Event List

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

Forever Fit

Thursday, January 8, 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.

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 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
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: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type:
:

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.

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 "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 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.

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

Roaming Readers (Outside Program)

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:30am
Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Let's walk and talk about books, those we have read, what we are reading now or even what we want to read!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions
Registration Required
:

Let's walk and talk about books, those we have read, what we are reading now or even what we want to read!

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

Great Books Discussion Group

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month from January through March and is moderated by Ross Ament. Reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 1.

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

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month from January through March and is moderated by Ross Ament. Reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 1.

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

Preschool Jamboree

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about. 

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Storytimes
:

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about. 

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 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.

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

Story Time

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Games, Storytimes
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness. 

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games, Storytimes
:

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness. 

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

FOL Tours

Thursday, January 8, 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.

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

Health in Motion: Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Screenings

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00am - 3:00pm
Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Health in Motion Bus offers free and low-cost public health services. A registered nurse is available at all visits. Individuals who need follow-up medical care are referred to a primary health care provider. No appointment needed.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Healthy Living
:

The Health in Motion Bus offers free and low-cost public health services. A registered nurse is available at all visits. Individuals who need follow-up medical care are referred to a primary health care provider. No appointment needed.

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 8, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
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: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type:
:

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.

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 "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 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.

LAB & HC Communications Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:45pm - 3:30pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate Library
Purpose of Room Use:

Quarterly meeting.

Conference Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Location: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Conference Room
Purpose of Room Use

Quarterly meeting.

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

Book Shop Bingo

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Games
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for a fun game of Bingo at the library! Book prizes graciously donated by the Friends of the Jacaranda Public Library Book Shop. 

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Games
Registration Required
:

Join us for a fun game of Bingo at the library! Book prizes graciously donated by the Friends of the Jacaranda Public Library Book Shop. 

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

Creation Station: Adult Beginner Sewing - Tissue Pouch

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Creation Station at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Learn to thread the sewing machine and make a fun tissue pouch! All materials and instruction provided.  

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Registration Required
:

Learn to thread the sewing machine and make a fun tissue pouch! All materials and instruction provided.  

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

Genealogy Assistance

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Genealogy
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Come and get assistance with your genealogy research from knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your questions!

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

Come and get assistance with your genealogy research from knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your questions!

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

Quirky Knitters

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet.  All skill levels welcome.  Registration is not required, so come on in to knit and chat!

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs
:

Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet.  All skill levels welcome.  Registration is not required, so come on in to knit and chat!

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

Pine Needle Basket Weaving Part 2

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Special Events
:

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

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

FOL Tours

Thursday, January 8, 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.

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: 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.

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

Creation Station Open Lab

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Creation Station at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Creation Station
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Are you curious about our Creation Station? Join us for Open Lab, where library patrons can explore and experiment with a variety of tools and equipment such as Osmo technology, robots, button makers, and more. 

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Creation Station
:

Are you curious about our Creation Station? Join us for Open Lab, where library patrons can explore and experiment with a variety of tools and equipment such as Osmo technology, robots, button makers, and more. 

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
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Foodscaping for the Suncoast

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Lectures
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors
Many people want to grow more of their own food, but do not consider our unique climate when starting a garden.
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Lectures
:
Many people want to grow more of their own food, but do not consider our unique climate when starting a garden.
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

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.

This event is in the "Youth" group
This event is in the "Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)" group
This event is in the "Children (5 to 9 years)" group
This event is in the "Tweens (9 to 12 years)" group

Read Em and Eat

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Read for at least 10 minutes in our "lounge" and enjoy a sweet treat as a reward. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

Read for at least 10 minutes in our "lounge" and enjoy a sweet treat as a reward. 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.