Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Cancelled

Finding Your Roots: Newspapers

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: | westoaks | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

Online
Hours
Skip Opening Hours widget
Mon, May 04 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 05 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 06 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 07 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 08 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 09 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, May 10 1:00PM to 6:00PM
previous
this week
next
About the branch

Upcoming events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Online: Intro to Affinity (by Canva)
Sun, May 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Discover the power of Affinity, a free and versatile creative suite for graphic design, document creation, and photo editing.
Registration is now closed
Online: Streaming Live Video with OBS
Sun, May 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Stream live video on YouTube or Facebook with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). Learn how to capture or record live streaming video & share with your audience or save for later viewing. (Melrose)
Speaking Clearly Advanced
Mon, May 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills. Intended for advanced English language learners. Recommended ages 18 & up.
Knit Along-Classic Tank Top (6-Part) - Confident Beginner Level
Mon, May 11, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Knit a classic tank top which can be dressed up or dressed down.
Registration is now closed
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Let's Learn Letters and Numbers
Mon, May 11, 11:00am - 11:35am
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Speaking Clearly Beginners
Mon, May 11, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Speaking Clearly is a pronunciation class for beginners designed to introduce learners to the basics of the sounds of English for pronunciation. Recommended ages 18 & up.
Online: Understanding AI: What Everyone Should Know
Mon, May 11, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
In this beginner-friendly session, explore what artificial intelligence really is, what it isn’t, how it works, how it is used across different fields, and its effects in everyday life.
Knitting - Cables - Confident Beginner Level
Mon, May 11, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Create a beautiful cabled bookmark. Learn how to use a cable needle to create right and left leaning cables, while practicing pattern reading and beginning knitting techniques.
Online Class: Canva Basics
Mon, May 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Bring your design ideas to life with Canva, a free graphic design application. Use thousands of templates to gain inspiration and ideas for your next project.
Online: AI applications and Effective Prompt Writing
Mon, May 11, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how to put AI to work with practical demonstrations across multiple models.
Online: Generative AI with Adobe Firefly
Mon, May 11, 2:45pm - 3:15pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about Adobe’s Powerful AI engine and how it integrates into their apps.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Alafaya
Mon, May 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Connect with other Central Florida fiber artists while working on your craft. Be sure to bring your work in progress, yarn and tools. All levels are welcome. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
English for Social Interactions
Mon, May 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class will cover a wide array of topics from accepting and rejecting an invitation to engaging in small talk with strangers. Recommended for those with a basic understanding of English.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 8 Parts Class Series
Mon, May 11, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This eight-part class series teaches the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Basic English 1
Mon, May 11, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class is designed for students with a beginner level knowledge of English. Practice basic vocabulary and grammar.
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Pajama Party
Mon, May 11, 7:00pm - 7:35pm
Virtual Room - Alafaya
Preschoolers will delight in interactive stories, songs, and rhymes that inspire a love of reading and build early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Pre-Publication Book Marketing
Mon, May 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Marketing starts before publication. From building an author brand to leveraging social media, literary agent Vicky Weber will discuss how to grow an audience eager to buy your books.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Create Spreadsheets
Tue, May 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual Room - Windermere
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.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Intermediate
Tue, May 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us for a virtual meeting using ZOOM where we will focus on grammar for complex ideas, including sentence structures, paragraph, and essay writing. 
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Secure Spreadsheets
Tue, May 12, 11:45am - 12:45pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
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.
Author Talk: Dr. Vivienne Ming - How to Robot-Proof Your Kids (and Yourself)
Tue, May 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us for a timely conversation on AI, humanity, and the next steps towards building a better future with self-proclaimed “mad scientist” Dr. Vivienne Ming as we discuss her new book, Robot-Proof.Register
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Tue, May 12, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Virtual Room - Citizenship Inspired
During this 4-session program, students will meet to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. 5/5 Session 1; 5/6 Session 2; 5/12 Session 3; 5/13 Session 4.
