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Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

junk journal

Arts & Crafts: Junk Journal Junkies

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Green Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

A Junk Journal Club for enthusiasts.  Please bring your own journal and glue.  Meet new friends and carve out some time for yourself and your thoughts.... 

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Green Living
:

A Junk Journal Club for enthusiasts.  Please bring your own journal and glue.  Meet new friends and carve out some time for yourself and your thoughts.... 

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

various board game pieces on a monopoly board

Teen Game Café

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Teen Zone at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Hang out as you please and play a variety of board games, video games, and card games with your friends! All games will be provided. Ages 11-18 only.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Teen Zone
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning
:

Hang out as you please and play a variety of board games, video games, and card games with your friends! All games will be provided. Ages 11-18 only.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

theater

Theatre of the Mind | 'Lovers and other strangers'

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Theatre of the Mind presents a play reading of "Lovers and Other Strangers" by Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Performances
:

Theatre of the Mind presents a play reading of "Lovers and Other Strangers" by Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor.

Chinese take away planter

Arts & Crafts: Chinese New Year's Take-Out

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
:

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

Afternoon STEM: Toothpick Towers

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Challenge yourself to make a tower out of toothpicks with the provided materials to see which material works the best.  Best for ages 5-12.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Challenge yourself to make a tower out of toothpicks with the provided materials to see which material works the best.  Best for ages 5-12.

Homeschool Hang: Doodle Pens

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. 

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. 

spicetea

Healthy Living | Asian Spice Teas

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Discussion Groups, Green Living, Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Sari in the vibrant world of Asian tea traditions. In this immersive class, you’ll craft your very own signature tea infusion—layering exotic flavors, aromatic spices, and cultural wisdom.

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Discussion Groups, Green Living, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Join Sari in the vibrant world of Asian tea traditions. In this immersive class, you’ll craft your very own signature tea infusion—layering exotic flavors, aromatic spices, and cultural wisdom.

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Libraries and History Center ClosureWe will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Closing
Branches:
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Stories and Fun

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, and fun activities. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, and fun activities. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

Taxes

AARP Income Tax Aide | Appointment Scheduling

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
All Ages

Attend this sign-up session to register for an AARP Income Tax Assistance appointment. 

Advance appointments are required to utilize AARP's tax assistance services this tax season.

Cancelled
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Tax Help
:

Attend this sign-up session to register for an AARP Income Tax Assistance appointment. 

Advance appointments are required to utilize AARP's tax assistance services this tax season.

Library Advisory Board Orientation

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Purpose of Room Use:

Library Advisory Board Orientation

Meeting Room B
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Location: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Purpose of Room Use

Library Advisory Board Orientation

lavender and sachet

Arts & Crafts: Lavender Sachets

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Refresh your closets and drawers for the coming spring!  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
:

Refresh your closets and drawers for the coming spring!  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

French Conversation

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:30am
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Purpose of Room Use:

Promoting French history, culture and language

Meeting Room A
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Location: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Purpose of Room Use

Promoting French history, culture and language

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Taxes

AARP Income Tax Aide | Appointment Scheduling

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
All Ages

Attend this sign-up session to register for an AARP Income Tax Assistance appointment. 

Advance appointments are required to utilize AARP's tax assistance services this tax season.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Tax Help
:

Attend this sign-up session to register for an AARP Income Tax Assistance appointment. 

Advance appointments are required to utilize AARP's tax assistance services this tax season.

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

Teen Craft Zone: Sumi-e Landscape Painting

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique that uses black ink to create expressive images. It is known for its simplicity, spontaneity, and the use of various shades of gray created by diluting the ink with water.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique that uses black ink to create expressive images. It is known for its simplicity, spontaneity, and the use of various shades of gray created by diluting the ink with water.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.