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Free Nutrition and Cooking Class

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Get simple strategies for eating healthy and learn how to make delicious, healthy food!  You get to eat what you make and take home a bag of groceries.

Registration required. 

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Get simple strategies for eating healthy and learn how to make delicious, healthy food!  You get to eat what you make and take home a bag of groceries.

Registration required. 

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!

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.

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.

Stressless Holiday Entertaining

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Award-winning cookbook author Chef Warren Caterson shares holiday kitchen tips, cooking hints, and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of entertaining for the holidays.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
:

Award-winning cookbook author Chef Warren Caterson shares holiday kitchen tips, cooking hints, and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of entertaining for the holidays.

health - salad

Food Smarts for Adults

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Get tips on healthy eating and meal ideas during the Food Smarts program presented by All Faiths Food Bank and go home with a free bag of groceries! Each class will include a brief nutri

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Get tips on healthy eating and meal ideas during the Food Smarts program presented by All Faiths Food Bank and go home with a free bag of groceries! Each class will include a brief nutri

Homeschool Hang: Gingerbread Creations

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. 

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. 

Gingerbread Houses

Build a Gingerbread House

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Caregivers and kids can work together to build gingerbread houses and decorate them with candy!

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Caregivers and kids can work together to build gingerbread houses and decorate them with candy!

Cover of The World Central Kitchen Cookbook

Cookbook Club | The World Central Kitchen Cookbook

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

December Theme: Giving Back

December Cookbook: The World Central Kitchen Cookbook

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

December Theme: Giving Back

December Cookbook: The World Central Kitchen Cookbook

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 12/24 - 12/26
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Libraries and History Center ClosureWednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Closing
Branches:
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26

We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Cover of "The World Central Kitchen Cookbook"

Cookbook Club | The World Central Kitchen Cookbook

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

December Theme: Giving Back

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

December Theme: Giving Back

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 1/1 - 1/2
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Libraries and History Center ClosureThursday, Jan. 1 - Friday, Jan. 2.We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Closing
Branches:
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

Thursday, Jan. 1 - Friday, Jan. 2.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Jan. 3.

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.

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.

tea

Asian Spice Tea Tasting

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Discover the rich traditions of spice and herbal tea-making in diverse Asian cultures. Enjoy your original herbal tea blend and enjoy tasting it in class.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Discover the rich traditions of spice and herbal tea-making in diverse Asian cultures. Enjoy your original herbal tea blend and enjoy tasting it in class.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Libraries and History Center ClosureWe will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Closing
Branches:
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Cover of Dinner In One by Melissa Clark

Cookbook Club | Dinner In One

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

January Theme: One-Pot Wonders

January Cookbook: Dinner In One by Melissa Clark

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

January Theme: One-Pot Wonders

January Cookbook: Dinner In One by Melissa Clark

MyPlate food groups plage

What's on MyPlate!

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Youth Program Room at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join us for a variety of activities and lessons that explain the 5 food groups! Stay till the end for a scavenger hunt.


Registration required.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Join us for a variety of activities and lessons that explain the 5 food groups! Stay till the end for a scavenger hunt.


Registration required.

Chef Warren cooking and smiling

Chef Warren: Cajun and Creole Cuisine – Rustic, Rich, and Lots of Roux!

Wednesday, February 4, 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

Learn the secrets of ‘three pot cooking’ to create entrees that feature a melting pot worth of flavors from simple and affordable ingredients. 

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
:

Learn the secrets of ‘three pot cooking’ to create entrees that feature a melting pot worth of flavors from simple and affordable ingredients. 

Registration required.

Kids Craft: Color a Valentine Cupcake

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Cultural Life
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Using special pens with edible ink, color a real valentine cupcake you can actually eat!

Waitlist
Registration Required
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)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Cultural Life
Registration Required
:

Using special pens with edible ink, color a real valentine cupcake you can actually eat!

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Libraries and History Center ClosureWe will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Closing
Branches:
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

oreo

OREO® Cookie Taste Test

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limited-edition varieties.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limited-edition varieties.

Disclaimer(s)

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

worms and dirt pudding cups

Worms & Dirt Pudding Cups

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Spring is the perfect time for gardening, so why not have fun by digging up a chocolaty treat that looks just like a cup of soil? Young chefs will have fun preparing these dirt pudding cups complete with gummy worms.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Spring is the perfect time for gardening, so why not have fun by digging up a chocolaty treat that looks just like a cup of soil? Young chefs will have fun preparing these dirt pudding cups complete with gummy worms.

Remake learning Chef Warren draft

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Remake Learning Days
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families, All Ages
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Remake Learning Days