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Yellow round circle that says "Creation Station"

Open Chomp Saw Lab

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Creation Station, Green Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years)

Join us for a special STEAM activity on the first Wednesday of every month! In this open lab, patrons will have access to use Chomp Saws a safe, easy-to-use cutting device, to create whatever they can imagine!

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Creation Station, Green Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for a special STEAM activity on the first Wednesday of every month! In this open lab, patrons will have access to use Chomp Saws a safe, easy-to-use cutting device, to create whatever they can imagine!

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, May 6, 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.

Rain Barrel

UF/IFAS: Lawn Ornaments - Alternative Lawns for Florida

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Green Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Discover how to swap out turfgrass in favor of beneficial alternatives, like Native Sunshine Mimosa, Florida-Friendly Perennial Peanut and more.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Green Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Discover how to swap out turfgrass in favor of beneficial alternatives, like Native Sunshine Mimosa, Florida-Friendly Perennial Peanut and more.

7 Individuals doing yoga

Beginning Yoga for Teens

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Unwind and get fit with this beginner-friendly guided yoga class for teens and tweens! Join us for an hour-long lesson and learn basic yoga and breathing exercises that can be used in your everyday life. Registration required.

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: Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Unwind and get fit with this beginner-friendly guided yoga class for teens and tweens! Join us for an hour-long lesson and learn basic yoga and breathing exercises that can be used in your everyday life. Registration required.

knitted items

Yak and Yarn

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
Conference Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
:

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

Group of individuals in exercise outfits

Forever Fit

Thursday, May 7, 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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, May 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.

Italian Flag on blue sky background.

Introduction to Italian, week 5

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

This six-week course is designed to introduce you to the Italian language. You will learn essential elements such as basic phrases, the alphabet, counting, and fundamental grammar.

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

This six-week course is designed to introduce you to the Italian language. You will learn essential elements such as basic phrases, the alphabet, counting, and fundamental grammar.

Musical Motion

Thursday, May 7, 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, May 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.

dada

Travelogue - Damaltian Coast

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Join Jane Mahler for an unforgettable journey through Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina—the captivating countries once united as Yugoslavia.

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

Join Jane Mahler for an unforgettable journey through Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina—the captivating countries once united as Yugoslavia.

Creation Station- Spring Potted Paper Flowers

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults

Join us and make Potted Paper Daffodils. All Materials will be provided. 

Registration Is Required.  Ages 13 and up.

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

Join us and make Potted Paper Daffodils. All Materials will be provided. 

Registration Is Required.  Ages 13 and up.

Forty Carrots Logo

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
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 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.

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)
Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning
:

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.

Storytime - Infant

Learn and Play Storytime

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Youth Program Room at Selby Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)

Join your friends for stories, rhymes, sign language, and other activities in this story time for babies and toddlers.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
:

Join your friends for stories, rhymes, sign language, and other activities in this story time for babies and toddlers.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Forty Carrots Logo

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
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 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.

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)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

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.

POP UP Library

Agency Site

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Pop-Up Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Lifelong Learning, Outreach
Age Group:
Seniors

An Agency Site is a stop such as a senior living community, nursing home, or school that is not accessible to the public.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Pop-Up Library
Age Group: Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Lifelong Learning, Outreach
:

An Agency Site is a stop such as a senior living community, nursing home, or school that is not accessible to the public.

Open Book

Book Club

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Juliano Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Clubs, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for the Friday Afternoon Monthly Book Discussion. Every 2nd Friday of the month.

Newcomers are always welcome. Please inquire about a copy of the book at the Information Desk.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Juliano Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Clubs, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for the Friday Afternoon Monthly Book Discussion. Every 2nd Friday of the month.

Newcomers are always welcome. Please inquire about a copy of the book at the Information Desk.

Lego Pile

Lego Afternoon

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Storytime Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Art Displays & Exhibits, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Drop-in and build! Using the Legos provided, let your imagination run wild. Will it be an animal? A building? Or something never imagined before? You decide!

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Lifelong Learning
:

Drop-in and build! Using the Legos provided, let your imagination run wild. Will it be an animal? A building? Or something never imagined before? You decide!

Hands playing an acoustic guitar

Guitar Groove Level 2: The Next Step Week 5

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Career Journeys, Lifelong Learning, Music in the Libraries
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Already know a few chords? Let's take your guitar skills to the next level! In this fun, family-friendly 6-week class, you'll learn to play your favorite songs, learn more chords and move forward with guitar techniques.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Career Journeys, Lifelong Learning, Music in the Libraries
:

Already know a few chords? Let's take your guitar skills to the next level! In this fun, family-friendly 6-week class, you'll learn to play your favorite songs, learn more chords and move forward with guitar techniques.

Disclaimer(s)

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

a bouquet of flowers

Fun with Flowers for Mothers Day

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Led by the Sarasota Garden Club, children and teens can make their own floral arrangements to give to a mother, grandmother, or anyone they want to celebrate this Mother’s Day!  Best for ages 5-18. Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Led by the Sarasota Garden Club, children and teens can make their own floral arrangements to give to a mother, grandmother, or anyone they want to celebrate this Mother’s Day!  Best for ages 5-18. Registration required.

booker

Lecture: "Up from Slavery to Tea with the Queen: The Amazing Life of Booker T. Washington"

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Booker T. Washington was the most prominent African American educator and orator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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

Booker T. Washington was the most prominent African American educator and orator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Sewing

Open Sewing Lab

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Do you need access to a sewing machine for practice? Do you need help with a sewing or mending project? Bring your fabric and your plan and we can help with the rest. 

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Do you need access to a sewing machine for practice? Do you need help with a sewing or mending project? Bring your fabric and your plan and we can help with the rest. 

Level Up

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Creation Station, Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Drop in to play games on our Nintendo Switch!

 

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Creation Station, Games, Lifelong Learning
:

Drop in to play games on our Nintendo Switch!

 

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

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

piano duo sitting in front of a piano

Kaleidoscope of Expressions: Four Hands Piano Concert

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Concert pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin, creators of Duo Beaux Arts, have collectively performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, Kadriorg Palace in Estonia, Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and more.
Registration Open
Registration Required
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: History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:
Concert pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin, creators of Duo Beaux Arts, have collectively performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, Kadriorg Palace in Estonia, Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and more.