At the Elsie Quirk Library, we are feeling very zesty heading into February. I think you all know why…it’s the 20th Annual Lemon Bay Fest! This year’s fest runs from February 5 through February 12. And offers a wide range of programs offered by the Elsie Quirk Library, the Englewood Charlotte Library, and our many community partners. Enjoy live music, a lively Lemon Bay Fest storytime, local history talks, and learning opportunities galore. Join us at the Elsie Quirk Library for classic Lemon Bay Fest movies, and at the Englewood Charlotte Library for programs that shed new light on local history. This year’s scavenger hunt is in collaboration with the Englewood Camera Club—pick up a guide at either library to enjoy fine photography, search for Englewood landmarks, and enter to win exclusive lemony prizes.
If Lemon Bay Fest sparks further interest in examining local history, we invite you to explore the Elsie Quirk Library’s Florida Collection. Through the generosity of the Friends of the Elsie Quirk Library, we have updated and expanded this collection, which includes books, movies, and audio resources. If history is less your jam, this collection covers a breadth of topics related to life in Florida, including culture, outdoor recreation, fiction, and more.
A Sampling of Elsie Quirk Library Events, Opportunities, and Resources to Explore:
In-Person Programs
- Monday, January 31, 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, January 31, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Great Decisions
Foreign Policy Association discussion group on world affairs. All are welcome.
- Tuesday, February 1, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Decline of the Middle Class
Discussion facilitated by local resident. All are welcome.
- Wednesday, February 2, 2 – 6 p.m.
Board Game Day
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 3, 10:30 a.m.
Outdoor Family Storytime
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 3, 10:15 a.m. – Noon
The Great Books Discussion Group
The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month. Discussion selections are from Great Conversations 5, which is available in the reference collection of the Elsie Quirk Library.
- Thursday, February 3, 1 – 3 p.m.
Beginner’s Day with the Quirky Knitters
Curious about knitting and crochet, but don’t know where to begin? Drop in the first Thursday of each month for Beginner’s Day with the Quirky Knitters! We will provide the materials to get you started while you work with fiber artists to complete a simple project. Registration not required.
- Friday, February 4, 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 4, 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.
- Friday, February 4, 7-9 p.m.
Drive-In Movie
Come and enjoy a feature-length movie on our outdoor screen while listening through your car radio! Bring your own snacks and beverages. Library restrooms will be available during the presentation.
- Saturday, February 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Lemon Bay Fest: Readings from the Garden featuring Todd Cameron
Author, Todd Cameron will read an excerpt from and discuss his novel, “Snowblind”. A question and answer time with the author will follow. Weather permitting, this program will take place outside in the Golden Reading Garden.
- Saturday, February 5, 1 – 2 p.m.
Lemon Bay Fest Kickoff: A Celebration of America’s Music
Take a journey through time with musician Matthew Sabatell, and celebrate the multicultural history of American music.
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.
