Ages 18+. Hear the story and history of Winter Park from humble beginnings to one of Central Florida’s shining jewels through the voice of Mr. Rick Baldwin, a lifelong resident of Winter Park and graduate Winter Park High School, Mr. Baldwin has served on the boards of many of Winter Park’s institutions, all while being the CEO of Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society.
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The Winter Park Library began when nine women, all “well educated, capable, energetic, and affluent, came together on the morning of December 9, 1885, to affix the stamp of organization to the Winter Park Circulating Library Association.” The nine women were: Mrs. Elizabeth Hooker, Miss Evaline Lamson, Mrs. W.O. Cady, Miss Mary McClure, Miss Alice Guild, Mrs. C.J. Ladd, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Cook, and Miss Mary Brown. The Congregational Church parsonage was the site for the organizational meeting.
In 2013, Shawn Shaffer became the Library’s new Director. During Shaffer’s tenure, a multi-year campaign to build a new state-of-the-art library facility took place. In 2016, a bond referendum was passed and planning began for a new facility. After Shaffer’s departure in 2018, the Library’s Board named Cynthia Wood as Interim Director. In 2019, Sabrina Bernat became the Library’s new Executive Director. The Library’s new facility will open in December 2021.
It was designed by acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye, and will be located on the corner of Morse Boulevard and Harper Street. The new facility will feature more spaces and improved places, with a design that is both magnetic and vibrant—a true 21st century library for Winter Park. Over a century ago, several women with ideas and tenacity began this library, a library that continues today with much the same spirit. Winter Park Library continues to guide learning, connect people, and strengthen community