Week Calendar

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified? On the first and third Monday mornings of every month, from 10:00 a.m.

Assistance with the Affordable Health Act. By appointment only.

Drop in and make a Mother's Day Card!

Ages 0-5. Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child. Experience new educational activities, learn new songs and finger plays, connect with other families, and get valuable parenting and child development information.

This program will be held at the Venice Community Center located at 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. designed specifically for children up to age 5 and their parent/caregiver, this class is a chance to be a partner in your child's play.

This computer-based genealogy course covers the following topics: why study genealogy; how to get started; what sources are available; and how to organize and present your research.

For ages 0-5 with caregiver. Join us for a fun, interactive program of stories, songs, movement and crafts.

Learn Genealogy research through Ancestry, Heritage Quest, etc.  Students need names, dates, and locations of people to be researched on the databases. Bring your own thumb drive for articles to be printed.

Isha Yoga and Meditation for Beginners

Come join us for an exploration of mindfulness and find your inner peace.

A Reference Librarian will be available for help with e-books, computer basics, or questions about your electronic devices. Reserve a 30-minute session today by calling 941-861-1207 or by signing up at the Reference Desk.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified? Homeowners can receive research-based lawn, landscape and pest management help from the University of Florida.

Who should attend: Anyone who has questions about flood risks, zones, insurance regulations and pending map changes: especially residents, professional lenders, insurance agents and realtors.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified?

Drop in and make a Mother's Day Card!

Sign Language program for children 0 - 2 1/2 years old. Learn with Beebo the Signing Bear using songs, books, and toys. Older siblings welcome.

This program is geared toward babies from newborn to age 2 ½ years. The 45 minute program includes songs, baby sign language, a book and playtime. Older siblings are welcome.

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!

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play.

Students who attend Part 1 will continue to research their family history on the second day in Part 2 during which the class instructor is available to answer questions and help the students in their research.

For people who want to improve their French speaking skills and enjoy reading French-language articles and discussing them. Come practice speaking the romantic language of French.

Drop in and make a Mother's Day Card!

Enjoy interacting with your child by participating in early literacy activities that include music and movement, books, crafts, and educational activities.

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.

Learn to knit or crochet! All ages and skill levels welcome! It is recommended to bring your own yarn and needles. Instructor-supplied yarns remain with the instructor weekly until piece is completed.

Author K. Allen tells of the emotional investments found while working with seniors with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia and offers practical advice for caretakers.

This first of a two-part class is for people who have no prior knowledge of computers. Participants learn about the Windows operating system and terminology related to using the computer keyboard and mouse.

Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, songs, parachute time and peek-a-boo scarf songs. For ages 0-2 years old.

 Ask Bob, our local Windows expert, any questions about your PC or Laptop.

Drop in and make a Mother's Day Card!

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. Your child can practice social and motor skills while you chat with trained parenting educators.

 Featuring great stories, singing, dancing, and movement activities young children learn valuable skills and enjoy being with other children. For ages 2-3.

Ages 0-5. Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness activities.

ESOL Conversation Group for intermediate to higher level ESL learners.

Students MUST first be registered with the Literacy Council

Contact:  Sue Bergstrom 941-955-0421

Prescription Medication & Health Care Assistance for those that are uninsured and qualify financially.

This month: GSS members present Search & Find for Genealogists.

Discover the excitement of ham radio as the hobby of a lifetime. Learn how to select your equipment, set-up your first station and make your first contact.

Drop in and make a Mother's Day Card!

For ages 3 and up. Bilingual stories, songs, and activities. Learn new words and practice language skills. The bilingual storytime is presented by library volunteer Lourdes Fuller. Everyone welcome!

Practice speaking English in a group setting. Sponsored by the Literacy Council of Sarasota. Please call 941-955-0421 to register as an ESOL learner with the Literacy Council of Sarasota.

