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cinema

First Friday Film: Breaking News Film Series

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

On the first Friday afternoon of the month, watch a movie that is hosted by film professor Maryann Dahlen, who will invite the audience to discuss the movie after its showing.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

On the first Friday afternoon of the month, watch a movie that is hosted by film professor Maryann Dahlen, who will invite the audience to discuss the movie after its showing.

glittered mason jars for votives

Arts & Crafts: Hearts on Fire Votives

Friday, February 6, 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

Sparkles and twinkles, all you could ask for from a vision of love.   All materials provided.  Nor registration is required.  These programs are popular.  Seating is limited.  First Come, first seated.

Cancelled
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
:

Sparkles and twinkles, all you could ask for from a vision of love.   All materials provided.  Nor registration is required.  These programs are popular.  Seating is limited.  First Come, first seated.

Image of coins and pens

AARP Income Tax Assistance

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 2:30pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

painting

Fluid Art Mastery | Learning Acrylic Pour Painting

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults

Discover the vibrant world of fluid art in this hands-on acrylic pouring class.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Discover the vibrant world of fluid art in this hands-on acrylic pouring class.

Image of coins and pens

AARP Income Tax Assistance

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Hula Hoops for Littles

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Join presenter Amy Bradley each month for a special class with hula hoops, props, games, and activities designed especially for littles!  Best for ages 1-5. Registration required. Check in at the youth desk when you arrive.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Join presenter Amy Bradley each month for a special class with hula hoops, props, games, and activities designed especially for littles!  Best for ages 1-5. Registration required. Check in at the youth desk when you arrive.

Image of coins and pens

AARP Income Tax Assistance

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Lego Pile

LEGO Club

Tuesday, February 10, 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)

Join us every other Tuesday in the Creation Station to show off your LEGO building talents.  Use the hour to freely build or choose one of our challenge cards for inspiration! 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 every other Tuesday in the Creation Station to show off your LEGO building talents.  Use the hour to freely build or choose one of our challenge cards for inspiration! Best for ages 5-12.

Anime Club

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:45pm - 6:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Movies
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Want more anime or manga in your life? Whether you’ve just discovered anime or you’ve been reading manga for years, this is the place to meet fellow fans, watch and discuss your favorite series, and eat yummy snacks!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Movies
:

Want more anime or manga in your life? Whether you’ve just discovered anime or you’ve been reading manga for years, this is the place to meet fellow fans, watch and discuss your favorite series, and eat yummy snacks!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, February 11, 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, February 11, 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.

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth

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
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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, February 12, 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.

Homeschool Hang: Shrinky Dinks

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
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. 

Registration Open
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. 

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, February 12, 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.

Image of coins and pens

AARP Income Tax Assistance

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

spanish

Advanced Spanish Conversation Group

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Spanish/En Español
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Spanish Group Conversation.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Spanish/En Español
:

Spanish Group Conversation.

Afternoon STEM

Thursday, February 12, 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)

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Explore electricity and make a circuit using glitter glue, salt, LED lights, and batteries.  Best for ages 5-12, under 7 best with adult supervision.

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! Explore electricity and make a circuit using glitter glue, salt, LED lights, and batteries.  Best for ages 5-12, under 7 best with adult supervision.

Fun to be Fit: Littles

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)

Join presenter Adrianne Pezzella for a special music and movement program especially for children and their caregivers to attend together. Enjoy quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise, and having fun!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
Program Type: Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Join presenter Adrianne Pezzella for a special music and movement program especially for children and their caregivers to attend together. Enjoy quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise, and having fun!

delhi

Travelogue | India I Delhi-Punjab-Rajaji

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

India is often called a land of paradoxes—“Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.” It’s a sensory tapestry: vibrant, chaotic, and deeply moving.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

India is often called a land of paradoxes—“Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.” It’s a sensory tapestry: vibrant, chaotic, and deeply moving.

Night at the Library Escape Room

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning, Special Events, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Take a slash at a chilling Valentine’s Day murder mystery! Solve puzzles to escape a killer’s lair in the library and uncover their identity. Join us for an
after-hours celebration of teamwork, scares, and fun!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning, Special Events, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Registration Required
:

Take a slash at a chilling Valentine’s Day murder mystery! Solve puzzles to escape a killer’s lair in the library and uncover their identity. Join us for an
after-hours celebration of teamwork, scares, and fun!

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, Feb. 17.

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, Feb. 17.

ROAR! on the Road Storytime

Tuesday, February 17, 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)

Enjoy this free storytime program from The Ringling that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. Best for ages 0-5. Space is limited.

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
:

Enjoy this free storytime program from The Ringling that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. Best for ages 0-5. Space is limited.

Cover of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Monthly Book Club | Heart of Darkness

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us to discuss Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us to discuss Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad