Week Calendar

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.

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.

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. - 4:00 p.m. 

For Medicare appointments call the Elder Help Line at 1-866-413-5337 to request a referral to a SHINE Medicare Counselor.  

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.

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.

Latin American Culture with Carlos - - Readings and Conversation en español (high beginner to intermediate level):  

Join us for stories,songs,rhymes,crafts and other fun activities for the whole family!

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.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees?

Need a plant or insect identified?

Drop in to receive research-based lawn, landscape and pest management help from the University of Florida.

School tour

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Special programs:

Oct. 8: Stretch and Grow Exercise Class

Oct. 22: Dave Moran Children's Music

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.

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

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.

Who should attend:  Anyone who has questions about flood risks, zones, insurance regulations and pending map changes: especially residents, professional lenders, insurance agents and realtors.

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

Learn how to register for your favorite library programs!  Basic working knowledge of computers REQUIRED.  Must register for this class.

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.

A Reference Librarian will be available for help with e-books, computer basics, or questions about your electronic devices. Reserve a 30-minute session today by calling 941-861-1207 or by signing up at the Reference Desk.

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. will be offering free hearing screenings and more! No appointment needed.

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.

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.

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

For ages 2-4.

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 Literacy Council of Sarasota 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)  Class

Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota  941-955-0421

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

New to using the Internet?  Learn how to perform a simple search on a search engine and how to navigate the World Wide Web.  Find out what all those mysterious acronyms mean such as isp, html, http, and more.  You'll walk away a lit

Weekly meeting of the Venice French Club. 

School tour

For children 18 months to 5 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.

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. 

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.

Join the G.A.R.D.E.N. (Gardeners and Readers Develop Naturally) Club for ages 5 -11 for gardening fun! Storytelling and learning activities to inspire the green thumb in everyone!

Yoga is fun for the whole family with yoga instructor, Casey Navarro! Recommended for ages 2-5 attending with adult. Tickets available at the youth desk starting at 10:15 a.m. the morning of each program.

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. This is a intermediate level conversation group.

View and discuss anime.  Participate in a variety of Japanese arts and crafts.  Discuss manga and anime looking for similarities and differences in Japanese and American culture.  Share your artwork.

This group is dedicated to young adults, aged 19 to 35, who wish to read, discuss and appreciate the great classics of western literature.

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.

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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.

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.

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

For ages 4-6.

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.

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.

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.

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

Interested in yoga but not sure where to start?
Join Jule as she takes you through a chair yoga class!
Ages 18 and up.
Yoga has been shown to improve overall when practiced regularly.

Open time for questions, sharing solutions

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

Join Gail O'Hara as she guides you on a genealogy search for orphan information.  This presentation includes states facilitating reunions between adoptees and birth relatives, online research with Ancestry Library Edition, historical overview

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

For the twenty minute appointment, you will need:

1. Your Sarasota County Library Card number and pin number

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

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can improve flexibility, decrease stress, and reduce joint strain.

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.

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.

High school seniors!* Don't miss out on FREE money!

Stop in and receive help on 1) applying for Florida Bright Futures Scholarship 2) applying for FAFSA Financial Aid and 3) creating a FSA ID!

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

Please join NASA Ambassador Greg 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.

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

Come hangout and play games in your Teen Room. Take your pick, video games and/or board games. All games are first come first serve.

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.

For the twenty minute appointment, you will need:

1. Your Sarasota County Library Card number and pin number

Alan Kitty gives four lectures on different topics associated with Mark Twain on consecutive Tuesdays in October. In this third lecture, Alan discusses a major idea in Twain's works: the dual nature of Man.

What is Uber and Lyft? What does a ride cost? Is it safe? What do you need to do to take your first ride? We'll answer these questions as well as how to install the app on your smartphone.

Come relax and get colorful!  All materials provided.  Take home what you color.

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.

literacy

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

Stop by our Creation Station, next to the Teen Room, for our Makey Makey demonstration.

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

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

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

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 for the showing of Rebecca  the 1940 American romantic psychological thri

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.

Explore a variety of activities in the Creation Station. Fun distractions for younger children are available while teens and adults tinker with sewing machines, the Cricut Cutter, 3D printing, Adobe 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.

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.

Learn Absolute Basic sewing skills on Brother sewing machines. Must attend this class to take part 2. Registration Required.

For children ages 3 to 12. Autumn is here. Come for an afternoon of crafting to celebrate Fall, Halloween, and Dia de Los Muertos. We provide the materials and you provide the imagination.

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.

Teens and tweens take over the Creation Station. Drop in to explore electronic music, digital design, sewing, podcasting 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.

Are you a writer? Did you know November is National Novel Writing Month?

Come to the Conference Room where our local NaNo liaison, Dani, will discuss everything about NaNoWriMo!

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!

Join Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s, where you’ll build stuff, move around, make music, make a mess… it’s a totally new kind of math club. Recommended for ages 6+.

Kids Crafts for Adults!  Make some of the most popular kids crafts with us! Make a design with perler beads, create your own shrinky dink, and pipe cleaner animals!

No registration needed, just come on in!

Join the Teen Advisory Board and make a difference at the library and in your community! We meet in various areas of the library, so please ask at the youth desk for the location chosen for that day.

Aug. 30: Welcome meeting