Week Calendar

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.

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For appointment, call the Elder Help Line at 1-866-413-5337 to request a referral to a SHINE counselor.

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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.

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!

The Literacy Council of Sarasota

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Class 

- Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota

941.955.0421

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.

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.

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.

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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.

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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

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.

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.

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 from every first and third Thursday morning in study room C. 

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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.

Enjoy a story about everyone's favorite pup, create a cool doggy craft, and meet Biscuit in person! 

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Class 

- Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota

941.955.0421

Prescription Medication & Health Care Assistance for those that are uninsured and qualify financially.

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.

Get creative!  Creativebug is the library's new database that gives you access to more than 1,000 award-winning craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.  Come see how to sign on and what is available to you on

Weekly meeting of the Venice French Club. 

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

Join the Modern Woodmen for a financial workshop about retirement distribution strategies, and how to make your retirement savings last as long as you do. Registration required.

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.

Please join guest speaker Lionel Olmer of The History Club for a presentation about Ernest Shackleton and the historic Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917.

Donate Blood
Monday, May 13 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Big Red Bus in the Shannon Staub Library parking lot!

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.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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

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.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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.

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 use our Creation Station equipment to work 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.

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.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

Interested in yoga but not sure where to start?
Join Jule as she takes you through a chair yoga class!
Ages 18 and up.
Yoga has been shown to improve overall when practiced regularly.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

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.

Join us for our monthly book club! New to the group? Check with a staff member to find out what we are reading!

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence when accessing electronic resources!

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.

Get tips for staying safe and information about the rights of and best practices for pedestrians. 

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

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination. Duplo Blocks are available for younger children. Ages 2-12.

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.

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.

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.

In this intro class, you will learn the fundamentals of sewing, 

from loading the machine to making a straight stitch.

Join Special Agent Jay Stone for a discussion of key dates and events that helped shape the FBI as it exists today, with a look at types of investigations, jurisdictional issues and more.

literacy

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

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence when accessing electronic resources! 

Join us for a fun and easy craft!

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.

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

Come join us to watch "On the Basis of Sex" the movie based on the life of Ruth Bader Gingsburg starring Felicity Jones. Limited seating. 

Meets every first and third Friday of the month.

Topics vary each session but always a lively science subject.

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.

Come in and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apple, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scabble and more.

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.

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.

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!

Come in and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apple, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scabble 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!

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 the third Wednesday of every month to learn about gardening and the environment. Experience a deeper enjoyment of our library’s Reading Garden through crafts, experiments, interactive activities and more.

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence

when accessing electronic resources.

Come in and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apple, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scabble and more.

Bring Your Own craft and enjoy the company of others

Free 15 minute drop-in legal assistance will be offered on the following topics: Landlord/Tenant, Probate, Debt  Collections/Bankruptcy, Guardianships, Family Law.

Fridays, Jan. 4 - April 19 at 3 p.m.

with a break on Jan. 11

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

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

Every Third Saturday @ 3:00pm !

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 Adobe/ Mac software and sewing machines on your own personal projects. Time slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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.

There are mysteries in the garden just waiting for you to solve! Bring your best detective skills and come join us!

For ages 6 and up. 

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 the Medium to Advanced User. It's also primarily for those with Android devices or Windows 10 computers.

All teens interested in volunteering at the Jacaranda Library can learn the ropes in this group orientation.

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.

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.

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.

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