Online: Flash Photography
Tue, May 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Learn how different types of photography flashes work and how to use them to achieve professional results
Virtual: Peel Back the Pages Instagram Book Club
Tue, May 12, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us as we discuss the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Online: Photography Lenses Explained
Tue, May 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Learn about lens type characteristics, distortions, aberrations and how to fix them. We’ll also explore the relationship between lens focal length and sensor sizes.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 8 Parts Class Series
Tue, May 12, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This eight-part class series teaches the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Beginner’s Chinese Calligraphy
Tue, May 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Join artist Jojo Liu as she teaches the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy, in honor of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Online Class: Crochet Granny Square Bag (6 Parts) - Intermediate
Wed, May 13, 10:00am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Learn the basics of crochet bag construction in this six part class! We will make granny squares, learn to sew them together, create straps, and sew in an optional lining.
Registration is now closed
Online: Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Wed, May 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn what this powerful vector application is capable of.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Advanced
Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us on ZOOM to practice academic style writing along with more complex vocabulary.
Online: Adobe Illustrator Tips and Tricks
Wed, May 13, 10:45am - 11:15am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about transparency features, organizing documents with layers, and much more.
Cancelled
Decoding the Nutrition Facts Label
Wed, May 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Join Hillary MacMichael with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County as she discusses how to read food labels, understand serving sizes and percent daily values to make healthier, informed food choices.
Online Class: Web Design Level 2 - HTML Elements
Wed, May 13, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Level up your HTML! Add content, create navigation, and apply attributes for a modern website.
Online: Sewing - How to Read a Pattern - Beginner Level
Wed, May 13, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Online Technology Classroom 1
Unlock the mystery of sewing patterns in this beginner class to build your confidence. Learn how to read and interpret pattern instructions, understand pattern piece layouts, and common symbols.
This event is full
Online: Audio Studio Orientation
Wed, May 13, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Take the first step towards audio recording. Tour the Audio Studio and explore the training options available. Learn the studio workflow, procedures and best practices.
This event is full
Genealogy: Discover America! - This week: Illinois!
Wed, May 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Join us on a virtual road trip! Explore the history, the culture and the genealogical resources that are unique to each state! Recommended for Adults. Registration Required.
Rescheduled
Virtual: Beginner Adult French
Wed, May 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
New date Wednesday, May 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This series is specifically designed for students with no prior French exposure. It combines face-to-face class time with the flexibility of independent learning. Recommended for adults.
Virtual: Beginner Adult French
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This series is specifically designed for students with no prior French exposure. It combines face-to-face class time with the flexibility of independent learning. Recommended for adults.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Virtual Room - Citizenship Inspired
During this 4-session program, students will meet to prepare for the U.S. Naturalization (Citizenship) Test and Interview. 5/5 Session 1; 5/6 Session 2; 5/12 Session 3; 5/13 Session 4.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Raegan
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Have a great time mingling with other Central Florida fiber artists while working on your craft. Be sure to bring your work in progress, yarn and tools. All levels are welcome.
Online: Fundamentals of Sound for Audio Engineering
Wed, May 13, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Explore the fundamentals of sound theory. Discuss how the physics of sound affects recordings. Learn key digital audio concepts, including sample rate, bit depth and file types. (tic101)
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 8 Parts Class Series
Wed, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This eight-part class series teaches the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual Event: Practica Spanish for Seniors and Beyond
Wed, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
Practica tu español! Develop your Spanish language skills through conversation. Conversational topics and themed vocabulary will be provided. Recommended for seniors and adults.
Online: Adobe After Effects Level 1 - Animation Basics
Wed, May 13, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Learn the basics of animation in this Adobe After Effects starter class. Explore compositions, layers, keyframes, and motion paths by creating a bouncing ball animation.
Thursday Tree Zoom - Climb your family tree virtually!
Thu, May 14, 9:00am - 10:00am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
A one-on-one session that will permit you to speak to our Genealogist Lisa and work on your family tree. Wherever you are, West Oaks Library will be there for you!
This event is full
Online: Logo Design and Development using Adobe Illustrator
Thu, May 14, 10:00am - 10:30am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn best practices for logo design by making a simple but effective logo in Illustrator.
