Week Calendar

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.

Join other tweens this summer for Xbox and WiiU gaming. Play starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the program is restricted to youth ages 9-12 years old.

Free service to apply to the Affordable Care Act.  Application takes between one and one-half hour.  Only one person can be seen at a time.

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.

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

Monthly book discussion. See the Book Club flier by the circulation desk for a complete list of future titles. 

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? Homeowners can receive research-based lawn, landscape and pest management help from the University of Florida.

Join other tweens this summer for Xbox and WiiU gaming. Play starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the program is restricted to youth ages 9-12 years old.

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.

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.

Did you just finish a rockin' book? We want to hear about it! Join us Tuesday mornings to discuss what you are reading and maybe find some different recommendations!

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

Join other tweens this summer for Xbox and WiiU gaming. Play starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the program is restricted to youth ages 9-12 years old.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Recommended for up to 5 years with parent or caregiver. Singer/guitarist Dave Moran entertains with favorite children’s songs. Limit 80.

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

Continue your summer learning through ABCmouse, iReady, or other educational websites! Bring your account login information, if needed.

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

The Life After Downton group meets to discuss British PBS programs, new films, and books along with a nice cup of tea. All are welcome to join.

Join other tweens this summer for Xbox and WiiU gaming. Play starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the program is restricted to youth ages 9-12 years old.

Chucko the Clown will entertain children and their families with a hilarious musical performance.

Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families are all welcome in this morning storytime program! Join us for stories, activities, songs, and more!

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.

Preschoolers, ages 2 ½ - 5 and their parent, guardian or caregiver are invited to join us for a variety of activities throughout the summer. Drop by the youth department to get a detailed list of activities that will be offered.

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.

Drop-in breastfeeding support and education will be offered at no charge by a trained peer counselor from Healthy Start Coalition with the goal of increasing knowledge and awareness for mothers.

Stroll through our Reading Garden with your little one as YOU become the storyteller.

Enjoy a different book the first Saturday of every month!

Best suited for ages 7 and under, but all ages can participate.

John Storms, the Reptile Man, brings an assortment of reptiles to delight all ages.

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.

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.

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.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

In this DVD course, Professor Bill Messenger of the Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University explores the origins and history of American musical theater, spanning two vibrant centuries.

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.

This musical version of Cinderella features handcrafted rod puppets, storytelling and audience participation.

Ages 7-12. Each month has a new topic relating to Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math! Registration is required and light snack are served.

Join us for fun and valuable lessons with our resident author on subjects including inspiration, editing, the submission process, and more. All writing styles and genres are welcome!

Teen programs are recommended for grades 6-12.

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.

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room June 4-Aug. 3 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

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

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room June 4-Aug. 3 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room June 4-Aug. 3 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

Interested in finding out more about your family tree? Join us for this free instructional course on how to use library resources and databases to research your family history. Seating is limited. Registration is required. 

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room June 4-Aug. 3 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

Chess lovers meet and play chess with other chess lovers. All skill levels are welcome.

Join us every Monday through the summer for family movies and refreshments! Stop by the youth department for a full list of movie titles.

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

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 method: we learn more when we respectfully listen to and debate ideas wit

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

Join us on the first Thursday of the month to discuss our selection. Limited to 20 participants. Register at the Fruitville Reference Desk or call 941 861-2518

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.

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.

Hang out and play with an assortment of video games, board games, and activities in this gaming session for teens and tweens.

Jack, The Computer Guy, will explain how your computer works and why it doesn't.

Please join us for a live concert featuring soprano Martha Lopez accompanied by pianist Rich Ridenour. Part of the Concerts in Libraries series.

Do you carry a song in your heart and a tap in your toes? Then join us on Monday afternoons all summer long for Musical Monday Matinée! Each Monday we'll be screening a different musical in our Juliano Room at 2:30 p.m.

Every week, we will focus on a form of tech, such as Coding Games, Let's MakeyMakey music games, and Introduction to 3D Design! Ages 11-18. Click the titles below to go to register for the specific event.

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

On the first Thursday of every month, everyone is welcome to share and discuss a book. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. This book club is sponsored by Friends of Gulf Gate Library.

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?

Artists in the Library: Design and create a bracelet or necklace with artist Judy Levine. Registration required and limited to 12 participants.

Meets every first and third Friday of the month.

Topics vary each session but always a lively science subject.

Coloring pages, markers, color pencils, and crayons will be provided.

Hang out and play with an assortment of video games, board games, and activities in this gaming session for teens and tweens.

Ages 5 and up. Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Creations will be on display in the youth area for one week following the programs.

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.

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.

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.

Interested in finding out more about your family tree? Join us for this free instructional course on how to use library resources and databases to research your family history. Seating is limited. Registration is required. 

Come ready for fun!  We have games galore for your family to enjoy!  Check in at the Youth desk for a fun game to play with your family in the Storytime Room.  Space is limited, so come early!

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.

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.

Join Larry Engler, award-winning author, teacher, and performer, as he demonstrates the ancient art of puppetry from all over the world, and explains their cultural roots, method

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

ASAP is a group coming together to fill the need for a FREE social play group for kids on the Autism Spectrum. We will have games, toys, music, singing, dancing, puzzles, Legos and more! Ages 5-11 come from 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm.
 

ASAP is a group coming together to fill the need for a FREE social play group for kids on the Autism Spectrum. We will have games, toys, music, singing, dancing, puzzles, Legos and more! Ages 5-11 come from 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm.
 

Because who doesn't love to watch and make fun of a terrible movie with friends? Popcorn will be provided!

Join us for our weekly family board game night! We will supply various games for all ages but feel free to bring your own favorite to share!

Join us for a movie night during the summer. Popcorn will be available.

The movie flyer is attached for your convenience.

June 7 - Thor: Ragnarok

July 5 - Spiderman: Homecoming

Aug. 2 - School of Rock

ASAP is a group coming together to fill the need for a FREE social play group for kids on the Autism Spectrum. We will have games, toys, music, singing, dancing, puzzles, Legos and more! Ages 12 - 20 come from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Brainstorm inventions inspired by monthly challenges. Use the Creation Station to make your ideas a reality!

Open to ages 7 and up.