Week Calendar

Learn about Web browsers and search engines, basic terminology and how to do a basic internet search. Prerequisite: Know how to use the computer mouse and keyboard. Limited to 10. Register online at scgov.net/library. Click on 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.

Free unbiased counseling for Medicare from 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.  Then from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Ages 0-5. Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child. Experience new educational activities, learn new songs and finger plays, connect with other families, and get valuable parenting and child development information.

This program will be held at the Venice Community Center located at 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. designed specifically for children up to age 5 and their parent/caregiver, this class is a chance to be a partner in your child's play.

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.

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.

Librarian Charlotte Thompson leads a monthly book discussion group. 

For ages 0-5 with caregiver. Join us for a fun, interactive program of stories, songs, movement and crafts.

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!

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns. We apologize but all available appointments at the Elsie Quirk Library Tax-Aide site are filled.

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?

Tax Assitance in the public area.

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 and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more!

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play.

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.

Friends of the Selby Public Library invites you to their monthly book presentation and discussion. This month: IMAGES of AMERICA-BEACHES & ISLANDS by Amy Elder.

Books, puppets, songs, dance, yoga, and more surprises! Geared for ages 3-5, but all are welcome to join the fun. Enjoy special guest Adrianne Pezzella Apr. 24 for Fun To Be Fit Kids!

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

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 Assitance in the public area.

AARP Free Tax Help for Seniors.

For ages two to five: Create a spring-themed craft.

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.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns. We apologize but all available appointments at the Elsie Quirk Library Tax-Aide site are filled.

Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, songs, parachute time and peek-a-boo scarf songs. For ages 0-2 years old.

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.

Tax Assitance in the public area.

 Ask Bob, our local Windows expert, any questions about your PC or Laptop.

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

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. Your child can practice social and motor skills while you chat with trained parenting educators.

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.

 Featuring great stories, singing, dancing, and movement activities young children learn valuable skills and enjoy being with other children. For ages 2-3.

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.

ESOL Conversation Group for intermediate to higher level ESL learners.

Students MUST first be registered with the Literacy Council

Contact:  Sue Bergstrom 941-955-0421

Sometimes a little change makes a big difference. If your neighborhood has a small project in mind, consider applying for a neighborhood grant.

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

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

New to Microsoft Word?  This class covers the basics of Word 2013.  Learn how to create a document, choose font style, point size, save, print and more.  Proficiency with a keyboard is necessary.

For children 18 months to 4 years old and their caregivers. Interact with your child in a variety of early literacy activities including music, movement, stories, crafts and games.

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

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns. We apologize but all available appointments at the Elsie Quirk Library Tax-Aide site are filled.

This month: Kim Garvey presents Changing Times, Changing Resources.

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.

For ages 3 and up. Bilingual stories, songs, and activities. Learn new words and practice language skills. The bilingual storytime is presented by library volunteer Lourdes Fuller. Everyone welcome!

Practice speaking English in a group setting. Sponsored by the Literacy Council of Sarasota. Please call 941-955-0421 to register as an ESOL learner with the Literacy Council of Sarasota.

Weekly Service Club for 12 and 13 year old children who want to help with projects and learn library skills.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. designed specifically for children up to age 5 and their parent/caregiver, this class is a chance to be a partner in your child's play.

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

Infant Feeding Support Group Community group open to WIC moms and the public to receive support and information about infant feeding including breast feeding. No registration required.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play.

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.

 Join us for a fun-filled morning of reading, songs, dancing, learning Kindergarten readiness skills and craft activities. For ages 3-6.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Join Forty Carrots for a time of sharing and meaningful play. Your child can practice social and motor skills while you chat with trained parenting educators.

In this video lecture course, Professor Robert Greenberg explores the height of Mozart's operatic achievement by analyzing two masterpieces: Cosě fan tutte, and The Magic Flute.

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

This is a class for those who know little or no Spanish. It is a beginner’s class, for developing basic communication skills in the language. The class meets on Fridays, 11:30-1:00, for 15 weeks, January 5th to April 27th. Mr.

