Carve Out Some time to Visit Your Library This Fall

When was the last time you visited your local library? The Orange County Library System has locations throughout the county, including four branches in the Midtown Press service area: Hiawassee Branch at 7391 W. Colonial Dr., Fairview Shores Branch at 902 Lee Road in the Walmart Neighborhood Market plaza, West Oaks Branch at 1821 E. Silver Star Road in Ocoee, and Winter Garden Branch at 805 E. Plant St.

Junior scientists can explore STEAM concepts with Fossil Finders and Dino Names on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Nov. 5, at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, 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.

Adults can get in on the prehistoric fun, too. 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. 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.

Beyond the dinosaurs, teens looking for community service hours can volunteer with the library's literary zines. The Clementine Chronicles meets at Hiawassee Branch on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, creators of West Oaks Branch's The Pulp Pages meet on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m.

West Oaks Branch also offers opportunities to explore local history and hands-on learning. Living historian and educator Jim Sawgrass will present Native American History, Music and Dance on Friday, Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m., sharing insights into the lives and culture of Indigenous Floridians.

If your houseplants are struggling, the Plant Clinic at West Oaks can help. Bring your plants and questions on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10:15 a.m. Master Gardener Volunteers from the UF/ IFAS Orange County Extension Office will be available to offer guidance and answer gardening questions.

For those who prefer more hands-on hobbies, Winter Garden offers a variety of crochet, sewing and knitting classes. The three-part beginner series, Stitch-by-Stitch: Knitting Level 1 & Beyond, teaches foundational knit and purl stitches while helping participants master casting on with confidence. Classes meet Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19, from 3 to 5 p.m.

At Fairview Shores Branch, fantasy fans can take center stage with Let's Play Dungeons & Dragons: Forge Your Hero on Saturdays, Nov. 14 and 28, at 11 a.m. Participants can bring their Dungeons & Dragons characters to life in 3D using Hero Forge.

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

The library even offers you a convenient way to participate in the democratic process! Cast your ballot during early voting from Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1, at Fairview Shores, Hiawassee, West Oaks, and Winter Garden branches. Fairview Shores and West Oaks will also serve as Election Day polling sites on Tuesday, Nov. 3.