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Homeschoolers at the Library

Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

A time for homeschool children and their families to socialize, participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities and more!

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning
:

A time for homeschool children and their families to socialize, participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities and more!

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

A light bulb in an outdoor garden area.

Story Trail

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:30pm
Garden at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, , , Storytimes
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Stroll through our Reading Garden with your little one as YOU become the storyteller. Enjoy a different book the first Saturday of every month!

In case of rain, Story Trail will be set up in the Kids' Zone.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Garden
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, , , Storytimes
:

Stroll through our Reading Garden with your little one as YOU become the storyteller. Enjoy a different book the first Saturday of every month!

In case of rain, Story Trail will be set up in the Kids' Zone.

Lego Pile

LEGO Club

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Games
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
LEGO Club:

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

Ages 5 and up. Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Creations will be on display in the youth area for one week following the programs.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Clubs, Games
:

LEGO Club

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

Ages 5 and up. Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Creations will be on display in the youth area for one week following the programs.

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

Popcorn

Movie Club

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cultural Life, Movies, Special Events
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Enjoy a movie with a short discussion afterwards about what you liked or disliked about the movie. 

There will be popcorn and snacks available.

This months movie is: Elf (2003)

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Clubs, Cultural Life, Movies, Special Events
:

Enjoy a movie with a short discussion afterwards about what you liked or disliked about the movie. 

There will be popcorn and snacks available.

This months movie is: Elf (2003)

Dog wearing glasses reading a book

Read with the Dogs

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Read with the Dogs:

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

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Storytimes

Read with the Dogs

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.

A rainbow of art supplies arranged in a circle.

Tinker Tuesday

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Families

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
:

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

hands cooking

Bon Appetite: Cooking for Tweens and Teens

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults

Vote for your favorite chocolate flavor and use it to make a tasty treat!

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition
Registration Required
:

Vote for your favorite chocolate flavor and use it to make a tasty treat!

Knitting Basket

Knit and Crocheting Group

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at Fruitville Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Join us at the Fruitville Library with your knit/crochet projects. All ages and skills are welcome. Supplies and knowledgeable members are on hand to help anyone interested in learning to knit or crochet. 

Library Branch: Fruitville Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
:

Join us at the Fruitville Library with your knit/crochet projects. All ages and skills are welcome. Supplies and knowledgeable members are on hand to help anyone interested in learning to knit or crochet. 

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

Fish in an aquarium

Discover Undersea Creatures with MISS

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Green Living
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Learn more about the day of the life of a marine biologist in this exciting workshop with shark scientist Norah Mendoza!

Registration Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Green Living
Registration Required
:

Learn more about the day of the life of a marine biologist in this exciting workshop with shark scientist Norah Mendoza!

Paint an ornament

Paint An Ornament

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Happy Holidays! Come paint a keepsake wooden ornament to take home for your tree! We take care of the mess, you bring the imagination!

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Special Events
:

Happy Holidays! Come paint a keepsake wooden ornament to take home for your tree! We take care of the mess, you bring the imagination!

Kids participating in a storytime.

ROAR! on the Road with The Ringling

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

ROAR! is The Ringling's free storytime that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
:

ROAR! is The Ringling's free storytime that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum.

Lego Pile

LEGO® Club

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

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

Library Branch: North Port Library
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games
:

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

Read Em and Eat

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Read for at least 10 minutes in our "lounge" and enjoy a sweet treat as a reward. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Healthy Living
:

Read for at least 10 minutes in our "lounge" and enjoy a sweet treat as a reward. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

Santa Claus

Holiday Craft Night

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of festive family crafts. Crafts include beaded snowflake ornaments, handprint Christmas trees, and paper plate Santa masks. 

 

 
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
:

Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of festive family crafts. Crafts include beaded snowflake ornaments, handprint Christmas trees, and paper plate Santa masks. 

 

 
a Christmas tree by a fireplace

A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Performances
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Enjoy live music, carols, cookies, hot cocoa, and be a part of the abridged version of the beloved classic story by Charles Dickens!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Cultural Life, Performances
Registration Required
:

Enjoy live music, carols, cookies, hot cocoa, and be a part of the abridged version of the beloved classic story by Charles Dickens!

Lego Pile

LEGO® Club

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Color Our World (Summer 2025), Games
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
LEGO Club:

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

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Color Our World (Summer 2025), Games

LEGO Club

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

Homeschoolers at the Library

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

A time for homeschool children and their families to socialize, participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities and more!

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning
:

A time for homeschool children and their families to socialize, participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities and more!

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

ukulele

Music | Holiday Music, performed by the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

"You better watch out. 

        You better not cry.

                      You better not pout."  

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

"You better watch out. 

        You better not cry.

                      You better not pout."  

gingerbread

Gingerbread House Workshop

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:30am - 2:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Nutrition, Special Events
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Join us to create your own festive Gingerbread House!  Using graham crackers* and icing, decorate an individual gingerbread house to your heart's content.

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Nutrition, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join us to create your own festive Gingerbread House!  Using graham crackers* and icing, decorate an individual gingerbread house to your heart's content.

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

Saturday CRAFTernoon: Holiday Perler Beads

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join us for a Saturday afternoon of holiday crafting with perler beads! Make holiday ornaments, gifts, or whatever you like. Recommended for ages 5-12.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for a Saturday afternoon of holiday crafting with perler beads! Make holiday ornaments, gifts, or whatever you like. Recommended for ages 5-12.

A yellow circle with a black gear and lightning bold. Around the gear and lightning bolt in black text is "Creation Station".

Youth Lab: Bendy Snakes

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Creation Station at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Practice sewing by making a fabric snake that can bend and hold its shape.

Recommended for ages 5-9. 

If registering multiple children, please fill out the form for each participating child.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Registration Required
:

Practice sewing by making a fabric snake that can bend and hold its shape.

Recommended for ages 5-9. 

If registering multiple children, please fill out the form for each participating child.

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

Level Up

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Drop in to play games on our Nintendo Switch!

 

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Drop in to play games on our Nintendo Switch!

 

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.

Monday Movie Night

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Storytime Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join us for a movie night!

We will be watching How to Train Your Dragon (live action film) this evening!

Snacks and water will be provided.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Movies
:

Join us for a movie night!

We will be watching How to Train Your Dragon (live action film) this evening!

Snacks and water will be provided.