A New Chapter for Horizon West: Library Opening Date Announced

From a Media Lab to Meeting Space for the Whole Community, Here's What Makes the Horizon West Branch One of a Kind

A Gathering Place for Horizon West

True to its design, the new branch is built to be a gathering place as much as it is a library. Inside, residents will find dedicated spaces for children, classes, meetings and quiet study, along with computers and creative technology.

If you've ever struggled to find a space for your hobby club or civic group to meet, there is exciting news. The branch includes three large meeting rooms that can be reserved individually or combined into one larger space.

On their own, the rooms hold 26, 34 and 40 people. Combined, the space holds up to 100. For cardholders, rooms cost $10 per hour, or $25 per hour when all three are used as a combined space. Two additional study rooms are free to reserve for smaller, focused work, holding up to six people each.

A Creative Hub: The Media Lab

One of the branch's standout features is its Media Lab, a dedicated creative space that accommodates up to four people at a time. Cardholders can reserve this space free for up to four hours a day. Equipment includes a green screen, lighting, a lightbox for product photos, microphones, and video, audio and photo recording and editing software. It's built for anyone with a project to bring to life, whether that's a podcast, a product shoot or video production.

A Playful, Purposeful Children's Area

The children's area is themed around local flora and fauna, including the blue calamintha bee, a pollinator unique to this region. A large wall mural by MAD Creative Fabrication features oversized images of native species, paired with an interactive wall designed to promote creativity and play.

Sensory activities give toddlers and preschoolers a hands-on way to explore, and AWE Learning Early Literacy Stations add educational games that support early reading skills.



A Florida-Inspired Design, Indoors and Out

The branch's Florida-inspired design extends outdoors with gardens, a native flower teaching garden, and a nature path featuring a permanent StoryWalk® installation.

Additionally, along the Percussion Path, musical instruments invite kids and adults to experiment with sound while they move through the outdoor space, with chimes and a bright, flower-shaped instrument adding a playful rhythm.

Behind the building, a performance play area includes a shade structure for outdoor programming and AstroTurf for versatile, casual seating and play.



Classes and Events for Every Age

The new branch’s calendar offers plenty of reasons to visit again and again, with classes and events for little learners, teens and adults.

For families, Baby Tales, Toddler Tales and Preschool Tales introduce young children to books through age-appropriate stories, songs and activities. Puppet Boot Camp invites families to explore puppet making and performing through a five-part series, with the option to attend one session or several.

Teens ages 13–18 can join a Dungeons & Dragons adventure welcoming players of all experience levels. Introduction to 3D printers, escape room activities and teen art classes are also among the offerings.

Adults can find opportunities to connect, too. Adult Game Time offers an afternoon of games and new friendships, while Adult Puzzle Time & Swap invites participants to tackle puzzles together, join a friendly competition or trade an old puzzle for something new. And, of course, there is a book club!

For those looking to build practical skills, upcoming offerings include an introductory English course for adults and a Senior Skills class focused on using a computer mouse confidently. Classes on Microsoft Excel, Canva, 3D Design, sewing and many more line the schedule.

Some programs require registration. Explore the Horizon West Branch calendar for dates, age recommendations and registration details.

A Community That Made It Happen

At the groundbreaking in November 2024, Crockett Bohannon, president of the OCLS Board of Trustees, put it simply: libraries "are not just buildings filled with books" but "gateways to knowledge, imagination and opportunity."

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson echoed that sentiment, calling a library a place where you can "travel the world," even "ride on the back of a dragon," without ever leaving home.

Now, more than a decade after the idea was first proposed, the library is ready to open its doors and become a place for discovery, creativity and connection in the community that helped make it happen.

Meet the Branch Manager

Lelia Higgins will lead the new location as branch manager. Horizon West residents will likely recognize her as she has managed the Windermere Branch since 2010.

Get Ready for Opening Day!

The public is invited to celebrate the milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on October 10 at 10 a.m.

The fun will continue with all-day activities, events and entertainment for all ages.

Scheduled Events:

• 10:00 AM Ribbon Cutting
• 10:15 AM Entertainment in Lobby
• 11:30 AM Family Performance
• 12:00 PM Solar Observing
• 12:30 PM Family Performance
• 1:00 PM Nature Walk with Master Gardner
• 2:00 PM Storytime
• 2:30 PM Meet a Beekeeper
• 3:00 PM Drum Circle

All-Day Activities:

• Library Card Signup
• LEGO Demo
• Scavenger Hunt
• Fiber Arts and Crafts
• Bee Bookmarks

Don't have a library card yet? Get one online ahead of opening day.

Visit our Horizon West Library Page for the full project timeline and photo gallery.