Week Calendar

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.

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.

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 with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   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.

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

Join us for a morning of songs, stories and a themed craft!  Ages 0-5 welcome with caregivers!

Drop in and use our laptops and tablets to play on the popular online website Roblox. Hang out with friends while you build your games and characters. Recommended for ages 5+. 

Adults join us as we paint vivid images of the universe!

Monthly book discussion. See the Book Club flier by the circulation desk for a complete list of future titles. 

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. 

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 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.

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

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   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.

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.

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.

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 with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   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.

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

Learn to knit and crochet! All ages and skill levels welcome! Bring your own yarn and needles. Supplies provided for beginners.

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.

This first of a two-part class is for people who have no prior knowledge of computers. Participants learn about the Windows operating system and terminology related to using the computer keyboard and mouse.

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

Think you have what it takes to defeat the alien horde? Show your skills on our life-size Space Invaders video game built using Makey Makeys from our Creation Station. Recommended for ages 5+. 

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.

Learn how to use Flipster a database of free popular magazines that you can access from home or any public computer with your library card.  Flipster contains many popular magazines as well as an archive of past issues sometimes as old as thr

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

Preschoolers, ages 2 ½ - 5 and their parent, guardian or caregiver are invited to join us for a variety of activities throughout the summer. Drop by the youth department to get a detailed list of activities that will be offered.

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.

In this second multimedia lecture, Andye will feature local gardeners and their gardens including 

Mod and Peter:  A Visit to an Internationally Awarded Thai Garden here in Venice.

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.

Stroll through our Reading Garden with your little one as YOU become the storyteller.

Enjoy a different book the first Saturday of every month!

Best suited for ages 7 and under, but all ages can participate.

Keep calm and create with self-directed arts and crafts projects.   Ask for the cart at the youth desk.

Isha Kriya is a simple 12-18 minute practice to help you become effortlessly meditative. It does not require previous experience with meditation, and each one hour session is designed for beginners and can be done sitting in a chair.

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.

View and discuss anime.  Examine cultural differences and similarities. Most material will be shown in original language with English subtitles. 

The chess club is an opportunity to play friendly games of chess in a low-stress environment. Patrons of all ages and levels are welcome to come, as help is given to those who need it! Chess boards and pieces will be provided.

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 and the Cloud Library.

Join other teens this summer for crafts and conversation. Refreshments will be provided and advance sign up is required. Check with the library for a complete list of crafts the teens will be making this summer.

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.

Bringing a baby into the world can fill our hearts with joy and love, and our minds with questions and wonder. Join other families navigating the newborn phase in a supportive, fun, and informative class with our Parenting Educators.

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

Learn new songs with Bobbie Morgan! Bobbie's goal is to help children develop a love for singing and to express themselves through music. Ages 1 1/2-6.

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

Summer Breakspot Lunches for children and teens ages 0-18.  Provided by Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services.

Come join us for our Space Themed teen movie. Continuous Showing of The Space Between Us, from Noon - 7:30pm. Snacks will be provided.

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room on weekdays, June 3-Aug. 2 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

Summer Breakspot Lunches for children and teens ages 0-18.  Provided by Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room on weekdays, June 3-Aug. 2 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

Summer Breakspot Lunches for children and teens ages 0-18.  Provided by Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services.

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room on weekdays, June 3-Aug. 2 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

Summer Breakspot Lunches for children and teens ages 0-18.  Provided by Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services.

Free lunches for anyone up to age 18 will be served in the youth program room on weekdays, June 3-Aug. 2 excluding July 4. Hot lunches are served on Monday through Thursday, and bagged lunches are served on Fridays.  

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

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

Come build space and galaxy themed crafts at the library!

Join Kristina from All Faith's Food Bank as she shares tips on how reducing the amount of foods and beverages high in added sugars can benefit your health. Learn how to make and taste scrumptious black bean brownies!

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. 

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?

Join Wally the Wacky Word Bird on his adventure in space with magic, balloon sculpting, humor and word games. Ages 5-12.

Learn how to digitize 35mm, mounted slides, and 6x22 cm medium-format film. This program is a tutorial for the basic scanning and image editing process only.

First hour - tips and tricks on a weekly theme
Second hour - open for questions, sharing solutions

Bring your device and library staff will try to answer your questions in an informal group setting.
 

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

Adults join us to paint your own vivid images of the universe!

Come challenge other teens in a variety of electronic and board games. Refreshments will be provided and no advance sign up is required.

Ages 6 and up. Fold origami to unfold your story. Follow step-by-step instruction to complete a simple origami model and then create your own story. Limit 15. Come to the Youth Desk starting one hour ahead to pick up a free ticket.  

Drop in anytime between 2 -4 p.m. to create unique self-guided rock art using galaxy paint.  Materials will be provided.  For adults.  Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

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

literacy

Come challenge other tweens in a variety of electronic and board games. Refreshments will be provided and no advance sign up is required.

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

Meets every first and third Friday of the month.

Topics vary each session but always a lively science subject.

Meets every first and third Friday of the month.

Topics vary each session but always a lively science subject.

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

Come cool off at the library with 'stellar' space-themed movies!

Light refreshments will be served.

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.

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 interactions.

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.

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.

Learn to download library eBooks and audio books onto your device.

Join us for an afternoon of strategy, friends and fun! Recommended for ages 8+. All skill levels welcome!

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination. Duplo Blocks are available for younger children. Ages 2-12.

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.

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.