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Genealogy 101: Building 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 Genealogy research often involves historical records that may contain outdated, offensive, or discriminatory language. Original terminology found in historical documents and other source materials may be referenced when necessary for accuracy, context, and understanding and does not reflect the views or endorsements of OCLS.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: | westoaks | genealogy | bb-genealogy |

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Hours
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Mon, Sep 28 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 29 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 30 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Oct 01 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Oct 02 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Oct 03 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Oct 04 1:00PM to 6:00PM
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Upcoming events

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Online Class: Crochet Along 2026 - Flower Bouquet - Intermediate
Wed, Sep 30, 10:00am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Join us for this year long series to create a realistic style crocheted bouquet of flowers. This class meets once a month to complete a longform project together in a warm and welcoming environment!
Virtual: Writing Clearly Advanced
Wed, Sep 30, 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.
Cancelled
Genealogy: Discover America! - This week: South Carolina
Wed, Sep 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
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 - Black & White Effects
Wed, Sep 30, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Make photos pop with black and white effects. Learn multiple ways to convert photos to black and white, apply adjustment layers and create enhancing effects.
Online: Fundamentals of Sound for Audio Engineering
Wed, Sep 30, 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)
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Raegan
Wed, Sep 30, 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.
Virtual Event: Practica Spanish Conversation
Wed, Sep 30, 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.
Online: DaVinci Resolve - Color Page
Wed, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Learn the basics of color grading using DaVinci Resolve and RAW video.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Wed, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Chair Yoga
Wed, Sep 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Get moving with this energizing and relaxing Chair Yoga sequence for all-levels. Tap into the strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation that your body can provide you. Requires use of a chair.
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Oct 01, 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: AI Applications & Effective Prompt Writing
Thu, Oct 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how to put AI to work with practical demonstrations across multiple models.
Thursday Tree Zoom!
Thu, Oct 01, 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!
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns: Spiderweb Cat - Confident Beginner Level
Thu, Oct 01, 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: Open Lab - Pronunciator - Guided Practice Lab for Spanish Learners
Thu, Oct 01, 10:15am - 11:15am
Online Technology Classroom 2
Ready to Boost Your Spanish Vocabulary? Join us for an interactive Spanish Vocabulary Lab where learning is hands-on, fun, and tailored to your pace!
Online: From Text to Images - Generative AI with Adobe Firefly
Thu, Oct 01, 11:15am - 11:45am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn about Adobe’s Powerful AI engine and how it integrates into their apps.
Virtual: Basic English 2
Thu, Oct 01, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class is designed for students with a high-beginner to intermediate level of English. Continue to practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Cancelled
Wet Records, Dry Laws: Prohibition and Your Ancestors
Thu, Oct 01, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Explore Prohibition from 1920–1933, its impact on American life, and the rise of organized crime. Learn records and clues that may reveal whether your ancestor was a bootlegger—or just knew one!
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Thu, Oct 01, 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.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Thu, Oct 01, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
High School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Thu, Oct 01, 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.
Virtual: Prepare for Your Job Search - Job Seekers Series
Thu, Oct 01, 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, Oct 01, 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.
Author Talk: Veronica Roth - Courage, Choice, and What Comes Next
Thu, Oct 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us for an online conversation with bestselling author Veronica Roth as we celebrate the legacy of her Divergent series and get a sneak peek into her upcoming novel, The Sixth Faction!Register
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 4 - More Functions & Visual Tools
Fri, Oct 02, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Use absolute and relative references to ensure your data is calculated accurately. Visually represent your data with recommended charts. Analyze data by using functions like COUNT.
Online: Create a Third-Person Game - Unity - 10 Parts Class Series
Fri, Oct 02, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
This 10-part class series covers the essential skills to develop a third-person exploration game in Unity.
Online Class: Introduction to 3D Design
Fri, Oct 02, 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.
