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Cover of "The World Central Kitchen Cookbook"

Cookbook Club | The World Central Kitchen Cookbook

Monday, December 29, 2025 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.

December Theme: Giving Back

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.

December Theme: Giving Back

sandhill crane family

Wild Sarasota: Sandhill Cranes

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for an inside perspective of one of the more ancient species of birds, the Sandhill Crane!

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for an inside perspective of one of the more ancient species of birds, the Sandhill Crane!

Magic Show feat. Dick Stevens

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) 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), Families

tbd

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

tbd

Cover of "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Monthly Book Club | Frankenstein

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us to discuss:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

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

Join us to discuss:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Lego Pile

LEGO Club

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
LEGO Club:

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

LEGO Club

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning
:

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

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.

Little Book Worm

Preschool Storytime

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Join us for songs, rhymes, play, and of course great stories! Engage kids in visual literacy, language development, and social skills in a fun class presented by our Youth Services team.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families
Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
:

Join us for songs, rhymes, play, and of course great stories! Engage kids in visual literacy, language development, and social skills in a fun class presented by our Youth Services team.

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.

a person holding a lit, white candle

Teen Craft Zone: Make Your Own Candle

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Teen Zone at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Find out how easy it is to make your own candle using beeswax and essential oils!

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

Find out how easy it is to make your own candle using beeswax and essential oils!

storytime

Preschool Storytime

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Meeting Room- Classroom A at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

This storytime activity  is geared towards children ages three to five. However, other family members may come in to enjoy the story as well.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Registration Required
:

This storytime activity  is geared towards children ages three to five. However, other family members may come in to enjoy the story as well.

Stories and Fun

Tuesday, January 6, 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)

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, and fun activities. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

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
:

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, and fun activities. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

Confetti bowl

Arts & Crafts: Party Central Bowl

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
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)
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: 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

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.

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning
:

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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)
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: 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

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.

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog.  Space is limited. First come, first seated.

an open notebook with a blue pen

Teen Writing Club

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:15pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Writers unite! This club meets the first Wednesday of every month to give teens the opportunity to hone their creative writing skills.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Writers unite! This club meets the first Wednesday of every month to give teens the opportunity to hone their creative writing skills.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
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)
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: 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

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.

Musical Motion

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Musical Motion is a FREE bilingual learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children.

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

Musical Motion is a FREE bilingual learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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)
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: 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

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.

Confetti bowl

Arts & Crafts: Party Central Bowl

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
:

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

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.

UF/IFAS: One Seed Gardening

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Green Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for One Seed and explore how to grow and use a special edible crop. Free seed packets of our One Seed selection will be provided to participants. Lots of free informational resources will be shared, too.

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, Green Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for One Seed and explore how to grow and use a special edible crop. Free seed packets of our One Seed selection will be provided to participants. Lots of free informational resources will be shared, too.