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Register 30 Seats Remaining

Roots & Clues: Your First Steps into Family History
2025-09-13 13:00:00 2025-09-13 14:00:00 America/New_York Roots & Clues: Your First Steps into Family History Join us for this fun and informative beginner genealogy class — perfect for newcomers, and a great refresher for seasoned researchers who enjoy revisiting the basics! West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center - West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room

Saturday, September 13
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-09-13 13:00:00 2025-09-13 14:00:00 America/New_York Roots & Clues: Your First Steps into Family History Join us for this fun and informative beginner genealogy class — perfect for newcomers, and a great refresher for seasoned researchers who enjoy revisiting the basics! West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center - West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center

West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room

Join us for this fun and informative beginner genealogy class — perfect for newcomers, and a great refresher for seasoned researchers who enjoy revisiting the basics!

Think your family is just a bunch of names and secrets? You’re not wrong—but this session will help you make sense of it all. We’ll cover how to start your tree, dig into records (without needing a shovel), and avoid rookie mistakes. Whether you’ve got a dusty old photo or just a hunch, you’re about to become the family detective.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History - Culture - Genealogy |

TAGS: | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
Mon, Aug 11 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Aug 12 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Aug 13 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Aug 14 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Aug 15 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 16 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Aug 17 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 West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center is located in the historic city of Ocoee near the intersection of Silver Star and Clark Roads. The branch opened in August 2001 and was designed by Harvard, Jolly, Clees, Toppe Architecture Firm. The West Oaks Branch provides exceptional library services to the nearly 50,000 residents of Ocoee and surrounding areas. In January 2015, the branch became the new Genealogy Center for Orange County, housing a collection of over 30,000 genealogy books. The Library is the official repository of the Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The construction of the West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center was funded by the Library System and a Florida Library Construction Grant.

