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Eclipse Viewing Party

Part of Our Eclipse Celebrations
2023-10-14 13:00:00 2023-10-14 14:00:00 America/New_York Eclipse Viewing Party Step outside and view the eclipse in real time. Eclipse glasses will be provided. Southwest Branch -

Saturday, October 14
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2023-10-14 13:00:00 2023-10-14 14:00:00 America/New_York Eclipse Viewing Party Step outside and view the eclipse in real time. Eclipse glasses will be provided. Southwest Branch -

Step outside and view the eclipse in real time. Eclipse glasses will be provided.

Two solar eclipses are coming to North America – an Annular Eclipse on October 14, 2023 and a Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Thanks to a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and a supplement to the NASA @ My Library Project, the Space Science Institute’s STAR Net team is providing solar viewing glasses to public libraries. To receive your solar viewing glasses (while supplies last) you must attend a program presented by the Orange County Library System related to the upcoming eclipses. 

AGE GROUP: | Kids | Families |

EVENT TYPE: | Science & Math |

TAGS: | science | family-fun | bb-seal |

Southwest Branch
Phone: 407-835-7323
Hours
Mon, Dec 23 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Dec 24 Closed
(Closed in observation of the Christmas holiday.)
Wed, Dec 25 Closed
(Closed in observation of the Christmas holiday.)
Thu, Dec 26 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Dec 27 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Dec 28 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Dec 29 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 Crafts
Thu, Dec 26, 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 26, 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 26, 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 26, 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.
Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs
Sat, Dec 28, 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
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Dec 28, 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 - Snow
Mon, Dec 30, 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 30, 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 - New Year Celebration
Mon, Dec 30, 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.
Cancelled
Outreach Event: Storytime at Bill Frederick Park
Wed, Jan 01, 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.
Storytime Craft
Thu, Jan 02, 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, Jan 02, 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, Jan 02, 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, Jan 02, 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.
Outreach Event: Storytime at Bill Frederick Park
Sat, Jan 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.
Embroider Level 1 - Beginner Level
Sat, Jan 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Technology Classroom
Start hand embroidery today. Learn the basics of using a hoop and needles to create running, back and cross stitches to create a beautiful sampler.
This event is full
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Jan 04, 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 - Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Sat, Jan 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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
Mother Goose on the Loose - Winter
Mon, Jan 06, 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, Jan 06, 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 - Pokémon Party
Mon, Jan 06, 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.
Be Safe Online (Ages 7-9)
Mon, Jan 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Technology Classroom
Learn safety tips and good practices when using the Internet.
Knitting - Level 1
Tue, Jan 07, 10:15am - 11:45am
Technology Classroom
Start knitting today! Learn basic techniques while creating your first project, a bookmark for your favorite read. Techniques include casting on, the knit stitch and binding off.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Jan 07, 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.
Microsoft Word Level 1 - Creating Documents
Wed, Jan 08, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
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.
Move Like the Animals
Wed, Jan 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
Can you hop like a frog? Waddle like a penguin? Run like a cheetah? See if you can move like the animals do! Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Microsoft Word Level 2 - Proofing, Templates & Pictures
Wed, Jan 08, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Explore Microsoft Word's proofing features like the spelling and grammar check. Use and modify Word templates with ease. Enhance your document by inserting and formatting pictures.
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Jan 08, 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.
Storytime Craft
Thu, Jan 09, 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.
How to Use the Mouse & Keyboard
Thu, Jan 09, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard to navigate within the computer's interface. Practice using these two devices with hands-on exercises and online resources.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Jan 09, 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, Jan 09, 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.
Learn How to Type
Thu, Jan 09, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Learn how to properly place your hands on the keyboard and enhance your typing skills by using the Web-based TypingMaster program.
Tiny Tales
Thu, Jan 09, 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, Jan 11, 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, Jan 11, 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+
Make Art and Be Well: Altered Books
Sat, Jan 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Bring your imagination and join us to discover the possibilities of altered books with instructor Kathy Boyle. All materials provided. May bring copies of photos or mementos to use. Ages 18+
Nature Walk Book Club - Birnam Wood
