Library Corner | By Steve Powell, Library Director/CEO, Orange County Library System | Photos courtesy of Orange County Library System
Libraries are a hub of community activity, supporting learning, growth and development from birth and into school years. But education and personal growth should never stop, and your Orange County Library System supports self-directed, lifelong learning for all ages through free access to programs, classes and a world of materials both in-person and online.
Support for Students
Your library branch is a great resource for students from elementary school through college age. From classes to books or even just a space to study, the library offers an environment of calm learning and support. But did you know OCLS has free online resources to help students achieve success? Brainfuse offers live, online tutors for help in math, science, English, English as a second language, test preparation (such as GED, SAT and ACT), writing assistance and much more. Tutors are available every day from 2-11 p.m. to help students with homework, evaluating research papers, and exam preparation.
Learn a New Language
Windermere Branch offers monthly Spanish and French language classes for kids through its popular homeschool programming. Adults have weekly opportunities to learn and practice English skills, and those in-person classes are supported with a variety of online live classes. But OCLS also offers on-demand online language learning for more than 70 languages, free through the Mango digital language-learning platform. Mango features audio-based courses that utilize conversational, intuitive language learning focused on vocabulary, grammar, culture and pronunciation to teach practical communication skills.
Your Hub for Lifelong Learning
Building new skills or preparing for a new career can take place at any stage of life and OCLS has comprehensive upskill resources for adults, all for free. Library cardholders have unlimited access to professional certificate programs, continuing education credits and much more with LinkedIn Learning. LearningExpress Library has a huge array of professional certification and exam prep with free study tools and practice tests for a variety of careers, including teaching, firefighting and EMT, real estate, civil service, hospitality, and military. Through Big Interview, you can receive personalized, face-to-face interview training and preparation.
Explore all the on-demand virtual learning resources OCLS has to offer anytime by visiting ocls.org/learning-research. Stroll into the Windermere Branch and chat with our friendly staff or pick up a calendar of events to learn more about the offerings in-person right in your neighborhood.
And don’t forget, tickets go on sale October 3 to see bestselling author Nicholas Sparks at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; it’s sure to be a great night you won’t want to miss. Visit ocls.org/NicholasSparks for more information.
Orange County Library System | ocls.org/learning-research
