Week Calendar

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

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

Sign up to practice what you learned in Genealogy Basics, Parts 1 and 2, or to continue researching your family history using the library's Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest databases and/or genealogy websites. 

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.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Class 

- Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota

941.955.0421

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.

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

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 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 interacting with your child by participating in early literacy activities that include music and movement, books, crafts, and educational activities.

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.

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.

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.

Master Gardener Plant Clinic: Have experienced and trained gardeners answer your botanical questions from every first and third Thursday morning in study room C. 

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

Featuring great stories, singing, dancing, and movement activities young children learn valuable skills and enjoy being with other children.

For ages 2-3.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Class 

- Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota

941.955.0421

Join Alyssa Scanlon as she leads the discussion of the book "Circling the Sun" by Paula McLain.  Raised by her father and the Kipsigis tribe in 1920's Kenya, Beryl endures painful losses before entering a passionate love triangle and discover

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

Get introduced to our new database Creative Bug.  Like its name implies, this database is for any and all interested in creative pursuits and feature thousands of online tutorials in many subjects including piano, guitar, drawing, crocheting,

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 stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, and crafts. There is a different theme every week.

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.

This even is cancelled. 

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.

Charles will set up in the front lobby under the screen, with a table and a couple of chairs provided from the Juliano Room.  He is invited to come a few minutes early to set up, if desired.  

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

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.

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.

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

Join us for Mahjong, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Backgammon, and more.  All levels of play welcome, Mahjong instruction provided. Refreshments served!

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

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

Friendly informal book discussions, newcomers welcome!

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

For ages 3-6.

Demonstration of the Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine. Discover some of the cool features!

Is your precious dog losing his or her hearing or has he already gone deaf?  Have you just adopted a deaf dog?  

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.

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

Introduction to Genealogy: participants will follow the instructor as she uses her own ancestor to demonstrate the features of Ancestry.com library edition and HeritageQuest.

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

Join NASA Space Ambassador Linda McKenna for a discussion about NASA's goal of returning to the moon, followed by an interactive Build Your Own Moon Habitat activity using 400+ sheets of newspaper!

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.

First hour - technology 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 techy questions in an informal group setting.
 

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.

This session has been cancelled for August. Join us for a lively discussion of "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" by Katherine Boo.

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence when accessing electronic resources!

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.

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

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.

Join the Death Cafe for monthly support and discussions on death the end-of-life. Visit www.deathcafe.com for more information.

NASA Space Ambassador Linda McKenna discusses NASA’s goal of returning to the moon, followed by interactive Make Your Own Moon Habitat activity. 

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

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

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

Baila Miller's fine arts programs are high quality multimedia presentations that explore the role of art, architecture, cinema and photography as well as orchestral and operatic influences in the development of modern culture.  Join

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. 

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

An enhanced book discussion, with tea served hot and cold, in the intimate setting of the Osprey Library. Contact the library for details on monthly selections.

Unfamiliar with your new phone? Here's a hint, if it's not an iPhone, it's an Android. Come learn the basics of setting up and operating smartphones running on Android-based operating systems.

In this intro class, you will learn the fundamentals of sewing, 

from loading the machine to making a straight stitch.

literacy

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

Demonstration of the Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine. Discover some of the cool features!

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 for a fun and easy craft!

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?

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

Join us to watch "Casablanca," the Academy Award winning movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. 

Limited seating. 

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 create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

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

This summer, the National Book Foundation hits the road for NBF Presents: Summer with the National Book Awards, bringing National Book Awards-honored authors to libraries across the country.

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.

Come join us for our Space Themed teen movie. Continuous showing of Interstellar, from 3:00 - 7:30pm. Snacks will be provided.

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.

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from Suncoast Humane Society. 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.

A crafternoon with sewing machines! Sew on patches, make a small lavender sachet, bring an article of clothing to update or choose from available fabric remnants. Button Makers will also be available.Express yourself!

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

Children can register for this program and experiment with a 3D Doodler pen.

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

Tweens and Teens (ages 9 - 18) can register for this program and learn how to use a 3D Doodler pen.

Come join other 11-17-year-olds for an afternoon of competitive card games and board games: Sushi Go, Coup, Dutch Blitz and Love Letter just to name a few!

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence

when accessing electronic resources.

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

Join us for our weekly board game night!  Choose from our collection or bring one of your own!

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

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.

Construct a fairy house of your very own and participate in a creative writing activity!

For ages 6 and up.

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

Focus on a different technology each month.

Learn skills for coding, 3D design, robotics and more!

Grades 6-12. Registration recommended as supplies are limited.

Make and take juggling balls in the teen room. Through this exploration with the Circus Arts Conservatory teaching artists, participants will create their own juggling balls and begin to learn how to juggle.

Get help setting up a schedule that works for the school year. Learn about library resources available to help with school assignments.

Join us for our Family Movie Monday.  Today we are watching Christopher Robin (PG).

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

Ages 11-18. Drop by to create new crafts each month. No registration required. Snacks will be provided.

The Gulf Gate Teen Advisory Board is committed to creating a teen friendly library by suggesting materials to purchase for the library collection, planning and implementing teen programs, and serving as a voice for all teens in the Gulf Gate area.

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

For ages 4 and up.

Join us for a lively discussion about the book "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah.

Enjoy a wide range of movies from the classics to the recently released. Short intro precedes film.

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.