Event List

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Age Group
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Event Category
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This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group
This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

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)
Program Type: Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
:

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group

Sketchbook Club

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Center at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years)

Enjoy an open workshop for upcoming artists interested in 2D art and drawing. There will be a brief warm up and lesson for approximately 15 minutes, followed by open drawing time to work on a portfolio or simply draw for fun!

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

Enjoy an open workshop for upcoming artists interested in 2D art and drawing. There will be a brief warm up and lesson for approximately 15 minutes, followed by open drawing time to work on a portfolio or simply draw for fun!

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Sarasota Playwrights Society - Play reading

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The motto of the Sarasota Area Playwrights Society is "Making Plays Better".  Come see the developmental process in action: a new play by a local playwright read by member actors with feedback from theatre professionals and the audience.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Performances
:

The motto of the Sarasota Area Playwrights Society is "Making Plays Better".  Come see the developmental process in action: a new play by a local playwright read by member actors with feedback from theatre professionals and the audience.

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

The Industrial Eye: an Art Talk with Eric Hilton

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

For over 20 years, Eric traveled around the US and Canada photographing military bases, NASA, shipyards, and more.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Registration Required
:

For over 20 years, Eric traveled around the US and Canada photographing military bases, NASA, shipyards, and more.

This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Florida's Haunted Love Stories with Chris Balzano

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart.  Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale?  If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both.  Across Florida, love is in the air—but that isn’t always a good t

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart.  Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale?  If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both.  Across Florida, love is in the air—but that isn’t always a good t

This event is in the "Adults" group

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

Wednesday, February 4, 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.)

Upcoming
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.)

This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group
This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

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.

Full
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.

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Film Showing: "From Sea to Shining Sea" with Laurence Cotton

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Movies
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join producer Laurence Cotton for a film screening of America the Beautiful followed by a Q/A.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Movies
Registration Required
:

Join producer Laurence Cotton for a film screening of America the Beautiful followed by a Q/A.

This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group
This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

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)
Program Type: Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
:

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

First Friday Film: Breaking News Film Series

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

On the first Friday afternoon of the month, watch a movie that is hosted by film professor Maryann Dahlen, who will invite the audience to discuss the movie after its showing.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

On the first Friday afternoon of the month, watch a movie that is hosted by film professor Maryann Dahlen, who will invite the audience to discuss the movie after its showing.

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Valentine's Flower Arrangement Class

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group

Gamers Guild

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Career Journeys, Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Gamers unite for two hours of social fun where a different Role Playing tabletop game/campaign will be featured every month. From classic multiplayer RPG games like Dungeons & Dragons to Indie games like Wanderlust and Teatime Adventures.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Teen Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Career Journeys, Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
:

Gamers unite for two hours of social fun where a different Role Playing tabletop game/campaign will be featured every month. From classic multiplayer RPG games like Dungeons & Dragons to Indie games like Wanderlust and Teatime Adventures.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Lemon Bay Fest: American Roots Music Roadshow

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka of Vermont have been strummin' and singing together professionally for 30 years, and when they bring their travelling American Roots Music Roadshow to their audiences, they also bring along a wagon full of knowledge to

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events
:

Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka of Vermont have been strummin' and singing together professionally for 30 years, and when they bring their travelling American Roots Music Roadshow to their audiences, they also bring along a wagon full of knowledge to

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Jazz Jam SRQ

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Playdate Harmonies with Jill Brown

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Come sing, play and explore to live music! Kids and caregivers engage in familiar songs while enjoying a sensory experience.

For children ages 1-5. 
 

Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Come sing, play and explore to live music! Kids and caregivers engage in familiar songs while enjoying a sensory experience.

For children ages 1-5. 
 

Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Bold Black Pioneers with Cheryl Coleman

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
Age Group:
All Ages

Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, glimpse the brilliance of innovators who reshaped music and literature.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
:

Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, glimpse the brilliance of innovators who reshaped music and literature.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Speed Friending

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

You've heard of speed dating, but speed friending might be the next big thing! 

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Special Events
Registration Required
:

You've heard of speed dating, but speed friending might be the next big thing! 

This event is in the "Adults" group

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

Wednesday, February 11, 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.)

Upcoming
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.)

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group

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!

This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Families" group

ROAR! on the Road with The Ringling

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 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.

This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Presented by:

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom A/B
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Presented by:

This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group
This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Teen Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
:

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group

Kids Craft: Build a Valentine Gingerbread House

Thursday, February 12, 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)

Kids can build and decorate gingerbread houses with valentines candy. How sweet!

Registration Open
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
:

Kids can build and decorate gingerbread houses with valentines candy. How sweet!

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Lemon Bay Fest Movies: “Patrick Smith’s Florida” and “Cracker”

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Movies, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us in wrapping up Lemon Bay Fest with a double movie feature and light refreshments. These films highlight the importance of preserving Florida’s unique past, showcasing the lives of those who embody its "Florida Cracker" heritage.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Movies, Special Events
:

Join us in wrapping up Lemon Bay Fest with a double movie feature and light refreshments. These films highlight the importance of preserving Florida’s unique past, showcasing the lives of those who embody its "Florida Cracker" heritage.