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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, 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.

Sewing

Open Sewing Lab

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults

Use 1 of 5 Brother sewing machines on Your Own Project. Must Know How to Sew.  

Machines Available on first come first serve basis.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
:

Use 1 of 5 Brother sewing machines on Your Own Project. Must Know How to Sew.  

Machines Available on first come first serve basis.

AARP Tax-Aide

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Tax help by appointment.

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:

Tax help by appointment.

Group of individuals in exercise outfits

Forever Fit

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+. 

Join us and learn simple exercises to increase strength, balance, and endurance.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+. 

Join us and learn simple exercises to increase strength, balance, and endurance.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Storytime - Infant

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Storytimes,
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Storytimes,
:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, February 17, 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.

Two books open on a table.

Short Story Discussion Group

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

The Short Story Discussion group meets once a month from January through March and is moderated by Eileen Kohut. Readings will be from "That Glimpse of Truth: the 100 Finest Short Stories Ever Written" selected and introduced by David Miller.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
:

The Short Story Discussion group meets once a month from January through March and is moderated by Eileen Kohut. Readings will be from "That Glimpse of Truth: the 100 Finest Short Stories Ever Written" selected and introduced by David Miller.

The words BOOK CLUB on a black background in the center of a circle of books.

Quirky Readers Book Club

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
:

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

ROAR! on the Road Storytime

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Enjoy this free storytime program from The Ringling that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. Best for ages 0-5. Space is limited.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Enjoy this free storytime program from The Ringling that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. Best for ages 0-5. Space is limited.

AARP Tax-Aide

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

AARP is providing free tax preparation at the Shannon Staub Library again this year. The tax returns will be prepared by IRS-certified tax counselors.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:

AARP is providing free tax preparation at the Shannon Staub Library again this year. The tax returns will be prepared by IRS-certified tax counselors.

shelf of books

FOL Tours

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Lectures, Outreach, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join the Friends of The Venice Library for a tour of our beautiful library. It is guaranteed you will be surprised and impressed with all of the special features we have for all ages.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Lectures, Outreach, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Registration Required
:

Join the Friends of The Venice Library for a tour of our beautiful library. It is guaranteed you will be surprised and impressed with all of the special features we have for all ages.

Genealogy Assistance

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Genealogy
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your questions!

Cancelled
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Genealogy
:

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your questions!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, February 17, 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.

Cover of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Monthly Book Club | Heart of Darkness

Tuesday, February 17, 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 Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

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 Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Image of coins and pens

AARP Income Tax Assistance

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:
--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

matisse fishbowl

Creative Spirit Art Club

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

This group of local professional artists helps to spread the love of art, creativity, and human connection by presenting a new art project/technique each month.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom A/B
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

This group of local professional artists helps to spread the love of art, creativity, and human connection by presenting a new art project/technique each month.

shelf of books

FOL Tours

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Lectures, Outreach, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join the Friends of The Venice Library for a tour of our beautiful library. It is guaranteed you will be surprised and impressed with all of the special features we have for all ages.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Lectures, Outreach, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Registration Required
:

Join the Friends of The Venice Library for a tour of our beautiful library. It is guaranteed you will be surprised and impressed with all of the special features we have for all ages.

Tech Navigator logo

Tech Navigator

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Group Study Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Technology Instruction, Virtual
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Group Study Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: Technology Instruction, Virtual
:

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Dog with a book

Read with the Dogs

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Special Events, Storytimes
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), Families, All Ages

Calling all families with readers! Our dog friends from the Suncoast Humane Society are returning to the Jacaranda Library, and they want you to read to them!

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
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), Families, All Ages
Program Type: Special Events, Storytimes
:

Calling all families with readers! Our dog friends from the Suncoast Humane Society are returning to the Jacaranda Library, and they want you to read to them!

a yellow background with a colorful array of craft supplies.

EQ Craft Crew: Closet Clean Out!

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years)

Join us on the third Tuesday of every month for a new art project! 

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will be given an assortment of craft supplies to let their imaginations and creativity run wild! 

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us on the third Tuesday of every month for a new art project! 

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will be given an assortment of craft supplies to let their imaginations and creativity run wild! 

Art supplies laid out in a rainbow circle.

Tinker Tuesday

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Families

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
:

A different project every week!

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.

Anime Club

Anime Club

Tuesday, February 17, 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.

A group of tweens stand on a stage holding scripts.

Focus on Creativity: Creative Dramatics - Week 4

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years)

"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage!

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Teen DIY Lab: Buttons and Magnets

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Join us at Teen DIY Lab! 

Each month we will try out a new DIY project you can make and take home.

This month we will be designing and making personalized buttons and locker magnets.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us at Teen DIY Lab! 

Each month we will try out a new DIY project you can make and take home.

This month we will be designing and making personalized buttons and locker magnets.