Did you know that February is National Library Lovers Month? Do you love your library for the multitude of books that stretch your imagination, inform your opinions, hone your skills, provide an escape, or otherwise grow your heart and mind? Maybe you love your library for the free wifi and access to computers; or for the digital resources that allow patrons to download books, magazines, music, movies, and more. Is it the DVDs? The picture books? The teen displays? Are you a library lover because it is a relaxing place to read the paper, connect with the community, and enjoy programs and delightful giveaways? Or are you a studious library patron who appreciates access to research tools and assistance finding credible information? Whatever your reasons for being a library lover, here at the Elsie Quirk Library we are proud to be part of the community and to provide a cornucopia of literary, cultural, historical, amusing, useful, and, of course, quirky resources.
Elsie Quirk Library Events, Opportunities, and Resources to Explore:
In-Person Programs
- Monday, February 14, 10:15 a.m. or Noon
Forty Carrots
For children who are mobile up to 5 years old. Uninterrupted play time with your child with the Partners in Play group. Friendly Parenting Educators show how play and learning go together! - Monday, February 14, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Read with the Dogs
Children and their caregivers are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. - Tuesday, February 15, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Great Decisions Discussion Group
Foreign Policy Association discussion group on world affairs. All are welcome. - Tuesday, February 15, 1 – 3 p.m.
Englewood Area Computer Users Group
All are welcome. - Wednesday, February 16, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Creation Station Open Lab
For all ages. Come in anytime this afternoon to build and create with LEGO’s, MakeDo kits and other items from our Creation Station. Projects will be themed around the 2022 One Book Sarasota selection, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba. - Wednesday, February 16, 2 – 6 p.m.
Board Game Night
Bring a friend or find a friend for some classic fun! Games for all ages and interests are available to play throughout the library. - Thursday, February 17, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Decline of the Middle Class
Discussion facilitated by local residents. All are welcome. - Thursday, February 17, 10:30 a.m.
Outdoor Family Story Time
For ages 0-5. Join us for storytime in the Golden Reading Garden! Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities.
- Thursday, February 17, 12:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Genealogy Society – DNA Special Interest Group
All are welcome. - Thursday, February 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Quirky Knitters
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, just come on in to knit and chat! - Friday, February 18, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Basic Conversational Spanish for Beginners
Come and learn basic conversational Spanish with instructor Dan Duffy. This class is for persons who know little or no Spanish. - Friday, February 18, 2 – 3 p.m.
Spanish Reading Group
Already took the Basic Conversational Spanish class? Graduate to this class which focusses on Spanish stories, translation, pronunciation and grammar. Open to anyone who speaks basic Spanish. - Saturday, February 19, 12:15 – 4 p.m.
Englewood Modern Quilters
Come and share recently created projects, or seek and provide guidance for current and future projects.
Community Support
- Job Seekers Kits
A purple folder packed with helpful tips, resources, and tools for job seekers, available at our community resource table. - Care Kits
Reusable sinch bags with useful everyday items for those in need, such as personal hygiene supplies, sox, first aid supplies, and Kind Bars, available by asking any library staff member. - Snack Bags
Full of popular snacks for children and teens 18 and under, available in the youth department. - Virtual Programs
Sign up or learn more at: scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events - Alphabet Storytime
Online storytime for kids, enjoy Elsie Quirk’s own Cris and George reading books with their favorite letters, and discover new library friends from other branches. - Tech Help by Zoom
Need help with your new phone? Can’t figure out how to get e-books on your iPad? Want to find out how to make Word stop putting spaces where you don’t want them? Set up a tech by Zoom appointment with an Elsie Quirk staff member by registering online or giving us a call. We are also happy to talk you through setting up a Zoom account over the phone. - Dungeons and Dragons
Ages 14 and up. Join us online for the classic role-playing game and make new friends, every Thursday from 4 to 7pm! Requires the use of Zoom and the Roll20.net gaming platform—for help with either, contact the library.
