Week Calendar

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Friends of the Selby Public Library invites you to their monthly book presentation and discussion. This month: Blind Vision: A Veteran’s Story from Trauma to Triumph.

The class is offered in conjunction with UF/IFAS Extension's One Seed program. This exciting concept is aimed at engaging the community in a shared, edible-gardening experience!

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.

Find yourself in the ZONE! Uninterrupted time to work on your novel for National Novel Writing Month in an official Come Write In location. Find out more here: https://nanowrimo.org/

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.

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.

Be a better poet by working with other poets.

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

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.

The Reading Discussion Group meets the third Thursday of each month October through April. Participants must purchase all books or check them out from the library.

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.

How The Literacy Council of Sarasota is Helping Adults in Our Community

(Learn How You Can Volunteer to Help)

Orientation and overview of the Literacy Council of Sarasota and its work in

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

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.

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. 

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

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Classes are designed for children and their caregivers to spend quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise and having fun!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please join us for this Estate Planning workshop hosted by The Foundation for Financial Education.  Topics covered will include:

November 14th meeting is being held in the (VABI) Venice Area Beautification Inc. building next to the temporary library location at 260 N. Nokomis Ave. Friendly informal book discussions, newcomers welcome!

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.

SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and those soon to be eligible.

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

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! A variety of board games and one "life sized" board game will be featured each month.

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

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.

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.

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

Published author Lucia Barrett will present topics to motivate and prepare you to write that novel, short story, or memoir you have been thinking about for years.

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.

Everyone has stories that shaped their lives. Writing down events, memories, conversations, news, or anything you want, will help you remember the good, strengthen your memory, and teach you more about yourself.

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 on how to avoid costly hip fractures from a Sarasota Chiropractor.

Join us each month for our book club! New to the group?

Stop by the Information Services Desk or call 941-861-1360 to find out what book is selected for this month. 

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.

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.

Find yourself in the ZONE! Uninterrupted time to work on your novel for National Novel Writing Month in an official Come Write In location. Find out more here: https://nanowrimo.org/

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

Free entry. Win prizes! 

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

Find yourself in the ZONE! Uninterrupted time to work on your novel for National Novel Writing Month in an official Come Write In location. Find out more here: https://nanowrimo.org/

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.

Join Chef Warren Caterson as he shares/demonstrates "An Introduction to Cooking for Two" that is filled with kitchen tips and cooking hints. 

Seating is limited. Registration Required.

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.

A Sarasota Music Archive presentation. This month: Diana Walters discusses, Famous Operatic Duets with Superb Singers.

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.

GIS Services provides support to all City departments to enable effective and efficient departmental work processes, leading to successful implementation of their goals. 

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

Make your own candle! Perfect as a gift or centerpiece for all your holiday decorating! Registration is required.

Ages 18 and up.

Loose lecture-oriented discussion group for people who are relatively familiar with their Apple devices. Make the most out of your iPhones and iPads!

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.

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

This group is great for teens who love creative writing. Some things that our meetings will cover include: designing characters, writing short stories (or even long ones!), poetry, plotlines, group projects, story prompts, games, and more!

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.

Wednesdays,

Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

Test your knowledge on a variety of topics. Winners will receive grab bags of new books!

CANCELLED

For children ages 5-11. Learn about spatial relationships as you copy patterns with math blocks. Learn about Tangrams as you use the Osmo app to arrange puzzle pieces to match on-screen shapes.

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. 

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

Every Third Saturday @ 3:00pm !

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.

Monthly Board Meeting -- Open to the Public

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.

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

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.

Make a wand or a potion in this special Muggles and Beasts themed Teen Craft Night!

Please register below so we can prepare projects in advance. While supplies last.

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 sewing and textiles projects using the library's equipment and tools. Bring fabric, thread, yarn, and other materials needed for your project.

*Space is limited for Ethiopian Cooking. Free tickets will be available at the youth desk starting at 4:30 p.m.

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

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.

Enjoy a wizarding adventure through puzzles and clues to ensure that the fantastic beasts can return to their world.

Join us for a crafty workshop for adults. New project each month! Supplies are provided. Registration is required.

Time Sifters Archaeological Society present monthly lecture programs. This month:  The Rosewood Massacre Dr. Edward González-Tennant

For more information visit timesifters.org

Join us each month for our book club! New to the group?

Stop by the Information Services Desk or call 941-861-1360 to find out what book is selected for this month. 

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!

An open block of time for a tween takeover of the Creation Station equipment. Your tools include robots, circuitry kits, virtual reality, a 3D printer, and so much more!

This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. 

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.