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

Thursday, May 14, 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.

Anime Club

Anime Club

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Teen Center at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Movies
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Join us in the teen center to watch anime, discuss our favorite characters, and enjoy a small craft or art activity!

This is recommended for tweens and teens, ages 9-18.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Movies
:

Join us in the teen center to watch anime, discuss our favorite characters, and enjoy a small craft or art activity!

This is recommended for tweens and teens, ages 9-18.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Time Sifters Archaeological Lecture Series

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 5:45pm - 7:15pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Archaeology, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Free Archaeology Lecture presented by the Time Sifters Archaeology Society:

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Archaeology, History & Culture, Lectures
:

Free Archaeology Lecture presented by the Time Sifters Archaeology Society:

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, 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, May 26.

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, 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, May 26.

Chucko the All-American Clown

Chucko the All-American Clown

Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Career Journeys, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, 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), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Meet Chuck Sidlow and watch, follow, and participate in his magical and musical LIVE TRANSFORMATION into CHUCKO THE ALL-AMERICAN CLOWN!

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), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Career Journeys, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events
:

Meet Chuck Sidlow and watch, follow, and participate in his magical and musical LIVE TRANSFORMATION into CHUCKO THE ALL-AMERICAN CLOWN!

SRQ Con

SRQ Con

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 4:00pm
Selby Library
Program Type:
Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Author Event, Creation Station, Games, History & Culture, Lectures, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon! 

Library Branch: Selby Library
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), 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: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Author Event, Creation Station, Games, History & Culture, Lectures, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events
:

Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon! 

Road Scholar: Honoring D-Day— Echoes of Valor & Victory

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about D-Day, the beginning of the end for Nazi oppression in Europe

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about D-Day, the beginning of the end for Nazi oppression in Europe

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

Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:15pm
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.

Jazz Jam SRQ Logo

Jazz Fundamentals & Beyond workshop series

Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for a monthly jazz jam session that provides an introduction to jazz jamming. Perfect for beginners!

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

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for a monthly jazz jam session that provides an introduction to jazz jamming. Perfect for beginners!

Disclaimer(s)

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

flute on sheet music

Astralis Chamber Ensemble: Forest Whispers

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Astralis Chamber Ensemble has been touring for 15 years and is one of the most active chamber ensembles in the United States.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
:

The Astralis Chamber Ensemble has been touring for 15 years and is one of the most active chamber ensembles in the United States.

Two people in historical costumes sword fighting

Renaissance Day

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 1:30pm
Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events
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), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Summer Learning:

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Hear ye, hear ye! Thou art formally invited to Renaissance Day at the library.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
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), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events
:

Summer Learning

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Hear ye, hear ye! Thou art formally invited to Renaissance Day at the library.

A historical photograph of celery harvesting

Baked into History: Stories Grown in Sarasota

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Summer Learning:

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Teens and tweens, come join us to bake cookies and learn about Sarasota's agricultural history at this special program presented by the Sarasota County History Center!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Registration Required
:

Summer Learning

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Teens and tweens, come join us to bake cookies and learn about Sarasota's agricultural history at this special program presented by the Sarasota County History Center!

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 7/3 - 7/4
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.We will resume normal hours on Monday, July 6.

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

We will resume normal hours on Monday, July 6.

A watercolor painting of a pink flower

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolor Sarasota’s Past

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Summer Learning:

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Teens and tweens, join us to view a special exhibit of local art and get inspired to create your own watercolor masterpieces in this special program presented by the Sarasota County History Center!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Registration Required
:

Summer Learning

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Teens and tweens, join us to view a special exhibit of local art and get inspired to create your own watercolor masterpieces in this special program presented by the Sarasota County History Center!

a black and white photo of men working on a farm

Baked into History: Stories Grown in Sarasota

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Baked into History is a hands-on history program designed especially for teens, combining local agriculture, gardening, and historic food traditions.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Registration Required
:

Baked into History is a hands-on history program designed especially for teens, combining local agriculture, gardening, and historic food traditions.

an illustration of the flower "caesar's weed," a tropical plant known for its hairy leaves, pink flowers, and burr-like fruits that stick to fur and clothes

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercoloring Sarasota’s Past

Monday, July 27, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolors of Sarasota’s Past explores Sarasota’s history through historic wildflower illustrations by local artists and botanists.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Registration Required
:

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolors of Sarasota’s Past explores Sarasota’s history through historic wildflower illustrations by local artists and botanists.

Watercolor of a wildflower with small pink blossoms and large green leaves

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolors of Sarasota’s Past

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, History & Culture, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolors of Sarasota’s Past explores Sarasota’s history through historic wildflower illustrations by local artists and botanists.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, History & Culture, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)
Registration Required
:

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolors of Sarasota’s Past explores Sarasota’s history through historic wildflower illustrations by local artists and botanists.

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Lecture | The Good Old Days: History & Popular Culture of the Roaring'20's

Monday, August 24, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Marilyn Carminio for a lively journey into the 1920s, the decade when modern American pop culture took shape.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Join Marilyn Carminio for a lively journey into the 1920s, the decade when modern American pop culture took shape.

Libraries and History Center Closure All Day

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7.We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7.

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Venice Heritage

Friday, October 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
History & Culture
Age Group:
Adults
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: History & Culture
watteau

Historical Dance with Dr. April Lynn James

Monday, October 12, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Prepare for your next Bridgerton-themed event, appearance at the court of Versailles, or simply improve your appreciation of music by Handel, Vivaldi, Bach, et. al. through this class.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Prepare for your next Bridgerton-themed event, appearance at the court of Versailles, or simply improve your appreciation of music by Handel, Vivaldi, Bach, et. al. through this class.

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11.We will resume normal hours on Thursday, Nov. 12.

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

We will resume normal hours on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Venice Heritage: Leading Ladies of Sarasota County

Friday, November 13, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
History & Culture
Age Group:
Adults

Leading Ladies of Sarasota County

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: History & Culture
:

Leading Ladies of Sarasota County

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 11/26 - 11/27
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27.We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Nov. 28.

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library
Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Nov. 28.