Week Calendar

Looking for something a little more advanced than basic Spanish lessons? Every Monday from 3:30 to 4:45 pm join an open group of intermediated Spanish speakers for a discussion-oriented lecture.

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.

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

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

For Medicare appointments call the Elder Help Line at 1-866-413-5337 to request a referral to a SHINE Medicare Counselor.  

Join us for a robotics workshop! During this one-day workshop, teams will build a robot and test it for movement.

We will have a timed competition at 3 p.m. to complete a series of tasks!

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.

Irving Kushner will tell us about the Franco-Prussian War, the siege of Paris, and the succeeding Paris Commune.

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.

Join us for stories,songs,rhymes,crafts and other fun activities for the whole family!

Learn hands on iPad basics, internet browsing, downloading apps, how to take a photo and more! IPads are available for participants to use. If you bring your own iPad you will need an Apple ID.

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.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators.

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.

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.

Join Wilma Holley from University of Florida/ IFAS Extension and Sustainability Sarasota County to learn Florida-friendly landscaping tips and tricks!

This month’s topic: Florida-Friendly Landscaping 101

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.

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.

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.

January 8 – The Orfeo Trio, Julie Bees, piano; Evgeny Zvonnikov, violinist; and Leonid Shukaev, cellist

January 15 -- The Evolution of Opera,    Joy McIntyre

January 22 – Puccini’s La Bohème,   Joy McIntyre

Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, songs, parachute time and peek-a-boo scarf songs.

For ages 0-1.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Short Story Discussion group meets the second Thursday of each month. Readings will be from "The Best American Short Stories of the Century" (expanded edition, 1999), edited by John Updike.

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 1-3.

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

Interested in learning a new craft or hobby? Want to learn more about one you already practice? 

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

Learn the basics of Word 2016 in order to create a document, choose an appropriate font style, point size, and how to underline, bold, italicize letter and words as well as add color, photos, and print.

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 children 18 months to 5 years old and their caregivers. Interact with your child in a variety of early literacy and STEAM activities including music, stories, crafts and games.

This month's theme is Music.

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. 

Join us for a friendly philosophic conversation each month. 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

Self-guided time in the Creation Station. use our Adobe/ Mac software, sewing machines, craft supplies and more for your own personal projects. 

This month: Lisa Louise Cooke: Tap Into Your Inner Private Eye: 9 Strategies for Finding Living Relatives. Lisa is the Producer and Host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, an online genealogy audio show that

Teens Who Code is a variation of Girls Who Code using the same curriculum.

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. This is a intermediate level conversation group.

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. 

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.

Weekly meeting of local chess enthusiasts. Join in the fun! Questions? Call Heather at 941-861-1273.

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.

Friendly informal book discussions, newcomers welcome!

For parents and babies ages birth to seven months old.

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 3-5.

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.

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

These hilariously updated versions of eight familiar stories contain the same basic plots as always, but in a politically correct form. Experience the profound delight of simultaneously reliving your youthful innocence while savoring your mat

Hola! Come and learn basic conversational Spanish with instructor Dan Duffy. This class is for persons who know little or no Spanish. Mr. Duffy is a winter resident of Englewood and a career educator.

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 build, experiment, and create with our 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing machines, and more. Bring your own projects for development, prototyping, and production, or start something new. 

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

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

For the twenty minute appointment, you will need:

1. Your Sarasota County Library Card number and pin number

Open time for questions, sharing solutions

Bring your device and library staff will try to answer your questions in an informal group setting.
 

Come get advice and help with how to use your electronic gadgets such as cell phones, tablets.  Meet at table in public area near the Reference Desk.  First come, first serve.

Bring a sample of handwriting from you, a friend or relative to find out what it may say about your or their   personality characteristics.  

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?

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

For the twenty minute appointment, you will need:

1. Your Sarasota County Library Card number and pin number

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 how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

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

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.

Are you feeling lucky? Think you can beat everyone else to the prize? Want to have some fun? Try your luck to win best selling books and other fun prizes! Light refreshments will be served.

Join Gail O'Hara as she guides you on a genealogy search for orphan information.  This presentation includes information on states facilitating reunions between adoptees and birth relatives, online research with Library Edition software,

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.

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

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.

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

For the twenty minute appointment, you will need:

1. Your Sarasota County Library Card number and pin number

Each monthly session explores a different piece of creation station equipment. 

This month we will use the Cricut to create iron-on designs that will be applied to a tote bag. All supplies provided.

Explore augmented reality with iPad apps and an Oculus Quest headset!

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. 

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

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

For the twenty minute appointment, you will need:

1. Your Sarasota County Library Card number and pin number

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.

literacy

Make your own Sushi Candy and enjoy time with friends.

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, 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! 

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.

Join us for the Fruitville 3-Part Music Series by Dick Smolens, "Swing that Music." Educator and vocalist, Dick Smolens will take us on a journey to rediscover "Swing Music." We'll listen to early big bands and small groups, feat

Use one of 4 Brother Sewing Machines on your own personal projects. Must know how to sew. First Come First Serve.

Please join Southeast Asia expert Paul Sarno for a historical overview of three wealthy Chinese families and their influence on parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

Baila is back with four lectures this season on one of the most powerful influences on western culture: Ancient Greece. This survey of courses makes clear how the Greek World became the Cradle of Western Civilization.

Join us for the Fruitville Public Library showing of the film, "Judy".

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

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

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.

Join Pam Webber, author of "Moon Water" and "The Wiregrass", as she shares her experiences in writing and publishing Historical Fiction.  Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

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

Children (ages 5-9) can drop - in and experiment with a 3D Doodler pen.

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.

Wanna learn how to Cube or do you know how to? Drop in and meet with our Teen Volunteer to learn and play.

Children (ages 5-9) can drop - in and experiment with a 3D Doodler pen.

Learn about coding and robotics with the DASH Robots.  Registration is required and limited to 16 children ages 5-11.

Important iPad and iPhone Settings (WiFi vs. cellular networks, backup on the cloud, etc)

Hang out and play with an assortment of video games, board games, and activities in this gaming session for kids. Ages 5 - 9. 

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

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence

when accessing electronic resources.

East coast classical musician David Pedraza returns with another exquisite performance. Mr. Pedraza will play some of the finest viola music ever created, accompanied by a highly regarded young pianist. 

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

Join us for our weekly board game night!  Choose from our collection or bring one of your own!

Come join other 11-17-year-olds for an afternoon of competitive card games and board games: Sushi Go, Coup, Dutch Blitz and Love Letter just to name a few!

This is a class for those who have had the beginner’s class, as well as any others who can read/speak basic Spanish.

Drop in and play games on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Wii.  Recommended for ages 11-18.  Explore other surprise tech toys and games.

Join us for a monthly arts and crafts project! Follow along with our guided activity or use our supplies to work on your own independent project. 

Teen programs are recommended for ages 11 - 18.

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.

A different project every week!

Call or visit to find out what it is this week!

Ages 6+.

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 3 to 12.