This spring the Orange County Library System is celebrating Juan Ponce de Leon’s landing on Florida’s east coast! In April 1513, the conquistador made history and today we remember this milestone with the statewide Viva Florida initiative. The public is invited to attend these free programs.
In addition to Viva Florida, the regular round-up of programs which are sure to engage, entertain and educate, are listed below:
Spring Book Sale
Windermere Branch
Friday, April 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Looking for bargains? Check out the Windermere Branch’s Spring Book Sale! All items are marked 50 percent off. Find amazing deals on books, magazines, CDs and more.
Creative Writing and Poetry Series
Elizabeth Bellinger, author of The Kaleidoscope Anthology, gives tips on creative writing and expressing yourself through poetry. Join in this fun interactive program being presented in honor of National Poetry Month.
Overcoming Writer’s Block Part 1: Using Visual Prompts
West Oaks Branch
Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m.
Explore the use of pictures and writing prompts in helping to spark creativity and overcome writer’s block.
Overcoming Writer’s Block Part 2: Using Auditory Prompts
West Oaks Branch
Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m.
Learn about the use of songs and sounds in order to overcome writer’s block.
When Poetry Doesn’t Rhyme: The Art of Free Verse Poetry
West Oaks Branch
Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m.
So, you’re not into limericks and haikus? Discover the art of free verse where rhyming is not mandatory.
When Poetry Has a Voice: The Art of Spoken Word Poetry
West Oaks Branch
Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m.
Some poems are meant to be read while others are meant to be heard. Learn about spoken word poetry in which poems come to life and become productions—not just recitations.
Counsel for Caregivers
West Oaks Branch
Tuesday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.
Let us lend you a helping hand of healing with your care-giving responsibilities at the Counsel for Caregivers Seminar. Dianne Reynolds, FHL Care Management expert, visits to discuss conversations you should be having with your doctor and how to have them.
Hiawassee Book Club
Hiawassee Branch
Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m.
Please join us for coffee and company as we discuss Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Cain’s book demonstrates how introverted people are widely misunderstood and undervalued in modern culture, charting the rise of extrovert ideology while sharing anecdotal examples of how to use introvert talents to adapt to various situations.
Southwest Book Club
Southwest Branch
Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m.
The Southwest Book Club meets to discuss Joseph Anton: a Memoir by Salman Rushdie. Rushdie writes about his nine years spent underground after he was sentenced to death by the Ayatollah Khomeini for his controversial novel The Satanic Verses.
Stress and Your Health
Windermere Branch Wednesday, April 17, 6 p.m.
West Oaks Branch Wednesday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Learn about the causes of stress, how the body reacts to stress and five solutions to help reduce stress in your life. In honor of Stress Awareness Month, these tools will help you to prevent adrenal exhaustion, disease, improve energy and enhance your mood. Presented by Dr. Jennifer Bourst for Unity Family Wellness Center. For more information, please visit www.UnityFamilyChiropractic.com.
Ella Fitzgerald – It Don’t Mean a Thing
Hiawassee Branch Saturday, April 20, 3 p.m.
Orlando Public Library, Library Central Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m.
Explore Jazz and the Harlem Renaissance with Nanette Perrotte. Perrotte will discuss Ella’s extraordinary story of traveling from being homeless in Harlem to the Queen of Swing.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
Windermere Branch Wednesday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Southwest Branch Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.
Got stress, pain or conflict? Treat yourself to a mini vacation from your troubles with Pat Conklin of Laughter Yoga Orlando. Laughter Yoga is a fun, physical technique for reaping the health and wellness benefits of laughter. To learn more, visit www.LaughterYogaOrlando.com.
Free Amplified Telephones for the Hard of Hearing
Winter Garden Branch
Thursday, April 25, 12:30 p.m.
Free amplified telephones are being distributed by Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. to Florida residents who are hard of hearing. This program loans special telephone equipment to Florida residents who are hard of hearing, deaf, deaf/blind or speech impaired for as long as they need it at no charge. Hayley Medina will assist in completing your FTRI Application at this event. Permanent Florida Residents ages 3 or older who are certified as hearing, deaf, deaf/blind or speech impaired are eligible.
Savvy Savers
West Oaks Branch
Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.
In two years, customers have exchanged hundreds of dollars worth of coupons. Become a savvy saver by sharing coupons and savings tips at this monthly meeting.
Save the Date: 8th Annual Southwest Author Series
Southwest Branch
Friday, May 3, 6:30 p.m.
Mark your calendar for the 8th Annual Southwest Author Series – presented in partnership with The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips. New York Times best-selling author Charles Martin will speak and host a book sale and signing. Doors will open at 6 p.m. To learn more about Charles Martin, please visit: www.charlesmartinbooks.com.