Genealogy Resource Guide

Upcoming events

Sewing - Scrappy Quilted Tote (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Need to use up a pile of scraps? Join us for this four week series to turn scraps into a useful tote!
Registration is now closed
Crochet Sunflower Keychain
Sat, Aug 16, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Practice In the Round Crochet with this adorable sunflower keychain to keep or gift to a friend! All materials will be provided.
This event is full
Altered Books
Sun, Aug 17, 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.
Homeschool Science: The Skin You're In
Mon, Aug 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
The biggest organ of your body is almost the most sensitive! Learn some common tips, tricks and myths for keeping your skin safe for years to come. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full
This is My Name
Tue, Aug 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Your name is special, just like you! Help your child learn to recognize and spell their name through fun crafts and activities. Recommended for ages 3–5. Registration required.
Tuesday Tree Time! - Your Weekly Roots Rendezvous!
Tue, Aug 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Bring your questions, your clues, and your curiosity — every Tuesday, Lisa, our Genealogy Specialist, is here to help you grow your family tree!
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Aug 20, 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.
The Joy of Failure
Wed, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learn how mistakes and failures can lead to massive success if you just “keep a’goin’!” Create your own failure turned masterpiece. Recommended for ages 6-12 years. Registration required.
This event is full
Cancelled
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Aug 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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, Aug 21, 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, Aug 21, 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.
Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 1
Thu, Aug 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to use advanced sort and filter options; apply data validation and other data tools to organize your data.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Aug 21, 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, Aug 21, 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.
Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 2
Thu, Aug 21, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to apply data subtotals, outlines, data consolidation and conditional formatting to organize your data.
Crochet in the Round - Beginner Level
Thu, Aug 21, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Add to your project possibilities by crocheting in the round! Create amigurumi, hats, bowls and more. Learn how to create circles with increase stitches and use stitch markers to track your work.
Cancelled
Social Worker @ the Library
Fri, Aug 22, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Our social worker is on-site to meet with library customers and assist with social and government services.
Sewing - Car Visor Organizer (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Fri, Aug 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a cute and functional organizer for your car visor using a variety of sewing skills like installing zippers, elastic, and snaps.
Registration is now closed
Sewing - Scrappy Quilted Tote (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Sat, Aug 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Need to use up a pile of scraps? Join us for this four week series to turn scraps into a useful tote!
Registration is now closed
Crochet Sunflower Bookmark
Sat, Aug 23, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Add a pop of sunshine to your next read with this sunflower bookmark! All materials will be provided.
This event is full
Family Storytime
Sun, Aug 24, 2:00pm - 2:25pm
West Oaks - Children's Area
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.
Tuesday Tree Time! - Your Weekly Roots Rendezvous!
Tue, Aug 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Bring your questions, your clues, and your curiosity — every Tuesday, Lisa, our Genealogy Specialist, is here to help you grow your family tree!
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Aug 27, 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.
Cancelled
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Aug 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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, Aug 28, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Back of Branch
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, Aug 28, 10:45am - 11:05am
West Oaks - Back of Branch
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.
Microsoft Excel - Formulas & Functions
Thu, Aug 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Aug 28, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Back of Branch
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, Aug 28, 11:30am - 12:30pm
West Oaks - Children's Area
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.
Microsoft Excel - Pivot Tables
Thu, Aug 28, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Dread analyzing data? Simplify the process and create meaningful reports using the powerful PivotTable tools. Learn how to create and customize PivotTables and PivotCharts using Microsoft Excel.
Crochet Granny Squares - Confident Beginner Level
Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Crochet a classic granny square. Granny squares are the foundation of many blankets, bags and sweaters. Learn how to crochet in circles and then use increase stitches to make a square.
Sewing - Car Visor Organizer (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Fri, Aug 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a cute and functional organizer for your car visor using a variety of sewing skills like installing zippers, elastic, and snaps.
Registration is now closed
Sewing Open Lab
Sat, Aug 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Come and sew at the West Oaks Library and bring your sewing projects. All the tools are here for you. Participants are required to bring their own materials. Machine sewing skills are required.
Crochet Sunflower Granny Square
Sat, Aug 30, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Crochet a sunflower granny square to add to a blanket or keep on its own. All materials will be provided.
This event is full
Beginner Bookbinding - Adults
Sun, Aug 31, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Curious about binding books? Whether you're binding a sketchbook, a journal, or fanfiction, this class is the perfect place to start. Beginner friendly!
This event is full
Everyday Heroes: Firefighters!
Tue, Sep 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learn what it takes to fight the heat! Listen as firefighters explain how they protect themselves with special gear to wear, trucks and tools. Recommended for ages 3-5. Registration required.
Tuesday Tree Time! - Your Weekly Roots Rendezvous!
Tue, Sep 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Bring your questions, your clues, and your curiosity — every Tuesday, Lisa, our Genealogy Specialist, is here to help you grow your family tree!
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Sep 03, 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.
Everyday Heroes: Firefighters!
Wed, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learn what it takes to fight the heat! Listen as firefighters explain how they protect themselves with special gear to wear, trucks and tools. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
This event is full
