Celebrate February 2024 Holidays at the Orange County Library
Celebrate February 2024 Holidays at the Orange County Library – February is Black History Month and Orange County Library System invites the community to learn about and appreciate the achievements of Black artists, authors and activists all month long. Meet and greet with local artist Jamile B. Johnson on Saturday, February 10, and award-winning author Margaret Edwards on Saturday, February 24, at Eatonville branch or watch performances by African folklore group Orisirisi at branches throughout the month. Patrons can enjoy the annual African American Read-In, featuring local luminaries reading African American poetry, stories and songs on Sunday, February 18, at Orlando Public Library.
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What:
Chinese New Year begins on February 10, 2024. OCLS kicks off the Year of the Dragon Sunday, February 4, at Orlando Public Library with a celebration of Chinese New Year culture and customs presented by The Chinese School of CAACF, Inc. Check the library’s catalog for more events exploring Chinese New Year traditions.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a special after-hours event with bestselling romance author Susan Mallery on February 14 or join a DIY class to create a heart-shaped candle holder or a handmade gift for that special someone. Visit the catalog for a full listing of Valentine’s Day classes and crafts for all ages.
Registration is strongly recommended for all in-person events due to limited capacity. If you have any questions about the information shared below, call 407.835.7323. Visit us online at ocls.info to register, or to view a complete listing of both virtual and in-person library events.
General Events –
Orisirisi African Folklore
Winter Garden Branch
Saturday, February 3, 1:30 p.m.
South Creek Branch
Monday, February 12, 4:30 p.m.
Alafaya Branch
Sunday, February 25, 2 p.m.
Share the beauty of African life and culture through a unique folkloric performance filled with drumming, dance and storytelling.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Sunday, February 4, 2 p.m.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with The Chinese School of CAACF, Inc. Explore Chinese New Year traditions. To learn more about The Chinese School of CAACF, Inc., visit orlandochineseschool.org.
Local Author Festival
Winter Garden Branch
Saturday, February 10, 2–4 p.m.
Meet and greet local authors at our Local Author Festival. Authors from a variety of genres will share their experiences and books. Each author will have books available for purchase and signing.
Meet The Artist: Jamile B. Johnson
Eatonville Branch
Saturday, February 10, 2–4 p.m.
Capture a glimpse into the world of Jamile B. Johnson as the self-taught artist guides us through the inspiration behind his latest exhibition, entitled Tanager. Registration required.
Melrose Center 10th Anniversary
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center
Saturday, February 10, 2–5 p.m.
The Melrose Center turns 10! Come enjoy a special musical performance by E-Turn and join the fun at a Second Saturday Improv show. Tour the updated studios and spaces and discover how you can get creative with our amazing classes and resources. We’ll also be announcing the return of the Melrose Awards for 2024 – with cash prizes!
Meet the Author: Susan Mallery
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Wednesday, February 14, 7:30–9 p.m.
Join us for a special after-hours event celebrating the launch of The Summer Book Club with bestselling author Susan Mallery! Registration required.
African American Read-In
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Sunday, February 18, 2–3:30 p.m.
Celebrate African American literature in poetry, story and song, performed by local luminaries in conjunction with the 35th Annual National African American Read-In. For more information, visit ocls.info/readin/.
Orlando Game Jam
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center
Information Session
Thursday, February 22, 4–7 p.m.
Resource Availability Window
February 23–24, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
February 25, 10 a.m.–Noon
Are you up for the challenge? Put your skills to the test as you create a video game from scratch in under 72 hours! Join the information session to form your team, learn more about the secret theme and special challenges. The Melrose Center will be open to provide resources during select dates and times. Games will be showcased for play and public voting at the Orlando Gaming Expo. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places! For rules and to register, visit ocls.info/orlando-game-jam.
Meet The Author: Margaret Edwards
Eatonville Branch
Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m.
Join award-winning author Margaret Edwards as she reads excerpts from her memoir Slue Foot: A Black Girl Grows Up in the Midwest. The book follows the experiences of Margaret and her family from sharecropping in Mississippi to a racially segregated small town in southern Illinois. The readings will be followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Orlando Gaming Expo
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center
Sunday, February 25, 1–5:30 p.m.
Play, give feedback and vote on games created during the Orlando Game Jam. Find out which teams will be crowned the winners! Mingle with local video game studios, educators and developers to learn about the amazing things being developed in your town. For more information, visit ocls.info/orlando-gaming-expo.
Youth Events –
Valentine Surprise
South Trail Branch
Thursday, February 1, 10:15 a.m.
North Orange Branch
Thursday, February 1, 11 a.m.
Winter Garden Branch
Tuesday, February 13, 10:30 a.m.
South Creek Branch
Wednesday, February 14, 10:30 a.m.
Chickasaw Branch
Wednesday, February 14, 11 a.m.
Create heart-shaped Valentine crafts to surprise the special people in your life! Listen to stories and play games to fill your heart with love.
Orlando Ballet Presents: Sleeping Beauty Storytime
Alafaya Branch
Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m.
Enter the fairytale world of Sleeping Beauty with this enchanting storytime. Engage in the story through dance as the Orlando Ballet guides families through creative movements. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Baby’s First Valentine’s Day!
Southeast Branch
Monday, February 5, 10:15 a.m.
North Orange Branch
Tuesday, February 27, 11 a.m.
Explore sensory activities made with love and help baby develop fine and gross motor skills.
Black History Science Smart
Eatonville Branch
Tuesday, February 6, 3:30 p.m.
Washington Park Branch
Wednesday, February 7, 4 p.m.
Hiawassee Branch
Tuesday, February 13, 5 p.m.
Celebrate Black History with a look at scientists and inventors who’ve made us change the way we look at the world. Enjoy facts, trivia and challenges.
How to Survive a Heartbreak
South Creek Branch
Friday, February 9, 4:30 p.m.
Fairview Shores Branch
Wednesday, February 14, 4:30 p.m.
Has your sweetheart let you down? Does your heart wear a frown? Well then don’t be late for this survival date. Come spend some time at the library with fun crafts and activities.
I Love You to the Moon and Back
Winter Garden Branch
Wednesday, February 14, 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Branch
Wednesday, February 14, 11 a.m.
Celebrate love, family and friendship as we share a story and interact with Valentine’s Day activities and crafts.
Pinhole Viewer: Shoebox Version
Winter Garden Branch
Thursday, February 15, 4:30 p.m.
Create a safe way to view the sun. Using a shoe box and other common materials build your own solar eclipse viewers! Recommended for families with children ages 8 and up.
A Trip to Africa
Fairview Shores Branch
Tuesday, February 20, 10:30 a.m.
Eatonville Branch
Wednesday, February 21, 10:15 a.m.
Southeast Branch
Tuesday, February 27, 4:30 p.m.
Discover African culture through interactive stories and activities. Get creative with color as we play with shapes and patterns to make paper kente cloth.
Mayor Buddy’s Book Club End of Book Party
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Wednesday, February 21, 4 p.m.
Orlando Mayor Buddy’s Book Club is celebrating the completion of their latest book, Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas! There will be a virtual Q&A with the author. Recommended for ages 8–12. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Lincoln on the Gettysburg Address
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m.
Mr. Lincoln talks about his most famous speech – debunking myths, including historical background to familiar phrases and discussing interesting events that were happening at the same time. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
More Information:
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