Week Calendar

Learn Genealogy research through Ancestry, Heritage Quest, etc.  Students need names, dates, and locations of people to be researched on the databases.  Bring your own thumb drive for articles to be printed. 

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.

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

Join us on the 4th Monday 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.

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.

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 ti

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

Nov. 19: Wiggles and Giggles Early Learning Activity Event

Join Camilita from SHINE to learn about your Medicare options, how to save on Part D costs and prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. 

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.

Join us for a Not So Spooky Halloween Storytime.  We are celebrating Halloween with themed books and a fun Halloween craft! Costumes are encouraged but not required.    

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.

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

Learn how to create a beautiful collage using old books, magazines, and drawings.  Beginners welcome!  All materials provided.  Class limit 12.  Registration required.

Join us for a multimedia presentation with Phyllis Lowitt. Sponsored by Friends of the Selby Public Library.

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.

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 uninter

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.

Learn to use our new database Hoopla free with your library card.  Instantly borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, movies, TV shows, music, and more.  No waiting, available 24/7.

Weekly meeting of the Venice French Club. 

UF/IFAS presents healthy eating options for children and families. Demonstrations and samples are offered.

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.

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.

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.

Fairy Garden Workshop. Come and join us as we each create a fairy garden.   We provide the materials, the Master Gardeners provide the gardening know-how, and you provide the imagination! This program is for children 7 to 11.

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.

Find out how you can help local wildlife from the Peace River Wildlife Center, and meet their feathered ambassadors!

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

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.

Learn to code in a variety of languages through the nationally recognized "Girls Who Code" program. Middle and high school girls will complete their own parts of a joint project that benefits the community. Not interested in coding? Our 11 a.m.

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 ti

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.

For parents and babies ages birth to seven months old.

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.

The Florida Department of Health Sarasota County's Health in Motion staff provide no cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness. No appointment is needed.
For questions call 941-861-2873.

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 uninter

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.

Children 5 - 9 can drop into the Children's Department and work on a craft kit!

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

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.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an annual, Internet-based approach to creative writing in which participants work towards a goal of writing 50,000 words during the month of November.

Learn how to make healthy food choices and prepare healthy meals for yourself, your family, and your friends!

Presented by Cooking Matters and All Faiths Food Bank.

This program is open to teens in grades 6-12. Register below!

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

The 1-3 genealogy classes require completion of one of the introductory classes given from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the advertised dates.  The advanced afternoon classes include one-on-one assistance in genealogy research.  

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

Open time for questions, sharing solutions

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Need a peaceful place to write?

Writing a novel alone can be difficult, even for seasoned writers.

Watch a Halloween-themed flick and create some ghoulish treats to make it come alive!

Teen programs are recommended for ages 11-18.

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.

Alan Kitty gives four lectures on different topics associated with Mark Twain on consecutive Tuesdays in October.

In this class, artist, Ellen Goldberg will teach participants techniques for creating jewelry from fabric. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and limited to 12 adults.

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.

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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.

Stop by our Creation Station to find out what Creativebug is all about. A great resource for DIY, crafters and makers.

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.

Writing a novel alone can be difficult, even for seasoned writers.

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.

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.

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.

Try your hand at voice acting and/or create and perform your own podcast content using Garageband in this introductory class. 

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.

Learn Absolute Basic sewing skills on Brother sewing machines. This class is a continuation of Part 1 that occurred on the previous Tuesday. Only participants who registered for Part 1 can participate in this class.

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.

Calling all Writers! National Novel Writing Month is right around the corner!

Feeling spooky? Come haunt the library in a few rounds of mini golf.

Recommended for brave children ages 7+.

Featuring:

- Creepy Creatures Chamber

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!

Children 5 - 9 can drop into the Children's Department and work on a Halloween craft!

Drop in for a 20-30 minute session in a spooky escape room.  Enjoy snacks in the teen area during our usual video game program.

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