Week Calendar

On the second and fourth Tuesday each month, the Pop-Up partners with All Faith’s Food Bank. It can be spotted at the Church of the Palms Food Pantry signing people up for library cards and checking out books!

Little ones will hop, dance, twirl, and wave their arms to a variety of motion songs. A great, active way for kids to practice literacy skills and burn off energy... and for caregiving adults to get a light workout in the process!

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones with their special grownup.

Meet new friends at Baby Playtime! Children and families are welcome to explore and develop early literacy skills through free play with educational toys.

Recommended for ages 2 and under. Registration is not required.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

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

These sessions are made possible through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County.

Join Fun To Be Fit Kids with Ms. Adrianne! This is a music and movement program for children (ages 0 - 5) 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.

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.

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Children ages 2-8 and their caregivers are invited for Wednesday morning free-play time, with an assortment of toys and props to inspire the young imagination! Drop-in anytime between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Do you need access to a sewing machine for practice? Or do you need help with a sewing or mending project? This is an open lab for adults with basic sewing machine experience.

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

Come and get assistance with your genealogy questions from a knowledgeable and experienced volunteer

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

The Short Story Discussion group meets the second Thursday of each month moderated by Ellen Bilangi. Readings will be from "That Glimpse of Truth: the 100 Finest Short Stories Ever Written" selected and introduced by David Miller.

For infants to five years, attending with caregiver. The storytime includes simple stories, nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and crafts. Space is limited. Free tickets are available at the youth desk beginning at 10 a.m.

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness.

Prescription Assistance for income qualified individuals.

Join Amy the Hoop Lady and enjoy playing fun preschool games with music and hula hoops. Recommended for ages 2-6.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Decorate a box using collage materials then fill it with messages of gratitude to kickstart the new year on a positive note.

Please join us for the monthly meeting of The Genealogical Society of Sarasota.  A different guest speaker is featured each month.

Drop in and crochet! Beginners and experienced crocheters welcome. Bring your own supplies or use ours. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Meeting spot will vary. Please ask at a service desk for today's location.

Henna designs vary from region to region and have different meanings for each culture. Meanings include good health, fertility, wisdom, protection and spiritual enlightenment.

KIDS, START YOUR ENGINES! Build looping, twisting tracks for Hot Wheel cars, and experiment with Newton's laws of motion in this fun hands-on event that combines STEM learning with classic play.

Get ready for school with stories, activities, and socialization. Sometimes, there's even a puppet show! Recommended for ages 3-5, but all ages are welcome as needed. 

Assistance with genealogy questions from knowledgeable and experienced volunteers

Tai Chi Easy ^TM  Feel the difference... Relaxed, Revitalized, Renewed

Join Gail Pettit M.S. L.D.O Certified Instructor as she conducts a Tai Chi Easy^TM_.

Join us for friendly discussion, book recommendations, and insight! 

This program is full. More beginner Mah Jongg classes may be scheduled in the future. Please email htweed@scgov.net if you would like to be notified of more classes in the future. Thank you for your patience!

A variety of fun learning activities and stories geared for toddlers. All ages are welcome as needed. 

Come join us in the Teen Room and spend time enjoying, reading and watching anime and manga!  Participate in lively discussions about your favorite characters. We will also explore a variety of anime-inspired, Asian snacks.

Decorate a box using collage materials then fill it with messages of gratitude to kickstart the new year on a positive note.

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

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 mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

This club is for music lovers who want to learn to play an instrument or find people who like music as well. Anni Szantosi will teach and jam with participants.

Join us for our monthly book club that delves deep into mysteries! 

Join us for a two-part class to learn how to make your very own pine needle basket! All materials are provided and the natural materials used are rescued from Hurricane Ian debris.

Robert M. Gaglio - "Freedom to Wander"

Join us for this 1-hour workshop where you'll learn energy-, water-, and cost-saving strategies at home.

The Writer's Circle was created for writers of all types and genres. Whether you write Fiction, Poetry, Lyrics even Stand-Up Comedy; here, you will find a welcoming place via Zoom to share and if you wish to, discuss your work.

