Alafaya Branch
The Alafaya branch library serves customers in the UCF, Avalon Park, Bithlo, Christmas, and Lake Nona areas. Although the current location wasn’t built until 2000 (see the document list below for groundbreaking information on the current location), the services provided to this part of town have been part of the Orange County Library System (OCLS) from almost the beginning. The branch has moved around a lot, but Alafaya is one of the first branch locations opened, all the way back in 1965, before the current building downtown.
ABOVE: Ground Breaking Celebration for the new Alafaya Branch.
The branch is a busy one! With a total of 18 employees, they have a door count of around 800 customers a day and an average of over 400 new library card registrations every month. They are also one of the few branches that has a drive-up window and it serves over 100 customers per day. Alafaya serves a community of families so their juvenile attendance is more than 20,000 per year.
They offer a similar amount of programs as the Main branch (a lot!) and their programs focus on Early Literacy, Maker, Crafting and Science. Although, they also pack their schedule with a variety of technology classes and a variety of English Language classes.
Alafaya has lovely permanent-displays, heron-themed art works, and are always looking for new local art to display. The well-equipped children’s play area has toys and gets used every hour of every day as part of their Early Learning focus. All in all, the Alafaya branch is a convenient place for the entire family.
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Alafaya Branch on Saturday, February 1, 2020 with a day full of fun activities, crafts and events for the entire family! Events include Animal Storytime presented by the Central Florida Fair, JiggleMan, Mr. Harley’s Kids Concert and more!
— Lynette Schimpf, Branch Manager
See the documents list (below) for information about the Eastland Library moving to its current location and renamed to the Alafaya Branch.
Click on each photo below from Alafaya over the years:
Peruse the historical documents below under Attachments.
Commenting on the Eastland Library, retired OCLS librarian Warren French wrote:
I have fond memories of taking our daughter to the branch library at the Eastland Shopping Center (now the Home Depot Center) on East Colonial Drive near Semoran Boulevard. Betty Brady (1936-2019) was the Children’s Librarian and provided wonderful story times in what was basically a long closet, where a 16 MM film projector was set up at the far end and a screen at the entrance end, behind Ms Brady. She read and told stories, and then showed a short film for the children. (This was back in the days before VHS!)
This article features information on Alafaya's groundbreaking event.
This article features information on Alafaya's groundbreaking event.
Prior to being know as the Alafaya Branch Library, it was known to the community as the Eastland Library.
Prior to being know as the Alafaya Branch Library, it was known to the community as the Eastland Library.
Prior to being know as the Alafaya Branch Library, it was known to the community as the Eastland Library.
Warren French, retired librarian at OCLS wrote: I have fond memories of taking our daughter to the branch library at the Eastland Shopping Center (now the Home Depot Center) on East Colonial Drive near Semoran Boulevard. Betty Brady (1936-2019) was the Children's Librarian and provided wonderful story times in what was basically a long closet, where a 16 MM film projector was set up at the far end and a screen at the entrance end, behind Ms Brady. She read and told stories, and then showed a short film for the children. (This was back in the days before VHS!)
Howard Hornberg (1941-2020) was the branch manager/librarian. He was such a gentle man; very approachable and extremely helpful. He was an inspiration to me.
Brochure for the Dedication Opening
Brochure for the Dedication Opening
Ribbon from the Dedication Opening
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Photos from the Dedication event
Old photo of Alafaya
Flyer from the Groundbreaking event
Invite for the Groundbreaking event
Floor plans for the Alafaya branch
Great memories of the Alafaya Branch!