North Orange Library

North Orange Banch — a Pleasant Surprise!
Hi. My name is Robin and I’m a library-​aholic. :) I admit it. I LOVE to spend time in the library — as often as possible, and I’ve been to many across the U.S.
Now, I’m not library-​monogamous, mind you. I equally love bookstores! I’m also not the shy, quiet type, wanting to spend countless hours holed up in a dark, musty place… which is why finding the North Orange branch of the Orange County Public Library System, located in Apopka, was a pleasant surprise.
Admittedly, it’s a small branch, especially after I’ve been spoiled to the Main Branch in downtown Orlando (multiple floors, lots of activities, and technology galore), but don’t let the North Orange branch’s size, age, or location fool you. In true OCLS form, North Orange has lots of resources, including CDs, DVDS, even a few VHS selections (mostly for the kiddos), computer classes, books to purchase, plenty of computers for public use, and of course, lots of books — fiction and nonfiction — print and audio.
Can’t get there, but have a library card? Why not use their HUGE collection of online resources? Voted one of the very best library systems in the United States, OCLS offers tons of online resources for adults, teens, and kids. Job hunting? Career changing? Want to go back to school? Working on a report for work or school? Want to download (legally!) free music, games, or movies? OCLS is your ticket! I know — I sound like an advertisement… but seriously, they are a resource that many people don’t ever consider… check them out:
As a high school teacher, avid reader and writer, and gal with lots of interests, I can always find plenty to choose from at the North Orange branch, and never leave without a stack of books and usually a few DVDs, too. I definitely would not describe it as ‘understocked,’ as it was described in 2008. Even the Hubs, a ‘library convert’ in recent years, likes to go with me from time to time.
What about customer service? Again, in true OCLS style, customer service at North Orange is top-​notch, which makes the experience that much better… thanks OCLS/​North Orange staff! You guys ROCK!
One little challenge is parking — it’s TIGHT… maybe 40 spaces in the lot?
So why not five stars? Well, I believe the Apopka area deserves a newer, fresher branch, and while the current location is fantastic, I’d love to rate it AMAZING… OCLS, are you listening??? :)
But don’t let the tight parking or 4 stars deter you — it’s worth the drive or a bus ride –to visit North Orange. In fact, I’m headed there today…
Hi. My name is Robin and I’m a library-​aholic… Happy Reading! :)

OK, so if you go IN to this library you’ll think, «Why the 5 stars? This place sucks!». Well, the building itself is small and probably understocked but I wanted to give kudos to the Orange County library’s in-​home delivery service, which heads out from this branch to my house.
Those who know about the library’s delivery service love it and seem even a little protective of it, now with all the budget cuts and such. It’s like a secret you want to keep. Here’s the deal: All you have to do is get your free library card and register online. Then you can search their entire catalog online and choose to have the item delivered right to your door… FOR FREE!
I have a LONG commute every day and always have a rented audiobook to pass the drive. It is great. When I’m done I just run the book back to this branch and check online for my next book. You can’t beat this service.