Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Register 11 Seats Remaining

Southwest Book Club:

Lessons in Chemistry
2025-12-18 14:00:00 2025-12-18 15:30:00 America/New_York Southwest Book Club: Join us to discuss the award-winning novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Heroine scientist's career is constantly being derailed by the idea a woman's place is in the home. Reg. req. 18+ Southwest Branch -

Thursday, December 18
2:00pm - 3:30pm

Add to Calendar 2025-12-18 14:00:00 2025-12-18 15:30:00 America/New_York Southwest Book Club: Join us to discuss the award-winning novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Heroine scientist's career is constantly being derailed by the idea a woman's place is in the home. Reg. req. 18+ Southwest Branch -

Join us to discuss the award-winning novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Heroine scientist's career is constantly being derailed by the idea a woman's place is in the home. Reg. req. 18+

Join us to discuss the award-winning novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Heroine scientist's career is constantly being derailed by the idea a woman's place is in the home. Uplifting, funny, and thought-provoking. Reg. req. 18+

If you prefer a virtual book club experience, please register for the virtual discussion of Lessons in Chemistry on Tuesday, December 23 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Authors - Books - Writing |

TAGS: | bb-bookclubs |

Southwest Branch
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
Skip Opening Hours widget
Mon, Nov 17 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Nov 18 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Nov 19 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Nov 20 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Nov 21 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Nov 22 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Nov 23 Closed
previous
this week
next
About the branch

Southwest Branch opened on March 21, 1989 in a beautiful Mediterranean style building designed by Schweizer and Associates Architecture Firm, who also designed the Orlando Public Library. Serving the Dr. Phillips and Metrowest communities, Southwest is near International Drive and the attractions. Southwest is a popular place for local adults, children, students and tourists.

Upcoming events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Knitting: Winter Wreath (Gifting Series) (2-Part) - Confident Beginner Level
Tue, Nov 18, 10:15am - 12:00pm
Technology Classroom
It's never too early to start preparing knitted gifts. Knit a winter wreath to decorate or give. Learn how to use cable needles to add texture and interest.
Registration is now closed
Discover America: Indiana
Tue, Nov 18, 11:00am - 11:45am
Travel with us on an imaginary road trip to learn about different states through educational activities, stories and crafts that promote early literacy. Recommended for ages 3-5.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Nov 18, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
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.
Computer Basics Level 2 - Creating & Saving Files
Tue, Nov 18, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Technology Classroom
Get your computer skills racing. Learn how to create, rename, delete, and organize files and folders on your computer.
Gather and Unwind - Fiber Arts Meetup
Wed, Nov 19, 10:00am - 11:45am
Technology 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.
I Love My Family
Wed, Nov 19, 11:00am - 11:30am
Toddlers and caregivers will engage in stories, songs and activities to show appreciation for their families. Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Wed, Nov 19, 12:45pm - 2:45pm
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
LEGO Club
Wed, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The Library invites you to come and use your imagination to build! Bricks will be provided, but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Nov 20, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before or after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families.
Using Media & AI Literacy Tools - Senior Skills
Thu, Nov 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Technology Classroom
Learn to spot misinformation, detect bias, and understand AI online. Navigate news, social media, and digital content with confidence.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Nov 20, 10:30am - 10:55am
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, Nov 20, 11:00am - 11:20am
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, Nov 20, 11:30am - 11:45am
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.
Dungeons & Dragons Drop-In Adventure (13-17)
Thu, Nov 20, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Technology Classroom
Let's play Dungeons & Dragons together! Choose a premade character or bring your own to embark on an adventure full of mysteries, puzzles, dangers, and treasure.
Joy of Reading: A No-Pressure Book Club
Thu, Nov 20, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
All book lovers welcome! Join us to chat about what you are reading. No assigned book to read. A fun and engaging social book club. Held bi-monthly. Registration required. Ages 18+
Qigong Movement and Breathing
Fri, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Embark on a transformative journey with Jasmine Win, a modern qigong instructor, and discover the ancient practice of qigong. Learn at your own pace and ability in this joyful and relaxing class.
Fitness Bingo - Recommended for Seniors
Fri, Nov 21, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Join us for a fun time exercising your way to fitness using the game of Bingo. Get moving and win a prize! Designed for seniors and adults with mobility challenges. Reg. req. Recommended 18 and up.
Device Advice: Digital Organization
Sat, Nov 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Technology Classroom
Are you running out of space on your computer or in your cloud storage? Would you like your files to be organized into folders? Bring your device and let's get organized!
This event is full
Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs
Sat, Nov 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Area
Children can improve their literacy skills by reading to a therapy dog with Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. Practice with a furry friend and build your confidence. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Nov 22, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Conference Room
Experience the joy and camaraderie of reading aloud great literature with others each week. Facilitator-led in partnership with the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA and Southwest Library. 18+
LEGO® Education Spike™ (Ages 6 - 12) - Prime: Science & Engineering
Sat, Nov 22, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Technology Classroom
Build and program machines with LEGO® Education SPIKE™. Join us as we apply physical science concepts and the engineering design process through hands-on learning.
This event is full
Crochet Level 1 (Ages 13-17) - Beginner Level
Mon, Nov 24, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Technology Classroom
Start crocheting today! Learn basic techniques. Techniques include creating a slip knot, chaining, and single crochet stitches.
Mother Goose on the Loose - Thanks
Mon, Nov 24, 11:00am - 11:30am
Using rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more, we will be interacting together to help develop important pre-literacy skills in our littlest ones! Recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Mon, Nov 24, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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.
LEGO® Education Spike™ (Ages 6 - 12) - Prime: Science & Engineering
Mon, Nov 24, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Technology Classroom
Build and program machines with LEGO® Education SPIKE™. Join us as we apply physical science concepts and the engineering design process through hands-on learning.
This event is full
Crochet Level 2 (Ages 13-17) - Beginner Level
Tue, Nov 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Discover America: Iowa
Tue, Nov 25, 11:00am - 11:45am
Travel with us on an imaginary road trip to learn about different states through educational activities, stories and crafts that promote early literacy. Recommended for ages 3-5.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Nov 25, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
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.
Lego WEDO Build a Race Car (10-12)
Tue, Nov 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Technology Classroom
Build and program LEGO Race Car with a simple to use computer interface. Learn how technology plays an active role in our everyday life.
This event is full
Toddler Playground
Wed, Nov 26, 11:00am - 11:45am
Toddlers use unstructured play to advance their physical and cognitive development and to have FUN! Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Fun with Physics - Marble Runs (Ages 5-6)
Wed, Nov 26, 11:00am - 11:45am
Technology Classroom
Don't let gravity get you down! Have some fun with physics as we explore the weight of the world by making our own marble track and learning through play.
LEGO® Education Spike™ (Ages 6 - 12) - Prime: Science & Engineering
Wed, Nov 26, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Technology Classroom
Build and program machines with LEGO® Education SPIKE™. Join us as we apply physical science concepts and the engineering design process through hands-on learning.
LEGO Club
Wed, Nov 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The Library invites you to come and use your imagination to build! Bricks will be provided, but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Nov 29, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Conference Room
Experience the joy and camaraderie of reading aloud great literature with others each week. Facilitator-led in partnership with the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA and Southwest Library. 18+
Mother Goose on the Loose
Mon, Dec 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
Build baby’s first literacy skills with songs, rhymes and stories. Recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Mon, Dec 01, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Homeschool Meetup: Paper Weaving
Mon, Dec 01, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Come participate in math, science, history, art and literature-based learning to support your child's homeschool curriculum. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Paper Possibilities: Pop-up Box
Tue, Dec 02, 10:15am - 11:45am
Technology Classroom
The Pop-up Box is an origami box that is practical and beautiful, the structure can be used to hold cards or notes.
Discover America: Kansas
Tue, Dec 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Travel with us on an imaginary road trip to learn about different states through educational activities, stories and crafts that promote early literacy. Recommended for ages 3-5.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Dec 02, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
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.
Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Creating Spreadsheets
Wed, Dec 03, 10:15am - 11:15am
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.
Will You Be My Friend?
Wed, Dec 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
Toddlers will listen to stories and participate in fun activities that promote early literacy. Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Finalizing & Securing Spreadsheets
Wed, Dec 03, 11:30am - 12:30pm
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.
LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The Library invites you to come and use your imagination to build! Bricks will be provided, but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Dec 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before or after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families.
Microsoft Excel - Formulas & Functions
Thu, Dec 04, 10:15am - 11:15am
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.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
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 04, 11:00am - 11:20am
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 04, 11:30am - 11:45am
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.
Microsoft Excel - Charts
Thu, Dec 04, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Display your data in stunning charts and graphs. Insert recommended and custom charts. Edit chart data, elements and styles.
Geeky Crafts
Thu, Dec 04, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Calling all fans of everything geeky, it’s time to get crafty! Spend the hour creating fun, fandom-inspired crafts to keep. Recommended for ages 13-18.
Florida Children's Museum - Mobile Museum Library Program - Sponsored by Orlando Health
Fri, Dec 05, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Drop in during this 90-minute timeframe to hear stories, explore art, use your senses and play through hands-on fun! Designed for preschoolers and their caregivers, with children under 3 also welcome.
Easy Decoupage Greeting Cards and Gift Tags
Fri, Dec 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn the technique of layering paper and other materials, also called decoupage, to create personalized greeting cards and gift tags. Supplies provided. For ages 18+ Registration required.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Dec 06, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Conference Room
Experience the joy and camaraderie of reading aloud great literature with others each week. Facilitator-led in partnership with the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA and Southwest Library. 18+
Nature Walk Book Club - Playground
Mon, Dec 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join the Southwest Library for a casual walk outdoors at Shadow Bay Park followed by discussion of Playground by Richard Powers. Registration required. 18+
Mother Goose on the Loose
Mon, Dec 08, 11:00am - 11:30am
Build baby’s first literacy skills with songs, rhymes and stories. Recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Mon, Dec 08, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Homeschool Meetup - The Mystery of the Missing Tome
Mon, Dec 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Come participate in math, science, history, art and literature-based learning to support your child's homeschool curriculum. Recommended for ages 6-12.
This event is full
Bojagi Hand Seaming Techniques - Saeksil Nubi (Color Thread Quilting)
Tue, Dec 09, 10:15am - 12:00pm
Technology Classroom
In this limited series, we learn hand seaming techniques traditionally used to seam Bojagi wrapping cloths. This month's featured technique is Saeksil Nubi.
This event is full
Discover America: Kentucky
Tue, Dec 09, 11:00am - 11:30am
Travel with us on an imaginary road trip to learn about different states through educational activities, stories and crafts that promote early literacy. Recommended for ages 3-5.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
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.
Open Lab - Ask A Tech
Tue, Dec 09, 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Technology Classroom
Are you stuck on a software-related project or simply need constructive ideas to get you started? Let us help! A technology trainer will be available to assist you in this open lab.
Microsoft Excel Level 3 - Functions & Automated Features
Wed, Dec 10, 10:15am - 11:15am
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.
Toddler Playground
Wed, Dec 10, 11:00am - 11:45am
Toddlers use unstructured play to advance their physical and cognitive development and to have FUN! Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Microsoft Excel Level 4 - More Functions & Visual Tools
Wed, Dec 10, 11:30am - 12:30pm
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.
LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The Library invites you to come and use your imagination to build! Bricks will be provided, but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Dec 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before or after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
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 11, 11:00am - 11:20am
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 11, 11:30am - 11:45am
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.
Southwest STEM - Confection Construction
Thu, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Join us for this monthly program as we explore the world around us using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Qigong Movement and Breathing
Fri, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Embark on a transformative journey with Jasmine Win, a modern qigong instructor, and discover the ancient practice of qigong. Learn at your own pace and ability in this joyful and relaxing class.
Beginner Line Dancing
Sat, Dec 13, 10:30am - 11:45am
Learn beginner line dance steps to all types of music. Discover a fun way to exercise your body and mind. Partners not needed. Bring water. Comfortable non-stick sole shoes recommended. Ages 18+
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Dec 13, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Conference Room
Experience the joy and camaraderie of reading aloud great literature with others each week. Facilitator-led in partnership with the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA and Southwest Library. 18+
Mother Goose on the Loose - Bears
Mon, Dec 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
Build baby’s first literacy skills with songs, rhymes and stories. Recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Mon, Dec 15, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Homeschool Meetup
Mon, Dec 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Come participate in math, science, history, art and literature-based learning to support your child's homeschool curriculum. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Podcast Listening Club: Favorites - Like a Book Club, but for Podcasts
Mon, Dec 15, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room
Join us to share a favorite podcast from this past year's listening list or favorites from your personal playlist. No pre-selected playlist this month. 18+
Gather and Unwind - Fiber Arts Meetup
Tue, Dec 16, 10:00am - 11:45am
Technology 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.
Discover America: Louisiana
Tue, Dec 16, 11:00am - 11:30am
Travel with us on an imaginary road trip to learn about different states through educational activities, stories and crafts that promote early literacy. Recommended for ages 3-5.
Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Tue, Dec 16, 12:45pm - 2:45pm
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
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
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.
Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 1
Wed, Dec 17, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Learn how to use advanced sort and filter options; apply data validation and other data tools to organize your data.
Chilly Critters
Wed, Dec 17, 11:00am - 11:45am
Brrr! Who is brrrave enough to live in the cold? Discover chilly animal friends and their snowy homes with fun stories, crafts and activities. Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Microsoft Excel - Data Management Level 2
Wed, Dec 17, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Learn how to apply data subtotals, outlines, data consolidation and conditional formatting to organize your data.
LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The Library invites you to come and use your imagination to build! Bricks will be provided, but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Dec 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before or after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families.
Microsoft 365 Basics
Thu, Dec 18, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Discover how you can use Microsoft's powerful productivity tools to connect and collaborate with your team. Learn how to access apps, store and share files.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
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 18, 11:00am - 11:20am
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 18, 11:30am - 11:45am
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.
Open Lab - Microsoft 365
Thu, Dec 18, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Are you stuck on a software-related project or simply need constructive ideas to get you started? A technology trainer will be available to assist you in this open lab related to Microsoft 365.
Southwest Book Club: - Lessons in Chemistry
Thu, Dec 18, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Join us to discuss the award-winning novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Heroine scientist's career is constantly being derailed by the idea a woman's place is in the home. Reg. req. 18+
See all events