Mon, Jan 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join the Southwest Library for a low-impact walk outdoors at Nehrling Gardens followed by discussion of Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton. Registration required. 18+
Mother Goose on the Loose - Fish
Mon, Jan 13, 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, Jan 13, 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 - Physical Education
Mon, Jan 13, 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.
Algodoo Sandbox (Ages 7-9)
Mon, Jan 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Technology Classroom
Have fun with physics! Simulate physics in the real world with Algodoo. Experiment with objects and see how they react to the forces of gravity and friction.
Hand Sewing Sashiko Patterns - Hydrangea - Beginner Level
Tue, Jan 14, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Learn sashiko hand sewing techniques that form geometric patterns from simple running stitches. Create beautiful designs layer-by-layer while learning to mark and sew these geometric designs.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Jan 14, 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, Jan 14, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
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 Word Level 3 - Enhancing & Finalizing Documents
Wed, Jan 15, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Enhance your document by adding elements like shapes, SmartArt, headers, and more. Secure your document with password protection. Work with distribution options like printing and sharing.
Bubble Playtime
Wed, Jan 15, 11:00am - 11:45am
Help your child develop gross-motor skills in this interactive bubble party. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5.
Microsoft Word Level 4 - Mail Merge
Wed, Jan 15, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Contact your mailing list with ease. Use the Mail Merge wizard to create personalized letters and emails.
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Jan 15, 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.
Storytime Craft
Thu, Jan 16, 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.
Computer Basics Level 1 - Getting Started with Windows
Thu, Jan 16, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
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.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Jan 16, 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, Jan 16, 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, Jan 16, 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.
Computer Basics Level 2 - Creating & Saving Files
Thu, Jan 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Get your computer skills racing. Learn how to create, rename, delete, and organize files and folders on your computer.
Southwest STEM - Planet Hoppers
Thu, Jan 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Learn about the size and distance of the planets in our solar system with hands-on activities. Come to the library for an out of this world good time. Recommended for ages 6-12.
Growing Up WILD: In a Grasshopper's World
Sat, Jan 18, 11:00am - 11:45am
Learn all about grasshoppers, their anatomy and where they live. Recommended for families with children ages 4-7. Presented as a part of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Project WILD®.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Jan 18, 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+
Knitting - Level 2 - Beginner Level
Tue, Jan 21, 10:15am - 11:45am
Technology Classroom
Level up your knitting. Learn how to combine knit and purl stitches to create smooth fabric. Techniques include the purl stitch, counting stitches and rows, using stitch markers, and fabric sides.
Mindful Start Family Yoga
Tue, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 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.
Microsoft Excel Level 1 - Creating Spreadsheets
Wed, Jan 22, 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.
Toddlerumpus
Wed, Jan 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Wiggle, squiggle, dance and clap with stories and songs that invite play and motor movement. Recommended for ages 18-36 months.
Microsoft Excel Level 2 - Finalizing & Securing Spreadsheets
Wed, Jan 22, 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.
Southwest LEGO® Club
Wed, Jan 22, 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.
Storytime Craft
Thu, Jan 23, 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.
Internet Level 1 - Fundamentals
Thu, Jan 23, 10:15am - 11:15am
Technology Classroom
Learn Internet concepts and terminology. Become familiar with Web browsers while surfing the Web.
Storybook Fun
Thu, Jan 23, 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, Jan 23, 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, Jan 23, 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.
Internet Level 2 - Search Techniques
Thu, Jan 23, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Technology Classroom
Learn about search engines and search techniques to help you find exactly what you are looking for on the Web.
Qigong Movement and Breathing
Fri, Jan 24, 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.
Southwest Art Meet Up
Sat, Jan 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Bring your own art or craft projects to work on or create something new with provided supplies. Connect with others who enjoy crafting and art! Registration preferred. 18+
Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs
Sat, Jan 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Area
Children can improve their reading 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.
Embroider Level 2 - Beginner Level
Sat, Jan 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Technology Classroom
Add to your stitch repertoire. Learn how to create French knots, chain stitches and satin stitches, while practicing the running and back stitches.
Y Read: Book Read Aloud
Sat, Jan 25, 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+
Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons (12-17)
Sat, Jan 25, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Technology Classroom
Do you want to play Dungeons & Dragons but aren't sure where to start? Come in for an overview, make your own character, and even try a little adventure!
See all events