Make your mother a beautiful flower arrangement with the help of the Sogetsu Group. The materials are provided by the Friends of Gulf Gate Library.  This program is meant for children 7 to 11.

Weekly Service Club for 12 and 13 year old children who want to help with projects and learn library skills.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. designed specifically for children up to age 5 and their parent/caregiver, this class is a chance to be a partner in your child's play.

Drop in for assistance using library technology including e-Books and audiobooks from Overdrive and the Cloud Library.

Infant Feeding Support Group Community group open to WIC moms and the public to receive support and information about infant feeding including breast feeding. No registration required.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful 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.

 Join us for a fun-filled morning of reading, songs, dancing, learning Kindergarten readiness skills and craft activities. For ages 3-6.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. Your child can practice social and motor skills while you chat with trained parenting educators.

Are you in Grades 6-8 and need service hours for school? Club members should plan to attend the monthly meetings and assist with at least one additional program per month. A club agreement can be picked up at your first meeting.

Come play board games both new and old. Connect 4, Operation, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly and much more! A variety of board games and one "life sized" board game will be featured each month.

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.

The Chess Club meets every Tuesday from 12-4 in the computer lab. No registration required. 

Looking to mix up your lunch hour?

Bring your lunch and join us for short stories, poetry and more! 

Every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 12:10 - 12:50 p.m.

Join us for a discussion about making the library a better place for teens! We will discuss programming, volunteering opportunities, and more.

Learn Genealogy research through Ancestry, Heritage Quest, etc.  Students need names, dates, and locations of people to be researched on the databases. Bring your own thumb drive for articles to be printed.

Ask an E-Help volunteer for all your technology-related questions and predicaments. Held every Tuesday in the public meeting area.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified?

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified?

What would you do if basic services were cut off, like electricity or water, or if you had to suddenly leave your home? This class will offer tips and ways to prepare for unexpected disasters, such as hurricanes.

Want to learn more about using a computer or your device?

Sign up for your 30 minute session with one of our librarians.

Sessions are set up for Wednesdays starting at 1:00 pm.

Call 941-861-1360 to sign up.

Loss of friends and family, work, physical ability or a sense of identity ... these realities signal critical life changes, but can also be catalysts for personal growth.

Socrates Café is a gathering where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the central theme of Socratic teaching; the idea that we learn.

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.  Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

Make your mother a beautiful flower arrangement with the help of the Sogetsu Group. The materials are provided by the Friends of Gulf Gate Library.  This program is meant for children 12 to 18.

Bring your imagination to life with LEGO®! Come build machines, animals, architecture, monsters, and more every second Saturday of the month. LEGO pieces will be provided. For children ages 5-11.

Combined session for North Port Library and Shannon Staub Library TAB groups.

Location: Shannon Staub Library. 

Come use our Adobe/ Mac software and sewing machines on your own personal projects. Time slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

"Movement Matters: Mellow Moves for Active Older Adults" with Health and Fitness professional Terry Stocker. A kinder, gentler, lighthearted fitness class designed for active older adults. Mellow moves to music get hearts thumping.

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

New movies every Tuesday in the meeting room. Movie schedules are published bimonthly and available at the front circulation desk. 

Unfamiliar with your new phone? Here's a hint, if it's not an iPhone, it's an Android. Come learn the basics of setting up and operating smartphones running on Android-based operating systems.

Learn the fundamentals of sewing, from threading the machine to finishing touches. Make and take an item sewn by you! Materials are provided, class is free!

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

For people who want to improve their Spanish speaking skills. Come practice your pronunciation and oral understanding through conversation and instruction of this romantic language. Everyone is welcome.

Are you a movie buff? Interested in watching critically acclaimed films and learning a little bit about the movie industry as well?

Beginners and advanced players welcome.

Drop in and play a variety of board games including Harry Potter Clue, Ticket to Ride, Munchkin and more!

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs.

This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interaction.

