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.

Room closed for TV installation. 

Room closed for TV installation. 

-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

Free unbiased counseling for Medicare from 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.  Then from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Florida Department of Health of Sarasota County, Health in Motion staff will be on-site to provide no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness.

-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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a prelude to The Metropolitan Opera's HD screening, Phyllis Lowitt, M.M. discusses Verdi's Aida. Sponsored by Friends of the Selby Public Library. 

Get into the adult coloring craze ! Join us for a fun and unique way to unwind, reduce stress, and express your creativity at the Shannon Staub Library. All supplies will be provided. Artistic talent is not required. Refreshments are included.

This computer class will focus on using the Internet. The instructor will demonstrate how to go to a specific webpage and how to do a search. 

Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the central theme of the Socratic method: that we learn more when we respectfully list

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.

-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.

New to the Internet?  Learn how to conduct basic searches as well as the meanings of all those mysterious acronyms such as isp, html, http, url and more.  You will also learn how to navigate web pages, save, and print.

-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

UF/IFAS presents healthy eating options for children and families. Demonstrations and samples are offered.

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.

Research your family genealogy online through Ancestry and Heritage Quest. Bring along your family names, dates and locations of your ancestors. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants.

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.

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.

Isha Kriya is a simple 12-18 minute practice to help you become effortlessly meditative. Isha Kriya does not require previous experience with meditation, and each one hour session can be done sitting in a chair.

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.

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.

-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.

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!

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.

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.

Come play board games both new and old. Connect 4, Operation, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly and much more! 

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. 

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. 

Join us in the Selby Rotunda for a silk painting demonstration by world-renowned local artist Jamie Kirkell.

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

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?

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.

Learn how to digitize 35mm, mounted slides, and 6x22 cm medium-format film. This program is a tutorial for the basic scanning and image editing process only.

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.

Research your family genealogy online through Ancestry and Heritage Quest. Bring along your family names, dates and locations of your ancestors. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants.

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.

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

A special Goosebumps party based on the books and movies! Enjoy a variety of Goosebumps activities, enter to win a special prize, and then enjoy some popcorn and watch the first Goosebumps movie! Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume!

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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.

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

Kidding Around Yoga is a musical and joyful yoga class geared specifically for children ages 5-9 and their families.  Enjoy creative movement and quality family time that enriches mind, body, and heart.  Yoga mats are welcome or will be

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.

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!

Join us for an afternoon of strategy, friends and fun! Recommended for ages 8+. All skill levels welcome!

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.

Crafters of all types are welcome! (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, beading, scrapbooking, etc.)

Bring your own materials and ask others for tips to complete your project.

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. 

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.

Teen Science Cafe

Join Mote scientists to learn about marine life and habitat.

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.

October's focus: Snap Circuits

Focus on a different technology each month.

Learn skills for coding, 3D design, robotics and more!

Grades 6-12. Registration recommended as supplies are limited.

Come and join us as we introduce new books to beginning readers. A different book from a series will be highlighted each month. There are also book related activities besides the discussion.  Snacks are served.

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

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.

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.

Because who doesn't love to watch and make fun of a terrible movie with friends? Snacks, crazy crafts, prizes, and whoopee cushions will be provided!

Recommended for grades 6-12.

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 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.

Discover STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) in this workshop series for youth ages 8 and up! Topics include coding, robotics, engineering and architecture, 3D design and more.

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!

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.