ORLANDO, Fla. – For Xavier Campozano–and likely, many of us–today’s world can be rather overwhelming. We’re pummeled by information across devices, expected to be constantly plugged in to our work, relationships, and a 24-7 news cycle.

What You Need To Know

  • The downtown Orlando library recently started offering in-person classes and activities again after a hiatus due to the pandemic

  •  Xavier Campozano is using the library's free resources to help transition to a new career

  • The Melrose Center at the downtown Orlando library offers audio and video production studios, photography studios and other emerging technologies

“It’s important to me to kind of step away,” Campozano said. “And one place that I've always been able to do that is the library.”

Campozano wanted to start off 2022 on a good note. That’s why he’s coming more regularly to the downtown Orlando library, which recently began offering in-person classes and activities again, after a long hiatus during the pandemic. 

In-person activities are now available throughout the Orange County Public Library System’s 15 branches; an interactive online calendar makes it easy to filter and search for different experiences. Virtual experiences are also still available. The library strongly recommends registering ahead of time for in-person events.

For Campozano, who recently learned he’s a Highly Sensitive Person or HSP, the library’s personal instruction and small group class settings make learning more enjoyable and effective. Psychologists describe HSPs as people especially sensitive to all the different stimuli around them, whether that’s a violent movie or a loud, crowded room.

But at the library, Campozano can pull back from some of that distracting noise, talking one-on-one with instructors and fellow learners in a way he says is helpful. He recently brushed up on his job search skills during a class the library will keep offering, downtown and across its other branches. 

Xavier Campozano listens to an instructor during a job search class at the downtown library in early January.

“It helps to have someone there who can make everything less overwhelming, who can explain things and kind of slow down the pace of everything, and give that perspective that’s very needed when trying to find a job in these trying times,” Campozano said. As a library cardholder, Campozano’s also a huge fan of his free access to LinkedIn Learning videos, which usually costs subscribers at least $26 a month.

All these library resources are helping Campozano navigate a moment of transition. Like so many others, he decided to shift career paths during the pandemic: in his case, from audio production to aviation mechanics. Although he grew up interested in both industries, Campozano didn't always feel confident he could break into either one.

“Again, thanks to the library, I’ve been able to self-teach,” Campozano said. And he’s been able to pursue both interests, studying for his aviation mechanic license while also keeping his audio production skills fresh. Library members can learn about many aspects of media production in classes at the Melrose Center, a technology hub at the library’s downtown branch. As they complete classes and gain skills, members can reserve studio time to produce their own original work.

Xavier Campozano learns about different types of microphones during a free class at the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation and Creativity.

After a long, difficult and often lonely pandemic lull, Campozano’s really looking forward to booking some of that studio time to collaborate with local creatives. He’s inspired and comforted by Melrose instructors’ enthusiasm for their own creative pursuits.

“These are people who really enjoy their craft, and they want to help other people in the community,” Campozano said.