Week Calendar

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.

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.

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book and television series administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association.

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

Join us on the 4th Monday of the month. We supply the coloring pages and pencils.

When it comes to dementia caregiving, knowledge is power. Join us for a series of interactive educational classes to help you build your caregiver tool kit.

January 27

The Literacy Council of Sarasota - 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class

Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota.

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.

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 ti

Books, puppets, songs, dance and more surprises to get your child excited and prepared for school. Recommended for ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to join. 

Learn the basics of Florida-Friendly Landscaping, including the principles for a beautiful, eco-friendly landscape. What makes something Florida-Friendly?  This class will teach you the basics of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program.

Introductory class to learn how to research your family genealogy online through Ancestry and Heritage Quest. Bring along your family names, dates and locations of your ancestors. 

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

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

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.

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.

This hour-long class is meant to equally balance your mind and body, wh

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.

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. 

Have you used a spreadsheet app such as Microsoft's Excel?  Did you know there are FREE apps that will allow you to do spreadsheets?

The Literacy Council of Sarasota - 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class

Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota.

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

Join American Sewing Guild teacher Kathy for an afternoon of machine sewing, sharing and creativity. Drop in with your works-in-progress or use our fabric stash and sewing books to start something new.

Weekly meeting of the Venice French Club. 

Research your family genealogy online through Ancestry and Heritage Quest.  Bring along your family names, dates and locations of your ancestors.  Computers are provided.

Learn about genealogy research through Ancestry, Heritage Quest, and other databases. Students need names, dates, and locations of people to be researched on the databases. Bring your own thumb drive for articles to be printed.

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 and join us for a movie on our big screen. This month's movie will be "Disney's Mulan" in honor of Chinese New Year. Popcorn will be served. This event is for families with children.

THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE IN THE SUNCOAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE CONFERENCE CENTER&nbsp

Bring your iPhone or iPad to this class as we delve into one of the apps on your device: Photos.

We will explore some of the many options within the Photos app. Questions about Photos as well as other apps welcome as time allows.

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. Visit the Shannon Staub Reference Desk to make appointments.

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

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.

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.

Warm Mineral Springs/Little Salt Springs Archaeological Society members will speak about local underwater sites.  Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

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.

Learn to code in a variety of languages through the nationally recognized "Girls Who Code" program. Middle and high school girls will complete their own parts of a joint project that benefits the community. Not interested in coding? Our 11 a.m.

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.

Did you know you can grow vegetables almost year-round n Florida?

Peak growing is Early Fall through late Spring.

A Master Gardener will be your guide to

growing fresh produce in Florida. 

Drop in for assistance using library technology including e-Books and audiobooks from Overdrive/Libby, Cloud Library, and Hoopla.

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

Drop in to enjoy special play ti

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.

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.

Ages 7-12. Each month has a new topic relating to Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math! Registration is required and light snack are served.

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

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. 

Join Rachel Denton from the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections, as she tells us about the voting
process. You can also register to vote, and learn about the vote-by-ballot process,
while you are enjoying lunch on the Library!

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

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns. By appointment only. You must schedule your appointment in person at Elsie Quirk Library's front desk.

Enjoy face painting by Childlike Productions!

Enjoy the beautiful jazz music by Jazz Trio SRQ.

Explore a selection of Creation Station tech, and create a different project each week!

Explore a different Creation Station Experience each week!

This week you can explore circuitry by creating circuit boards using Snap Circuits.

Celebrate Selby Public Library's new Sunday hours! Come to the youth area for face painting, and learn a few magic tricks from a professional magician.

Interested in genealogy or building your family tree? Let us help! Visit our genealogy volunteer for one-on-one assistance. See the Reference Desk for more information.

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

Help with laptops, cell phones

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.

Advanced class - Research your family genealogy online through Ancestry and Heritage Quest. Bring along your family names, dates and locations of your ancestors. Completed of Introductory class is required. 

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

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

Folded Book Art - Learn to make a folded book art candle. Materials provided. Limited to 10 adult participants 18 and over.

Registration Required.

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.

The 1-3 pm genealogy session requires previous training from the introductory class at 10 am - 12 pm.

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

Join us for an engaging lecture on finding truth, living in truth, and ending suffering.

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.

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

Come hangout and play games in your Teen Room. Take your pick from video games and/or board games. All games are first come first serve.

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

Join us for "The Swing Concert", a live performance by Dick Smolens & Friends.  Educator and vocalist Dick Smolens returns with his annual popular song concert featuring Dick on vocals, Jim Wellen on saxophone, Ed Tobin on piano

Bring your Android phones and tablets plus your questions on how to use them and why they do what they do to this workshop.

Please register below or by calling 941-861-1230.

Learn how to download eBooks using the Libby, Cloud Library and Hoopla apps.  Bring your eBook reading device and your Sarasota County or Charlotte County Library card.  Kindle users will need their Amazon login information.  R

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.

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

from threading the machine to making a straight stitch.

Use our Brother Sewing Machines on your own sewing projects. Must know how to sew. First come first serve.

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

Baila Miller's fine arts programs are high quality multimedia presentations that explore the role of art, architecture, cinema and photography as well as orchestral and operatic influences in the development of modern culture. Spons

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.

Learn how to digitize 35mm, mounted slides and old photographs. This program is a tutorial for basic scanning.

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

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.

Author Dorje Dolma discusses her memoir that covers the first ten years of her life, most of which took place in a remote village high in the mountains (13,000 ft) of Nepal.

Please come join us for our Ukulele Strum Along.

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.

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.

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.

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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 the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

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.