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A New Horizon for Orange County Library System

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There’s always a lot to enjoy with Orange County Library System (OCLS), and now, there are even more options for fun. OCLS’s newest location, Horizon West Branch, just opened. The 20,000-square-foot branch is located at 4657 Hamlin Groves Trail in Winter Garden and is adjacent to Horizon West Regional Park. Together, the park and library create an educational and recreational destination for all ages.

From story times to citizen science and technology classes, find programming and events online at ocls.org/horizonwest. Come explore and see all Horizon West Branch has to offer!

The fun continues this fall as the Hiawassee and South Trail branches embrace a Mesozoic mood with Dino-vember programs for all ages throughout November.

Junior scientists can explore dino-themed STEAM concepts at Hiawassee on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Nov. 5, at 4:30 p.m., and at South Trail on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m.

On Friday, Nov. 6, at Hiawassee, Artsy Toddlers can create a dinosaur-inspired work of art at 3 p.m. Children ages 6-12 can return at 4:30 p.m. to learn something new, get inspired, and unleash their creativity as they create a dinosaur egg masterpiece. At South Trail, teens can mold their own clay dino planter on Thursday, Nov. 12 and 19, at 4 p.m., and junior artists can create a dino-inspired work of art on Monday, Nov. 23, at 4 p.m.

Related: Open a World of Possibility With Your Library Card

Adults can get in on the prehistoric fun, too. Visit Hiawassee to try Dinosaur Origami on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 4 p.m., or learn basic hand-sewing skills while making Dinosaur Ornaments on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. On Monday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m., pick up a new book about ancient fossils and create a Dinosaur Bookmark. At South Trail, prehistoric fun for adults includes making a No Sew Dino Bag on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 5:30 p.m., or weaving a T-Rex Tapestry on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m.

Seniors can join the fun with Mini Dino Magnet Painting on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., and Dinosaur Trivia and Coffee for Seniors on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m., at Hiawassee. South Trail will host Senior Kick Backs: Dino Felties on Monday, Nov. 23, at 10:30 a.m.

Plus, bring the whole family to South Trail for Family Fun: Dino Bingo on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m.

As fall turns to winter, the Florida Children’s Museum brings the Mobile Museum Library Program to branches across Orange County. Drop in during this 90-minute program to hear stories, explore art, engage your senses, and enjoy hands-on play. The program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers, though children younger than 3 are also welcome.

Find the Mobile Museum Library Program at Alafaya on Monday, Dec. 7, at 10:15 a.m.; North Orange Branch on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m.; Winter Garden Branch on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m.; and Southwest Branch on Friday, Dec. 11, at 10:30 a.m.

Then, for those looking to curl up with a good read this winter, OCLS will release its curated Best Books of 2026 list in December. Librarians and staff reviewed new releases throughout the year, looking for outstanding titles readers may have missed. After months of reading and discussion, staff will publish the list just in time for winter break reading. Watch for the list this December in “Books & Beyond” and online.

With these events and many more across 16 library locations, Orange County Library System offers something for everyone. Visit ocls.org to discover even more programs, explore your favorite hobbies, and learn about the value your library provides.

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 Sponsored by Orange County Library System. All images courtesy of Orange County Library System. Originally published in the November/December 2026 issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine.