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City Directories: Hidden Clues to Ancestors' Lives
2026-08-13 13:00:00 2026-08-13 14:00:00 America/New_York City Directories: Hidden Clues to Ancestors' Lives City directories reveal addresses, occupations, and family clues. Learn to track ancestors year by year, uncover movements, and fill gaps between census records with this often-overlooked resource Online - Virtual Room - West Oaks

Thursday, August 13
1:00pm - 2:00pm

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Online

Virtual Room - West Oaks

City directories reveal addresses, occupations, and family clues. Learn to track ancestors year by year, uncover movements, and fill gaps between census records with this often-overlooked resource

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 Genealogy research often involves historical records that may contain outdated, offensive, or discriminatory language. Original terminology found in historical documents and other source materials may be referenced when necessary for accuracy, context, and understanding and does not reflect the views or endorsements of OCLS.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: | westoaks | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

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Mon, Aug 24 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 25 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 26 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 27 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 28 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 29 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Aug 30 1:00PM to 6:00PM
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Upcoming events

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Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Aug 27, 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!
Registration is now closed
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Aug 27, 10:05am - 11:05am
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!
Registration is now closed
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns: Cicada - Confident Beginner Level
Thu, Aug 27, 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.
Registration is now closed
Cancelled
Virtual Genealogy Workshop
Thu, Aug 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
This is an interactive workshop where you can ask questions, share brick walls and share your success stories. We will demonstrate solutions with a shared screen and provide strategies for success!
Online Class: Microsoft Word - Review and Citation Tools
Thu, Aug 27, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Get your research papers and reports noticed. Learn how to use the review tools to discover errors and ensure readability. Add organization with a table of contents and clear citations.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Thu, Aug 27, 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!
This event is full
Author Talk: Lucy Foley - High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery
Thu, Aug 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.Register
Online Class: Cybersecurity Basics - PLA DigitalLearn
Thu, Aug 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Online Technology Classroom 1
Cybersecurity is all about the safety of our information when we’re online. Build confidence as you visit websites, create passwords, and respond to email.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Thu, Aug 27, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Beginner
Thu, Aug 27, 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.
Winter Garden Book Club
Thu, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Room - Winter Garden 1
Please join us for a lively book discussion about The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.
Online: Sewing - How to Read a Pattern - Beginner Level
Fri, Aug 28, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
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 Class: Python Programming Basics Level 2 - Loops, Conditions, & Functions
Fri, Aug 28, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Explore more Python fundamentals! Have your code do the hard repetitive work by using loops. Determine the flow of your code with conditional statements. Define functions to maximize efficiency.
Online Knitting - Increases and Decreases - Beginner Level
Fri, Aug 28, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Increase your knitting skills. Use increases and decreases to add a delicate edge to your work. Learn yarn overs, the knit two together stitch and pattern reading to create work on the bias.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Fri, Aug 28, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Fri, Aug 28, 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!
Exploración Tecnológica: Canva - Spanish Immersion with Ms Brenda
Sat, Aug 29, 10:30am - 11:45am
Online Technology Classroom 1
Exploremos Canva juntos y en familia.
Online Class: Microsoft Word Level 4 - Mail Merge
Sat, Aug 29, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Contact your mailing list with ease. Use the Mail Merge wizard to create personalized letters and emails.
Open Lab - Learn a Language: "The Orientation"
Sat, Aug 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online Technology Classroom 1
Learn a new language using library resources. Aprende un nuevo idioma utilizando los recursos de la biblioteca.
Online: Creative Skills Bootcamp
Sun, Aug 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
This jam-packed, 90-minute session is designed to empower you with the resources and knowledge to meet your basic creative needs (graphic design, video, etc.), followed by an open-ended Q&A.
Writing Workshop: The Show-Tell Solution
Sun, Aug 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Author and editor Lorin Oberweger will define show vs tell and discuss how to us each in alignment with pacing, dialogue, character development, genre, and more.
Speaking Clearly Advanced
Mon, Aug 31, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills. Intended for advanced English language learners. 
Knitting: Community Farm Vegetable Garden (4-Part) - Confident Beginner Level
Mon, Aug 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Practice working in the round using double pointed needles while knitting a cute vegetable garden.
Registration is now closed
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Let's Learn Letters and Numbers
Mon, Aug 31, 11:00am - 11:40am
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, Aug 31, 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.
Online: Understanding AI: What Everyone Should Know
Mon, Aug 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
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 Class: Introduction to 3D Design
Mon, Aug 31, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Create and build models using Tinkercad, a free 3D Design application. Explore the process for exporting a compatible model for 3D printing.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Mon, Aug 31, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Online: Creative Resources for Self-Starters - Build your Creative Skills
Mon, Aug 31, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about the Library and Melrose resources offered to those with creative needs, focusing on graphic design, web design, video editing, and more. Get personalized class recommendations.
Basic English 1
Mon, Aug 31, 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, Aug 31, 7:00pm - 7:40pm
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.
Online: AI Applications & Effective Prompt Writing
Tue, Sep 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how to put AI to work with practical demonstrations across multiple models.
Spanish from Zero - Intermediate with Brenda
Tue, Sep 01, 10:15am - 11:15am
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish B1) Come and learn Spanish grammar with Ms. Brenda.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Intermediate
Tue, Sep 01, 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. Recommended for those 18 years and older. 
Spanish From Zero for Beginners with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Sep 01, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A0) Learn and use Spanish for the first time with Ms. Brenda.
Personal Investing Toolkit (4-Part Series)  
Tue, Sep 01, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual Room - Learning Central
Build your knowledge of investor tools for pursuing personal finance success in this four-part series using Morningstar Investing Center and other financial resources. 
Online Class: Microsoft Word Level 1 - Creating Documents
Tue, Sep 01, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Create polished documents in Microsoft Word. Navigate the user interface and apply basic word processing techniques to create a formatted letter. Learn important actions like copy, cut, and paste.
Online: Substance 3D Painter Fundamentals
Tue, Sep 01, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Create texture maps and learn the user interface, how to manipulate UV maps and 3d models, and the basic workflow of creating textures with Substance 3D Painter.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Tue, Sep 01, 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. 9/1 Session 1; 9/2 Session 2; 9/8 Session 3; 9/9 Session 4.
Author Talk: David Stewart - America’s 250th Anniversary- The Democracy We Must Keep
Tue, Sep 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us as we chat with award-winning historian David O. Stewart about his newest work and the question he explores throughout the book: What did America's founders say about democracy?Register
Spanish from Zero - Basics with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Sep 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A1-A2) Come and learn basic Spanish with Ms. Brenda.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Tue, Sep 01, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Alafaya
Tue, Sep 01, 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.
Online: From Text to Images - Generative AI with Adobe Firefly
Tue, Sep 01, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about Adobe’s Powerful AI engine and how it integrates into their apps.
Spanish from Zero - Intermediate with Brenda
Tue, Sep 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish B1) Come and learn Spanish grammar with Ms. Brenda.
Spanish From Zero for Beginners with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Sep 01, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A0) Learn and use Spanish for the first time with Ms. Brenda.
Online Class: Crochet Tunisian Braided Headwarmer (4 Parts) - Intermediate
Wed, Sep 02, 10:00am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Practice Tunisian techniques with a cozy headwarmer to keep or give away! We will be discussing beginner Tunisian Crochet in this class. Adults 18+.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Advanced
Wed, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Join us on ZOOM to practice academic style writing along with more complex vocabulary. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Genealogy: Discover America! - This Week: Maryland!
Wed, Sep 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Come with us on a virtual road trip as we explore one state at a time. We will explore the history, the culture and most of all those precious genealogical resources that are unique to each location!
Online Class: Adobe Photoshop - Brush Tools
Wed, Sep 02, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Create your own artwork using Photoshop brush tools. Use settings to manipulate painting digitally. Build your own brushes that work for your needs and learn to import brush sets.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Wed, Sep 02, 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. 9/1 Session 1; 9/2 Session 2; 9/8 Session 3; 9/9 Session 4.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Raegan
Wed, Sep 02, 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.
Middle School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Wed, Sep 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Youth Services 1
Earn community service by collaborating with your peers to test out new programs, brainstorm new library services, and more! Recommended for students in grades 6-8.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Wed, Sep 02, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual Event: Practica Spanish Conversation
Wed, Sep 02, 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 adults.
All-Levels Yoga
Wed, Sep 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Get moving with this energizing and relaxing yoga sequence for all-levels. Tap into the strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation that your body can provide you.
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Sep 03, 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: Adobe Premiere Level 1
Thu, Sep 03, 9:30am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Start creating top-notch digital video productions. This is an introduction to the basics of editing video footage.
Online: Graphic Design Made Easy with Adobe Express
Thu, Sep 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
No time to learn Photoshop? Use the free Express app to intuitively and quickly create all the graphics you need.
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Sep 03, 10:05am - 11:05am
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
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns: Crane - Confident Beginner Level
Thu, Sep 03, 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: Cybersecurity Basics - PLA DigitalLearn
Thu, Sep 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Cybersecurity is all about the safety of our information when we’re online. Build confidence as you visit websites, create passwords, and respond to email.
Online: Create Videos & Reels with Adobe Express
Thu, Sep 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
No time to learn Premiere? Use the free Express app to create cool video edits with fluid text and graphics animations.
Thursday Tree Zoom
Thu, Sep 03, 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!
This event is full
Online: Adobe Premiere Level 2
Thu, Sep 03, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Discover a fast way to assemble a video edit by cutting to music. This class explores the creative aspect of motion picture editing by importing audio & photographs, setting sequence markers, & more!
At the Family Table: Food and Genealogy
Thu, Sep 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual Room - West Oaks
Discover how recipes, food traditions, cooking habits, and family meals can reveal your ancestors’ culture, migration, daily life, and treasured family stories.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Thu, Sep 03, 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. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
High School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Thu, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Youth Services 1
Earn community service by collaborating with your peers to test out new programs, brainstorm new library services, and more! Recommended for students in grades 9-12.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Thu, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Virtual: Prepare for Your Job Search - Job Seekers Series
Thu, Sep 03, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
This program provides hands-on worksheets and strategies to help you reflect on your goals, identify your skills, and succeed. Ages 18 & up. Registration required.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Beginner
Thu, Sep 03, 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. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
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