Play Mah Jongg with other experienced players in the Rotunda and make new friends! Cards and game supplies are provided.

Everyone is welcome to the open-topic discussions of the Socrates Cafe.

Come and get assistance with your genealogy research from experienced and knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet.  All skill levels welcome.  Registration is not required, so come on in to knit and chat!

Join us for a two-part class to learn how to make your very own pine needle basket! All materials are provided and the natural materials used are rescued from Hurricane Ian debris.

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.

Join artist Sari Fujimaru and learn to draw manga, Japanese-style comic art.

Recommended for ages 5 - 12.

Registration Required. Please register each person who will be in the room. 

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

"Odd Couple" (female version) Presented the the Arts & Cultural Alliance Playreaders.

Join us for a magical journey through the beaches and rain forests of Madagascar! Traveler Jane Mahler shares stories and photos of stunning scenery and amazing animals encountered while in Madagascar.

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

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

Want to have fun like a kid again and get some fitness in too? Try hula hooping! 

Our 2024 One Book, An Immense World by Ed Yong, offers opportunities for some great sensory-focused and animal programs, to help us to appreciate the uniqueness of each animal species in this vast world we live in.

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

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.  An advanced skill level in Spanish is recommended.

Learn and create:

Interested in your family's genealogy but don't know where to start?

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

Chair Yoga with Didi McKay!

Forgot your password- again? Drop by for some tips on how to craft a strong password you’ll remember.

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

Meet other coders and work on your coding project. Share with others and troubleshoot as a team. Led by Levi Szantosi whose top picks are Python, Scratch, and Unreal Engine.

Self-care and maintenance will be enhanced through meditation, guided imagery and breathing techniques.

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Drop in to play games on our Nintendo Switch!

Ages 5+

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Unleash your inner architect with LEGO and Duplo building! Come over and let's paint the town brick red with our creative construction skills.

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Alan Kitty will perform as Mark Twain (and others!) in a reading of an adaptation of David Carkeet’s “I Been There Before”, by Lee Gundersheimer. Q&A to follow. 

Join us for the Friday Afternoon Monthly Book Discussion. Every 2nd Friday of the month.

Newcomers are always welcome. Please inquire about a copy of the book at the Information Desk.

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Create dazzling and intricate Chigiri-e, or Japanese paper collages, with artist Sari Fujimaru. Recommended for ages 13-18. Registration is Required for this event. 

If you like writing your own pieces or would like to branch out and grow your creativity, come join us for our Teen Writers Club! We will be meeting weekly on Mondays @ 4 p.m. Ages 12-18 welcome!

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.

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

For children ages 5-12. Space is limited and registration is required.

Meet therapy dogs and their owners.  Enjoy the benefits of spending time with therapy pets!

A different project every week!

Ages 6+.

Join us for a magical afternoon of Disney Trivia at the Library! We'll cover everything from identifying Disney characters to challenging you to sing along to Disney tunes. With each correct answer, you'll earn points and get closer to victory.

Want to get more involved with the library?

Help plan, volunteer at library events and provide feedback on library services.

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. The program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Are you a new homeowner? New to gardening? New to Florida? Looking for ways to save time and money on landscaping?

Play the classic role-playing game with a new group of players/adventurers.

This month's book is Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman. Snacks and drinks will be served. Please pick up a copy of the book at the youth desk to read before the meeting.

Do you want to share your anime/manga obsession with other Otaku? Come to the club! We will enjoy talking about Japanese culture, eating Japanese snacks, and of course, watching anime!

A bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur jazz performers and listeners.

Join us for the Monthly Creation Station Wood Craft. Each month, attendees will assemble and paint an item themed for the month. Advance registration is required due to limited seats. This is a Friends of the Gulf Gate Library sponsored event.

We discuss strategies to maximize your benefits.

Karen Kreisler is a certified meditation, yoga, health and wellness instructor with over ten years of teaching experience.

(MOVED INSIDE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER)

Bring a blanket or some camp chairs and enjoy a movie (to be announced) out on the lawn, on our jumbo screen! Free popcorn and lemonade provided.