Orange County Library System: The Greatest Free Subscription You Never Knew You Needed…read more BREAKING NEWS: There's a place in town where stories come alive, books are free, and magic is real--and no, it's not a theme park. It's your local Orange County Library, and it just might be the most underrated treasure in Central Florida. Today, we hit up Tiny Tales with Mr. D, and let me tell you--this man deserves his own Broadway show. He had a room full of babies giggling, parents engaged, and storybooks practically jumping off the pages. It's the kind of experience that makes you grateful to be raising your family here. But that's just the beginning of what this library system has to offer: They deliver books TO YOUR HOUSE. Yes, for real. You can place a hold on popular titles, and when it's your turn--BOOM--they ship it straight to your doorstep like it's book-loving Christmas. FOR FREE. No monthly fees, no strings, just pure literary goodness. Books, audiobooks, DVDs, and even tech kits? All free. Want to dive into a cookbook? Learn a language? Binge a new series? OCLS has you covered. Family fun all week long: From baby bounce time and toddler yoga to coding classes and art workshops--there's always something cool going on, and it's perfect for connecting with other parents while your little one explores. Returns are easy: Drop your books at any branch or toss them into a return bin near you. Then stock up again. It's a beautiful cycle. And guess what? They're building a new branch in HAMLIN! We're counting the days until we can walk to even more storytimes, events, and those glorious stacks of free reads. So here's the truth: in a world of pricey subscriptions and endless screen time, the Orange County Library System is a free, feel-good miracle that supports families, fuels imaginations, and builds community--one story at a time. We love it. We use it. We tell everyone about it. If you haven't gotten a library card yet... what are you doing?! Go. Sign. Up. Now.

Wonderful staff! Very knowledgeable. The library is well organized also. A credit to our community.read more

Been wanting to come here for sometime now but I always forget about coming. I was looking for a…read morespot to read and that's when I remembered the library. Upon arriving, there was parking all around the building. After I parked, I noticed there was a round about to walk around outside and a couple spots by the ponds to read! I went inside the library, and it was very organized. Spots around downstairs and upstairs to study or read. There were private rooms for rent. For the most part, I was able to read and concentrate. However, towards the end, there were kids upstairs that were being loud and I couldn't concentrate anymore. I didn't know this library was different than the Orange County library. I thought it was the same, but thankfully, getting a new library card was simple. I found the 2 books I was looking for! There's book returns both inside and outside of the library! My favorite thing about this spot is the architecture outside!

I love coming to this library and even though I live in Orlando, I prefer to come here instead of…read morethe Orange County libraries. Fun fact - this library has book clubs in a bag (book club kits)! Each bag comes with 11 books (and an ebook), discussion questions, and you only need one person to check out the entire kit. How cool is that? They also have a similar program for board games. Nice!

I was a library kid. I spent most of my adolescence in the library…read more Checking out books for fun, using the computers when the internet was out at home. Studying for school. Research projects and papers. In my last few years of high school, I volunteered after school for scholarships. It's sad to see libraries don't seem to get there level of love they used to as a public service. Thank you for the childhood memories! I'm no longer in Orange County, but you'll always have a place in my heart!

Less than a block away from Lake Eola is the downtown library. Aside from just books and movies…read morethis location has the most to offer as far as services and activities. From balloon animal courses, fiber arts, Renaissance events, resume help, or language learning, this location has it all! Plus, the staff has always been super kind and helpful. I've personally taken a couple of foamsmithing classes where you make props for cosplay. In Foamsmithing I we made Deathstroke masks. In II we made pokeballs. Both classes were a blast and I can't wait for the next one!

I have had the opportunity to check out this branch on a few occasions and so far it's on par with…read morewhat I've grown accustom to from the Orange County Library System. The location, much to my surprise, is in a shopping center and is quite easy to find. Inside you'll find that there are plenty computers, tables for studying, and books & materials to check out. They also offer a respectable selection of courses and workshops for Members. In all of my visits, my impression of the staff here has been that they are polite, helpful and knowledgeable. I haven't experienced any issues. I was a little surprised the first time that I saw a security desk and personnel near the entrance. More often than not, it is great idea to check out your local library system has to offer. This branch is definitely on my list of branches to keep up with.

The Hiawassee Branch Library is at a very convenient location on Colonial Drive (Route 50) We…read morealways stop in if we are going to sams club or to eat at Chinatown! The people who work there are friendly and efficient and there is always a security guard or policeman. There is plenty of free parking in front. We have gone there for their early voting a few times and the line moves very fast and they have plenty of people working the polls to help.

To the young lady who I disturbed trying to have a very quiet Zoom call, I'm sorry. You're right -…read morethat is the "reading room" and my voice carries even when I'm trying to keep it low. Fortunately, I was able to evacuate and found a FANTASTIC spot in the courtyard that was not only comfortable, but there were power outlets within reach. Laptopping from outside? Bonus! This is a large library with lots of space. There several different quiet areas though none that were "okay to talk" areas. Lots and lots of books of all sorts, plenty of parking and many comfortable spaces. If you're a train fan, the Amtrak rail goes right past. Fun to watch the train going through here. [Review 19310 overall - 1658 in Florida - 280 of 2023.]

