The Orange County Library’s calendar is always packed with FREE events.The library really is a cool place to be! Visit the library this October for lots of spooky fun-filled events. On October 14, the Melrose Center hosts Technoween, where the whole family can enjoy some technological Halloween fun. Enjoy a performance from Orlando’s own original steampunk storytelling troupe, Phantasmagoria, an appearance from the Tourist City Ghostbusters, a costume contest and so much more.
The Orange County Library. Photo courtesy of Amanda Murphy.
Some of the events listed below require registration in advance and space may be limited. If you have any questions, contact the library at 407-835-7323 or visit the Orange County Library site.
FREE EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY
Booktoberfest: Wonderland
Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Friday, October 5, 6:30 p.m.
Don’t be late for this very important date! Booktoberfest takes over the library for one night every year. Sample a tasty variety of beers from America’s Oldest Brewery, Yuengling Beer, and enjoy some light bites from Roque Pub, Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria and more. Challenge your friends to a game of giant chess or a game of croquet, play trivia, try beer from a selection of local microbrews, and learn about the brewing process from a brewmaster. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Orange County Library System, which helps fund important library programs and initiatives.
Voices from Mariel – Oral Histories of the 1980 Cuban Boatlift
Orlando Public Library, Library Central, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Saturday, October 6, 3 p.m.
Between April and September 1980, more than 125,000 Cuban refugees fled their homeland, seeking freedom from Fidel Castro’s dictatorship. Dr. José Manuel García, author of Voices from Mariel, emigrated on the Mariel boatlift as a teenager and will discuss stories from this powerful moment in history. Following a book sale and signing, enjoy a screening of the Voices from Mariel documentary.
Community Arts Fest
South Creek Branch, 1702 Deerfield Blvd.
Saturday, October 6, 6–8 p.m.
Local artists will exhibit their works and meet other artists from the Hunters Creek/South Chase area. Live music from pianist/vocalist JJ Speights and refreshments will be provided. Are you a local artist that would like to exhibit their work at the Community Art Fest? Contact Julie Ventura at 407.835.7316 or ventura.julie@ocls.info to apply.
Melrose in the Mix: Ka Malinalli
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Sunday, October 7, 3:30 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Ka Malinalli will be the featured recording artist for October. She will perform a solo acoustic set of her brand new original material in the traditional trova music style. Seating is limited. Register at ocls.info/melroseinthemix.
From Pages to Plate: The Color Purple
Orlando Public Library, Cypress Room, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Monday, October 8, 6 p.m.
“Celie’s breakfast was all but gravy for Shug Avery who was used to upper crust living,” wrote Alice Walker in her Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Chef Farah Davids will show you how to prepare an old-fashioned breakfast of ham, eggs, grits and gravy fresh from the pages of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. Space is limited. Registration required. To register call 407.835.7323 or visit ocls.info.
YouTube Live Production for Families
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m.–Noon
Does your child show interest in becoming a YouTube vlogger, but you don’t know where to begin with helping them get started? Team up with your child in this video production workshop to get a jump start on your first YouTube channel video. During this workshop, you will learn each stage of the production process to create a high-quality Intro YouTube Video. Parent/Guardian must sign up with at least one child.
Technoween
Orlando Public Library, Melrose Center, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Sunday, October 14, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Join us for a terrifyingly good time for the whole family! Featuring a performance from Phantasmagoria – Orlando’s original steampunk storytelling troupe, an appearance from The Tourist City Ghostbusters, a children’s costume contest, a horror movie trivia contest and much more!
Victorian Horror Troupe: PHANTASMAGORIA
Orlando Public Library, Library Central, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Sunday, October 14, 2 p.m.
Enjoy a performance from the critically acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe, Phantasmagoria, as they present a variety of selections from their stories, poems, sideshow and dances – all to set the mood for a phantabulous and wonderful Halloween season!
Cuisine Corner: Ghoulish Delights
Orlando Public Library, Cypress Room, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Wednesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.
Sink your teeth into some indulgent treats. Library staff will demonstrate how to make Halloween inspired desserts. Space is limited. Registration required.
First-Time Home Buyer Workshop
South Trail Branch, 4600 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Saturday, October 20, 10:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Learn about the home-buying process from start to finish in this first-time home buyer class presented by Operation HOPE Inc. Attendees will receive a certificate that meets the requirements for both Orange County and State of Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs. Operation HOPE Inc. is a nonprofit HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency. To learn more, visitoperationhope.org. Registration required. Call or text Porsha Porter at 407.446.1931 or email Porsha.Porter@OperationHOPE.org to register.
The Great American Read Finale Celebration
Orlando Public Library, Library Central, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Sunday, October 21, 2 p.m.
Join WUCF and book lovers across Central Florida to celebrate the finale of The Great American Read! Dress up as your favorite literary character or author and cast a final vote for America’s favorite novel. Registration required. To register, visit wucf.org/events.
Trick or Treat Safe Zone
Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd.
Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Young ghouls and goblins will enjoy trick or treating throughout the Orlando Public Library and the Orange County Regional History Center along with creepy crafts, candy and a scavenger hunt! Costumes are encouraged.
Halloween Special FX Makeup 10!
West Oaks Branch, 1821 E. Silver Star Road., Ocoee
Saturday, October 27, 2–4 p.m.
Join us at the West Oaks Branch’s 10th Annual Halloween Special FX Makeup program! Together we will learn how to create some cool and gross effects for your Halloween costume.
