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Finding Your Roots: Newspapers

Join us as we explore how you can use newspapers to expand your family history research and learn more about your ancestors.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History - Culture - Genealogy |

TAGS: | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
Mon, Dec 16 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Dec 17 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Dec 18 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Dec 19 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Dec 20 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Dec 21 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Dec 22 1:00PM to 6:00PM
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About the branch

LYNX Bus Link 125 Silver Star Rd.
LYNX Bus Link 27 Ocoee / Winter Garden

The construction of the West Oaks Branch was funded by the Library System and a Florida Library Construction Grant.

Genealogy Center Blog

Learn about the Genealogy Collection!

Upcoming events

Crochet Corner to Corner - Intermediate Level
Sat, Dec 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Corner to corner (C2C) crochet is perfect for pillows and blankets. Learn the technique to create textured fabrics in single colors and how to join multiple colors together for interesting patterns.
Cozy Tea Social Hour
Sat, Dec 21, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Grab a cup and get cozy for this winter themed tea party. Enjoy a warm drink with snacks and a craft while getting to know some fellow tea lovers. Recommended for adults.
Family Storytime
Sun, Dec 22, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Storytime is the right time for family time. Reading together is a wonderful way to bond and learn from one another. Bring your families together for fun stories that are designed for all ages.
Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 1
Sun, Dec 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to use advanced sort and filter options; apply data validation and other data tools to organize your data.
Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 2
Sun, Dec 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to apply data subtotals, outlines, data consolidation and conditional formatting to organize your data.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 26, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, songs and told stories will encourage your child to read, talk, sing, write and play. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5.
Toddler Time
Thu, Dec 26, 10:45am - 11:05am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, finger plays, songs and flannel board stories will encourage the development of verbal and listening skills for this active age group. Recommended for ages 18 to 36 months.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Dec 26, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The rhythm and repetition of nursery rhymes are used to introduce young children to literature. Hold your child in your lap and enjoy this special time together. Recommended for babies 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Thu, Dec 26, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-5.
Social Worker @ the Library
Fri, Dec 27, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Our social worker is on-site to assist customers with social and government services on the 4th Friday of the month. Walk-in appointments are available on a first come first service basis.
DIY Planners
Sat, Dec 28, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Get ready for the new year by creating a custom DIY planner! This event will involve a Japanese book binding technique using a large sewing needle. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Character Mailbox
Mon, Dec 30, All day
Stop by to write a postcard to our character of the month. Then drop it in our mailbox. This month's character is Pete the Cat!
Storybook Fun
Thu, Jan 02, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, songs and told stories will encourage your child to read, talk, sing, write and play. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5.
Toddler Time
Thu, Jan 02, 10:45am - 11:05am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, finger plays, songs and flannel board stories will encourage the development of verbal and listening skills for this active age group. Recommended for ages 18 to 36 months.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Jan 02, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The rhythm and repetition of nursery rhymes are used to introduce young children to literature. Hold your child in your lap and enjoy this special time together. Recommended for babies 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Thu, Jan 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-5.
Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Fri, Jan 03, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Ever wanted to make your own custom clothes, home decor, costumes or accessories? Join us in this basic sewing class and learn about sewing safety, basic sewing machine skills and stitching seams.
This event is full
Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Sat, Jan 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Ever wanted to make your own custom clothes, home decor, costumes or accessories? Join us in this basic sewing class and learn about sewing safety, basic sewing machine skills and stitching seams.
This event is full
Outreach Event: West Oaks Farmers Market - Meet the book bike
Sat, Jan 04, 11:00am - 6:00pm
Meet the Book Bike at the new West Oaks Farmers Market. Located at 9401 W Colonial Dr, Ocoee, FL 34761.
I Love Manatees
Sat, Jan 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Show some love for Florida's state marine animal with stories, crafts and activities. Recommended for families.
Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Creating Spreadsheets
