Orange County Library Kicks Off Summer Programs 2023
Orange County Library Kicks Off Summer Programs 2023 – Celebrate freedom, culture, tradition, and pride this June at your local Orange County Library.
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What:
This month, Orange County Library System invites everyone to join us as we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Learn about the history and the many contributions of LGBTQIA+ people all over the world with programs and events as colorful and diverse as the rainbow. Try out a bold new look at a makeup masterclass, learn about the history of the Pride flag and LGBTQIA+ figures like Alan Turing and Keith Haring, and even DIY a rainbow craft. For more information on Pride events at OCLS, visit ocls.info/pride.
Juneteenth honors the historic day in 1865 that enslaved people living in Galveston, Texas learned they had been emancipated. Juneteenth has been observed by African American communities since 1866, and officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Events highlighting and celebrating Black history, love and joy will take place throughout the month of June, including a discussion by human rights lawyer and artist Lauren Austin of That Black Girl Art and concerts by Grammy-nominated artist Fyütch. For a full listing of all Juneteenth events, visit ocls.info/juneteenth.
June is also Caribbean American Heritage Month. Immerse yourself in the rich fabric of Caribbean heritage with events that feature the vibrant cultures and traditions of the Caribbean, like performances by steel pan musician Ravon Rhoden and innovative percussive performer Sean Thomas, or learn how to make the perfect Jamaican jerk barbecue sauce. Visit ocls.info/caribbean-american-heritage-month for more information.
On June 3, Orange County Library System’s annual summer program begins. This year’s Summer at Your Library theme is All Together Now: Kindness, Friendship and Unity. Classes, programs and events for all ages that explore gratitude, friendship, community and compassion will be offered in-person at all branches and virtually. Visit ocls.info/summer for details.
Where and When:
General events:
That Black Girl Art
Eatonville Branch
On Display Through June
Experience the works of fiber artist Lauren Austin through the realities of African American history with photographs, beadwork and other mediums combined into her signature narrative quilts. Learn more about Lauren and her art at thatblackgirlart.com.
SAYL Away to Adult Summer Camp
Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room
Sunday, June 4, 2–4 p.m.
Experience summer camp vibes as an adult. Spend an afternoon creating cool crafts and making memories. Supplies are limited. Registration required.
Music in the Library: Ravon Rhoden
Chickasaw Branch
Thursday, June 8, 11 a.m.
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m.
In honor of National Caribbean American Heritage Month enjoy a live performance by steel pan musician Ravon Rhoden. Ravon is an energetic pannist with an extensive musical repertoire.
Meet the Artist: Lauren Austin
Eatonville Branch
Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m.
Learn how Lauren Austin’s experience as a human rights lawyer led to her becoming an artist who merges various mediums to reflect African American family life and its connection to the nature.
Introduction to Belly Dance
Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room
Saturday, June 10, Noon
Join professional belly dancer Helen Blondel as she teaches the fundamentals of belly dance using a step-by-step approach. Learn about its history, social significance and fun creative art form.
Melrose Pop Festival
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center
Saturday, June 10, 2 – 7 p.m.
The Melrose Pop Festival will feature seven musical acts performing on the Melrose Stage. Attendees must already be in the Melrose Center at 6:00pm to see the final act at 6:10pm.
Cuisine Corner: Jamaican Barbecued Jerk Pork
Monday, June 12, 6:30 p.m.
Join culinary expert Dianne Morin as she teaches how to infuse the wonderful flavors of homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning with homemade barbecue sauce.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/8143239.
Postcards 101
Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room
Tuesday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.
DIY your own postcard to connect with a pal.
Veteran Resources
Tuesday, June 27, 11 a.m.
A representative from the Orlando VA will present suicide prevention and resources available to our veterans. Learn how to access VA and community emergency services.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/8095223.
How to Live to 100: Habits of the World’s Healthiest People
LIFE Information for Elders Branching Out Series
West Oaks Branch
Wednesday, June 28, Noon
Join Robin Rountree, with the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center, for a discussion on what people who are living the longest in the “Blue Zones” can teach us about living a longer life.
Cusine Corner: Spring Rolls
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m.
Yamira Lee Johnson, head chef and founder of Breaking Bread with Mira, will guide us through the process of making spring rolls. Learn how you can make this delicious dish at home.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/8307439.
Author Talk with Tananarive Due
Wednesday, June 28, 8 p.m.
Join us for a chat with Tananarive Due about her newest work, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories.
This is a virtual event. For more information, visit attend.ocls.info/event/8107408.
Youth events:
Bridge the Gap
Southeast Branch
Friday, June 2, 4 p.m.
Hiawassee Branch
Tuesday, June 6, 4:30 p.m.
South Creek Branch
Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m.
Build bridges with new friends. Work as a team and test your engineering skills as you solve puzzles that require you to bridge the gap. Recommended for families with children ages 5 and up.
Escape From the Cosmos
Windermere Branch
Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m.
West Oaks Branch
Saturday, June 10, 3 p.m.
Hiawassee Branch
Tuesday, June 20, 4:30 p.m.
