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Image for event: Southwest Author Series

Registration now closed

Southwest Author Series

Featuring Melanie Benjamin
2019-04-12 18:00:00 2019-04-12 20:00:00 America/New_York Southwest Author Series Join us for the 14th Annual Southwest Author Series - presented in partnership with The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips and featuring author, Melanie Benjamin. Southwest Branch -

Friday, April 12
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2019-04-12 18:00:00 2019-04-12 20:00:00 America/New_York Southwest Author Series Join us for the 14th Annual Southwest Author Series - presented in partnership with The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips and featuring author, Melanie Benjamin. Southwest Branch -

Join us for the 14th Annual Southwest Author Series - presented in partnership with The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips and featuring author, Melanie Benjamin.

Join us for the 14th Annual Southwest Author Series - presented in partnership with The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips. Melanie Benjamin is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling historical novels The Swans of Fifth Avenue, about Truman Capote and his society swans, and The Aviator's Wife, a novel about Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Her novels have been translated in over fifteen languages, featured in national magazines such as Good Housekeeping, People, and Entertainment Weekly, and optioned for film. Book sale and signing to follow the lecture. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m. Registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Authors - Books - Writing |

TAGS: | meettheauthor |

Southwest Branch
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
Mon, Nov 18 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Nov 19 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Nov 20 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Nov 21 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Nov 22 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Nov 23 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Nov 24 Closed
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About the branch

The 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.

Read the Southwest blog often for more information on upcoming programs for children and adults, book news and book club discussions, technology classes, art exhibits, new library materials, and more. Email us your suggestions or questions; or post a comment. Let us hear from you!