Virtual: English Conversation Hour
Fri, Oct 02, 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. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Basic English 2
Sat, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Virtual ESL Room 2
This class is designed for students with a high-beginner to intermediate level of English. Continue to practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online Class: Microsoft Word Level 1 - Creating Documents
Sat, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
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.
English Conversation Hour
Sat, Oct 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
A series of workshops in which students can practice their English speaking and listening skills. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online Class: Adobe Photoshop - Color Correction
Sat, Oct 03, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Take an average photo and make it pop. Learn basic color correction techniques and make global and location adjustments to images in Adobe Camera Raw.
Online Class: Digital Publishing - eBook Formatting & Conversion
Sat, Oct 03, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Learn how to apply best practices and techniques to successfully convert a Microsoft Word manuscript into an eBook.
Online: AI Bootcamp
Sun, Oct 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Get a firm grasp on what AI is, how it works, and its ethics. We’ll explore AI models that can elevate your everyday life, and how to write prompts for best results.
Speaking Clearly Advanced
Mon, Oct 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual ESL Room 2
Improve your English speaking and pronunciation skills. Intended for advanced English language learners.  Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Knit Along Gifting Series: The Ranunculus Sweater (8-Part) - Intermediate
Mon, Oct 05, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Knit along with us! Knit Midori Hirose's versatile and popular Ranunculus Sweater pattern. The top-down yoke sweater is a perfect gift. Make one to give and one to keep.
Registration is now closed
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Create Spreadsheets
Mon, Oct 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
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.
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Let's Learn Letters and Numbers
Mon, Oct 05, 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.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Create Spreadsheets
Mon, Oct 05, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Speaking Clearly Beginners
Mon, Oct 05, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual ESL Room 2
A pronunciation class for beginners. The class is designed to introduce learners to the basics of the sounds of English for pronunciation. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Secure Spreadsheets
Mon, Oct 05, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
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.
Online: Creative Resources for Self-Starters - Build your Creative Skills
Mon, Oct 05, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
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.
English for Social Interactions
Mon, Oct 05, 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 18 years and older.
Online: Create a 3D Video Game Character - Blender Essentials 10 Parts Class Series
Mon, Oct 05, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.
Online: Open Lab - Pronunciator - Guided Practice Lab for Spanish Learners with Ms. Brenda
Mon, Oct 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Online Technology Classroom 1
Let's learn and use Pronunciator to learn Spanish vocabulary by topic.
Online Class: Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1
Mon, Oct 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Identify the basic features and tools to get you started. Learn how to create a presentation by using templates, text, and picture files.
Online: Intro to Adobe Bridge
Mon, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn how this file management app can speed up your workflow.
Bilingual Conversations with Ms. Brenda
Mon, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
Bilingual (Spanish / English) Conversational Interactions with Ms. Brenda
Preschool Storytime: Virtual Pajama Party
Mon, Oct 05, 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: 3D Made Easy with Adobe Stager
Tue, Oct 06, 10:00am - 11:00am
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Create photorealistic product mockups of branded merchandise using this intuitive 3D application.
Spanish from Zero - Intermediate with Brenda
Tue, Oct 06, 10:15am - 11:15am
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish B1) Come and learn Spanish grammar with Ms. Brenda.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Intermediate
Tue, Oct 06, 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. 
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 3 - Functions & Automated Features
Tue, Oct 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
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.
Online: Fundamentals of 3D Sculpting with Nomad Sculpt
Tue, Oct 06, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Create a simple 3D sculpt and learn to navigate Nomad Sculpt's workspace and the basics of 3D sculpting.
Spanish From Zero for Beginners with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Oct 06, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A0) Learn and use Spanish for the first time with Ms. Brenda.
Online Class: Microsoft Excel Level 4 - More Functions & Visual Tools
Tue, Oct 06, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
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.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Tue, Oct 06, 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. 10/6 Session 1; 10/7 Session 2; 10/13 Session 3; 10/14 Session 4.
