April 30, 2012
Be a Friend!
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
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March 27, 2012
Celebrate National Poetry Month!
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
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March 1, 2012
Spring Is Just Around the Corner!
Spring is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to check out the library. This month, authors from all over Florida will discuss their books and experiences as writers. Join us at the Orlando Public Library and our branches to meet a New York Times best-selling author, a former U.S. Army officer turned author, and even a mother who managed to turn her hobby into a career. Attend these programs to learn more about our All About Authors series.
As tax season continues, OCLS is pleased to offer free income tax assistance at four library locations. To find tax help at a library near you, please visit www.ocls.info for locations, dates and times. Best of all, the free assistance will be offered right up until tax day. So what are you waiting for? There may be a refund in your future.
Lastly, special thanks to all the kids who checked out and read 11 books as part of last month's contest. Thanks also to the Glen "Big Baby" Davis Foundation for donating tickets to Orlando Magic games as prizes. To the lucky winners, please keep reading and enjoy the game.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
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February 17, 2012
Love your library this month...
It's February and that means Valentine's Day. In addition to several library programs that celebrate the holiday, we have many more reasons to love your library this month. Tax season is officially upon us and we have Tax Tips programs offered at four branch libraries this month. And as a public service, we will be offering free income tax preparation assistance through AARP at multiple library locations again this year.
E-books are all the rage and that includes at OCLS. Enter Freading, a new way to enjoy e-books from the Orange County Library System. Freading offers thousands of titles from all genres without the worry of late fees. This month also brings the library's e-book Publishing Series, a special eight-week interactive workshop to help authors with self-publishing their work.
The library's Step Off Competition takes to the stage this month as well. Now in its seventh year, the annual event offers high-energy, high-powered thrills as elementary, middle and high schools students step things up in an always fun and sometimes daring dance competition. Happy February and hope to see you there!
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
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December 28, 2011
Happy New Year and Welcome 2012!
The Orange County Library System is delighted to kick off the New Year with a special series called Parenting with a Purpose. Throughout the month, the library will be offering programs that focus on various parenting topics--everything from home schooling to healthy dining for picky little eaters. All 15 libraries will be hosting programs so Moms and Dads please join us at a location near you.
If one of your New Year's resolutions is saving money, you're in luck. The Friends of the Library will be holding a half-off sale in their Bookstore this month. You'll find amazing bargains on all genres. Members of the Friends enjoy an additional 10 percent off plus admission to the preview sale. If you're not already a member, this is a terrific time to join. Start your year with a sound investment and please become a Friend today. Annual memberships start at just $15.
As we start the year full of hope and optimism, I leave with you a favorite quote of mine. It comes from Benjamin Franklin who said, "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man." Happy New Year!
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
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November 23, 2011
Test Your New Toys
The holidays are officially here. And the Orange County Library System is here to help you prepare for and enjoy this special season. Celebrate the season with OCLS, and take in any or all of the numerous musical performances, craft programs, movies and more.
If shopping is on your "to do" list, the library can help as well. Considering buying an e-reader as a gift? Come to one of our Technology Petting Zoos offered at three convenient library locations this month. These events will allow you to try out the newest high tech gadgets before committing to buying one or simply for testing out your new gift.
A host of local writers will be on hand for our second annual Local Authors Festival. This is not only a great chance to meet and mingle with some of Central Florida's most talented authors but also an opportune time to purchase signed copies of their books. A personalized book with a local connection makes quite a thoughtful gift! It's happening December 17 at the Orlando Public Library.
As you plan for this busy season, please note the library system will be closed on Saturday, December 24, Sunday, December 25and Monday, December 26 as well as Sunday, January 1 and Monday, January 2. Until next time, happy shopping, happy holidays, and enjoy this festive time with family and friends. It only happens once a year.
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
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November 1, 2011
Food for thought...
As you countdown to Thanksgiving and the holiday season ahead, there will be plenty of cooking on the horizon. So take a break from the kitchen and help support the library system at the same time. Dine at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza on Tuesday night, November 15 and mention the Orange County Library System and Anthony's will donate 20 percent of sales that night back to OCLS. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza is located at 8031 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando. In addition to its famous coal-fired pies, the menu includes a multitude of creative cuisine from inventive salads and sandwiches to unique Italian entrees.
The following week, we invite you for a behind-the-scenes look at a local trial that fascinated the world. Veteran attorney Jeff Ashton, who gained national notoriety while representing the state in the Casey Anthony trial, will discuss his new book at the Orlando Public Library on Monday, November 21 at 6 p.m. Hear an inside account and a preview of the book Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony. A book signing and sale will be part of this special event.
We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and the occasion to enjoy those things most important in life such as family and friends. As a reminder, all library locations will close at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving eve, and remain closed Thanskgiving Day, Thursday November 24, and the day after, Friday, November 25. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director/CEO
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