main library has plenty of stocking stuffers and gifts for everyone on your list. Still stumped on what to get? Then pick up one of our convenient gift cards. You can't go wrong when the recipient selects his or her own gift! Finally as 2012 comes to a close, you have our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright new year.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 12:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 1, 2012
College Bound & Thanksgiving!
Welcome to November at the Orange County Library System. This month our special College Bound program series continues as we present The Gates Millennium Scholarship on Saturday, November 24 at the Orlando Public Library. Students and parents are invited to come learn about this scholarship program that awards 1,000 high school seniors each year with a good-through-graduation scholarship for the college or university of their choice.
The holidays are just around the corner and now is the time to stock up on stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for friends and family. Gifts & Greetings on the first floor of the Orlando Public Library features greeting cards for all occasions plus distinctive jewelry and accessories, office supplies, magnets and more. Check it out next time you're at our downtown location. You'll find affordable gifts and support the Friends of the Library at the same time.
Also in the spirit of the season, LuAnn Duncan from the University of Florida IFAS Extension will share tips for a terrific Thanksgiving Dinner at two library locations this month. Learn helpful hints for your best Thanksgiving ever and kick this special season off in style. As a reminder, the Orange County Library System will be closed for the holiday on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
Posted by Mary Anne Hodel at 10:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