Online: Adobe After Effects Level 1 - Animation Basics
Tue, Oct 06, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
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.
Online: Fundamentals of Sound for Audio Engineering
Tue, Oct 06, 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: Substance 3D Painter Fundamentals
Tue, Oct 06, 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.
Online: Adobe After Effects Level 2 - Intermediate Animation
Tue, Oct 06, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 3
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.
Online: Create a 3D Video Game Character - Blender Essentials 10 Parts Class Series
Tue, Oct 06, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.
Spanish from Zero - Basics with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Oct 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A1-A2) Come and learn basic Spanish with Ms. Brenda.
High School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Tue, Oct 06, 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.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Alafaya
Tue, Oct 06, 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.
Spanish from Zero - Intermediate with Brenda
Tue, Oct 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish B1) Come and learn Spanish grammar with Ms. Brenda.
Online: Intro to Adobe Photoshop
Tue, Oct 06, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Learn what this industry-leading photo editing application is capable of.
Virtual: Basic English 2
Tue, Oct 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Virtual Room - Windermere
This class is designed for students with a high-beginner to intermediate level of English. Continue to practice basic vocabulary and grammar. Recommended for those 18 years and older.
Registration opens Wednesday, September 30 2026 at 9:00am
Online Class: Canva Projects - AI Tools
Tue, Oct 06, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online Technology Classroom - TEC
Work Canva's magic! Learn how to bring presentations and social media posts to life using text prompts. Generate instant text content, charts, and mockups.
Spanish From Zero for Beginners with Ms. Brenda
Tue, Oct 06, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Virtual Room - Southeast
(Spanish A0) Learn and use Spanish for the first time with Ms. Brenda.
Unexpected Ways AI Can Impact Your Writing Career
Tue, Oct 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Literary agent Anjanette Barr will discuss the hidden risks of AI in publishing, from creative dilution to ethical concerns and threats to writers’ careers.
Online Class: Crochet Spooky Filet (3 Parts) - Advanced
Wed, Oct 07, 10:00am - 11:30am
Online Fiber Arts Classroom
Curious about filet crochet? Join us in October to learn the techniques you need with an adorable ghost filet block.
Virtual: Writing Clearly Advanced
Wed, Oct 07, 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.
Cancelled
Genealogy 101: Building Your Family Tree
Wed, Oct 07, 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.
Online: Adobe After Effects Level 3 - Motion Graphics & Titles
Wed, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Raise your video production value with motion graphic elements. Animate lower-third titles by using After Effect's shape layers, solid layers, type tool and anchor point tool.
Online: Audio Studio Orientation
Wed, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
Please contact the library to register for this event.
Citizenship Inspired (4- Session Series)
Wed, Oct 07, 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. 10/6 Session 1; 10/7 Session 2; 10/13 Session 3; 10/14 Session 4.
Virtual Event: Knit and Crochet Meetup with Raegan
Wed, Oct 07, 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.
Cancelled
Beyond the Federal Census: Discovering STATE Census Records
Wed, Oct 07, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Learn how state censuses can fill gaps between federal census years, reveal family movements, and uncover valuable details about your ancestors’ lives and communities.
Middle School Advisory Board Meeting - Teen Volunteering
Wed, Oct 07, 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: Adobe After Effects Level 4 - Animate in 3D Space
Wed, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 1
Take animation to the third dimension! Discover how to use 3D Layers, 3D cameras and Z-space to create the illusion of depth and motion with still photographs.
Online: Create a 3D Video Game Character - Blender Essentials 10 Parts Class Series
Wed, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Virtual Melrose Classroom 2
Join this 10-part class series and learn how to model, texture, rig, and animate a character for a video game.
Digital Decluttering: Organize and Free Up Storage Space
Wed, Oct 07, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual Room - EPD
Join bestselling author and expert organizer Jamie Novak to learn how to declutter your devices and free up space.
See all events