Event List

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Age Group
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This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Asian Spice Tea Tasting

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Discover the rich traditions of spice and herbal tea-making in diverse Asian cultures. Enjoy your original herbal tea blend and enjoy tasting it in class.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Discover the rich traditions of spice and herbal tea-making in diverse Asian cultures. Enjoy your original herbal tea blend and enjoy tasting it in class.

Disclaimer(s)

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

This event is in the "Adults" group

Travelogue | Japan III - Ise-Shima, Kyoto

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults

In the final part of this series, we journey to Ise-Shima, a region of profound spiritual heritage and natural beauty.

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

In the final part of this series, we journey to Ise-Shima, a region of profound spiritual heritage and natural beauty.

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Arts & Crafts: Chinese New Year Take-Out

Tuesday, January 13, 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

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

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
:

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group

LEGO Club

Tuesday, January 13, 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)

Join us every other Tuesday in the Creation Station to show off your LEGO building talents.  Use the hour to freely build or choose one of our challenge cards for inspiration! Best for ages 5-12.

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
:

Join us every other Tuesday in the Creation Station to show off your LEGO building talents.  Use the hour to freely build or choose one of our challenge cards for inspiration! Best for ages 5-12.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 14, 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.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

Wednesday, January 14, 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.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 14, 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.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, January 14, 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.

This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group

Teen Game Café

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Teen Zone at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Hang out as you please and play a variety of board games, video games, and card games with your friends! All games will be provided. Ages 11-18 only.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Teen Zone
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning
:

Hang out as you please and play a variety of board games, video games, and card games with your friends! All games will be provided. Ages 11-18 only.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 15, 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.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Musical Motion

Thursday, January 15, 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.

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Arts & Crafts: Chinese New Year's Take-Out

Thursday, January 15, 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

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

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
:

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

UF/IFAS: Edible Gardening

Thursday, January 15, 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

Are you craving crisp, fresh, and tasty veggies harvested from your own yard or community garden?  Wondering what items you need to start your edible garden and how to find the perfect spot for it?  You will learn tips to 

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
:

Are you craving crisp, fresh, and tasty veggies harvested from your own yard or community garden?  Wondering what items you need to start your edible garden and how to find the perfect spot for it?  You will learn tips to 

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group

Afternoon STEM: Toothpick Towers

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Challenge yourself to make a tower out of toothpicks with the provided materials to see which material works the best.  Best for ages 5-12.

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
:

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Challenge yourself to make a tower out of toothpicks with the provided materials to see which material works the best.  Best for ages 5-12.

This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Plot Planning: A Roadmap for Your Novel

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Selby Library
Program Type:
Artists in the Libraries, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Are you an aspiring novelist? Come participate in a creative writing workshop, where we will practice techniques for outlining and developing the plot of your story. For adults. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Artists in the Libraries, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Are you an aspiring novelist? Come participate in a creative writing workshop, where we will practice techniques for outlining and developing the plot of your story. For adults. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

LVSSC Course: Citizenship preparation

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Conference Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults

Citizenship test preparation by the Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County. 

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

Citizenship test preparation by the Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County. 

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group

Art Club for Kids

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room- Classroom A at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Every third Saturday of the month, this program will focus on a famous artist. Children will learn about famous artists and their methods and create their own masterpieces based on the style of that artist.

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Every third Saturday of the month, this program will focus on a famous artist. Children will learn about famous artists and their methods and create their own masterpieces based on the style of that artist.

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.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Babies (Birth to 1 year)" group
This event is in the "Toddlers (1 to 3 years)" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group

Stories and Fun

Tuesday, January 20, 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!

This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

UF/IFAS: One Seed-Herb Trio

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Green Living, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators!

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Green Living, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators!

This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Creative Spirit Art Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Classroom A/B (Staff only)) at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
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. No prior experience is necessary.
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom A/B (Staff only))
Age Group: 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. No prior experience is necessary.
This event is in the "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Arts & Crafts: Lavender Sachets

Tuesday, January 20, 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

Refresh your closets and drawers for the coming spring!  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

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
:

Refresh your closets and drawers for the coming spring!  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group

EQ Craft Crew: Micro Habitats

Tuesday, January 20, 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 the 3rd Tuesday of every month for a new art project!

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn a metal tin into a full habitat for an animal of their choosing!

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

Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month for a new art project!

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn a metal tin into a full habitat for an animal of their choosing!

This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group
This event is in the "Teens (13 to 18 years)" group

Teen DIY Lab: Slime

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), 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 making slime!

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), 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 making slime!