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A pine needle basket woven with teal thread and teal and tan beads with a jeweled charm hanging from the rim.

Pine Needle Basket Weaving Part 1

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

Registration Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

Confetti bowl

Arts & Crafts: Party Central Bowl

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Tech Navigator logo

Tech Navigator

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Group Study Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Technology Instruction, Virtual
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Group Study Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: Technology Instruction, Virtual
:

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Get to Know the Creation Station

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Creation Station at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Drop by the Creation Station to learn about some of the different equipment we have available and get a tour of the space!

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Drop by the Creation Station to learn about some of the different equipment we have available and get a tour of the space!

game night

Family Game Night

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games
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

Join us for the library's Monthly Game Night! Every first Tuesday of the month from 5-7 PM, we invite you to enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, and socializing.

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: Games
:

Join us for the library's Monthly Game Night! Every first Tuesday of the month from 5-7 PM, we invite you to enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, and socializing.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Arts & Crafts

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Cancelled
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Knitting Basket

Knit and Crocheting Group

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate 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 Gulf Gate 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. 

Limited to 12 participants.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate 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 Gulf Gate 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. 

Limited to 12 participants.

Photo of Richard Dowling

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Adults

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Sewing

Creation Station: Experienced Sewing Lab

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Creation Station at Selby Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Technology Instruction
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Do you need access to a sewing machine for practice? Or do you need help with a sewing or mending project? This is an open lab for adults with basic sewing machine experience. 

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Technology Instruction
Registration Required
:

Do you need access to a sewing machine for practice? Or do you need help with a sewing or mending project? This is an open lab for adults with basic sewing machine experience. 

Disclaimer(s)

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

Person tilting framed canvas with acrylic paint sliding across it.

Play with Paint - Acrylic Paint Pour

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Creation Station at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Creation Station
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Play with paint will allow attendees to experiment with different painting techniques. This month we will explore acrylic paint pours.

Registration Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Creation Station
Registration Required
:

Play with paint will allow attendees to experiment with different painting techniques. This month we will explore acrylic paint pours.

People talking

Socrates Café: Open Topic Discussions

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at Selby Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Discussion Groups,
Age Group:
Adults

Everyone is welcome to the open-topic discussions of the Socrates Cafe.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussions, Discussion Groups,
:

Everyone is welcome to the open-topic discussions of the Socrates Cafe.

Disclaimer(s)

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

a view of a temple in Japan

Travelogues with Jane Mahler: Japan Part 2

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Koyasan and Nara are cultural, spiritual and artistic treasures in the Kii Peninsula of Japan.  Japan's history and culture were shaped by the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, which became intertwined in th
Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:
Koyasan and Nara are cultural, spiritual and artistic treasures in the Kii Peninsula of Japan.  Japan's history and culture were shaped by the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, which became intertwined in th

Genealogy Assistance

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Genealogy
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers

Bring your questions!

REGISTER AT THE INFORMATION DESK

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Genealogy
Registration Required
:

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers

Bring your questions!

REGISTER AT THE INFORMATION DESK

UF/IFAS: One Seed - Herb Trio

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Green Living, Lectures, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Why grow just one herb when you can grow three? Let's get together and talk about growing and preparing herbs.
 

Join us for One Seed and explore how to grow and use a special edible crop.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Green Living, Lectures, Special Events
:
Why grow just one herb when you can grow three? Let's get together and talk about growing and preparing herbs.
 

Join us for One Seed and explore how to grow and use a special edible crop.

Person using sewing machine

Sewing Machines 101

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Sewing machine gathering dust because you're not sure how to use it?
Want to learn to sew but not sure where to start?
Never sewed a day in your life?
 
This class is for you!
 
Registration Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Registration Required
:
Sewing machine gathering dust because you're not sure how to use it?
Want to learn to sew but not sure where to start?
Never sewed a day in your life?
 
This class is for you!
 
Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center

Quit Smoking Now

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at North Port Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Multi-session program meets weekly for 4 weeks and will provide you with the valuable tools you need to help you quit tobacco.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Healthy Living
:

The Multi-session program meets weekly for 4 weeks and will provide you with the valuable tools you need to help you quit tobacco.

Chef Warren cooking and smiling

Chef Warren: Soup’s On! Ditch the Can and Make Your Own

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Soups and stews are delicious but often time-consuming to make from scratch. Discover how to create healthy and delicious soups and stews quickly with these helpful tips and hints. 

Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Registration Required
:

Soups and stews are delicious but often time-consuming to make from scratch. Discover how to create healthy and delicious soups and stews quickly with these helpful tips and hints. 

Registration required.

Sound Therapy

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Esra Okur for a Sound therapy session! Sound therapy is a deeply relaxing experience focused on relaxation and meditation

Please bring your own yoga matt and pillow/blanket. Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living
Registration Required
:

Join Esra Okur for a Sound therapy session! Sound therapy is a deeply relaxing experience focused on relaxation and meditation

Please bring your own yoga matt and pillow/blanket. Registration required.

Knit and Stitch

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Rotunda at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join other fiber arts enthusiasts on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Selby Rotunda. Bring your crochet, spinning, knitting, or any needle work you enjoy. Note: there is two hour parking.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Rotunda
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
:

Join other fiber arts enthusiasts on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Selby Rotunda. Bring your crochet, spinning, knitting, or any needle work you enjoy. Note: there is two hour parking.

knitted items

Yak and Yarn

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
Conference Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups
:

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

Tablet and Laptop

Tech Navigator

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Port Library
Program Type:
, , Technology Instruction
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: , , Technology Instruction
:

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Group of individuals in exercise outfits

Forever Fit

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+. 

Join us and learn simple exercises to increase strength, balance, and endurance.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+. 

Join us and learn simple exercises to increase strength, balance, and endurance.

Disclaimer(s)

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

park

Roaming Readers (Outside Program)

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:30am
Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Let's walk and talk about books, those we have read, what we are reading now or even what we want to read!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions
Registration Required
:

Let's walk and talk about books, those we have read, what we are reading now or even what we want to read!

Two books open on a table

Great Books Discussion Group

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month from January through March and is moderated by Ross Ament. Reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 1.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
:

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month from January through March and is moderated by Ross Ament. Reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 1.