Orlando Public Library — Attraction in Orlando

A decent library wrapped in amazing architecture. There's plenty of reviews on here going over the programs and resources here. I won't retread that territory much. Suffice it to say it's selection of books is okay (in many ways sub par compared to many libraries in comparable cities) that really shines from it's incredible selection of classes, programs and media resources. Not many places will teach you how to record and provide a studio, or offer simulators, video and photography studio with in depth classes on all that.

What I really love about this place is the architecture. Now I know most folks don't like brutalism. It's associated with horrible government buildings, opressing and darkening city blocks. But I have a soft place for. It's wholly modern and amazing, a brute display of function before form. Done well it's awe aspiring, projecting a unique since of place that makes no pretense towards anything but itself. This building does it very, very well.

The raw concrete slices and stacks creating an amazing sense of form that both dominates and blends into the urban landscape. The striations and texture across the concrete confuses and enthralls the eye. From the outside this building looks almost alien, and creates both a sense of fascinating and dread.

Inside the raw concrete is exposed throughout. Huge columns and chunks cut through and divide the building logically. In some ways they've tried to hide it and dress it up, usually it doesn't work but in some sections it looks amazing. The stairwell in the back of the building is incredible, the texture and sheer size of the exposed concrete make it both open and claustrophobic. The Children's reading area has hung colorful forms that contrast wonderfully with concrete. The media center at the top has wrapped everything in white, steel and glass giving it a unique modern look. The interior as a whole though has a cold but frantic cyber punk look that wouldn't look out of place in a film like the Matrix or Blade Runner.

If you are one of the few people who enjoy brutalism then you have to check this place out. If you like sci fi aesthetic then check it out. It's an awesome place, and one of my favorite public...

As a disabled person from out of town, this place was crap. After circling several times to discover there was NO parking, other than the public, expensive garage, I went inside. Looks pretty. I had several hours to kill downtown, so I planned on reading, catching up on internet, and generally trying to NOT cause myself pain. Asked a librarian if fiction was on the first floor (my new glasses come in next week and there were ZERO large signs), and received a mini lesson in how to find books in a library! Gasp, its the EXACT same as other libraries! Alphabetical by author, possibly broken down by genre! Once I got closer to the stacks, i could read the signs with the breakdown. Found a book, looked for a place to sit. NOW the fun begins - the ONLY seating is hard plastic chairz in front of the stage, except this cluster of comfy seats and booths in the teen area. NO ONE is anywhere nearby, so I sit there - not disrupting the 'safe space' of the non-existent teens. Get settled to read and get told I have to leave - seating is on the THIRD floor. Or I am always welcome to sit in the roes of hard chairs, since I could easily put my tablet and water in front of me while reading..... Sorry, barely made it in to those seats, not packing my bag to stagger to the thrd floor to see what they call comfortable seating - since two people called those chairs 'comfy'. The one librarians parting shot? 'We can't make it too comfortable or people fall asleep' Like the poor guy sleeping on the CONCRETE outside cared it was 'too comfortable'. I'll go plces that encourage patronage and usage of the space and try to make sure I don't spend a dime on library...

After serving in the military in uniform for over thirty years and then another sixteen years working as a civilian government employee for the military, I retired to travel across the continental USA in my motor home and see this great land that I served to protect.

I have had the pleasure of visiting all fifty states and almost that many Public Libraries. Recently, I attempted to use the services of the Orange County Library in Windermere, Florida. This library (and, I am told, ALL Florida Libraries) are NOT non-Florida resident friendly.

Normally, while my wife does her extended sightseeing of the area that does not interest me, I wait for her in a local library where I can listen to CDs, watch DVD movies on my laptop computer and use the Library’s Wi-Fi to connect to family and friends. Not in Florida! Although you never leave the building, you MUST have a Library Card to listen to CDs, watch movies on your computer or even use the Wi-Fi. But, I was told that only Florida residents can apply for a (free) Library Card. Outsiders (non-residents) can purchase a card for only $75.00, which is good for three months.

The reason given? The Library is supported by local taxpayers. O.K., so? That is true of almost EVERY Library in EVERY state, but I have never been refused the use of any Library. I’ve had to procure a temporary card or leave one of my ID cards at the desk, but I have NEVER been refused the use of what most Libraries offer. I also have never heard of anyone visiting my state being charged to use our "public" Libraries.

This is...