Event List

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Age Group
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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 & Fun

Tuesday, February 24, 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

Floral Design 101

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults

Come learn how to do floral design at Gulf Gate Library. This class is designed for novices. Please note that this class is capped at 12 participants. Please pick up your line-up tickets at the Reference Desk. First come, fist served. 

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
:

Come learn how to do floral design at Gulf Gate Library. This class is designed for novices. Please note that this class is capped at 12 participants. Please pick up your line-up tickets at the Reference Desk. First come, fist served. 

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

Focus on Creativity: Creative Dramatics - Week 5

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years)

"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage!

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
:

"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage!

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 "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

Cheryl Coleman: Bold Black Pioneers

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the brilliant innovators who reshaped music and literature.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the brilliant innovators who reshaped music and literature.

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

Arts & Crafts Storytime

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Storytime Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Join Miss Taylor for Arts & Crafts Storytime! Featuring a special craft each month this storytime fosters creativity, engages learnings, and creates special bonds between children and their caretakers.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Registration Required
:

Join Miss Taylor for Arts & Crafts Storytime! Featuring a special craft each month this storytime fosters creativity, engages learnings, and creates special bonds between children and their caretakers.

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, February 25, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting 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)

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: Youth, 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.

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, February 25, 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, February 25, 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, February 25, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting 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)

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: Youth, 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.

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, February 25, 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 "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

In-Person Writer's Circle

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Conference Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The in-person Betty J. Johnson Library writing group is for anyone seeking dedicated time to work on new or continuing writing projects.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

The in-person Betty J. Johnson Library writing group is for anyone seeking dedicated time to work on new or continuing writing projects.

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

Adult programming | Beyond Downton Abbey: Gilded Age Society in New York & London

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Join Marilyn Carminio for a captivating lecture that journeys through three dazzling decades of high society—beginning in 1870s New York and culminating in the elegance of Edwardian London.

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

Join Marilyn Carminio for a captivating lecture that journeys through three dazzling decades of high society—beginning in 1870s New York and culminating in the elegance of Edwardian London.

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

Diamond Painters Anonymous

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for an afternoon of creative expression and calm.  Each month we will work on diamond painting a coaster based on a holiday/seasonal theme.  This group is extremely popular, and seating is limited to 8.

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

Join us for an afternoon of creative expression and calm.  Each month we will work on diamond painting a coaster based on a holiday/seasonal theme.  This group is extremely popular, and seating is limited to 8.

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

Lego Explorers

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Unleash your inner architect with LEGO® and DUPLO® building! Come over and let's paint the town brick red with our creative construction skills.

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: Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Unleash your inner architect with LEGO® and DUPLO® building! Come over and let's paint the town brick red with our creative construction skills.

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

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth

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

Beginning Yoga for Teens

Wednesday, February 25, 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.

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

Forever Fit

Thursday, February 26, 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 "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, February 26, 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, February 26, 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 "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, February 26, 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 "New Adult (18-30 years)" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Seniors" group

Cookbook Club | Tasting History

Thursday, February 26, 2026 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.

February Theme: 

February Cookbook: Tasting History by Max Miller

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.

February Theme: 

February Cookbook: Tasting History by Max Miller

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

CRAFTernoon: Make Your Own Kaleidoscope

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Who doesn't love a good CRAFTernoon? Join us each month for a fun craft. All you need to bring is your creativity! This month, make your own kaleidoscope! Best for ages 5 to 12, under 7 may need adult assistance.

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, Lifelong Learning
:

Who doesn't love a good CRAFTernoon? Join us each month for a fun craft. All you need to bring is your creativity! This month, make your own kaleidoscope! Best for ages 5 to 12, under 7 may need adult assistance.

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

Sketchbook Club

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Center at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years)

Enjoy an open workshop for upcoming artists interested in 2D art and drawing. There will be a brief warm up and lesson for approximately 15 minutes, followed by open drawing time to work on a portfolio or simply draw for fun!

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning
:

Enjoy an open workshop for upcoming artists interested in 2D art and drawing. There will be a brief warm up and lesson for approximately 15 minutes, followed by open drawing time to work on a portfolio or simply draw for fun!

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

Library Babies

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)

Every baby can be a library baby!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Registration Required
:

Every baby can be a library baby!