City and library officials, local leaders and community members gathered today at McCoy Community Park in Orlando for the groundbreaking of the Orange County Library System (OCLS) Lake Nona Branch. The branch will be located at the City of Orlando’s future Southeast Community and Government Center. The new multi-use facility, designed by Florida architecture firm Borrelli + Partners, Inc., will provide a wide array of services and resources for citizens including a regional police substation, meeting rooms and the 20,000 square-foot library and outdoor performance area. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2026 by H.J. High Construction Company.

Orange County Library System Board Trustee and Lake Nona resident Ashley Cisneros Mejia spoke at today’s event. “Today we’re not just breaking ground on a new building, we’re creating a space for stories to unfold, for minds to grow and a community to thrive,” said Ms. Cisneros Mejia. “This is going to be the place children fall in love with reading, job seekers find tools they need to succeed and neighbors will come together to connect and share ideas.”

Speakers at the groundbreaking included Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando City Commissioner Jim Gray, Orange County Library System Board Trustee Ashley Cisernos Mejia, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin Thibault and Orlando Police Department Chief Eric Smith.