I've finally made it over to this library and I must say that I was quite impressed with it…read moreespecially given its small size. Initially, I went over to use the computer systems to print a few documents and to scan and email a few documents. It was easy to access the computers and get everything completed. There is a small quite study area tucked away in the back. I was able to easily connect to the internet and get a few things accomplished. On another visit, I returned with a group, and we used the meeting room up from. The group had to set up and put up the tables and chairs - it was easy to do and there was plenty of equipment for our needs. Overall, I like this little library. I'm glad that it is here.

I hesitate to put this review out there because I know it might make the classes more crowded--but…read moreI have to give credit to OCLS for the fantastic programs they offer! I recently attended a storytime class at the North Orange branch. Mr. Bill was the moderator for this session, as well as another one we attended about a year ago. He mentioned he hasn't been there recently, so there may be a different moderator at times. Mr. Bill was engaging, funny, and did a great job encouraging parents to actively participate alongside their children. My girls especially loved the puppets he used! OCLS continues to impress with its quality programming, and we'll definitely be back.

This is absolutely ridiculous (the screaming kids, kids running around the library and a male and…read morefemale worker sitting at the desk doing and saying absolutely NOTHING.

Located at Rollins College. The library has 5 levels. The top floor is the quietest. There's a…read moresmall coffee shop on the main level. Parking is tricky for members of the public but there are two or three public parking lots. Please note, if you plan on visiting this library call security or campus safety and they can provide you with a parking pass. Not only is this one of the best libraries I have visited (referring to study space, staff friendliness) in the Orlando area, it is also extremely comfortable. There are tons of different, unique, and spacious chairs to use. There is a section on the 4th floor called "Tower Reading Area" this unique space is hidden and tucked away. There are huge bean bag chairs and pillows within this room. Basically the best lounge study area I've seen to date! Go Rollins! #ifyoureforcedtostudywithnodistractionsalldaythencomehere

Located at Rollins College. The library has 5 levels. The top floor is the quietest. There's a…read moresmall coffee shop on the main level. Open until midnight on Sunday. Open to the locals. Parking can be a bit of a challenge.

One of the Best Libraries I've Ever Visited! I've been to a…read morelot of libraries over the years, but Montverde Library easily ranks among the absolute nicest and most impressive ones I've experienced. From the moment you walk in, it just feels right. The staff is genuinely friendly and incredibly helpful -- they go out of their way to assist without ever making you feel rushed. What really blew me away is the collection: per square foot, they have an outstanding selection of books, DVDs, and audiobooks. It's surprisingly well-curated and up-to-date. The facilities are fantastic too. The work areas are functional and comfortable, the study/meeting rooms are excellent, and the computer lab is better equipped and more modern than most I've seen anywhere. But the absolute highlight? It's actually quiet. In a world where libraries seem to have turned into noisy community centers, Montverde has managed to preserve that peaceful, focused atmosphere that makes a library truly special. If you're in the area and need a great place to read, study, work, or just escape for a while, do yourself a favor and visit Montverde Library. It's a hidden gem and a true credit to the community. Highly, highly recommended!

The Helen Lehmann Memorial Library is located in the center of Montverde. It is part of the Lake…read moreCounty Library System. They are closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The days that they are open the hours are from 8:30 am to 6:30pm. There is adequate parking and a convenient book drop off in the parking lot. It's a very small and quaint library. They recently added several books and dvds to their collection. They have a calendar of events in hopes that the community will participate.

The Lake Mary public library is a very small library and is limited on the books they have in…read morehouse. But the great thing is that you can go online and reserve a book to be picked up at a later date. This library system also has a lot of programs for adults and kids from swing dancing to Spanish classes to English classes to book events.. The Seminole public library system has various locations throughout Seminole County. This library is very convenient for our family as it's less than 2 minutes away and located in between the middle school and the high school which is nice for the kiddos to venture to after school. The library also sits next to a park so you can hit both the books and the playground all in one day.

God bless the library. Okay. It's not as nice as maybe the Orange County library, but their…read morepopulation is a lot bigger which means they have more tax money. Great information for free. Nice people. I don't know what else you want. I love libraries!

Our family has a serious reading problem! Love our little local library that we can easily get to…read morebuy golf cart. They don't have a huge selection, BUT you can easily request any book and get it within a few days or be added to the waitlist. They offer pickup or door step Delivery. They have an amazing kids program with different Events and activities for all ages. Our babes loving exploring the kids section for books and using the learning center for different games. The librarians are the absolute sweetest.

Love the delivery service. Wish there were a physical location in Lake Nona -- I would definitely…read morepatronize the library more!