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.

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.

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. -1:00 p.m.  Then from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Keep calm and create. Current self-directed projects include: embroidery and friendship bracelets, beads, origami, mini artworks, crochet and color pencils.  Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

Join us on the 2nd Monday and 4th Tuesday of the month. We supply the coloring pages and pencils.

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.

Drop in on Tuesday and Thursday between 10am to 7pm to make a card for the holidays!

Keep calm and create. Current self-directed projects include: embroidery and friendship bracelets, beads, origami, mini artworks, crochet and color pencils.  Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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.

Do you have a mini Michelangelo? A pint-sized Picasso? A wee Warhol? Let your preschool child unleash their inner artist at this hands-on art extravaganza! Wear something that can get messy just in case.

Adrianne Pezzella is back with her Fun To Be Fit program!

A music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Ages Birth to 5

Join us for Bingo and snacks at Elsie Quirk Library! Registration is required and limited to 20 participants.

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.

Keep calm and create. Current self-directed projects include: embroidery and friendship bracelets, beads, origami, mini artworks, crochet and color pencils.  Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

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

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.

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.

After completing the Computer Basics, Part 1, the student is ready to use the skills learned to access software and learn about Toolbars and Ribbons. The basics of file creating and organizing will be demonstrated.

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

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

Registration required, limited to 10 participants. 

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.

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.

Drop in on Tuesday and Thursday between 10am to 7pm to make a card for the holidays!

Keep calm and create. Current self-directed projects include: embroidery and friendship bracelets, beads, origami, mini artworks, crochet and color pencils.  Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

Adrianne Pezzella is back with her Fun To Be Fit program!

A music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Ages Birth to 5

The Reading Discussion Group meets the third Thursday of each month October through April. Participants must purchase all books or check them out from the library.

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

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

Learn how to use two of the library's free databases to get free video from many of the major producers such as BBC, History Channel, PBS, Canadian Broadcasting, and more.  Plus, get familiar with Flipster for free access to major popular mag

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Classes are designed for children and their caregivers to spend quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise and having fun!

In this one hour session you will learn Isha Kriya, a simple 12-18 minute practice, to help you meditate effortlessly.  Isha Kriya does not require previous experience with meditation and can be done sitting in a chair.  

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.

This is a guided drawing lesson for children ages 7-13 using Access Video on Demand Just for Kids: Art with Joy. Everyone will create a unique finished portrait of Santa. Art supplies 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.

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.

The Plant Clinic meets in the library lobby.

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.

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

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 3-6.

Join the production team of the library's teen podcast "A Pocketful of Rascals" to talk about your interests and record your thoughts on our radio show. 

Teen programs are recommended for grades 6-12. 

Join us for our first movie at the new library, Frozen: The Sing Along.  

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

Join us for the classic holiday movie, The Polar Express.

Drop in and play board games including Harry Potter Clue, Ticket to Ride and more. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

 Learn the basics of using your iPad and iPhone. Class will cover the buttons, navigating and understanding the settings menus/options, connecting to the internet, navigating internet menus (Safari), and basic sharing features.

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

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?

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.

Everyone has stories that shaped their lives. Writing down events, memories, conversations, news, or anything you want, will help you remember the good, strengthen your memory, and teach you more about yourself.

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

Registration required, limited to 10 participants. 

Join us each month for our book club! New to the group?

Stop by the Information Services Desk or call 941-861-1360 to find out what book is selected for this month. 

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.

Come and enjoy yourself at the library. Get a chance to create winter themed crafts and decorations for ages 2 to 11. Craft materials are provided by the Friends of Gulf Gate Library.

Decorate cookies and make holiday crafts from 1-3:30 p.m.

Get your picture taken with Santa from 1-2:30 p.m. A

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

Take your wrapping skills to the next level using our ribbon, paper, Cricut machine and more.

Local Saxophonist Jim Wellen, along with Dave Trefethen on guitar and Vince Evans on bass, will play selections from the Great American Songbook and perhaps a few holiday ditties as well.

Teens in grades 6 through 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.

