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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.

Photos of Joy McIntyre and Dr. Joseph Holt

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

Wednesday, January 21, 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.)

Theatre of the Mind Presents "Lovers and Other Strangers"

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Join us for a fast-paced and fun dramatic reading of Lovers and Other Strangers with Theatre of the Mind.

Seating is first-come first-served.

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, Performances
:

Join us for a fast-paced and fun dramatic reading of Lovers and Other Strangers with Theatre of the Mind.

Seating is first-come first-served.

Teen Craft Zone: Sumi-e Landscape Painting

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique that uses black ink to create expressive images. It is known for its simplicity, spontaneity, and the use of various shades of gray created by diluting the ink with water.

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

Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique that uses black ink to create expressive images. It is known for its simplicity, spontaneity, and the use of various shades of gray created by diluting the ink with water.

CRAFTernoon: Chigiri-e Torn Paper Collages

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join presenter Sari Fujimaru and learn how to mindfully tear japanese washi paper to create a collage that expresses the beauty of nature. Best for ages 5-12. Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Join presenter Sari Fujimaru and learn how to mindfully tear japanese washi paper to create a collage that expresses the beauty of nature. Best for ages 5-12. Registration required.

pokemon club

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, January 22, 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.

Building in New York City

An Afternoon in NYC with the Venice Theatre

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Join the Venice Theatre for an afternoon featuring all things Annie, New York City, and FUN!! Come dressed to impress at our photobooth, build your own skyscraper, and so much more.

Registration Open
Registration Required
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: Cultural Life, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join the Venice Theatre for an afternoon featuring all things Annie, New York City, and FUN!! Come dressed to impress at our photobooth, build your own skyscraper, and so much more.

A collage of children enjoying music by Jill Brown

Playdate Harmonies with Jill Brown

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
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, Storytimes
:

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.

Cover of Their Eyes Were Watching God

Monthly Book Club | Their Eyes Were Watching God

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us to discuss Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

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

Join us to discuss Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!
Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries
:

Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!
Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.

Sarasota Opera logo

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

Wednesday, January 28, 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.)

Sister Cities Association of Sarasota Lecture Series

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Sarasota Sister Cities for a series of lectures.

Provided by Sister Cities Association of Sarasota

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

Join Sarasota Sister Cities for a series of lectures.

Provided by Sister Cities Association of Sarasota

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.

pokemon club

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, January 29, 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.

Photo of Ilana Zaks holding a violin

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.)

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.

pokemon club

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, February 5, 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.

india

Travelogue | India I Delhi-Punjab-Rajaji

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

India is often called a land of paradoxes—“Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.” It’s a sensory tapestry: vibrant, chaotic, and deeply moving.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

India is often called a land of paradoxes—“Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.” It’s a sensory tapestry: vibrant, chaotic, and deeply moving.

Photo of Joy McIntyre

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.)

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!

Kids participating in a storytime.

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.

pokemon club

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.

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.