Week Calendar

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

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

Introduction to Genealogy: participants will follow the instructor as she uses her own ancestor to demonstrate the features of Ancestry.com library edition and HeritageQuest.

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

For little ones birth to 30 months and their caregivers. Join us for a traditional storytime of rhymes, songs, stories, books, and activities specially chosen with babies and toddlers in mind.

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

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Librarian Charlotte Thompson leads a monthly book discussion group. 

September 10:   Philip Roth   The Plot Against America.     

Join us on the 2nd Monday and 4th Tuesday of the month. We supply the coloring pages and pencils.

Learn how to navigate ecommerce sites to buy and sell new and used items on online shopping sites like eBay, Amazon, and peer to peer sales sites like LetGo, OfferUp, FaceBook Marketplace, Craigslist, and more!

ESOL Conversation Group - Focus 

Students MUST first be registered with the Literacy Council

Contact:  Sue Bergstrom 941-955-0421

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees?

Need a plant or insect identified?

Drop in to receive research-based lawn, landscape and pest management help from the University of Florida.

Having trouble with your device? Need help syncing your eBooks? Come see Luis, our in-house tech expert! See the Reference Desk for more information.

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.

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

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.

Come 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.

Sign up to practice what you learned in Genealogy Basics, Parts 1 and 2, or to continue researching your family history using the library's Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest databases and/or genealogy websites. 

Books, puppets, songs, dance and more surprises. Geared for ages

3-5, but all are welcome to join the fun. Enjoy special guest Adrianne

Pezzella on Oct. 30  for “Fun To Be Fit Kids.”

Join us for Bingo and snacks at Elsie Quirk Library! Registration is required and limited to 20 participants.

This is a free financial program presented by the Foundation for Financial Education, this workshop will cover Long-Term Care topics including:

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.

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

Relax and experience the joy of creation using paper canvases, oil pastels and other materials to create a mini painting to take home or display in the teen center.  This is a self-directed, non-instruction program for all ages, available wee

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

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

For infants to five years, attending with caregiver. The storytime includes simple stories, nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and crafts. Space is limited to 80 people. Free tickets are available at the youth desk beginning at 10 a.m.

Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that include music, 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.

Learn how to create a Word document, choose a point size, font style, bold, italicize, letters and words, choose color, insert photos, print and more.

Must be proficient with a keyboard.

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

For children 18 months to 4 years old and their caregivers. Interact with your child in a variety of early literacy activities including music, movement, stories, crafts and games.

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 stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, and crafts. There is a different theme every week.

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

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.

Looking for assistance with your smart phone, tablet, or laptop?  Want to learn how to download e-books and audios, browse magazines using Flipster, or figure out that app you've been hearing about?

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.

-Submit a digital poster file (PDF) to ningram@scgov.net with subject heading "Poster"

-Your poster will be your rendition of a book cover for one of your favorite books

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.

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.

For preschoolers ages 2 1/2 to 5 years and their caregivers.  Join us for a storytime of stories, books, songs, rhymes, and activities specially chosen with preschool children in mind.  Each storytime concludes with a family-fun craft!

Join us for an intimate evening with bestselling author Mary Hogan whose new novel, Left: A Love Story was inspired by her real-life marriage to a man with early Alzheimer's.  With humor and insight, Mary will discuss the b

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

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

Come join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

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

For ages 3-6.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

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 in an exciting role-play adventure based on the popular book series "Captain Underpants" by Dav Pilkey!

Open to ages 7 and up.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

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

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

Join Fletcher Rush from Farr Law Firm for a brief lecture on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how it will impact your estate planning. 

Advanced Research : Use your own ancestor to search Ancestry and HeritageQuest. To begin your personal search bring the complete name, dates (birth/death), and location of where this family member lived or might have lived.

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 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.

Join us for an intimate afternoon with bestselling author Mary Hogan whose new novel, "Left: A Love Story" was inspired by her real-life marriage to a man with early Alzheimer’s.

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.

Learn tips from a Sarasota Chiropractor on how to avoid costly hips fractures. 

Join us for an event with New York Times bestselling author Mary Hogan, whose new novel "Left: A Love Story" was inspired by her real-life marriage to a man with early Alzheimer's. She will discuss the book as well as he

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.

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

Discover the history of Batman from comics, television, and movies. Learn how to layout your own graphic novel.  Create digital art with our Wacom tablets.  Enjoy coloring sheets, puzzles, and more.  Free for all ages.

Work on your own creations or build as a team.  We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination.  We provide Duplo Blocks for younger siblings.

Join the Death Cafe for monthly support and discussions on death the end-of-life. Visit www.deathcafe.com for more information.

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

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, have snacks, play games, and more.

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. 

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, have snacks, play games, and more.

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.

Cooking Matters is a 6-week health/nutrition education and cooking class that meets once a week for up to two hours. During the course, participants will learn about nutrition, budgeting, shopping, and more followed by an inter

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.

Learn how to use Publisher to create a poster for our Teen Read Week Digital Poster Contest.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, have snacks, play games, and more.

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?

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, have snacks, play games, and more.

Drop-In and make a festive fall craft!

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, have snacks, play games, and more.

Drop in and play games on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Wii. Recommended for ages 11-18.

Special appearances:

September - Dash robot

October - Microscope slide-viewing

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.

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

Tuesdays, Aug. 14 - Dec. 18 from 3 - 5:30 p.m.

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

Join us weekly for our Girls Who Code Club and create a technology based service project.  Learn technology and leadership in this nationally recognized program.

Children, tweens, and teens can drop in and learn how to play chess!

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.

Join us for an afternoon of games! Open to children ages 5-11.

Fridays, Aug. 17 - Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

with a break on Nov. 23

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

Kids are welcome to start the weekend right with some after school gaming! 

Bring your own or choose from our library of board, card, role playing, or Wii video games. 

Come and enjoy a fun, interactive storytime designed with young children's learning needs in mind!

Every Third Saturday @ 3:00pm !

Spend time with your family and enjoy your favorite board games, toys and crafts.

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.

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.

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.

A club for kids who love reading, writing, and nature! Weekly sessions using nature as inspiration.

For ages 7 and up.

Having trouble with your device? Need help syncing your eBooks? Come see Luis, our in-house tech expert! See the Reference Desk for more information.

Hosted by teen interns with the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! The Marine Science Club is designed to educate children about marine life and conservation through fun games and activities.

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 other teens on the second Monday of the month for movies and conversation. Titles are announced the month before and refreshments will be provided. For more information, please pick up a monthly event flyer at the library.

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

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

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

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

For ages 11-18.  Bring your friends and learn about different countries and cultures from around the world.  Each month we will feature a different country.

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.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination! For ages 8 and up; younger children may attend with a caregiver.

Drop-in arts and crafts with a splash of science! All programs are free and recommended for ages 6 and  up. Children under 8 years old may require parent or caregiver assistance at some programs.

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!

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!