Upcoming events

Storytime Craft
Thu, Nov 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before and after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5.
Cybersecurity Basics - PLA DigitalLearn
Thu, Nov 21, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
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.
Registration is now closed
Storybook Fun
Thu, Nov 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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.
Video Conferencing Basics - PLA DigitalLearn
Thu, Nov 21, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Learn how to create an account on a popular video conferencing platform (Zoom) and build confidence when using features of the platform in an online meeting.
Registration is now closed
Joy of Reading: A No-Pressure Book Club
Thu, Nov 21, 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+
Southwest Art Meet Up
Fri, Nov 22, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Bring your own art or craft projects to work on or create something new with provided supplies. Connect with others and share the joy of creating art! Registration preferred. 18+
Qigong Movement and Breathing
Fri, Nov 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Learn ancient Qigong practice with modern day instructor Jasmine Win. Using the 5 elements of life, students will undergo an empowering & uplifting shift to take control of their health & lives.
Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs
Sat, Nov 23, 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 children.
This event is full
Family Fiber Arts: DIY Thankful Table Decor
Sat, Nov 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Technology Classroom
Let's make some festive decor for the table with paper, felt, and more! Best for ages 6+. This program is intended for families, whatever family means to you.
Growing Up WILD: Ants on Parade
Sat, Nov 23, 11:00am - 11:45am
Children learn insect characteristics and go outdoors to observe ant behavior. Recommended for families with children ages 4-7.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Nov 23, 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+
Dungeons & Dragons Drop-In Adventure (12-17)
Sat, Nov 23, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
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.
This event is full
Video Game Design: Role-Playing Games (Ages 7-9)
Mon, Nov 25, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Design your own role-playing video games. Use Tynker to create a classic top-down role-playing game complete with enemies to fight and treasure to find.
Mother Goose on the Loose - Dreams
Mon, Nov 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Southwest - Ask at Desk
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 25, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-5.
Homeschool Meetup - Human Pac-Man
Mon, Nov 25, 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.
Logical Quest with the Zoombinis (Ages 10-12)
Mon, Nov 25, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Technology Classroom
Guide sixteen little blue creatures to safety through a series of logic-based puzzles. Help the Zoombinis across treacherous cliffs, past hungry pizza trolls, and up an unclimbable wall.
Design Minecraft Characters (Ages 7-9)
Tue, Nov 26, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Give Steve and Alex fresh new looks. Design characters, items, blocks and mobs for Minecraft using Tynker.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Nov 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
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 with children ages 0-7.
Lego WEDO Build a Race Car (10-12)
Tue, Nov 26, 4:15pm - 5:15pm
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.
Build a Computer (Ages 5-6)
Wed, Nov 27, 10:15am - 11:00am
Technology Classroom
Take an adventure inside a computer! Build your own paper laptop from the inside out while learning what makes a computer work.
Bubble Playtime
Wed, Nov 27, 11:00am - 11:45am
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Help your child develop gross-motor skills in this interactive bubble party. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5.
Code Games with MakeCode Arcade (Ages 10-12)
Wed, Nov 27, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Create and mod retro games! Design your own characters and code their behavior using Microsoft's MakeCode Arcade, a free online 2D game development environment.
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Nov 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The LEGO® Club at the Southwest Library invites you to come use your imaginations to build! Bricks will be provided but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Nov 30, 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+
Cancelled
Mother Goose on the Loose - Sounds
Mon, Dec 02, 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.
Cancelled
Caregiver Connect: Stay and Play
Mon, Dec 02, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Cancelled
Homeschool Meetup - Geodesic Orbs
Mon, Dec 02, 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.
Rescheduled
Knit a French Beret (2-Part) - Confident Beginner Level - Gifting Series
Tue, Dec 03, 10:15am - 12:00pm
New date Friday, December 06, 10:15am - 12:00pm
The gifting series is all about knitting gifts to give or accent gifts. The simple classic French Beret is quick to knit up--perfect for gift giving.
Cancelled
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Dec 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
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 with children ages 0-7.
Cancelled
Microsoft 365 Basics
Tue, Dec 03, 1:15pm - 2:15pm
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.
Outreach Event: Storytime at Bill Frederick Park
Wed, Dec 04, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join us for an outdoor nature Storytime hosted near the playground at Bill Frederick Park. Small fee required to enter the park. Recommended for ages 0-12.
Cancelled
Adobe Photoshop Level 1 - Editing Tools
Wed, Dec 04, 10:15am - 11:45am
Learn about the functionality of Photoshop and explore the environment. Become familiar with using the Brush, Eraser, Selection, Move, and Crop tools.
Cancelled
Chilly Critters
Wed, Dec 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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 toddlers.
Cancelled
Computer Basics Level 1 - Getting Started with Windows
Wed, Dec 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
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.
Cancelled
Preparing for Retirement: Legal
Wed, Dec 04, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Learn what you need to have in place as you age regarding wills, trusts, estate planning, directives, power of attorney and probate.
Cancelled
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The LEGO® Club at the Southwest Library invites you to come use your imaginations to build! Bricks will be provided but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Cancelled
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Dec 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before and after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5.
Cancelled
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 05, 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.
Cancelled
Coding Concepts Level 1 - Visual Studio Code Editor
Thu, Dec 05, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Begin your journey into the world of coding. Learn to use the Visual Studio Code editor to write coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript or even Python.
Cancelled
Toddler Time
Thu, Dec 05, 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.
Cancelled
Tiny Tales
Thu, Dec 05, 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.
Cancelled
Coding Concepts Level 2 - Terminology
Thu, Dec 05, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Explore HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python using Visual Studio Code. Learn the foundational, universal programming terminology to help you succeed in creating apps, games, and other solutions.
Cancelled
Space Crafts