Sat, Jan 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Start using Excel today. Input, format and save data in spreadsheets. Calculate data with basic formulas. Save your data and learn how to share workbooks with collaborators.
Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Finalizing & Securing Spreadsheets
Sat, Jan 04, 4:15pm - 5:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Customize and organize worksheets with sheet names, color coding, headers, themes, and more. Protect your worksheets with a password and learn how to print your data.
Countdown to Kindergarten - Our Prized Pets
Tue, Jan 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learn about pets through stories, rhymes and activities designed to help preschoolers develop the necessary skills to become readers and succeed in kindergarten. Recommended for ages 3-5.
First Steps in ASL: Level 1
Tue, Jan 07, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
In this beginner-friendly American Sign Language course, build a strong foundation by mastering essential signs, basic grammar and everyday conversational skills. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Jan 08, 10:00am - 10:30am
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Silly and fun yoga poses designed for kids! Flow-through an imaginative journey filled with puppets, parachute games, and relaxing rest time! Recommended for families with children ages 0-7.
Calder's Mobile Art
Wed, Jan 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Explore the works of Alexander Calder and create your own abstract mobile. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Jan 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Improve reading/writing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension for English speaking adults who are beginning-intermediate level emerging readers. Class focuses primarily on reading & writing skills. 
Storybook Fun
Thu, Jan 09, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, songs and told stories will encourage your child to read, talk, sing, write and play. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5.
Toddler Time
Thu, Jan 09, 10:45am - 11:05am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, finger plays, songs and flannel board stories will encourage the development of verbal and listening skills for this active age group. Recommended for ages 18 to 36 months.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Jan 09, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The rhythm and repetition of nursery rhymes are used to introduce young children to literature. Hold your child in your lap and enjoy this special time together. Recommended for babies 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Thu, Jan 09, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-5.
Crochet Level 1
Thu, Jan 09, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Start crocheting today! Learn basic techniques while creating your first project, a bookmark for your favorite read. Techniques include creating a slip knot, chaining, and single crochet stitches.
Microsoft Word Level 1 - Creating Documents
Thu, Jan 09, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Create polished documents in Microsoft Word. Navigate the user interface and apply basic word processing techniques to create a formatted letter. Learn important actions like copy, cut, and paste.
Microsoft Word Level 2 - Proofing, Templates & Pictures
Thu, Jan 09, 5:45pm - 6:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Explore Microsoft Word's proofing features like the spelling and grammar check. Use and modify Word templates with ease. Enhance your document by inserting and formatting pictures.
Sewing - Easy Fabric Baskets - Beginner Level
Fri, Jan 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
This cute basket to practice straight stitches and cutting fabric. Perfect for beginners!
This event is full
Snack Around the World: South Korea
Fri, Jan 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Treat yourself to tasty snacks from a land far away! Each month we'll learn about a different culture and sample the yummiest snacks it has to offer. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Sewing - Easy Fabric Baskets - Beginner Level
Sat, Jan 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
This cute basket to practice straight stitches and cutting fabric. Perfect for beginners!
This event is full
Outreach Event: Story Time in the Garden - 2267 Hempel Ave Gotha, FL 34734
Sat, Jan 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join the West Oaks Library as we read a story and complete a craft in the beautiful and historic Nehrling Gardens. 2267 Hempel Ave Gotha, FL 34734
Plant Clinic
Sat, Jan 11, 10:15am - 12:15pm
West Oaks - Ask at Desk
Bring your plants and ask questions! Master Gardener Volunteers from the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Office will be available to answer your gardening questions.
Outreach Event: Teen Book Club - Ocoee Book Rack - 125 W McKey St, Ocoee, FL 34761
Sat, Jan 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join the West Oaks Library at the Ocoee Book Rack for a Stress-Free Book Club. Come grab a free snack, drink, and talk about the book you are currently reading. - 125 W McKey St, Ocoee, FL 34761
Dungeons & Dragons at the Library!
Sat, Jan 11, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Have you heard about D&D and want to see what it’s all about, or are an experienced player looking for a new party? We will be exploring the updated 2024 rule set & character creation. For adults.
Microsoft Excel Level 3 - Functions & Automated Features
Sat, Jan 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Calculate data with basic functions SUM and AVERAGE. Use auto features including auto and flash fill to streamline your workflow. Transfer data with ease using Excel's copy and paste features.
Microsoft Excel Level 4 - More Functions & Visual Tools
