Library Leader 2013-05-31T19:16:50Z Library Leader tag:blog.ocls.info,2013:/Director/21 Movable Type Copyright (c) 2013, director MESSAGE TO KIDS: KEEP READING THIS SUMMER! 2013-05-31T19:16:50Z 2013-05-31T19:07:52Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2013:/Director/21.3047 2013-05-31T19:07:52Z It's official. School lets out for summer on June 5 in Orange County. And just a few days later on June 8, the library system will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program. Entertaining learning events will be offered at... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info General Library News It's official. School lets out for summer on June 5 in Orange County. And just a few days later on June 8, the library system will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program. Entertaining learning events will be offered at all library locations all summer long. Children and teens can earn rewards for reading and more. It doesn't matter what you read but it does matter that you keep reading so you return to school refreshed and ready to take on the next grade level.

Ready to put the textbooks away and pick up something lighter such as a comic book? You're in luck! OCLS has a new Comic Book Club at the West Oaks Branch Library. The club's next meeting is at the end of the month on Saturday, June 29 at 2 p.m. Please join us to read and discuss some great graphic novels from the past and present.

We're almost halfway through 2013, the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's landing on Florida's east coast. We've been celebrating all year, and the festivities continue this month with two very special performances by the Talako Indian Dancers. Stop by to see them at the Herndon Branch on Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m. or at the Edgewater Branch the following Friday, June 21, also at 11 a.m. We hope to see you there.

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> MAY MEANS MOTHERS AND MORE 2013-05-01T13:25:59Z 2013-05-01T13:18:54Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2013:/Director/21.3024 2013-05-01T13:18:54Z 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... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info General Library News 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

]]> It's a Natural 2013-04-01T14:52:12Z 2013-04-01T14:36:03Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2013:/Director/21.3014 2013-04-01T14:36:03Z 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... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info General Library News 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

]]> America's Music! 2013-03-01T17:59:13Z 2013-03-01T17:51:40Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2013:/Director/21.3007 2013-03-01T17:51:40Z 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... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info 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

]]> Love Your Library! 2013-02-01T14:58:06Z 2013-02-01T14:36:00Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2013:/Director/21.3001 2013-02-01T14:36:00Z 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... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info 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

]]> Happy New Year! 2012-12-31T19:41:48Z 2012-12-31T19:14:46Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2990 2012-12-31T19:14:46Z Join us for a series of programs, performances, & special events highlighting the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León's landing on Florida's coast. Save money with the e-magazine service through Zinio & don't forget to Like us on Facebook & become a member of the Friends of the Orange County Library System. director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info 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

]]> Happy Holidays! 2012-12-03T17:45:26Z 2012-12-03T17:13:37Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2980 2012-12-03T17:13:37Z 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... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info 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

]]> College Bound & Thanksgiving! 2012-11-01T15:06:38Z 2012-11-01T14:39:46Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2969 2012-11-01T14:39:46Z 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... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info General Library News 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

]]> Happy Birthday Squirt! 2012-10-01T21:24:44Z 2012-10-01T21:18:22Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2958 2012-10-01T21:18:22Z Greetings Friends! October is cause for celebration. Our mascot, fondly known as Squirt, turns 10 this month. And OCLS loves a good party. In honor of the occasion, we have lots of family fun on tap this month. We're hosting... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info Greetings Friends!

October is cause for celebration. Our mascot, fondly known as Squirt, turns 10 this month. And OCLS loves a good party. In honor of the occasion, we have lots of family fun on tap this month. We're hosting birthday parties at eight library locations in October. Join us for crafts, games and of course, birthday cake.

If you or your child is gearing up for college, you're in luck. This month, the library system kicks off a special program series called College Bound. It promises an informed view into all things college with topics on everything from acing entrance exams to developing solid study skills.

