I’ve got a question for you, Englewood: Are you ready for the 17th Annual Lemon Bay Festival? Because we here at Elsie Quirk Library sure are! And we are excited to give you just a taste of all the exciting, interesting, fun-filled events and programs taking place at the Library, from February 2nd through February 9th. So, I welcome everyone to Lemon Bay Festival, Englewood history with a little zest!
If you fancy yourself a bit of a birder, I encourage you to check out “Identifying Common Birds of Southwest Florida” on Saturday (2/2/19) at 10:30 a.m. Or, if a bit of toe-tapping, knee-slapping high energy music is more your speed, swing by the Library at 2:00 p.m. for the “Easy Street Duo,” an upbeat event featuring bluegrass, Cajun, and zydeco music.
Calling all history buffs! Think you know some stuff about local history? Come learn even more unique, fun facts with presenter Jim Clubb and learn about the history of Englewood, and then stay for Patrick Smith’s iconic film “Florida: A Sense of Place.” On Wednesday, February 6th at 10:30 a.m., The Historic Lampp House will present “Fred Kruea and Englewood,” a historical discussion about World War I veteran Fred Kruea and the lasting impact he made on Englewood.
Before I moved here, when I thought of “Florida,” I thought of “Disney” and “tourists.” I was unaware of the deep roots and historical culture of the Cowboys of central Florida. And so I’m always amazed whenever I see “Cracker: The Last Cowboys of Florida,” and am reminded of the traditions and cultural heritage of a time in our not-so-distant past. We will be screening this film at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday (2/6), and I highly encourage folks to check this one out.
And finally, if this happens to be your first “Lemon Bay Fest,” I extend to you the warmest of welcomes! This is the BEST time to come down and visit Elsie Quirk Library. We have flyers and brochures listing all our “Lemon Bay Fest” events and programs, so if you happen to be in the neighborhood, come on down! I guarantee you will learn something new and interesting about the history of Englewood each day of the Fest! And on Saturday, February 9th you simply MUST come check out the Cracker Fair and Lemon Dessert Contest! There will be fun and festivities for the whole family – games, crafts, artists, music, food, vendors…and Cowboys! (Oh, and I *did* mention there would be dessert, yes..?!) What’s not to love? Come Find Yourself at the Library!Here are the library events for this week:
Saturday
Stop by Elsie Quirk Library and find a great book or DVD for the weekend!
Monday
Forty Carrots: Partners in Play 10:15 a.m. OR 11:45 a.m. For children, up to age 5 with a parent or caregiver. A free class for you and your child to enjoy together. Experience new educational activities, join in circle-time fun, meet other families and receive valuable parenting and child development information. Attendance is limited to 12 families per session.
Great Decisions Discussion Group 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. The Great Decisions program highlights eight of the most though-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans. Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.
Monday Night Movies 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A young peasant maid working in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer becomes his talented assistant and muse for one of Vermeer’s most famous works. Based on the book Girl with a Pearl Earring, by author Tracy Chevalier (PG-13, 1hr., 40 min.).
English for Spanish Speakers – Gratis Clase de Ingles para Hispanohablantes
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For ages 13 and up. Adults and seniors welcome. This class is for Spanish speakers who want to improve their English skills in speaking and understanding English.
Tuesday
Master Gardener Plant Clinic 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Stop in to get free answers to your Florida gardening and landscape questions. This is made possible through a partnership with UF/IFASExtension Sarasota County. For more information, call 941-861-9807 or online at sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/plantclinic.shtml.
Englewood Camera Club meets at 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday
Englewood Family History Class meets at 10:00 a.m.
French Conversation Club meets at 10:00 a.m.
“Social Security Explained” 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A presentation on “Social Security Benefits” will take place in the Meeting Room.
Thursday
Learn How to Download eBooks 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Learn how to download eBooks and eAudiobooks using the Sarasota County Libraries’ apps, Libby and CloudLibrary. Bring your eBook reading device, your library card and PIN. Kindle users will need to have their Amazon username and password handy. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants.
Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m. For ages 0-5. Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness activities.
Quirky Knitters meet at 1 p.m.
Baila Miller: Claude Monet 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Baila Miller’s fine arts programs are high quality multimedia presentations that explore the role of art, architecture, cinema and photography as well as orchestral and operatic influences in the development of modern culture. Join Baila as she discusses Claude Monet and his works. Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.
Friday (February 1st, 2019)
AARP TAX AIDE 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service offers free assistance for federal returns. (Please note: This service is by appointment only. You must schedule your appointment IN PERSON at Elsie Quirk Library’s front desk.)
Basic Conversational Spanish Class for Beginners 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (There are no more seats available for this event, and registration is closed.)
Spanish Reading Group 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a class for those who can read/speak basic Spanish and reading is at the beginning Intermediate level. To register, contact Señor Dan: spanishfaculty@gmail.com
For more information on library programs, services, and resources visit us at 100 West Dearborn Street, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000, or visit our website at scgov.net.