Your family is stuck on Mars! Work together to tackle cosmic challenges and puzzles. Will your family discover the launch code to blast home to earth? Recommended for families with children ages 6–14.
Kick-off Summer with Katie Nguyen
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Saturday, June 3, 2 p.m.
Participate in science, have fun, and laugh as Katie from Mega Wow experiments with color! This interactive show explores the science behind color and color mixing. Recommended for ages 0–12.
Prideful Faces: Makeup Masterclass
Windermere Branch
Saturday, June 3, 2 p.m.
Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room
Saturday, June 10, 2:30 p.m.
Alafaya Branch
Saturday, June 17, 3 p.m.
Celebrate Pride or your love of costume makeup! Makeup artist Danielle Ziss teaches teens how to apply rainbow makeup in a quick and easy way, creating happy looks that are full of color. Recommended for ages 11–18.
Amazing Animals
Washington Park Branch
Monday, June 5, 10:30 a.m.
Winter Garden Branch
Tuesday, June 6, 10:30 a.m.
Windermere Branch
Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.
North Orange Branch
Thursday, June 8, 11 a.m.
South Creek Branch
Friday, June 9, 10:30 a.m.
West Oaks Branch
Monday, June 12, 11 a.m.
Hiawassee Branch
Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.
Chickasaw Branch
Friday, June 16, 10:30 a.m.
Fairview Shores Branch
Wednesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m.
Southeast Branch
Thursday, June 22, 11 a.m.
Southwest Branch
Friday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.
Meet rare, threatened and endangered species. Learn about interesting animals that can be found throughout different lands and animal conservation. Recommended for ages 0–12.
Spheres Bubble Show
Fairview Shores Branch
Monday, June 5, 10:30 a.m.
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Tuesday, June 6, 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Branch
Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.
Southeast Branch
Thursday, June 8, 11 a.m.
Chickasaw Branch
Friday, June 9, 10:30 a.m.
South Trail Branch
Monday, June 12, 10:30 a.m.
Winter Garden Branch
Tuesday, June 13, 10:30 a.m.
Alafaya Branch
Thursday, June 15, 10:30 a.m.
South Creek Branch
Friday, June 16, 10:30 a.m.
Windermere Branch
Wednesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m.
North Orange Branch
Thursday, June 22, 11 a.m.
Eatonville Branch
Friday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.
West Oaks Branch
Monday, June 26, 11 a.m.
Hiawassee Branch
Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m.
Watch Blaise Ryndes, master bubble performer, blow gigantic bubbles and create “liquid fireworks.” Listen to fun music as you are amazed by this bubble and light show. Recommended for ages 0–12.
DIY Pride
South Creek Branch
Thursday, June 8, 2 p.m.
South Trail Branch
Thursday, June 8, 3 p.m.
North Orange Branch
Wednesday, June 14, 2:30 p.m.
Washington Park Branch
Thursday, June 15, 10:30 a.m.
Chickasaw Branch
Monday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.
Hiawassee Branch
Thursday, June 29, 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Pride with all the colors of the rainbow! Learn about the history of the rainbow flag and put your new knowledge to use by creating rainbow-themed crafts. Recommended for ages 6–8.
Music with Evan and Vanessa
Southeast Branch
Monday, June 12, 11 a.m.
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Tuesday, June 13, 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Branch
Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy an award-winning bilingual children’s band. Sing along, tune in and listen to peaceful music recently named one of the “Best New Latin Kid’s Music Groups” by Billboard. Recommended for ages 0–8.
Fyütch
Eatonville Branch
Friday, June 16, 10:30 a.m.
Library Pop-Up: Horizon West
Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.
The Grammy-nominated artist hosts a special Juneteenth-inspired concert with songs about community, Black history and culture, through a blend of hip-hop, soul, R&B and pop! Recommended for ages 0–12.
Vision Board Workshop with Sumer Strawbree
Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room
Saturday, June 17, 2:30 p.m.
Learn how to take your written goals from paper to a decorated vision board that actually works! Manifest positivity in your life at school and at home. Recommended for ages 11–18.
Los Niños Escuchan Cuando Tú Escuchas
Southeast Branch
Wednesday, June 21, 4 p.m.
La comunicación es importante para que sus hijos sepan que sus padres los están escuchando. Aprenda sobre las técnicas de escucha activa y el cambio de perspectiva del habla: qué decir y cómo decirlo.
NB Hip-Hop Academy Workshop
Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room
Saturday, June 24, 2:30 p.m.
Learn about hip-hop, rhythm notation, how to chop samples, stacking drums, recording live instruments and how to build a track with hip-hop music instructor Chris Burns. Recommended for ages 11–18.
Patty Shukla’s Super Music & Movement
Southeast Branch
Monday, June 26, 11 a.m.
Orlando Public Library, Library Central
Tuesday, June 27, 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Branch
Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m.
Move and shake along with award-winning performer and YouTube sensation, Miss Patty! Stand up and dance to fun, engaging and original education-based songs. Recommended for ages 0–5.
Cost:
free
More Information:
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.
Don’t forget to check out the 2023 Florida Kids and Family Expo August 12-13, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now! Click here for details.
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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