The Orange County Library System kicked off its 100 Year Celebration on January 7, 2023, with a daylong event at the Orlando Public Library.
Invitees to the rededication ceremony included the OCLS Board of Trustees, community leaders, elected officials, and former staff members who received an invitation with special items designed for the 100 Year Celebration. A special digital invitation was sent to the people of Orange County via the library’s website and YouTube channel.
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell rededicated the library to the community for the next 100 years and announced that, thanks to a $100,000 donation presented by Susan Piner, President of Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club, OCLS would be reintroducing mobile services to expand access to library services and materials.
Joining Powell at the event were members of Sorosis of Orlando and elected officials, including Rep. Anna Eskamani, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and County Commissioner Nicole Wilson.
Mayor Demings read a proclamation from the County that declared January 7, 2023 Orange County Library System Day, and Mayor Dyer read a proclamation from the City of Orlando declaring the date Orange County Library System 100 Year Celebration Day.
Following the ceremony, people enjoyed 1920s music from the Z Street Speakeasy Band, sampled alcohol-free cocktails from the Bandbox, and participated in activities including a virtual reality Albertson Library escape room game created using original blueprints from the building’s construction.
Throughout 2023, the library hosted special events to continue its 100 Year Celebration, including author events and activities for children with a 100 Year theme. The celebration marks the date the Albertson Public Library opened its doors to the public on November 8, 1923.
Books & Beyond
Beginning with the January 2023 edition of the Books and Beyond magazine, the cover, Director’s message, and two pages in center of each of the monthly magazines, featured a person or event that was prominent in each of the ten decades of library history. Peruse this compilation of the 100-year history of OCLS presented in the 2023 Books and Beyond.
A Century at Rosalind
Library staff created a 30-second video highlighting important events in the 100-year history of the library and A Century at Rosalind featuring narration by past and present staff members.
The White House
In January 2024, the library received a card from the White House offering congratulations as we “continue to embody our Nation’s spirit of service”.
Golden Brick Award
On April 23, 2024, OCLS was recognized by the Downtown Orlando Partnership with a Golden Brick Award of Excellence for our 100 Year Celebration! The award recognizes OCLS for our yearlong celebration that “highlighted the past, present and future of the library, positioning it as a welcoming destination that has had something to offer for everyone for the past century.”
Explore more images and documents from the 100 Year Celebration below.
Invitation to 100 Years Celebration
Invitation to 100 Years Celebration held January 7, 2023.
Invitation to 100 Years Celebration
Invitation to 100 Years Celebration held January 7, 2023.
100 Year Celebration Merchandise
100 Year Celebration Merchandise designed by the Marketing and Public Relations team and Head Graphics Designer, Ben Garcia.
100 Year Celebration Merchandise
100 Year Celebration Merchandise designed by the Marketing and Public Relations team and Head Graphics Designer, Ben Garcia.
100 Year Celebration Merchandise
100 Year Celebration Merchandise designed by the Marketing and Public Relations team and Head Graphics Designer, Ben Garcia.
100 Year Celebration Merchandise
100 Year Celebration Merchandise designed by the Marketing and Public Relations team and Head Graphics Designer, Ben Garcia.
100 Year Celebration banner
100 Year Celebration banner on the outside of the Orlando Public Library designed by the Marketing and Public Relations team and Head...
100 Year Celebration banner
100 Year Celebration banner on the outside of the Orlando Public Library designed by the Marketing and Public Relations team and Head...
100 Year Celebration Library Card
100 Year Celebration Library Card
100 Year Celebration Inflatable
100 Year Celebration Inflatable
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell 100 Year Celebration
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell and invited guests in the lobby of the Orlando Public Library on January 7, 2023 for 100 Year...
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell 100 Year Celebration
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell and invited guests in the lobby of the Orlando Public Library on January 7, 2023 for 100 Year...
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell 100 Year Celebration
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell and invited guests in the lobby of the Orlando Public Library on January 7, 2023 for 100 Year...
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell and Jerry Demings
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings with proclamation.
Steve Powell and Buddy Dyer
Library Director/CEO Steve Powell and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer with proclamation.
Ribbon cutting ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating OCLS to the people of Orange County for another 100 years! L-R: Lynette Schimpf, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Steve...
Ribbon cutting ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating OCLS to the people of Orange County for another 100 years! L-R: Lynette Schimpf, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Steve...
Library Directory/CEO Steve Powell and a
Library Directory/CEO Steve Powell and a representative of Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero presenting a letter of congratulations from the Commissioner.
Valerie and Steve Powell, Orange County Commission Nicole and James Wilson.
Valerie and Steve Powell, Orange County Commissioner Nicole and James Wilson.
Steve Powell and Susan Piner
Susan Piner, President of Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club, presenting a check for $100,000 to Library Director/CEO Steve Powell for the purchase...
Kris and Ben
Longtime employee and assistant manager Kris Woodson on the left and Head Graphics Designer, Ben Garcia, on the right.
From January 2023 Books and Beyond
From the January 2023 Books and Beyond, the first edition to celebrate the 100 year history of OCLS.
OCLS Ford Transit Van
OCLS Ford Transit van used by Facilities and Operations department wrapped in the 100 years celebration logo.
OCLS PEP Delivery Van
OCLS PEP delivery van used to deliver books to patrons, wrapped in the 100 years celebration logo.
Card from The White House
Congratulations card from The White House was received in January 2024.
Golden Brick Award
On April 23, 2024, OCLS was recognized by the Downtown Orlando Partnership with a Golden Brick Award of Excellence for our 100...
Celebrate 100 Years with Orange County Library System
Celebrate 100 YearsA Century at Rosalind
A Century at Rosalind
A Century at RosalindThe library received a congratulations card from President Joe Biden.
The Marketing and Public Relations department, including the graphics department, created a 100 Year Birthday Card for the people of Orange County to send to the library. Several are on display on the 3rd floor of the Orlando Public Library.
The Marketing and Public Relations department, including the graphics department created a coloring book for children featuring important events or inventions from each of the library's ten decades.
Beginning with the January 2023 edition of the Books and Beyond magazine, the cover, Director's message along with two pages in center of the magazine, featured a person or event that was prominent in each of the ten decades of library history.
Proud Past Bright Future pamphlet for the 100 Year Celebration created by Head Graphic Designer Ben Garcia.
