Friends book sale canceled
PORT CHARLOTTE — The Friends of the Port Charlotte Library “last-chance” book sale, which was scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 has been canceled.
A closing ceremony for the Port Charlotte Library at 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, was held Saturday. The library is now closed.
The newly renovated Charlotte County Mid-County Library is open at 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte.
Englewood Charlotte Library book sale
ENGLEWOOD — The Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library will have a fill-a-bag book sale running July 21-25 in the book store inside the library at 3450 N Access Road, Englewood
Fill a bag for $5. All proceeds go towards children and adult programs, scholarships, and various group activities.
The Library Book Store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Donations are welcome.
Join Punta Gorda Elks for $1
PUNTA GORDA — Once a year the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge drops its normal membership fee of $100 to just $1 so residents can become a part of the largest Elks Lodge in Florida and the third-largest lodge in the nation.
During the month of July, for $1 plus prorated dues, people can be a part of more than 4,500 Elk members who have views of the Peace River, food and fellowship.
The Elks provide numerous opportunities to help the community – including veterans, schools and charities.
Elk memberships are usable at any Elks Lodge in the country. For more information, or to get an application, call 941-769-5275.
Nature walk planned
ENGLEWOOD — The Lemon Bay Conservancy and guide Bill Dunson on a nature walk at Manasota Scrub Preserve East.
The walk is set for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday July 26. Participants should meet in the parking lot at 2695 Bridge St., Englewood.
The walk is a 1.5-mile loop through mesic pine flatwoods and three wetlands.
Guides will identify all animals and plants encountered and discuss ecosystem function in the area. The trail is flat sand/dirt and is primarily shaded but plan for hot weather.
The event is free, and all are welcome. No reservations required. A waiver must be signed. No dogs or smoking or vaping. For more information, email wdunson@comcast.net.
South County Park pool closed July 11
PUNTA GORDA – South County Park Main Pool at 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda, will be closed on Saturday, July 11, for a swim meet. The pool will open on a normal operating schedule at 1 p.m.
For more information contact Joele, Recreation Supervisor at 941-681-3788 or Joele.Kirkpatrick@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
Rain barrel workshop planned
PORT CHARLOTTE – The UF/IFAS Extension office of Charlotte County has a rain barrel workshop 10 a.m. Aug. 3 at the Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte.
It is hosted by Kaylynn Hyson, UF/IFAS Extension of Charlotte County Florida Friendly educator.
The cost is $63.99. Each participant receives a rain barrel, which is a 55-gallon food grade drum converted into a rain barrel with a spigot and overflow valve.
Attendees can discover how harvesting rainwater can help save water, reduce runoff and support a Florida-Friendly landscape.
To register, visit rbws070326.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Hyson at 941-764-4340.
Kids can get meals at library
NORTH PORT — The North Port Library is a “Summer Break Spot” for free meals for all children 18 and under in partnership with Sarasota County Schools.
It’s open noon-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday from July 13 through July 23 for a meal; to make friends and check out what’s happening at the library this summer.
The address is 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port. For more information, call 941-861-1110.
Art Speaks celebration planned, entry deadline nears
NORTH PORT — The North Port Art Center has its fifth “Art Speaks” celebration set. The event is 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane.
For more information, email galewest.npart @gmail.com or text 941-380-3162.
Friends of Mid-County Library seek volunteers
PORT CHARLOTTE — The Friends of the Mid-County Regional Library, 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte, are looking for new members and volunteers to help at the Friends book store inside the library entrance.
The bookstore sells used and donated books, CDs and other media items. Proceeds fund library programs. The Friends are looking for volunteers who can work three hours a week, or substitute occasionally for other members.
For more information, visit the store, or stop by the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. any weekday to fill out an application.
Free summer reading program offers prizes
NORTH PORT — Kids and adults are invited to participate in Sarasota County Libraries’ Summer Reading Program, “Plant a seed, Read.”
The program runs through Aug. 15 Prizes for completing the challenge include: Youth (ages 0-8) a prize or free book, tweens/teens (ages 9-18) will be entered into a chance to win a Nintendo Switch and can also choose a book or other prize’ and Adults (ages 19 and older) can choose a prize and are automatically entered to win a Kindle Fire.
For more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 941-861-1110.
Tutors needed at Charlotte County libraries
PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Libraries are looking for community members to volunteer as tutors for adults learning English, the county announced. Volunteer opportunities are available at all library branches in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Englewood.
No prior teaching experience is required. Anyone who can speak and read English may apply. Tutors will receive training, resources, and ongoing support to help learners build confidence and improve their language skills.
Volunteers must pass a background check.
For more information, visit charlottefl.ent.sirsi.net/supportus.
Pioneer Days planning
ENGLEWOOD — The Englewood Chamber of Commerce has begun planning sessions for events connected with the Pioneer Days celebration. The events will be centered around Labor Day weekend and the traditional parade and gathering on West Dearborn Street, set this year for Sept. 7.
Organizers are looking for volunteers to help with parade coordination and facilitation, pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests, Diaper Derby races, Miss Englewood & Little Miss Englewood Pageant, Cardboard Boat Races and more.
For more information, call 941-474-5511.
Celebrate America’s 250th on July 25
NORTH PORT — Celebrate America’s 250th with a variety of free family-friendly activities at the North Port Library on Saturday, July 25, from 11.a.m.- 4 p.m. The address is 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port.
For more information, call 941-861-1110.
Master Gardener volunteers can help
PORT CHARLOTTE — Trained master gardener volunteers are available to help people with gardening and landscape problems at their office in the Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte.
The office is staffed with University of Florida, IFAS-trained master gardener volunteers from 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more information, call 941-764-4340 or email Master.Gardener@charlottecountyfl.gov.