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Finding Your Roots: Vital Records

Build a solid foundation for your genealogy research with this series. This week’s focus is on vital records—births, marriages, and deaths—crucial details for your family history.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History - Culture - Genealogy |

TAGS: | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
Mon, May 05 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, May 06 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, May 07 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, May 08 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, May 09 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 10 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, May 11 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

Outreach Event: Story Time in the Garden
Sat, May 10, 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, May 10, 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 Party
Sat, May 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join the West Oaks Library at the Ocoee Book Rack for a Stress-Free Book Club. Teens come grab a free snack, drink, and talk about the book you are currently reading. – 125 W McKey St, Ocoee, FL 34761
Fashion History: The Met Gala
Sat, May 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Explore the historical & cultural influence of Black style, particularly focusing on Black Dandyism, from the 18th century to the present as showcased in this year's Met Gala. Recommended for adults.
Sewing - Mini Duffle Bag (3 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Sat, May 10, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
This mini duffle is the perfect gym or overnight bag! Practice decorative stitching, installing a zipper, installing handles, and sewing on a curve in this three part class.
Registration is now closed
Sewing - Patterns and Fabric - Beginner Level
Sun, May 11, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Reading the symbols on a sewing pattern can be quite intimidating. Learn to read a professional sewing pattern, how to layout fabric and prepare material for a project.
This event is full
Homeschool Science: Say, Ah!
Mon, May 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
What looks like a bone, and feels like a bone, but isn't a bone? Our teeth! Learn all about the myths and methods for taking care of your teeth with fun STEAM experiments. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Seeds of Kindness
Tue, May 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Plant seeds of kindness and watch them grow! Attendees will learn about the importance of seeds and kindness through stories, songs, and activities. Recommended for children ages 18-36 months.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, May 14, 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.
Snack Around the World: Türkiye
Wed, May 14, 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. Registration required.
This event is full
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, May 14, 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, May 15, 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, May 15, 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.
Email Level 1 - Create an Account
Thu, May 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Create a free email account. Learn how to navigate the environment, including the Inbox, the Reading pane, and the Compose area.
Tiny Tales
Thu, May 15, 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, May 15, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little ones, ages 0-5, explore imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for families.
Email Level 2 - Manage Your Account
Thu, May 15, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to compose and send email messages with attachments. Become familiar with replying and forwarding messages.
Embroidery: Easy Symbols - Confident Beginner
Thu, May 15, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Practice beginner embroidery stitches with easy patterns in an encouraging and supportive environment!
Sewing - Fabric Bookmarks - Beginner Level
Fri, May 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Do you have a bucket of fabric scraps. Create these DIY Fabric Bookmarks! This project is perfect because it needs only 4” x 4” scraps of fabric. They make the perfect gift for the avid reader.
Sewing - Fabric Bookmarks - Beginner Level
Sat, May 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Do you have a bucket of fabric scraps. Create these DIY Fabric Bookmarks! This project is perfect because it needs only 4” x 4” scraps of fabric. They make the perfect gift for the avid reader.
This event is full
Pokémon Party
Sat, May 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Calling all trainers big and small: we choose you to party like a Pikachu! Fun, activities and crafts are waiting for you! Recommended for families.
This event is full
Sewing - Mini Duffle Bag (3 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Sat, May 17, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
This mini duffle is the perfect gym or overnight bag! Practice decorative stitching, installing a zipper, installing handles, and sewing on a curve in this three part class.
Registration is now closed
Puzzle Swap
Sun, May 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Finished with an old puzzle and looking for something new? Stop by and swap an old puzzle for one that is new-to-you. Please bring at least one complete puzzle for adults.
The Bleak Circle Horror Book Club
Sun, May 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Do you delight in horror? Commune with like-minded souls at this book club. There is no assigned reading, just come ready to discuss whatever creepy books you've enjoyed lately.
Peter Rabbit’s Garden Party
Tue, May 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Peter Rabbit loves Mr. McGregor’s garden and you will too at this wonderful garden party. Hop into the library for stories, crafts and a bunny good time! Recommended for ages 3-5.
This event is full
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, May 21, 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.
Ancient History: China
Wed, May 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Travel with us to discover the ancient world of the Ming Dynasty. Through crafts and games, you will learn more about the fascinating history and culture of Ancient China. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, May 21, 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, May 22, 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, May 22, 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, May 22, 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, May 22, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little ones, ages 0-5, explore imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for families.
