Week Calendar

The Great Decisions Group discusses timely international topics during eight Monday morning meetings from January 28 through March 25 (excluding Presidents Day).

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.

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.

Tax Help

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

For appointment, call the Elder Help Line at 1-866-413-5337

to request a referral to a SHINE counselor.

Join us for a traditional program of stories, rhymes, songs, and activities.

For 0 to 30 months with caregivers.

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.

Please join guest speaker Steve Padar of The History Club for a presentation about the development of the atomic bomb.

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.

Tax Help.

Please note AARP volunteers at the library begin assisting the final client of the day 30 minutes to one hour before the last time listed.

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.

Caregivers and children join in singing nursery song and folk son favorites.

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.

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.

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. Basic computer skills are required.

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

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

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.

Tax Help.

Please note AARP volunteers at the library begin assisting the final client of the day 30 minutes to one hour before the last time listed.

Tax Help

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 and crochet! All ages and skill levels welcome! Bring your own yarn and needles. Supplies provided for beginners.

Learn to speak common Spanish phrases in a fun, relaxed environment.  This 8 week course is designed for adult beginners who have little or no background in Spanish.  You will learn Spanish vocabulary for meeting other people and greetin

Tom Purviance, Piano Works of Chopin. Sponsored by the Sarasota Music Archive.

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 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.

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.

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

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

Master Gardener Plant Clinic: Have experienced and trained gardeners answer your botanical questions on every first and third Thursday morning in study room C. 

Tax Help.

Please note AARP volunteers at the library begin assisting the final client of the day 30 minutes to one hour before the last time listed.

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 Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month, November through April. This group will be reading selections from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 4.

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.

Featuring great stories, singing, dancing, and movement activities young children learn valuable skills and enjoy being with other children.

For ages 2-3.

For ages 0-5.  Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that include books, music, movement, crafts and play.  

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together.

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together.

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.

Weekly meeting of the Venice French Club. 

Steve Burnett has returned to Venice Library to teach a Basic iPad/iPhone class on the second Friday of the month.

AARP is providing free tax help. It is requested that taxpayers bring photo ID, their Social Security card (or SSA 1099), and documentation to support their income and deductions.

For children 18 months to 5 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 and sewing machines on your own personal projects. Time slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

This month: They Died of What? Understanding Causes of Death.

Volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide Program will be available for free individual tax preparation and e-filing. Any age/income level welcome. Please bring a photo ID (required), and any other documents that apply.

For ages 3-11.  Bilingual stories, songs, and activities.  Learn new words and practice language skills.  Presented by library volunteer, Lourdes Fuller.  Everyone welcome!

Meet new friends and chat with other parents and caregivers while your kids play and read in the picture book area. Enjoy a place to chill after walking around the Downtown Farmers Market!

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

Earn community service hours while you help shape the future of the library.  Create, develop, execute, and lead programs and activities.  Influence collection and service decisions. 

Program will discuss particulars of Medicare provisions for retirees or those planning retirement.

Join us for stories, rhymes, and music. Concludes with a craft.

For 2 1/2 to 5 years with caregivers.

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.

As part of the 2019 One Book One Community program featuring “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann, come enjoy a theatrical reading of excerpts from the book as the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild Play Readers bring it to life.

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, Jan. 25- May 3 with a break on Mar. 22

Interested in buying a new television but you don't know where to start? Interested in how various brands have evolved over the years? Want to know the difference between 480, 720, 1080, and 2K and 4K video?

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.

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.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns.

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

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

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.

Everyone has personal history and a family heritage. But do you know some simple tips to protect?

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 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.

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.

Laughter Yoga.

Join Gail as she provides information and tips to help you locate your Native American ancestors. 

Volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide Program will be available for free individual tax preparation and e-filing. Any age/income level welcome. Please bring a photo ID (required), and any other documents that apply.

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.

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

Bring your imagination to life with LEGO®! Come build machines, animals, architecture, monsters, and more every second Saturday of the month. LEGO pieces will be provided. For children ages 5-11.

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. Pizza will be provided!

In this one-woman show, Peggy Martin portrays Anne Sullivan, who taught deaf and blind child Helen Keller how to read.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns.

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

Anne Morrow Lindbergh, whose marriage to Charles Lindbergh thrust her into a world of action and celebrity, was the author of thirteen books, an aviation pioneer, and a feminist.

Let's get folding!  Make crafty origami creations at the library.  Learn how to fold an origami Crane, Rabbit, or Valentine Heart.  Origami paper and instructional materials will be provided.  For ages 9 to adult.&nbs

This session is cancelled due to illness as of 9 a.m. on March 7, 2019.

We apologize for the inconvenience and urge you to drop into a Help Desk session next week.

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

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns.

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

Husband and wife musical team Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka return for their annual VPL concert. They perform a variety of songs on a variety of instruments including guitars, mandolin and fiddle.

Once upon a time, long, long ago bedtime stories had not yet become politically correct.  These wacky and atrociously funny tales reveal that "happily ever after" will never seem quite the same.

As part of the 2019 One Book One Community program featuring “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann, come enjoy a theatrical reading of excerpts from the book as the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild Play Readers bring it to life.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns.

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.

Come and join the book discussion group on the first Thursday of the month. 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.

This session is cancelled due to illness as of March 7, 2019, 9 a.m.

We apologize for the inconvenience and urge you to drop into a session next week.

Are you a movie buff? Interested in watching critically acclaimed films and learning a little bit about the movie industry as well?

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns.

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

Baila Miller returns to VPL this season with four lectures on four artists that defined modern art.

Find your inner peace through guided meditation with volunteers from the Isha Foundation.

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.

Drop-in crafts from around the world!

Thursdays from 5-7:30 p.m.

Feb. 7: Make Valentine cards that light up or explore traditional Italian card styles.

Volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide Program will be available for free individual tax preparation and e-filing. Any age/income level welcome. Please bring a photo ID (required), and any other documents that apply.

Looking for something a little more advanced than basic Spanish lessons? Every Monday from 3:30-5, join an open group of intermediate Spanish speakers for a small discussion-oriented lecture.

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.

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, January-May 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 for an afternoon of strategy, friends and fun! Recommended for ages 8+. All skill levels welcome!

Chilldren, tweens, and teens will get the opportunity to learn how to play!

Bring Your Own craft and enjoy the company of others

Fridays, Jan. 4 - April 19 at 3 p.m.

with a break on Jan. 11

Chill with friends and watch a movie.