New movies every Tuesday in the meeting room. Movie schedules are published bimonthly and available at the front circulation desk. 

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

Teens in grades 6 through 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.

Loose lecture-oriented discussion group for people who are relatively familiar with their Apple devices. Make the most out of your iPhones and iPads!

Need a secret place to wrap presents? Come to our gift wrapping station stocked with paper, ribbons, and more!

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.

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.

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

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

Meets every first and third Friday of the month.

Topics vary each session but always a lively science subject.

Suzuki Players, Orchestra & chorus students from Out-of-Door Academy, grades 4 & 5, and helpers from the Church of the Palms orchestra will join together to perform Classical and Holiday solo and ensemble works under the direction of Marth

Join us for our annual holiday party!  This party is geared toward younger children, but families of all ages are invited.

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

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.

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.

This group is great for teens who love creative writing. Some things that our meetings will cover include: designing characters, writing short stories (or even long ones!), poetry, plotlines, group projects, story prompts, games, and more!

Tuesdays, Aug. 14 - Dec. 18 from 3 - 5:30 p.m.

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

Join us weekly for our Girls Who Code Club and create a technology based service project.  Learn technology and leadership in this nationally recognized program.

Join us weekly for our Girls Who Code Club and create a technology based service project.  Learn technology and leadership in this nationally recognized program.

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 us the third Wednesday of every month this fall to learn about gardening and the environment. Experience a deeper enjoyment of our library’s Reading Garden through crafts, experiments, interactive activities and more.

Crafters of all types are welcome! (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, beading, scrapbooking, etc.)

Bring your own materials and ask others for tips to complete your project.

Fridays, Aug. 17 - Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

with a break on Nov. 23

Chill with friends and watch a movie.

Spend time with your family and enjoy your favorite board games, toys and crafts.

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

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.

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.

A club for kids who love reading, writing, and nature! Weekly sessions using nature as inspiration.

For ages 7 and up.

Tweens are invited to watch a movie in the Teen Center.

All teens interested in volunteering at the Jacaranda Library can learn the ropes in this group orientation.

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

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

Join us for an evening move, Elf. 

Enjoy award-winning international films with English subtitles. This month:

Practice speaking English! Please call 941-955-0421 to register as an ESOL learner with the Literacy Council of Sarasota.

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

For ages 11-18.  Join the Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) and share ideas for upcoming library programs for teens.

Work on your sewing and textiles projects using the library's equipment and tools. Bring fabric, thread, yarn, and other materials needed for your project.

Drop-in arts and crafts with a splash of science! All programs are free and recommended for ages 6 and  up. Children under 8 years old may require parent or caregiver assistance at some programs.

Join us each month for our book club! New to the group?

Stop by the Information Services Desk or call 941-861-1360 to find out what book is selected for this month. 

Join us on the 2nd Monday and 4th Tuesday of the month. We supply the coloring pages and pencils.

Alan Kitty captures Mark Twain’s enormous spirit and wit with this live show. His research, programs and performances, which started in 1979, have made him one of the nation's leading Twain impersonators. 

Watch anime, eat snacks and explore Japanese culture!

Teen programs are recommended for grades 6-12.

ASAP is a group coming together to fill the need for a FREE social play group for kids on the Autism Spectrum. We will have games, toys, music, singing, dancing, puzzles, Legos and more! Ages 12 - 20 come from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Laughter Yoga

Monthly discussion of the Evening Book Club. Book discussion schedules are available at by the front circulation desk at the Jacaranda Public Library. 

Join us at the Wednesday Evening Book Discussion to discuss a chosen title. New book every month! All are welcome to join--no previous attendance necessary.

An open block of time for a tween takeover of the Creation Station equipment. Your tools include robots, circuitry kits, virtual reality, a 3D printer, and so much more!

This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Soprano Amanda Mendon and pianist Jesse Martins return for another delightful evening of holiday cheer performing those holiday favorites.  

Join us in the parking lot of the Shannon Staub Library for a free showing of "The Santa Clause" on our big outdoor screen! Tune your radio to AM station 1710, and feel free to bring lawn chairs or relax in your parked car.