Week Calendar

Earn up to 15 hours of community service by participating in this 2-week summer program to become a better citizen and volunteer in your community! Seats are limited so registration is required for this event.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Earn up to 15 hours of community service by participating in this 2-week summer program to become a better citizen and volunteer in your community! Seats are limited so registration is required for this event.

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.

Having trouble with your device? Need help syncing your eBooks? Come see Luis, our in-house tech expert! See the Reference Desk for more information.

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

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

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.

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.

Books, puppets, songs, dance and more surprises to get your child excited and prepared for school.  *Fingerpaint party on July 30; dress accordingly!  Tickets are available at the youth desk 30 minutes before programs.

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

Earn up to 15 hours of community service by participating in this 2-week summer program to become a better citizen and volunteer in your community! Seats are limited so registration is required for this event.

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.

Children ages (0-5) and their caregiver can join us for a special space themed storytime and craft in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11's Moon Landing next week!

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.

The Art of Playing the Piano:  Four piano professionals will discuss various features of piano playing

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.

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.

Laughter Yoga has been shown to promote health and relaxation.  Bring friends, family members or neighbors.  This fun class ends with 15 minutes of guided meditation.  

It meets again on July 22nd from 10-11 AM!

Earn up to 15 hours of community service by participating in this 2-week summer program to become a better citizen and volunteer in your community! Seats are limited so registration is required for this event.

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.

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

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together.

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.

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. The theme will be "Bedtime Stories".

Join us for a fun filled morning with listening to stories with a craft activity. Children and parents will be paired with a teen volunteer to read together .

Join professional clown Karen Bell in a fun-filled storytime based on the hilarious book of the same name. Program will conclude with children learning a real-life circus skill!

Join us for our Cosmic Cafe Summer Reading program for adults. Explore space using the HTC Vive virtual reality headset. 

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

Earn up to 15 hours of community service by participating in this 2-week summer program to become a better citizen and volunteer in your community! Seats are limited so registration is required for this event.

Learn about our newer database Hoopla.

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

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 a variety of activities throughout the summer. Drop by the youth department to get a detailed list of activities that will be offered.

Solve puzzles and master the basics of coding by helping the robots of the Star Wars universe accomplish their missions. No prior coding experience necessary to join this Star Wars-themed project for Hour of Code using our Learning Lab laptops.

Children will enjoy a space-themed movie along with snacks. Ages 1-5. 

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

Enjoy a preschool themed planetarium this week! We will show a couple of short videos developed for young learners within a planetarium in the meeting room!

Good to know:

Friendly informal book discussions, newcomers welcome!

Enjoy a preschool themed planetarium this week! We will show a couple of short videos developed for young learners within a planetarium in the meeting room!

Good to know:

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.

Join other tweens 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.

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.

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.

Fridays, June 7- July 26 with a break on July 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.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation is proud to present the Ako Project. This conservation program focuses on environmental awareness and inspires children to connect with nature.

You've seen it on Stranger Things. Now play it with other teens. The group is open to beginners and advanced players. If you have a desire to DM, we are definitely looking for you. Please contact Robert at the library for more details.

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

Enjoy an early afternoon space themed movie!

Today we are watching Space Buddies (rated G).

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.  

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

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 working hands-on with our Creation Station equipment.

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.  

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

Interested in genealogy or building your family tree? Let us help! Visit our genealogy volunteer for one-on-one assistance. See the Reference Desk for more information.

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

Come build space and galaxy themed crafts at the library!

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

 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.

Learn about the Universe while building.  Make and decorate a scale model of the solar system from a variety of materials, then place them throughout the library at the proper scale distances.  Next, create a variety of moon-based projec

Learn tips and tricks for organizing your space! Then create your own aroma therapy zen garden. Registration required as space is limited. Registration begins Monday June 10 at 10 a.m.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified?

FUN TO BE FIT is a health and fitness class for kids ages 5-10. Participants will learn about fueling their bodies with proper nutrition and get exercise while dancing choreographed movements to popular songs.

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.

Enjoy a Discovery Dome Planetarium in the Jacaranda Library meeting room! We will be rotating videos, so drop in for an out of this world experience!

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.
 

Participate in simulated training activities and learn what it takes to become an astronaut.  Hear a story from space, take a virtual tour, test your stamina, conduct experiments and more.  For children ages 5-11.

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.

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.

Interested in learning more about how honey is produced? This class is an introduction to honey bees and beekeeping.

Enjoy popcorn and a movie on second and fourth Fridays during June and July.

The meeting room can be chilly, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

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

Children will use recycled plastic materials and paint to produce their own versions of the blown glass flowers that famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly, creates.

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.

Celebrate with the whole family and enjoy party games, crafts, refreshments, prizes, and a Batman sidekick training camp!

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.

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

Join museum educator and author Didi McKay on an adventure to a  new continent each week. Learn about animal habitats and the value 

Ages 5 and up. Create planetary art and crafts of rockets and the solar system with sand art, universe scenes, telescopes, suncatchers, alien masks, and star bead bracelets.

Please join NASA Ambassador Gregory T. Shanos as he surveys the history of the Apollo missions to the moon and discusses significant findings from the moon rock samples that were returned.

Join NASA Ambassadow Linda McKenna in this interactive hands-on STEM activity. Children will explore the size and scale of the solar system using manipulatives. Ages 7 - 12. Registration recommended, as space is limited.

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.

Ages 11-18. Space is limited, so register for your spot in each event!

June 11 - Stop Motion Animation

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

Join Chef Warren for a vegetarian cooking demonstration and enjoy samples. Tickets are available at the youth desk 30 minutes before the program.

Get ready for incredible magic, hilarious audience participation, and awesome balloon sculpting as we blast off into an out of this world adventure with James Chartier and Wally the Wacky Word Bird. Children and families welcome.