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Kids playing with chalk

Kid's Sensory Playtime

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Join us at the North Port Library for a kid's sensory playtime.  

A fun interactive, educational time designed for children with autism and/or sensory challenges.  

Cancelled
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events
:

Join us at the North Port Library for a kid's sensory playtime.  

A fun interactive, educational time designed for children with autism and/or sensory challenges.  

Read with the Dogs

Read with the Dogs

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Port Library
Program Type:
Special Events
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

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

This program is intended for children who can read independently  

Library Branch: North Port Library
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Special Events
:

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

This program is intended for children who can read independently  

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!

Suncoast Writers Guild Readers Workshop

Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Suncoast Writers Guild has been helping people develop the craft of writing for 35 years as a safe place to share stories and poems, get feedback, and build connections.

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Special Events
:

The Suncoast Writers Guild has been helping people develop the craft of writing for 35 years as a safe place to share stories and poems, get feedback, and build connections.

Architecture's Modern Marvels: The Age of Starchitects

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Lectures, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

In recent years, 52 experts in the field of Architecture including professors, critics, and other world renowned designers chose the five most important works of architecture created since 1980. They named a staggering 132 structures.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Lectures, Special Events
Registration Required
:

In recent years, 52 experts in the field of Architecture including professors, critics, and other world renowned designers chose the five most important works of architecture created since 1980. They named a staggering 132 structures.

Suncoast Humane Society logo

Read with the Dogs

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Special Events,
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Special Events,
:

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

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.

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.

A person writing in a notebook.

Writing Your Memoir

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

This fun introductory class is geared for those serious about writing their memoirs.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events
Registration Required
:

This fun introductory class is geared for those serious about writing their memoirs.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

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.

IANDS: International Association for Near-Death Experiences - The Latest Research (monthly meeting)

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Author Event, Book Discussions, Clubs, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) focuses most of its resources into providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Author Event, Book Discussions, Clubs, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events
:

As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) focuses most of its resources into providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects.

One Book: Drawing with Dean - Intro to Creativity Session 1

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, One Book Sarasota, Special Events
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join artist, Sarah Dean, and learn to draw to your heart's content and have fun creating art! This art class is open both experienced artists and complete beginners. Attend one or all!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, One Book Sarasota, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join artist, Sarah Dean, and learn to draw to your heart's content and have fun creating art! This art class is open both experienced artists and complete beginners. Attend one or all!

Storytime - Infant

40 Carrots: Partners in Play

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Storytime - Infant

40 Carrots: Partners in Play

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

The Golden Temple in Kyoto.

Japan Travelogue: Ise-Shima, Kyoto

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Ise-Shima is a land steeped in spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Long revered as the “home of the gods,” it is most famous for the Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto site.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Ise-Shima is a land steeped in spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Long revered as the “home of the gods,” it is most famous for the Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto site.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Fun to be Fit Kids logo

Fun to be Fit: littles

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living, Special Events
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Get ready for a music and movement adventure with Ms. Adrianne! In our Fun To Be Fit Kids “littles” classes (ages 1–5), you’ll enjoy a new theme every month with fresh songs, dances, and stories.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Healthy Living, Special Events
:

Get ready for a music and movement adventure with Ms. Adrianne! In our Fun To Be Fit Kids “littles” classes (ages 1–5), you’ll enjoy a new theme every month with fresh songs, dances, and stories.

Kids playing with chalk

Kid's Sensory Playtime

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Join us at the North Port Library for a kid's sensory playtime.  

A fun interactive, educational time designed for children with autism and/or sensory challenges.  

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events
:

Join us at the North Port Library for a kid's sensory playtime.  

A fun interactive, educational time designed for children with autism and/or sensory challenges.  

Read with the Dogs

Read with the Dogs

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Port Library
Program Type:
Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

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

This program is intended for children who can read independently  

Library Branch: North Port Library
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Special Events
:

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

This program is intended for children who can read independently  

Suncoast Writers Guild Readers Workshop

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Suncoast Writers Guild has been helping people develop the craft of writing for 35 years as a safe place to share stories and poems, get feedback, and build connections.

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Special Events
:

The Suncoast Writers Guild has been helping people develop the craft of writing for 35 years as a safe place to share stories and poems, get feedback, and build connections.

Princesses

Princess Storytime

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Color Our World (Summer 2025), Performances, Special Events, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Princess Power!

Join us for a special, magical storytime hosted by a fairy-tale princess!

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Color Our World (Summer 2025), Performances, Special Events, Storytimes
:

Princess Power!

Join us for a special, magical storytime hosted by a fairy-tale princess!