Event List

Filters
Age Group
Event Category

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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.

Teen Craft Zone: Sumi-e Landscape Painting

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique that uses black ink to create expressive images. It is known for its simplicity, spontaneity, and the use of various shades of gray created by diluting the ink with water.

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

Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique that uses black ink to create expressive images. It is known for its simplicity, spontaneity, and the use of various shades of gray created by diluting the ink with water.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Thursday, January 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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.

lavender and sachet

Arts & Crafts: Lavender Sachets

Thursday, January 22, 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.

CRAFTernoon: Chigiri-e Torn Paper Collages

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join presenter Sari Fujimaru and learn how to mindfully tear japanese washi paper to create a collage that expresses the beauty of nature. Best for ages 5-12. Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Join presenter Sari Fujimaru and learn how to mindfully tear japanese washi paper to create a collage that expresses the beauty of nature. Best for ages 5-12. Registration required.

Perfect Unfolding book cover

Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure with Kristy Halvorsen

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Author Event, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

What happens when a firefighter/paramedic sells her dream home and hits the road in an Airstream with no destination in mind?

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Author Event, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

What happens when a firefighter/paramedic sells her dream home and hits the road in an Airstream with no destination in mind?

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Meeting

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Zone at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Join other teens at our monthly Teen Advisory Board Meeting. The Board will discuss topics related to teen library services, teen programs and the teen collections. Attendees will receive community service credit for their time at the meeting.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Teen Zone
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
:

Join other teens at our monthly Teen Advisory Board Meeting. The Board will discuss topics related to teen library services, teen programs and the teen collections. Attendees will receive community service credit for their time at the meeting.

LVSSC Course: Citizenship preparation

Thursday, January 22, 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. 

Oregon Plat map

Using Land Documents for Family History Research (PLSS States)

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Genealogy, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

How can you pinpoint exactly where your ancestors once owned land? How can you find out who owned YOUR land a century ago? These mysteries and more are easy to solve if you know how to use public land records! Join Dr.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Genealogy, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
:

How can you pinpoint exactly where your ancestors once owned land? How can you find out who owned YOUR land a century ago? These mysteries and more are easy to solve if you know how to use public land records! Join Dr.

A notebook plastered with stickers

Sticker Plaster Notebooks

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Make yourself a one-of-a-kind sticker-covered notebook!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Make yourself a one-of-a-kind sticker-covered notebook!

Selby Book Club

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Creation Station at Selby Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join a lively book club for inspiring conversations! Selby Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of most months. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. Registration is not required.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
:

Join a lively book club for inspiring conversations! Selby Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of most months. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. Registration is not required.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Georgia O’Keeffe — Visions of an American Pioneer

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

Shannon Staub Book Club: "The Last Murder at the End of the World"

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Conference Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

This month we will be reading and discussing "The Last Murder at the End of the World" by Stuart Turton.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

This month we will be reading and discussing "The Last Murder at the End of the World" by Stuart Turton.

Play-doh® Playtime

Tuesday, January 27, 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 Play-doh® fun especially for the littles!

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 Play-doh® fun especially for the littles!

Cover of Their Eyes Were Watching God

Monthly Book Club | Their Eyes Were Watching God

Tuesday, January 27, 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 Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

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 Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

Lego Pile

LEGO Club

Tuesday, January 27, 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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 28, 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 28, 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 28, 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.