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.

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.

Come hear the Sarasota Youth Opera perform! Some of the singers will share their stories on how they became interested in singing and opera, and you'll get a chance to ask them questions as well.

Medicare 101 is a well-rounded presentation covering the basics of Medicare for those becoming eligible for Medicare or those currently on Medicare.  SHINE - Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders.
www.floridashine.org

“When disaster strikes, heroes are made.”

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

The Chess Club meets every Tuesday from 12-4 in the computer lab. No registration required. 

Looking to mix up your lunch hour?

Bring your lunch and join us for short stories, poetry and more! 

Every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 12:10 - 12:50 p.m.

Join us for a discussion about making the library a better place for teens! We will discuss programming, volunteering opportunities, and more.

Ask an E-Help volunteer for all your technology-related questions and predicaments. Held every Tuesday in the public meeting area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This program is open to all tweens and teens in grades 6-12, and counts as community service.  Attend the joint monthly TAB Meeting for Volunteer Appreciation Week. Snacks, including cake will be served.

Come use our software and sewing machines on your own personal projects.

"Movement Matters: Mellow Moves for Active Older Adults" with Health and Fitness professional Terry Stocker. A kinder, gentler, lighthearted fitness class designed for active older adults. Mellow moves to music get hearts thumping.

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

Please join us for this Social Security workshop hosted by The Foundation for Financial Education.  Topics covered will include:

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. 

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

Learn the fundamentals of sewing, from threading the machine to finishing touches. Make and take an item sewn by you! Materials are provided, class is free!

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.

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 to watch this Academy Award nominated film set in 1950's London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.

Are you a movie buff? Interested in watching critically acclaimed films and learning a little bit about the movie industry as well?

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

Teens Grades 6-12 are welcome to hang out, have snacks, play games, 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 Chef Warren Caterson as he shares kitchen tips, cooking hints, and humorous anecdotes about the joys and benefits of cooking with wine.

All ages. Coloring pages, markers, color pencils, and crayons will be provided.

Beginners and advanced players welcome.

Drop in and play a variety of board games including Harry Potter Clue, Ticket to Ride, Munchkin and more!

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.

Ages 6-11. Learn about distinctive styles in picture and beginning reader books. Use them as a guide to write and illustrate your own book. Take home your unique creation. Limit 25. Check in at the Youth Desk. 

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 interaction.

For ages 5-11. Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from Suncoast Humane Society. The program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Looking for something a little more advanced than basic Spanish lessons? Every Monday from 3:30-5:00 join an open group of intermediate Spanish speakers for a small discussion-oriented lecture.

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

Afterschool program for grades 6-12. Choose from our collection of Wii games, or bring your own.  Snacks provided by All Faiths Food Bank.

Fulfill your creative side by doing a craft project in the Youth Section of the library. 

For ages 5-11. Explore fundamental concepts of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Fun, engaging, hands on learning. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants.

Join us for an afternoon of strategy and fun! Families and children ages 7+ are welcome!

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

Join us for an afternoon of games! 

Work on your own creations or build as a team.  We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.  Duplo Blocks available for younger siblings. 

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 software and sewing machines on your own personal projects.

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.

Monthly Board Meeting -- Open to the Public

Learn how to design simple 3D objects online! Create and print your own! Ages 11-18.

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

Join us after school and follow a guided activity to make a slimy creation or use our art supplies to work on your own project.

Open to ages 7 and up.

Luis can help alleviate your technology frustrations! Our resident expert specializes in Android and Windows systems. Stop in for assistance, or call 941-861-1744 to make an appointment.

Exercise your imagination and demonstrate your creativity with our LEGO collection. Families welcome. 

Come and enjoy free movies on our big screen. Contact the library for movie titles.

This class is for Spanish speakers, who want to improve their English skills in speaking, and understanding English, with emphasis on correct pronunciation. Students must be able to speak some basic English. Class meets once a week.

Join other teens on the second Monday of the month for movies and conversation. Titles are announced the month before and refreshments will be provided. For more information, please pick up a monthly event flyer at the library.