Orange County Library January 2024 Events
Orange County Library January 2024 Events – Orange County Library System begins its 101st year of service with library events to help you learn, grow and connect in 2024. Whether it’s attending a workshop on Chinese calligraphy to celebrate the new year, discovering a new favorite musician, meeting new friends who share a similar interest in books or taking a moment to reflect on the importance of gratitude, there’s something for everyone at the library. Check our catalog at ocls.info/classes-events/ to get started.
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What:
In January, OCLS celebrates the birthday of Zora Neale Hurston, the iconic author, anthropologist and filmmaker. As part of the town of Eatonville’s 35th annual ZORA! Festival Season, Orlando Public Library will host a birthday party for Zora on her birthday, Sunday, January 7, from 2-4 p.m. Hear music from saxophonist Don Black, be moved by the words of poet Juaquina She and ruminate on a lecture from Dr. Rondrea Mathis discussing Zora Neale Hurston and Black women’s self-definition. For more information, visit the event page at attend.ocls.info/event/8629252.
The OCLS Writers Conference takes place virtually on Friday and Saturday, January 19 and 20, 2024. The conference will provide aspiring authors with the tools and knowledge needed to reach their writing and publishing goals this year. Authors and publishing professionals will teach workshops on both craft and business topics. While the conference is free to the public, registration is required for all attendees. Learn more at ocls.info/ocls-writers-conference/.
Where and When:
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 –
The Garden of Titanium Flowers
Southwest Branch
On Display Through March
An exhibit of watercolor paintings by artist Milkos Cruz commemorating and celebrating 90 years of the science of radio astronomy. Radio astronomy is a subfield of astronomy that studies celestial objects at radio frequencies.
Happy Birthday, Zora
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Sunday, January 7, 2–4 p.m.
In partnership with the ZORA! Festival we celebrate the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston with music, poetry and a lecture on Zora Neale Hurston and Black Women’s Self-definition.
Virtual: DIY Chinese New Year Couplet Workshop
Tuesday, January 9, 11 a.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon! In this workshop, you will learn some basic Chinese calligraphy and create a pair of Chinese couplets that you can use for Chinese New Year decoration.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/9324739.
Virtual Cuisine Corner: Eating Well
Wednesday, January 10, 6 p.m.
Yamira Lee Johnson, head chef and founder of Breaking Bread with Mira, will discuss balancing protein, carbs, fat and fiber while showing us how to make an easy nutritious meal.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/9265945.
Virtual: OCLS Writers Conference
Friday, January 19, 4–8 p.m.
Saturday, January 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Make 2024 the year you finish and publish a novel. The OCLS Writers Conference will provide the tools and knowledge you need to reach your writing and publishing goals.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit ocls.info/writersconference.
Living A Life of Gratitude
Wednesday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.
Join Jessica Daly, faculty librarian with Advent Health University, as she discusses the multitude of mental and physical health benefits of having a gratitude mindset.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/9265498.
At Home In Home: Thriving In Place
Southwest Branch
Saturday, January 27, 10:30 a.m.
Join interior designer Rebecca Hubler for an informative discussion on how seniors can continue to live at home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. Registration required.
Music in the Library: Hungrytown
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m.
Vermont-based folk duo Hungrytown will perform original songs featuring close harmony singing, as well as accompaniment on a variety of instruments.
Virtual: Ask a Lawyer
Tuesday, January 30, 5:30–7 p.m.
The Orange County Bar Association will host an open forum for individuals to speak with a panel of attorneys to get guidance on HOA issues for homeowners, guardianship and consumer law/small claims.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/9324726.
Youth Events –
Year of the Dragon
Eatonville Branch
Tuesday, January 2, 3:30 p.m.
Fairview Shores Branch
Saturday, January 20, 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, January 30, 10:30 a.m.
2024 is the year of the dragon! Join us to ring in the new year by setting goals, engaging in themed crafts and learning about the Chinese zodiac!
Fandom Friday
South Creek Branch
Fridays, January 5 & 19, 4:30 p.m.
Play games, watch movies and anime, discuss your favorite manga, and socialize with new friends who are equally obsessed with your favorite fandoms. Ages 8 and up.
I Have A Dream
Windermere Branch
Saturday, January 6, 11 a.m.
Chickasaw Branch
Wednesday, January 10, 11 a.m.
Washington Park Branch
Wednesday, January 10, 4 p.m.
Eatonville Branch
Thursday, January 11, 3 p.m.
Celebrate the life and dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. by making crafts inspired by your own dreams, the importance of peace and togetherness.
Tales from the Farm Presented by the Central Florida Fair
Alafaya Branch
Saturday, January 6, 11 a.m.
Chickasaw Branch
Fridays, January 19 & 26, 11 a.m.
Southeast Branch
Saturday, January 20, 10:30 a.m.
South Trail Branch
Saturday, January 27, 10:15 a.m.
Winter Garden Branch
Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m.
Join us for a tale from the farm followed by an animal meet and greet! Animals will vary by location. Attend to receive a free general admission student ticket to the Central Florida Fair.
Elementary Math Tutoring Help
South Trail Branch
Saturday, January 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Practice your math skills and seek help, math wizards. Our five volunteers will help you with your math homework and problems.
Bookend Painting
Alafaya Branch
Sunday, January 21, 2 p.m.
Join us in decorating our library! Grab some paint and a brush and decorate a bookend to be permanently displayed in our juvenile and teen sections. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Virtual: Mayor Buddy’s Book Club
Wednesday, January 24, 4 p.m.
Engage in a lively discussion and fun activities with Mayor Buddy’s Book Club’s latest read, Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. Recommended for ages 8–12.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/8736973.
Meet the Author Alicia D. Williams
Eatonville Branch
Friday, January 26, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Zora’s legacy with Alicia D. Williams, award-winning children’s author of Jump at the Sun, Genesis Begins Again and The Talk. Recommended for families with children ages 5 and up. This event is funded in part by the South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment of the Arts and the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture.
Cost:
free
More Information:
Click here for more information.
Disclaimer: Events and information listed on this site are subject to last minute cancellations and changes which might not be reflected in this MyCentralFloridaFamily.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking the links for the most up-to-date information.
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