For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

Come join us for a fun time of stories, music and movement. We will read a featured book and do some fun activities.

It is geared for ages 3-5 but all are welcome.

Have you ever wanted to make your own custom jewelry? Come to our workshop taught by Judy Levine to learn how to make a gemstone&nbs

This summer lunch program is sponsored by the Sarasota County School District. Free lunches are available for anyone up to age 18 in the Juliano room on weekdays.  

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Health in Motion staff will be on-site to provide no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness.

Join us for our Summer Teen Hangout!

Participants will create collaged images for a community mural. Each person will be able to take their piece of the heart home after a picture of the whole mural has been taken.

Come meet Bluey the Mosquito Chicken and learn how chickens help with mosquito management! We will also introduce our new insect investigator backpack. For ages 5-12.

No raw fish necessary: in this fun program, kids can create their own edible Sushi out of candy and other sweets!

Magician Gerard Tricarico entertains with amazing magic tricks, juggling, and surprising illusions. Ages 6-11.  Space is limited. First come, first served. Please come to the Youth Desk and get your tickets, starting at 1pm.

David Levy Yulee, often called the “Father of Florida Statehood” and the “Father of Florida Railroads,” was a complicated man, in his personal and professional life.

Join other tweens this summer for creative crafts. This program is for tween and early teens (9-13). Advance sign up is required due to limited space. You must sign up for each day you wish to attend. Weekly projects may be subject to change.

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Join us for an enlightening journey aboard the Brain Bus, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer's and related dementias.

Create a collage with all kinds of fun art materials and use the Cricut cutters to customize lettering for your art. Methods for making your design three-dimensional will also be offered. Recommended for ages 11-17. Registration required.

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

Meet therapy dogs and their owners.  Enjoy the benefits of spending time with therapy pets!

Join local artist, Elizabeth Goodwill, as she guides children to create small functional and wearable journal necklaces bound in leather.

Ages 6+.

This is one of the Artists in the Libraries program.

Embark on an epic adventure with Bilbo Baggins and a band of dwarves in the first installment of The Hobbit trilogy.

Join us for the Monthly Creation Station Wood Craft. Each month, attendees will assemble and paint an item themed for the month. Advance registration is required due to limited seats. This is a Friends of the Gulf Gate Library sponsored event.