Library Corner | By Steve Powell, Library Director/CEO, Orange County Library System | Photos courtesy of Orange County Library System
September is National Library Card Signup Month, and your free Orange County library card opens up a world of learning, fun and community. Whether you're looking to level up your tech skills, help your teen build real-world experience, or simply connect with your community, your library card is your key to a world of learning, creativity, and connection.
We offer free services, programs, and classes for everyone—from infants to seniors. Prefer virtual options? We’ve got those, too. Visit your local branch to chat with our friendly staff and pick up a full schedule of events.
Every Saturday in September, Windermere Branch hosts Adult Game Time from 3–5 p.m. Join us for fun and friendly competition—whether you're into party games, strategy showdowns, or solo play, there’s a game (and a new friend) waiting for you.
For adults who want to improve their computer skills, Windermere Branch has an Excel series in September. Learn to create, finalize and secure spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel 1 and 2 beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Continue the learning with functions and advanced tools at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, during Microsoft Excel 3 and 4. Visit ocls.org or stop into the branch to sign up and hold your spot.
Families, on Saturday, Sept. 6, Puppet Boot Camp 2025 begins! This 5-part series at Windermere Branch explores different ways objects are brought to life. Come to one session or come to them all, but registration is required. You won’t want to miss this special series. Get crafty together at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with Mexican Folk Art. You’ll celebrate Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month by creating your own craft honoring Mexican folk art.
Tech- and music-minded teens have some great opportunities at Windermere Branch this month. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Homeschool Teen Technology Class will get hands on with coding and robotics using LEGO Spike Prime. Step into songwriting and learn about the intersection of rhythm and performing with BandLab on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. These classes require registration and fill up quickly so register soon at ocls.org.
Come join us at Orlando Public Library for some big events happening downtown in September. Grow your sustainability knowledge and know-how on Saturday, Sept. 6, at GreenFest. From 1-5 p.m. meet local organizations that offer green, eco-friendly resources like composting and recycling. Learn the basics of beekeeping, pollinator gardening and more. Visit ocls.org/greenfest for the schedule of events and information about participating organizations.
The Fall Fiber Fest on Sunday, Sept. 21, will gather local vendors, authors and guilds to kick off our monthlong Yarnfiti celebration. Join in with the collaborative art project that attendees will be invited to work on, as well as a space-themed take and make craft. This year Yarnfiti will be featured across several locations: Southwest, Melrose, North Orange, Windermere, Chickasaw, West Oaks and Winter Garden branches, inviting customers to explore the furthest reaches of the OCLS galaxy. For more details, visit ocls.info/yarnfiti.
From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., experience a free afternoon of indie cinema at the Melrose Film Festival at Orlando Public Library. Join us for an afternoon of short film screenings and a filmmaker Q & A panel. Programs include Animation, Short Films, Documentary and AI. Details at ocls.org/Melrose-film-festival.
No matter your interest or age, OCLS offers ways to learn, grow, and connect. Visit ocls.org or your local branch to start your journey.
Orange County Library System | ocls.org