Sat, Jan 11, 4:15pm - 5:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Use absolute and relative references to ensure your data is calculated accurately. Analyze data by using functions like COUNT. Visually represent your data with tools like recommended charts.
52 Weeks of Gratitude Card Craft
Sun, Jan 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Infuse thankfulness into your daily life with a deck of crafted gratitude cards to enjoy and inspire you all year long. Recommended for adults.
Homeschool Art: Bean Art Mosaics
Mon, Jan 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
It's time to think outside the box. Create a mosaic self portrait using beans, to give you a new perspective on art. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Countdown to Kindergarten - Motor & Movement
Tue, Jan 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Start your engines! Engage in transportation-themed stories, rhymes and activities to strengthen fine and gross motor skills needed for writing and success in kindergarten. Recommended for ages 4-5.
First Steps in ASL: Level 1
Tue, Jan 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
In this beginner-friendly American Sign Language course, build a strong foundation by mastering essential signs, basic grammar and everyday conversational skills. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Jan 15, 10:00am - 10:30am
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Silly and fun yoga poses designed for kids! Flow-through an imaginative journey filled with puppets, parachute games, and relaxing rest time! Recommended for families with children ages 0-7.
Cuisine Corner Junior: Rainbow Nachos
Wed, Jan 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Celebrate a new year by preparing a fun and edible fruit rainbow! Children will learn about fruits and colors as they assemble their snack. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Jan 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Improve reading/writing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension for English speaking adults who are beginning-intermediate level emerging readers. Class focuses primarily on reading & writing skills. 
Storybook Fun
Thu, Jan 16, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, songs and told stories will encourage your child to read, talk, sing, write and play. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5.
Toddler Time
Thu, Jan 16, 10:45am - 11:05am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The use of picture books, finger plays, songs and flannel board stories will encourage the development of verbal and listening skills for this active age group. Recommended for ages 18 to 36 months.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Jan 16, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The rhythm and repetition of nursery rhymes are used to introduce young children to literature. Hold your child in your lap and enjoy this special time together. Recommended for babies 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Thu, Jan 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-5.
Crochet Level 2 - Beginner Level
Thu, Jan 16, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Level up your crocheting. Learn how to create more open fabric with new stitches. Techniques include chaining up rows, as well as double and half double crochet stitches.
Microsoft Word Level 3 - Enhancing & Finalizing Documents
Thu, Jan 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Enhance your document by adding elements like shapes, SmartArt, headers, and more. Secure your document with password protection. Work with distribution options like printing and sharing.
Microsoft Word Level 4 - Mail Merge
Thu, Jan 16, 5:45pm - 6:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Contact your mailing list with ease. Use the Mail Merge wizard to create personalized letters and emails.
Sewing - Zippered Organizer - Confident Beginner
Fri, Jan 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Does the idea of sewing a zipper steer you away from projects? Let us help you tackle zippers head-on with confidence!
Sewing - Zippered Organizer - Confident Beginner
Sat, Jan 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Does the idea of sewing a zipper steer you away from projects? Let us help you tackle zippers head-on with confidence!
This event is full
Writing Workshop: Neurodiversity is Normal - presented by Florida SCBWI
Sat, Jan 18, 10:30am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Join award-winning author Sarah Allen as she shares the many ways to create, include and give voice to neurodiverse characters in your writing.
Tea Social Hour: The Great Gatsby
Sat, Jan 18, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Enjoy an afternoon of splendor with tea, snacks, and crafts all themed around The Great Gatsby. Recommended for adults.
Microsoft Excel - Formulas & Functions
Sat, Jan 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Calculate your data with formulas and functions. Use the Function Library to find the best fit for your project. Insert financial, logical, lookup, math and text functions.
Microsoft Excel - Charts
Sat, Jan 18, 4:15pm - 5:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Display your data in stunning charts and graphs. Insert recommended and custom charts. Edit chart data, elements and styles.
Basic Programming Concepts Level 1 - Block Coding with Code Studio
Sun, Jan 19, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Start your programming adventure with the basics. Create a mobile web app while learning key concepts, including algorithms, programs, events and debugging.
Basic Programming Concepts Level 2 - Variables in Programs
Sun, Jan 19, 3:45pm - 5:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Continue your programming adventure with the fundamentals. Create a mobile web app while learning key concepts, including inputs and variables.
Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade
Mon, Jan 20, 9:00am - 11:00am
Walk with the West Oaks Branch in the City of Ocoee's MLK Day Parade!
See all events