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Sep 03, 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, Sep 04, 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, Sep 04, 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.
How to Use the Mouse & Keyboard
Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard to navigate within the computer's interface. Practice using these two devices with hands-on exercises and online resources.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Sep 04, 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, Sep 04, 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.
Learn How to Type
Thu, Sep 04, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to properly place your hands on the keyboard and enhance your typing skills by using the Web-based TypingMaster program.
Crafternoons
Thu, Sep 04, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Get ready for an hour of crafting fun with friends! Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
Thursday Sewing - Crossback Apron (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Thu, Sep 04, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a functional crossback apron with generous pockets using beginner friendly measurements and stitches! This project features pocket installation and hemming practice.
This event is full
Friday Sewing: Phone Case Wallet (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Fri, Sep 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a functional combination phone case and wallet featuring pockets, a zipper, and bag hardware installation. This is a perfect first bag for confident sewists!
This event is full
Books, Cards & Beyond!
Fri, Sep 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
There's so much more to do at the library than just read the books they offer. Create your own edible library card and a host of fun activities! Recommended for families. Registration required
Sewing - Phone Case Wallet (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Sat, Sep 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a functional combination phone case and wallet featuring pockets, a zipper, and bag hardware installation. This is a perfect first bag for confident sewists!
This event is full
That's the Tea: Twilight
Sat, Sep 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Let's talk about Twilight, enjoy tea and treats, and create a pair of vampire earrings. Recommended for ages 18 and up. Registration required.
Crochet Granny Square Wrap Top (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Sat, Sep 06, 3:00pm - 5:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Wanting to crochet clothes, but not sure where to start? This is the perfect starter project to learn how to measure, create negative ease, and crochet your own wrap top. Confident beginners welcome!
Puzzle Swap
Sun, Sep 07, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
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, Sep 07, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
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.
Cancelled
Tiny Travelers: El Caribe
Tue, Sep 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
¡Vámonos! Discover the sights, sounds, and treasures of Hispanic culture through a world of color in this bilingual program. Recommended for ages 18-36 months. Registration required.
Tuesday Tree Time! - Your Weekly Roots Rendezvous!
Tue, Sep 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Bring your questions, your clues, and your curiosity — every Tuesday, Lisa, our Genealogy Specialist, is here to help you grow your family tree!
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Sep 10, 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.
When the Storm Comes
Wed, Sep 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
It's hurricane season! Enjoy a story and a snack while learning about these powerful storms and what you can do to prepare for them. Presented by the City of Ocoee. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Adult Basic Education - Improve Reading and Writing Skills
Wed, Sep 10, 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. 
Car Seat Assistance
Thu, Sep 11, 10:00am - 1:00pm
West Oaks - Ask at Desk
Orlando Health will be providing a limited number of car seats to families in need by appointment only.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Sep 11, 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, Sep 11, 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.
Computer Basics Level 1 - Getting Started with Windows
Thu, Sep 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Get up and running with computers. Learn how to navigate the computer desktop and how to perform various techniques in manipulating windows using basic mouse and keyboard techniques.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Sep 11, 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, Sep 11, 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.
Computer Basics Level 2 - Creating & Saving Files
Thu, Sep 11, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Get your computer skills racing. Learn how to create, rename, delete, and organize files and folders on your computer.
Crafternoons
Thu, Sep 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Get ready for an hour of crafting fun with friends! Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
Thursday Sewing - Crossback Apron (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Thu, Sep 11, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a functional crossback apron with generous pockets using beginner friendly measurements and stitches! This project features pocket installation and hemming practice.
This event is full
Friday Sewing: Phone Case Wallet (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Fri, Sep 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a functional combination phone case and wallet featuring pockets, a zipper, and bag hardware installation. This is a perfect first bag for confident sewists!
This event is full
Cooking and Seasoning with Herbs
Fri, Sep 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Join Hillary Ayers, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, as she shares how to cook with herbs and limit salt intake to make healthier meals. Registration required.
Sewing - Phone Case Wallet (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Sat, Sep 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Sew a functional combination phone case and wallet featuring pockets, a zipper, and bag hardware installation. This is a perfect first bag for confident sewists!
This event is full
Outreach Event: Story Time in the Garden
Sat, Sep 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join the library at the historical Nehrling Gardens to hear a story and complete a craft. - 2267 Hempel Ave Gotha, FL 34734
Plant Clinic
Sat, Sep 13, 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.
Roots & Clues: Your First Steps into Family History
Sat, Sep 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Join us for this fun and informative beginner genealogy class — perfect for newcomers, and a great refresher for seasoned researchers who enjoy revisiting the basics!
Crochet Granny Square Wrap Top (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Sat, Sep 13, 3:00pm - 5:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Wanting to crochet clothes, but not sure where to start? This is the perfect starter project to learn how to measure, create negative ease, and crochet your own wrap top. Confident beginners welcome!
This event is full
Altered Books
Sun, Sep 14, 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
Beginner Papermaking - Beginner
Sun, Sep 14, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Learn how to turn recycled paper into handmade paper using a water basin, frames and deckles! Perfect for beginners, Adults 18+
This event is full
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