Thursday Tree Zoom! - Climb your family tree virtually!
Thu, May 14, 10:05am - 11:05am
Virtual Room - West Oaks
A one-on-one appointment with Lisa our Genealogist. She'll answer your questions and help you build your tree or tear down a brick wall! Wherever YOU are, West Oaks is able to reach out!
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns-Sea Turtle - Confident Beginner Level
Thu, May 14, 10:15am - 11:15am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Learn to stitch using Sashiko hand sewing techniques. This Japanese hand sewing technique uses the simple running stitch to form geometric patterns.
This event is full
Online Class: Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 1
Thu, May 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Learn how to use advanced sort and filter options; apply data validation and other data tools to organize your data.
Thursday Tree Zoom - Climb your family tree virtually!
Thu, May 14, 11:10am - 12:10pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
A one-on-one session that will permit you to speak to our Genealogist Lisa and work on your family tree. Wherever you are, West Oaks Library will be there for you!
Online Class: Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 2
Thu, May 14, 11:45am - 12:45pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Learn how to apply data subtotals, outlines, data consolidation and conditional formatting to organize your data.
Master those Photos!
Thu, May 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Learn photo organization, scanning, digital file tips, and how to date old photographs using visual clues & history. Recommended for Adults. Registration Required.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Thu, May 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us to practice your English speaking skills with us on a virtual English Conversation Hour. Each session will have specific topics for discussion. Register today!
Online: Photoshop Techniques - Dodge & Burn
Thu, May 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
Elevate your photos with one of Photoshop’s most powerful retouching techniques. Learn how to enhance light and shadow to add depth, dimension, and polish to your images—without over-editing.
Cancelled
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 8 Parts Class Series
Thu, May 14, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
This eight-part class series teaches the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Beginner
Thu, May 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us for a virtual meeting using ZOOM where we will focus on the parts of speech, the organization of sentences, and vocabulary building.
Online: Intro to Adobe InDesign
Thu, May 14, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn what this publishing and layout application is capable of.
Online: Adobe After Effects Level 2 - Intermediate Animation
Thu, May 14, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Create a spectacular celestial video animation using a few stills and Adobe After Effects. Learn how to import footage, set up a composition, and animate layers using keyframes.
Sketching 101
Fri, May 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Learn the basics of sketching through use of simple art techniques and observing the world around you. Materials: All you need is a #2 pencil, colored pencils, paper, and paper towel.
Virtual: Intermediate Adult French
Fri, May 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
This class is structured for people who have had previous exposure to or instruction in French but are not, at the present time, fully fluent. Recommended for adults.
Online Class: Basic Programming Concepts Level 2 - Variables in Programs
Fri, May 15, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Continue your programming adventure with the fundamentals. Create a mobile web app while learning key concepts, including inputs and variables.
Cancelled
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 8 Parts Class Series
Fri, May 15, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
This eight-part class series teaches the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Online Class: Embroidery Mer-May Hoop 2-Days - Confident Beginner Level
Fri, May 15, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Make this hoop part of your world! Practice embroidered lettering and learn the coral stitch and polka-dot stitch while celebrating Mer-May.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Fri, May 15, 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
Join us to practice your English speaking skills with us on a virtual English Conversation Hour. Each session will have specific topics for discussion. Register today!
This event is full
Online: Understanding AI: What Everyone Should Know
Sun, May 17, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
In this beginner-friendly session, explore what artificial intelligence really is, what it isn’t, how it works, how it is used across different fields, and its effects in everyday life.
Online: AI applications and Effective Prompt Writing
Sun, May 17, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how to put AI to work with practical demonstrations across multiple models.
Online: Generative AI with Adobe Firefly
Sun, May 17, 2:45pm - 3:15pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about Adobe’s Powerful AI engine and how it integrates into their apps.
OCLS Writer's Group
Sun, May 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Join your fellow writers for critique, discussion, and camaraderie. Writers of all genres and experience are welcome. Please attend one meeting before submitting a piece for critique.
This event is full
See all events