Library Corner | By Steve Powell, Library Director/CEO, Orange County Library System | Photos Provided by Orange County Library System
Summer is winding down, the new school year is approaching fast and your Orange County Library System is ready to support you with free learning resources and fun, fascinating programming for all ages.
Did you know your local library offers job-search assistance, language classes and computer classes both online and in-person? Did you know we offer yoga, art and crafting programs for all ages. Did you know students can access test prep materials and live, online tutors free every day through Brainfuse? Or that we have robust resources to support entrepreneurs, nonprofits and workforce development? In Orange County and across Florida, libraries help residents learn, work, connect and participate in civic life.
Join us as we celebrate West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center’s 25th anniversary with a full week of themed activities, community spirit and library fun. Each day, August 25 through 29, highlights a different chapter of West Oaks’ story.
West Oaks: Celebrating 25 Years kicks off on Tuesday, August 25, with history and genealogy programming. Meet local heritage groups, explore exhibits and learn how family history research has evolved over time with Roots Through Time: A Genealogy Celebration. Wednesday celebrates community helpers and families can enjoy cookies and milk with Ocoee police officers as they read to and interact with families and kids at 11 a.m. followed by Touch a Truck with real firefighters from Ocoee Fire Department at 4 p.m. Enjoy West Oaks’ garden on Thursday with special outdoor Artsy Toddler programming at 11 a.m. and Crafternoon in the Garden at 3:30 p.m. Friday, August 28, check out a multisensory Throwback Interactive Exhibit showcasing popular culture and technology from the early 2000s at 3:30 p.m. The celebration all comes to a fantastic close on Saturday, August 29, with a Homecoming Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Share stories with current and former West Oaks staff members, enjoy treats and participate in photo opportunities.
Interested in other celebration-worthy programming? Your Windermere Branch delivers free programming and resources that support learning for the whole family as well as a free and accessible third space for the community to gather, learn and connect. Discover all your library has to offer by visiting any of our 15 locations in person or exploring resources online at ocls.org.