Are you in Grades 6-8 and need service hours for school? Club members should plan to attend at least one program per month. A club agreement can be picked up at your first meeting.

Looking for something a little more advanced than basic Spanish lessons? Every Monday from 3:30-5:00 join an open group of intermediate Spanish speakers for a small discussion-oriented lecture.

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

Afterschool program for grades 6-12. Choose from our collection of Wii games, or bring your own.  Snacks provided by All Faiths Food Bank.

Choose from a variety of technologies to explore, including Makey Makey, Little Bits, Dash and Dot robots, and our Luzbot 3D printer.

For ages 5-11. Explore fundamental concepts of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Fun, engaging, hands on learning. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants.

Learn to enter numbers unto cells; a simple calculation formula; and Chart Wizard. Let us know if you will bring your own computer or use one of our laptops. Limited to 10.

Join us for an afternoon of strategy and fun! Families and children ages 7+ are welcome!

Different arts & crafts each month, including balloon animals, origami, jewelry making, candle making, and more.

Join us for an afternoon of games! 

The May 10 Help Desk is cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Learn to knit or crochet! All ages and skill levels welcome! It is recommended to bring your own yarn and needles. Instructor-supplied yarns remain with the instructor weekly until piece is completed.

Come use our software and sewing machines on your own personal projects.

A different project every week!

Call or visit to find out what it is this week!

Ages 6+.

Hola! Join us for an evening of learning intermediate Spanish grammar and vocabulary and practicing conversational skills.

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs.  This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.

Monthly Board Meeting -- Open to the Public

Learn how to design simple 3D objects online! Create and print your own! Ages 11-18.

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

Join us after school and follow a guided activity to make a shrinky film creation or use our art supplies to work on your own project.

Open to ages 7 and up.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) club, sponsored by the Venice Cadet Squadron, Civil Air Patrol (http://www.venicecap.org & http://facebook.venicecap.org), for teenagers aged 12-18.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Come and enjoy free movies on our big screen. Contact the library for movie titles.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Join fellow teens for the North Port Library's Teen Drama Club. No, it's not about all the drama that happened in English class, it's your chance to discuss everything from directing and acting to set design, makeup and costuming.

Practice speaking English! Please call 941-955-0421 to register as an ESOL learner with the Literacy Council of Sarasota.

Join us for this five week series to learn how to cook simple and delicious meals with your family! 
Every class you will prep and eat the meals.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Families welcome.

Ages 11-18. Drop by to create new crafts each month. No registration required. Snacks will be provided.

Interested in anime? Come to the Teen Anime Club where each month we will watch a different anime film or series, and afterwards discuss. Ages 11-18. Contact the library for film titles.

The Gulf Gate Teen Advisory Board is committed to creating a teen friendly library by suggesting materials to purchase for the library collection, planning and implementing teen programs, and serving as a voice for all teens in the Gulf Gate area.

Girls in grades 6-12 are invited to explore code in a fun and friendly way! Learn the core 4 computer science concepts every programmer needs to know, and complete a Community Service Impact Project.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs.

Join us for our weekly family board game night!

Play board games, video games, and giant games! Choose from the library's selection, or bring your own.

Register below to receive a reminder about this event!

Do you ever wonder if you should go or stay when a hurricane is headed your way? The Division Chief of Administrative Services and Emergency Management will provide the information you need to decide.

For ages 5 and up, younger if accompanied by a caregiver. Children are invited to read with Suncoast Humane Society certified Pet Therapy Dogs. This program encouraged conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Choose from a selection of familiar and unique games to play with friends! Snacks will be provided!

Teen programs are recommended for grades 6-12.

Come join us for a hands-on iPad workshop where you can learn how to use this popular tablet.

Bring your favorite project and knitting supplies, and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts. Feel free to bring your favorite tips, patterns, or snacks to share with the group.

Make unique art by melting crayons with a heat gun. Seriously!

Teen programs are recommended for grades 6-12.