Steve Powell, Library Director/CEO, Orange County Library System

Open a World of Possibility With Your Library Card

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September is Library Card Sign-up Month, the perfect reminder that a 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 connect with your community, a library card is your key to endless possibilities for learning, creativity and connection.

The Library offers free services, programs, and classes for everyone—from infants to seniors.

In Case You’re Interested:

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Prefer virtual options? We’ve got those, too.

Visit any of our 15 locations across Orange County to chat with our friendly staff and pick up a full schedule of events.

Early Literacy

Developing early literacy skills is essential for healthy development in babies and young children, and reading out loud every day is a key component of that. The early childhood programming at the Orange County Library System is designed to support the developmental needs of your child from the day they are born and helps prepare them for kindergarten.

Each of our locations hosts weekly story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Find the perfect story time for your family at ocls.org/storytime.

Hispanic Heritage

Celebrate culture and creativity during Hispanic Heritage Month at the library, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Learn about Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina to go to space, prepare and sample traditional Mexican snacks, or explore the art of Frida Kahlo with engaging and hands-on programming.

The whole family will enjoy our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at 11 a.m. at Orlando Public Library. The event features a live art demonstration by artist Rafael Diez, music from guitarist German Collazos, and a vibrant dance performance by México Danza Orlando.

Community Art Program

Our Yarnfiti Community Art installation will be unveiled during the Fall Fiber Festival at Orlando Public Library on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 1:30 p.m. The day will include fiber art demonstrations and displays from local guilds and vendors, in addition to our space-themed collaborative community art display.

  • You can also explore the furthest reaches of the OCLS galaxy with Yarnfiti installations at the Chickasaw, North Orange, Southwest, West Oaks, Windermere, and Winter Garden branches through Oct. 31. For more details, visit ocls.info/yarnfiti.
Yarnfiti at Orange County Public Library System
Yarnfiti at Orange County Public Library System

Trick or Treat Safe Zone

Celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun environment at Orlando Public Library and Orange County Regional History Center’s Trick or Treat Safe Zone event Sunday, Oct. 12, from 1-3 p.m. Kids can dress up in family-friendly costumes and enjoy fun activities including themed crafts and a scavenger hunt and, of course, treats!

Don’t forget to bring your candy bag and remember not to bring any props that resemble real weapons.

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 today.

Orlando Public Library and Orange County Regional History Center’s Trick or Treat Safe Zone — Orange County Public Library System

Presented by Orange County Library System | Originally published in the Sep/Oct 2025 Issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine | Featured Image: Steve Powell, Library Director/CEO, Orange County Library System