Attention teens - October 15-19 is Teen Read Week. In the spirit of the season, OCLS will be offering Halloween-themed programs to celebrate the week. From a "creature feature" film screening to a "Zombie Teen Party," it all awaits at a library near you. Come celebrate with us!

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> Fall is on its way 2012-08-31T13:35:48Z 2012-08-31T13:23:57Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2523 2012-08-31T13:23:57Z School is back in session and cooler days are on the horizon. While the dog days of summer are on the wane, there's a chance to enjoy another kind of dog day at the library this month. On Saturday, September... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info School is back in session and cooler days are on the horizon. While the dog days of summer are on the wane, there's a chance to enjoy another kind of dog day at the library this month. On Saturday, September 15, our friends at the Orlando Dog Training Club will take to the stage in Library Central at the Orlando Public Library. See pets perform amazing tricks plus learn all about proper training and pet safety. The fun starts at 2 p.m. that day.

September also brings some enjoyable ways to help your local library system. All you have to do is dine at Ethos Vegan Kitchen anytime on Thursday, September 13. The restaurant will donate 5% of all sales that day to OCLS. Ethos Vegan Kitchen is located at 601-B South New York Avenue in Winter Park. Shopping the Friends of the Library Book Sale is another great way to help OCLS this month. Everything is 50% off so you'll score some great bargains with all proceeds benefitting the Friends of the Library.

Finally all month long we will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with events at multiple library locations. Music, art, authors and more are among the many festivities planned. Join us for one or more of the many occasions to celebrate this rich and special heritage.

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> Back to School 2012-08-07T13:46:30Z 2012-08-07T13:42:32Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2513 2012-08-07T13:42:32Z Where did the summer go? It's hard to believe but students in Orange County will head back to school on Monday, August 20. To help kids and parents prepare for the transition, the library is hosting a number of programs... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info Where did the summer go? It's hard to believe but students in Orange County will head back to school on Monday, August 20. To help kids and parents prepare for the transition, the library is hosting a number of programs to get everyone ready to return to school.

Think you have star qualities? Then come shine with us and audition for the OCLS Talent X-Travaganza, our first-ever adult talent show. Performers are being accepted in the categories of music, dance, poetry and comedy. Auditions will be held the week of August 20. To sign up or learn more, please call 407.835.7481.

Finally, end your summer on a lovable literary note. It's our Local Authors Festival featuring Central Florida romance writers. Come celebrate Romance Awareness Month on Saturday, August 25 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Orlando Public Library. All participating authors will have books available for purchase and signing. Hope to see you there!

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> Summer Fun and Summer Safety 2012-07-16T21:28:11Z 2012-07-02T16:42:49Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2344 2012-07-02T16:42:49Z Welcome summer! It's a favorite season for many. And here at OCLS, we want it to be a safe time for you and your family. Throughout the month, we'll be offering a host of programs on a wide array of... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info Welcome summer! It's a favorite season for many. And here at OCLS, we want it to be a safe time for you and your family. Throughout the month, we'll be offering a host of programs on a wide array of summer safety topics. Please join us to learn tips for staying safe while enjoying healthy summer fun.

School's out and that means the library's annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) is in full gear. There are lots of fun, free programs to keep the learning alive. It's a great way for students to avoid regressing and losing any of the hard-earned knowledge from the school year they just finished. SRP programs can be found for all ages at all locations all summer long.

Why not try your hand at vegetable gardening this summer? Homegrown veggies are simply the best, and you can easily enjoy them with just a little effort. Local gardening expert Ed Thralls will visit four library locations this month to share tips for getting started. Hope to see you there.

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> Summer Reading, Weather and Fun 2012-05-29T15:12:33Z 2012-05-29T15:01:41Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2324 2012-05-29T15:01:41Z School lets out for summer this month but that doesn't mean so long to reading. Here at the Orange County Library System, we will be celebrating reading all season long as part of our annual Summer Reading Program. We have... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info School lets out for summer this month but that doesn't mean so long to reading. Here at the Orange County Library System, we will be celebrating reading all season long as part of our annual Summer Reading Program. We have a host of fun, free events scheduled at all locations so students, please don't miss out on the excitement. On Friday, June 15, Radio Disney will bring its road show to the Main Library with music, dancing, prizes and more.

