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Genealogy 101: Beginning Your Family Tree

Not sure how to begin your family tree or stuck and unsure what to do next? Discover effective tools, smart methods, and proven techniques to break through roadblocks and keep your genealogy moving.

The Orange County Library System (OCLS) provides general genealogy instruction and assistance to customers researching their family histories. Genealogy research often involves historical records that may contain outdated, offensive, or discriminatory language. Original terminology found in historical documents and other source materials may be referenced when necessary for accuracy, context, and understanding and does not reflect the views or endorsements of OCLS. Information provided by OCLS is for informational purposes only and should be verified using original records and other reliable sources.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History - Culture - Genealogy |

TAGS: | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
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Mon, Sep 07 Closed
(Closed in observance of Labor Day.)
Tue, Sep 08 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Sep 09 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Sep 10 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Sep 11 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 12 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Sep 13 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

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. 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 West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center was funded by the Library System and a Florida Library Construction Grant.

Genealogy Resource Guide

Upcoming events

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Sewing - Tiny Tote Bag (4 Parts) - Intermediate Level
Tue, Sep 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Practice bag construction techniques with this adorable and portable tiny tote!
Registration is now closed
Preschool Tales - Presented by OCLS’ Professional Storytelling Troupe
Tue, Sep 08, 10:15am - 10:40am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Through picture books, songs, and stories, preschoolers (ages 3–5) build early literacy skills and prepare for reading and writing by talking, singing, reading, and playing.
Toddler Tales - Presented by OCLS’ Professional Storytelling Troupe
Tue, Sep 08, 10:45am - 11:10am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Through movement, storytelling, and songs, toddlers (ages 18–36 months) build early literacy, listening, and verbal skills while developing motor coordination and discovering the joy of books.
Baby Tales - Presented by OCLS’ Professional Storytelling Troupe
Tue, Sep 08, 11:15am - 11:30am
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Featuring rhythm, rhymes, and repetition, this lap-time program supports early literacy, motor skills, language development, and a love of books for babies (ages 0–18 months).
Family Play & Connect
Tue, Sep 08, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Tuesday Tree Time!
Tue, Sep 08, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.
This event is full
Tuesday Tree Time
Tue, Sep 08, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.
This event is full
Tuesday Tree Time!
Tue, Sep 08, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.
This event is full
Sewing Open Lab
Tue, Sep 08, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Come and sew at the West Oaks Branch 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.
This event is full
Tuesday Tree Time!
Tue, Sep 08, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Genealogy Area
Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the Genealogy Specialist. Sessions are available Tuesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and are designed focus on your particular genealogy question.
This event is full
Chess Club
Tue, Sep 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Discover the game of chess while having fun and making friends. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration required.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Wed, Sep 09, 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.
Ready, Set, Preschool! Open & Shut
Thu, Sep 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Preschoolers will engage in hands-on activities that build early literacy skills, creativity, and kindergarten readiness. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Microsoft Excel Level 3 - Functions & Automated Features
Thu, Sep 10, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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
Thu, Sep 10, 1:15pm - 2:15pm
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.
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Crafternoons
Thu, Sep 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Get ready for an hour of crafting fun with friends! Registration Requested. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Crochet Market Bag (4 Parts) - Confident Beginner
Thu, Sep 10, 5:00pm - 6:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Practice beginner crochet stitches with this cute and functional market bag! Students must know how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and turn. Adults 18+.
This event is full
Growing Up WILD: First Impressions
Fri, Sep 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Get back to nature and explore wild Florida with hands-on activities designed to teach and increase awareness and appreciation for the outdoors. Recommended for ages 3-5.
This event is full
Plant Clinic
Sat, Sep 12, 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.
Puzzle Swap
Sun, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Back of Branch
Finished with an old puzzle and looking for something new? Stop by and swap an old puzzle for a new-to-you one. Please bring at least one complete puzzle for adults.
Homeschool Junior: Yayoi Kusuma
Mon, Sep 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
West Oaks - Sarchet Community Room
Learning comes alive! Explore the world through crafts, experiments, and hands-on activities. Recommended for ages 6-12.
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Genealogy 101: Beginning Your Family Tree
Mon, Sep 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Not sure how to begin your family tree or stuck and unsure what to do next? Discover effective tools, smart methods, and proven techniques to break through roadblocks and keep your genealogy moving.
Canva Basics
Mon, Sep 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
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.
Cancelled
The Census Trail: Following Your Family Through History
Mon, Sep 14, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Discover how the U.S. Census from 1850–1950 can reveal your ancestors’ families, occupations, migrations, homes, and hidden stories decade by decade.
Canva Projects - Presentations
Mon, Sep 14, 3:15pm - 4:15pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Create visually appealing and effective presentations. Dive into thousands of free Canva presentation templates. Once you have selected a template, edit it with ease and implement Canva elements.
Crochet Clinic - All Levels
Mon, Sep 14, 5:00pm - 6:45pm
West Oaks - Technology Classroom
Join us for Crochet Clinic where a crochet instructor will be available to answer questions about patterns, troubleshoot problems in projects, and explain crochet technique. All levels welcome!
This event is full
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