Social Worker @ the Library
Fri, May 23, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Our social worker is on-site to meet with library customers and assist with social and government services.
Art History: The Bronze Age of Central America & Mesoamerica
Sat, May 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learn about art from all around the world; from ancient antiquities to today’s modern masterpieces!This month we will be studying the Bronze Age of Central America and Mesoamerica. For adults.
Oakie Doakie Puppet Storytime: May Flowers
Tue, May 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Join us at a special nature themed storytime with puppets and songs, as we celebrate nature all around us. Recommended for ages 3-5.
This event is full
Character Mailbox
Wed, May 28, All day
Stop by to write a postcard to our character of the month. Then drop it in our mailbox. Our character of the month is Pinkalicious!
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, May 28, 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.
Art History for Kids: Asian Calligraphy
Wed, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learn the history of calligraphy as it moved from China to Korea and Japan and make your own masterpiece. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, May 28, 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, May 29, 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, May 29, 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, May 29, 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, May 29, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little ones, ages 0-5, explore imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for families.
Sewing - Patterns and Fabric - Beginner Level
Fri, May 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Reading the symbols on a sewing pattern can be quite intimidating. Learn to read a professional sewing pattern, how to layout fabric and prepare material for a project.
This event is full
WONGA! LET'S GO! African Drum and Dance Fun! - Summer at Your Library
Mon, Jun 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Be inspired by dancing and drumming as we hear the rhythm of the Earth through a storytelling performance. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
I Spy Colors - Summer at your Library
Tue, Jun 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Toddlers will recognize basic colors that make up their world through stories, rhymes and songs. Recommended for ages 18-36 months. Registration required.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Jun 04, 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.
Snack Around the World: Belgium
Wed, Jun 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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. Registration required. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Jun 04, 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, Jun 05, 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, Jun 05, 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.
Kids Beginner Crochet (Ages 6-12)
Thu, Jun 05, 11:00am - 12:30pm
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.
This event is full
Papier-Mâché Jellyfish (Part 1) - Summer at Your Library
Thu, Jun 05, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Children's Area
Jellyfish move two centimeters per second, not quite as fast as papier-mâché dries! This is a two part program. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full
Tiny Tales
Thu, Jun 05, 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, Jun 05, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little ones, ages 0-5, explore imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for families.
Kids Crochet Business Basics (6-12)
Thu, Jun 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn the basics of how to plan, market, and run a crochet business! This class is designed for students who already know how to crochet and are interested in selling their work. For ages 6-12.
Teen Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine (13-17)
Thu, Jun 05, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Ever wanted to make your own custom clothes, home decor, or costumes? Join us in this basic sewing class and learn about sewing safety, basic sewing machine skills and stitching seams. For ages 13-17.
Community Event: Pop-Up Library at Ocoee Community Market
Thu, Jun 05, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Stop by the OCLS Pop-Up Library at the indoor Ocoee Community Market to learn about Summer at Your Library and check out a book to start your reading log.
Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine - Adult
Fri, Jun 06, 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
Papier-Mâché Jellyfish (Part 2) - Summer At Your Library
Fri, Jun 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Jellyfish move two centimeters per second, not quite as fast as papier-mâché dries! This is a two part program. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full
Cookies & Milk with a Cop
Fri, Jun 06, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Bring your kids to meet our local police officers and enjoy a story, cookies and milk! Recommended for families. Registration required.
Kids Papermaking (6 - 12)
Sat, Jun 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Give recycled paper new life by learning papermaking techniques! Students will learn about papermaking tools, how to prep for papermaking, and then make their own paper to take home! For ages 6-12.
This event is full
Teen Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine (13-17)
Sat, Jun 07, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Ever wanted to make your own custom clothes, home decor, or costumes? Join us in this basic sewing class and learn about sewing safety, basic sewing machine skills and stitching seams. For ages 13-17.
This event is full
Teen Bookbinding (13-17) - Sketchbook
Sun, Jun 08, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn beginner bookbinding techniques as we create a handmade sketchbook for students to take home! For ages 13-17. Registration required.
Altered Books - Summer at Your Library
Sun, Jun 08, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Junk journal, scrapbook, diary? Bring your imagination and discover the possibilities of altered books with instructor Kathy Boyle. Recommended for adults. Registration required.
This event is full
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