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

-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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.”

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

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.

After completing Computer Basics, Parts 1 and 2, the student is ready to learn File Management. The basics of file creating and organizing will be demonstrated.

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

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 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.

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Spend quality time singing, dancing, exercising, and having fun! For ages 0-5.

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 use Sarasota County Libraries free steaming video database, Access Video and how to get free popular magazines on Flipster, another database.  Both are free with your library card. 

-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

Meet Amy the Hoop Lady and enjoy Hoop Connections with music and hula hoops. Creativity in play and movement abounds in this class as preschoolers use their imaginations, investigate circles, and play games. For ages 2-5. Space is limited.

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.

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?

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

-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.

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.

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.

Engage babies newborn to 18 months with movement to music, singing, rhymes and basic sign language to enhance social interaction and language development. Playtime follows.

Fridays, Sept. 21 - Dec. 14 with a break on Nov. 23

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.

Join us for a quarterly video game tournament in the Teen Zone! Pizza and prizes will be provided.

Teen programs are recommended for grades 6-12.

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. 

The Florida Department of Health Sarasota County's Health in Motion staff provide no cost
health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness. No appointment is needed. For questions call 941-861-2873.

The 1-3 p.m. genealogy sessions require completion of one of the introductory genealogy classes given at 10:30 a.m -12:30 p.m.

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

Please join Professor Peter Carney from State College of Florida for a presentation on how soul music became Motown. Part lecture and part performance, Prof. Carney will be joined by student jazz musicians from the college.

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.

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.

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

This conversation is one of several that we’ll be having with people across the community.

Visit the Creation Station to weave a coaster out of yarn!

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

Through an interactive program presented by Stefania from Coastal Behavior Healthcare, participants will learn how to set and attain their goals! 

Registration recommended. 

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.

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

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

Special meeting for Waterside Village residents only.  Library database presentation. 

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.

Join us for a fun and informal craft class.

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

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

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.

Students in grades 4-9, join us for friends, fun, food, and some awesome community service! Drop in between 3 and 4:30 p.m. and stay for an hour or more to make a difference in your world.

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.

Halloween Cards. 

Black and orange, unleash your creativity to make Halloween cards for all your favorite goblins. All supplies provided. 

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. 

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.

Do you want to share your anime/manga obsession with other Otaku? Come to the club! We will enjoy talking about Japanese culture, eating Japanese snacks, and of course, watching anime!

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.

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

First Mondays of the Month, September - December from 5 - 6 p.m.

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.

Make new friends while playing trading card games, video games, board games or just hanging out. FREE refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Gulf Gate Library.

Enjoy some award winning international films with English subtitles.

 This month: VIPs (Brazil, 2010, 1h 35m, Universal Pictures).

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.

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.

Tweens ages 8-12 are invited to join us the last Tuesday of each month for our Page to Screen Tween Book Club!  Stop by the Youth Dept. to pick up a list of upcoming books, then read the book ahead of time before watching the movie.

Join us for a proof of concept screening and presentation of Brotherhood of the Balloon.

For ages 11-18.  Hang out with us and join in on our monthly book discussion.  Contact the library for this month's book title.

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.

Make new friends while hanging out on the fourth Wednesday of every month. FREE refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Gulf Gate Library. There is no advance registration required. Just show up and have fun.

Learn to code at your own pace in a fun, stress-free environment! Design games with Scratch, create your own invention with littleBits, build your own computer with Raspberry Pi, or build and program LEGO robots. 

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!

Join us for our monthly movie night!

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

Singing With Angry Bird

A documentary by Hyewon Jee

Join the Teen Advisory Board to make a difference at your local library and get community service hours. Make decisions about upcoming teen events, the Teen Zone, and the YA collection. Snacks will be provided!

Join us to learn about and practice using all the cool things a Google/Gmail account allows you to do. This class is aimed at Beginners, new to using Google. It's also primarily for those with Android devices or Windows 10 computers.

This program is open to teens and tweens in grades 6-12, and counts as community service hours.  Join our monthly TAB Meeting to discuss & plan upcoming teen events, discuss collection needs, discuss volunteer issues and training, an

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.

Join us at the Wednesday Evening Book Discussion to discuss The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig.

Coding with a Cause

Learn to code and make a statement! 

Recommended for third grade and up.

Wednesdays, Sept. 12 - Oct. 24

6:15 - 7:00 p.m. in the Teen Center

Yoga with stories and a craft to promote mindfulness, listening skills, joy and kindness. For ages 5-8 attending independently.

Wednesdays, Sept. 12 - Oct. 24

6:15 - 7:00 p.m. in the Youth Program Room

Join us for this 1-hour workshop where you'll learn energy, water, and cost saving strategies at home.

We will be reading and discussing "The Rules of Magic" by Alice Hoffman. Can the Owens family escape their curse of doomed love? 

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!