Thu, Dec 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Drop by and create some out-of-this-world crafts. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Knit a French Beret (2-Part) - Confident Beginner Level - Gifting Series
Fri, Dec 06, 10:15am - 12:00pm
The gifting series is all about knitting gifts to give or accent gifts. The simple classic French Beret is quick to knit up--perfect for gift giving.
Outreach Event: Storytime at Bill Frederick Park
Sat, Dec 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
Join us for an outdoor nature Storytime hosted near the playground at Bill Frederick Park. Small fee required to enter the park. Recommended for ages 0-12.
Growing Up Wild: Spider Web Wonders
Sat, Dec 07, 11:00am - 11:45am
Children learn about spiders and spider webs. Recommended for families with children ages 4-7.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Dec 07, 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 - The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
Mon, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join the Southwest Library for a causal walk outdoors at Bill Frederick Park followed by discussion of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Registration required. 18+
Mother Goose on the Loose - Dogs
Mon, Dec 09, 11:00am - 11:30am
Using rhymes, songs, 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, Dec 09, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-5.
Homeschool Meetup
Mon, Dec 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
Come participate in math, science, history, art and literature-based learning to support your child's homeschool curriculum. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns - Evergreen Trees (Confident Beginner Level)
Tue, Dec 10, 10:15am - 12:15pm
Technology Classroom
Learn sashiko hand sewing techniques that form geometric patterns from simple running stitches. Enjoy some light refreshments, stitch and relax while creating beautiful geometric designs.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Dec 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
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 with children ages 0-7.
Open Lab - Ask A Tech
Tue, Dec 10, 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.
Adobe Photoshop Level 2 - Working with Layers
Wed, Dec 11, 10:15am - 11:45am
Technology Classroom
Learn how to use layers, layer masks, and layer styles. Become familiar with additional Photoshop tools like Paint Bucket, Type, and Free Transform. Explore Photoshop's myriad of adjustment layers.
I Spy Winter
Wed, Dec 11, 11:00am - 11:45am
Explore a winter wonderland through a story and hands-on activities to warm up your little fingers. Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Computer Basics Level 2 - Creating & Saving Files
Wed, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Technology Classroom
Get your computer skills racing. Learn how to create, rename, delete, and organize files and folders on your computer.
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
The LEGO® Club at the Southwest Library invites you to come use your imaginations to build! Bricks will be provided but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Dec 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before and after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 12, 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, Dec 12, 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 12, 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.
Beginner Line Dancing
Sat, Dec 14, 10:30am - 11:45am
Learn beginner line dance steps to all types of music. Discover a great way to exercise your body and mind, and have fun. Partners not needed. Bring water. Non-stick sole shoes recommended. 15 to 18+
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Dec 14, 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+
Book Page Gift Bags
Sat, Dec 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Create a one-of-a-kind gift bag made from book pages. All supplies provided. Registration required. Intended for ages 18+.
Mother Goose on the Loose - Farm
Mon, Dec 16, 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, Dec 16, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Connect with other caregivers to meet and mingle while your little one explores imaginary play with new and old friends. Recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Homeschool Meetup - Snow Day
Mon, Dec 16, 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 Book Club, but for Podcasts
Mon, Dec 16, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room
Join us to share a favorite podcast from this past year's listening list and favorites on your personal playlist. No pre-selected playlist this month. 18+
Gather and Unwind - Fiber Arts Meetup
Tue, Dec 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Dec 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
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 with children ages 0-7.
Sewing - Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Tue, Dec 17, 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
Adobe Photoshop Level 3 - Retouching & Restoration
Wed, Dec 18, 10:15am - 11:45am
Technology Classroom
Learn how to add Photoshop filters. Apply powerful retouching and restoration techniques to revitalize your images. Become familiar with Photoshop's Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
Toddler Playground
Wed, Dec 18, 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.
Design with Canva - Basics
Wed, Dec 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Technology Classroom
Bring your design ideas to life with Canva, a free graphic design application. Save time by building on thousands of professional templates to create logos, flyers, social media content and more.
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Southwest - Ask at Desk
The LEGO® Club at the Southwest Library invites you to come use your imaginations to build! Bricks will be provided but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Storytime Crafts
Thu, Dec 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Drop-in before and after storytime to create a make-and-take craft. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Dec 19, 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.
Javascript Fundamentals
Thu, Dec 19, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Technology Classroom
Develop interactive Web pages with rich media content. Students will learn the fundamental of JavaScript and useful techniques to bring a static Web pages to life.
Toddler Time
Thu, Dec 19, 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 19, 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.
Python Programming
Thu, Dec 19, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Technology Classroom
Create a program with Python, an easy to learn programming language. Assign variables, input data and develop calculations to make an interactive application.
Southwest Book Club: - Anxious People
Thu, Dec 19, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Join the Southwest Book Club to discuss Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. A novel about the things that save us, even in the most anxious times.  Reg. req. 18+
Device Advice: Digital Organization
Sat, Dec 21, 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!
Outreach Event: Pop-up StoryWalk® at Bill Frederick Park - A Guided StoryWalk®
Sat, Dec 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Join OCLS as we host a guided pop-up StoryWalk® at Bill Frederick Park! As participants stroll the trail they will be directed toward the next page in the story.
Growing Up WILD: Looking at Leaves
Sat, Dec 21, 11:00am - 11:45am
Children practice their observation skills by comparing leaves. Recommended for families with children ages 4-7.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Dec 21, 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+
Sewing - Gift Bags for Every Occasion - Beginner Level
Sat, Dec 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Technology Classroom
Impress that special someone in your life by wrapping their gift in a handmade gift bag! These gift bags can be made for any occasion. They are fast and easy to make and each one is unique.
This event is full
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