Week Calendar

February 3 Topic:
China's Road Into Latin America

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.  

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.

Benjamin Thompson was born a poor colonial Massachusetts farm boy.  He had a remarkable life which included being a Loyalist spy and soldier, an important scientist and inventor, the head of the Bavarian Army, and the co-founder of the R

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.

Learn how to attract songbirds to your yard with native plants from the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension unit.  Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library

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

The Literacy Council of Sarasota - 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class

Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota.

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.

This class is designed for anyone who has the desire to learn to create beautiful lettering.  No previous experience is required.  The student will work on both upper and lower case lettering and then learn layout so that he/she will be

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.

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.

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.

For children 2-5 years old with a caregiver. Join Kidding Around Yoga instructor Sheila Blake for yoga poses with fun active storytelling and creative movement. Limit 24. Come to the Youth Desk for a free ticket.

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. 

Discover the local sites of early Native Americans with the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

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: Native Plants for Birds

Learn about the Windows operating system and terms related to using the computer keyboard and mouse. Also learn to access software and about Toolbars and Ribbons.

Be a better poet by working with other poets.

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.

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

Join members from the Englewood Museum as they give a presentation about the historic topic in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of women's suffrage.  Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library

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

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

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.

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.

Master Gardener Plant Clinic: Have experienced and trained gardeners answer your botanical questions from 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.

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, while introducing or deepening knowledge of mindful meditation, breath work, and body alignment.  It is designed for any person regardless of age, body type, disability, gen

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 finish reading selections from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 4 and begin Great Conversations 5.

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. 

Do you struggle with a way to squeeze in a your daily steps? Join librarians for a walk and chat. Let’s share what we are currently reading.

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.

New to the Internet?  Leave this class learning how to access the Information Highway and conducting a basic Internet search.  Learn also what the meanings of those mysterious computer-related acronyms mean such as http, html, url, isp a

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.

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.

UF/IFAS presents healthy eating options for children and families. Demonstrations and samples are offered. 

Learn to speak common Spanish phrases in a fun, relaxed environment.  This 6 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 gr

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. 

Dave Kilbride will pay guitar and sing popular songs from the '40s, '50s and '60s.  Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

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

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.

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.

This month: Ann Staley: Overlooked Research Sources: A Gold Mine to be Discovered

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

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.

Find hidden messages in old book pages and turn them into works of art with collage, glitter and more.

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.

Learn to code and start making your own website. Attendance at all sessions is suggested in order to complete the projects. Seven computers will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own laptop if possible.

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.

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 time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The Florida Department of Health Sarasota County's Health in Motion staff provide no cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness. No appointment is needed.
For questions call 941-861-2873.

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.

A story time experience like no other!

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. 

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.

This class will take a closer look at ASD, how the community can support their Autistic Friends.

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.

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

Explore a different Creation Station Experience each week!

This week, we will be focusing on Coding with Awbie, Coding Jam and Tangrams with Osmos on and iPads.

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

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.

Join Gail O'Hara as she guides you on a genealogy search for orphan information.

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

A presentation of what handwriting reveals about a person.  This covers compatibility issues that are revealed in a persons' handwriting and more.   

Want to make your own custom clothes, costumes or accessories?

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 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.

Microsoft Word has several tools to help when you are editing or making changes to a Word document. This class will revisit some of the original tools that you may have missed, as well as introduce you to some new ones.

On the first Friday afternoon of the month, watch a movie that is hosted by film professor Maryann Dahlen, who will invite the audience to discuss the movie after its showing.

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

Come make a custom laser engraved Valentine keychain or photo. No advanced sign up is required. This program is for ages 10-18 years old.

Learn from NESMaker Creator Joe Granato how to design and create your own original NES game! Registration is required for this event.

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.

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

This month we will use Tinkercad to design a phone or tablet stand that can be printed on our 3D printer! All supplies provided.

This film includes fascinating stories of Patrick Smith's life, adventures, experiences and Florida's past which led the author to write his novel, "A Land Remembered".  Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Libr

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.

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 a enchanting performance by Mike Anderson the Dulcimer Guy. "The combination of music, storytelling, humor, and educational background has made Anderson one of the most sought after performers and speakers in the Midwest.

Get ready to sing the blues with the Suncoast Blues Society.  Join guitarist Vincent Sims, keyboardist Michael "the Professional" Hensley, and singer Lauren Mitchell for an afternoon of great blues music that surely get you swaying in your se

Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka with Easy Street Duo will present an upbeat program featuring bluegrass, old-time, country and zydeco music.  Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

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.

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.

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

For more than 250 years, cowboys have ridden the plains of central Florida. This film captures the beauty of the old ways with the drama of encroaching civilization. Lemon Bay Fest programs are sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library

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