And summer reading isn't just for kids. Once again this year, OCLS will offer an Adult Summer Reading Program as well. This entertaining series includes weekly programs, selected readings and contests with great prizes.

Unfortunately, summer also brings hurricane season and OCLS can help you prepare for any storms. This month, the library is teaming up with meteorologists from Central Florida News 13 to present a Hurricane Preparedness seminar. This informative session will be offered at the Southwest Branch on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m. Come learn how to plan ahead and keep your family safe.

Father's Day is this month as well and kids are invited to join us at the Orlando Public Library on Saturday, June 9 for a craft-making class to create a special gift for Dad. This session will be offered in both English and Spanish. And to all the Dads out there, Happy Father's Day from the Orange County Library System!

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> Be a Friend! 2012-04-30T13:05:26Z 2012-04-30T13:01:34Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2308 2012-04-30T13:01:34Z I would be remiss if I didn't lead off this letter with a huge and heartfelt "Thank you." If you haven't heard by now, the Orange County Library System was blessed with an extremely generous gift last month. It was... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info I would be remiss if I didn't lead off this letter with a huge and heartfelt "Thank you." If you haven't heard by now, the Orange County Library System was blessed with an extremely generous gift last month. It was an extraordinary moment when the library system accepted a $1 million dollar donation from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation. This gift will be used to create The Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation & Creativity. It will be located on the second floor of the Orlando Public Library. Stay tuned for exciting changes ahead. The library system is truly honored to have this Center in memory of Dorothy Lumley Melrose.

OCLS is pleased to have a very special Second Saturday on tap this month. On Saturday, May 12 prosecutor-turned-author Marcia Clark will give a talk at the Orlando Public Library at 2 p.m. The attorney, who gained national attention during the O.J. Simpson trial, will discuss her new book Guilt by Degrees.

Finally, the Friends of the Library will host a half-off sale in the Bookstore at the Main Library May 17 - 20. This is a great chance to stock up on reading materials at bargain prices. The store has titles from all genres and is also a terrific place to pick up treasured out-of-print books. Don't miss the good deals!

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]> Celebrate National Poetry Month! 2012-04-02T13:30:27Z 2012-03-27T21:44:22Z tag:blog.ocls.info,2012:/Director/21.2290 2012-03-27T21:44:22Z William Wordsworth once said, "Poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge." And April marks National Poetry Month, a celebration established by the Academy of American Poets. OCLS will be joining with the academy to widen awareness to... director hodel.maryanne@ocls.info William Wordsworth once said, "Poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge." And April marks National Poetry Month, a celebration established by the Academy of American Poets. OCLS will be joining with the academy to widen awareness to the art of poetry, to living poets, to historic poets, and to poetry books and resources. Discover your inner poet by attending one of the many related programs offered at the Orlando Public Library this month.

With this month also comes National Library Week which runs from April 8 - 14 this year. As part of the celebration of libraries, we're inviting people to become a member of the Friends of the Library or upgrade their current membership. By doing so, they'll automatically be entered in a drawing to win great prizes. The Friends of the Library support OCLS with additional funds for programs and other community resources. Help the library by joining the Friends and you may even end up a prize winner!

Another highlight of this time of year is our Annual Author Event at the Southwest Branch hosted in conjunction with the Dr. Phillips Rotary. This is our 7th annual such event and it promises to be a real treat featuring Florida author Tim Dorsey. The author of 15 books, Dorsey is known for titles such as Pineapple Grenade, Hurricane Punch and Atomic Lobster. His speaking is as spirited as his writing so don't miss the chance to hear from a Florida favorite. Hope to see you there.

Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO

]]>