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Quirky Readers Book Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

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

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

Cocktail

The Sober Speakeasy: Literary Libations at your library

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Special Events, Venice Centennial
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Learn the techniques to make a non-alcoholic version of three classic prohibition-era inspired cocktails:

1. Old Fashioned – Infusion Technique

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Special Events, Venice Centennial
Registration Required
:

Learn the techniques to make a non-alcoholic version of three classic prohibition-era inspired cocktails:

1. Old Fashioned – Infusion Technique

a miniature zen garden with sand, rocks, a rake, and small plants.

Asian Gardens with Sari

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Sari to explore various garden styles in Asia that reflect uniquely different cultural values and traditions. Enjoy calmness while raking the sand in a miniature Zen garden. 

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Join Sari to explore various garden styles in Asia that reflect uniquely different cultural values and traditions. Enjoy calmness while raking the sand in a miniature Zen garden. 

Photos of Joy McIntyre and Dr. Joseph Holt

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Adults

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Theatre of the Mind Presents "Lovers and Other Strangers"

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Join us for a fast-paced and fun dramatic reading of Lovers and Other Strangers with Theatre of the Mind.

Seating is first-come first-served.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
:

Join us for a fast-paced and fun dramatic reading of Lovers and Other Strangers with Theatre of the Mind.

Seating is first-come first-served.

Kids reading a coming

Craft Club for Tweens and Teens: DIY Zines

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Learn to make your own

handmade book or magazine!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life
Registration Required
:

Learn to make your own

handmade book or magazine!

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.

harpsichord

Astralis Chamber Ensemble: Baroque Masters

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The award-winning musicians of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble have been described as “scary good” and “truly riveting.” Angela Massey (flute),Paul Aguilar (violin), Thomas Maternik-Piret (cello), and Alexandra Dunbar(harpsichord) present “Baroque M

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: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

The award-winning musicians of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble have been described as “scary good” and “truly riveting.” Angela Massey (flute),Paul Aguilar (violin), Thomas Maternik-Piret (cello), and Alexandra Dunbar(harpsichord) present “Baroque M

Black and white image of a man looking up at a shell midden.

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Archaeology, Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Presented by:

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom A/B
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Archaeology, Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Presented by:

Popcorn

Movie Club: His Girl Friday

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Juliano Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Clubs, Cultural Life, Movies
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Movie Club is every 4th Thursday of each month. Enjoy a movie with a short discussion afterwards about what you liked or disliked about the movie. There will be popcorn and snacks available.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Juliano Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Clubs, Cultural Life, Movies
:

Movie Club is every 4th Thursday of each month. Enjoy a movie with a short discussion afterwards about what you liked or disliked about the movie. There will be popcorn and snacks available.

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.

pokemon club

Pokémon™ Club

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Cultural Life, Games
:

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Disclaimer(s)

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

Exploring Jazz: A Family Friendly Concert

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), 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
Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of jazz with Dr.
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), 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: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries
:
Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of jazz with Dr.

Stained Glass Art

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join local artist Ron Hoffman in creating a unique masterpiece in glass!

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life
Registration Required
:

Join local artist Ron Hoffman in creating a unique masterpiece in glass!

Jazz Jam SRQ Logo

Jazz Jam Workshop

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for a monthly jazz jam session that provides an introduction to jazz jamming. Perfect for beginners!

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for a monthly jazz jam session that provides an introduction to jazz jamming. Perfect for beginners!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Building in New York City

An Afternoon in NYC with the Venice Theatre

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Join the Venice Theatre for an afternoon featuring all things Annie, New York City, and FUN!! Come dressed to impress at our photobooth, build your own skyscraper, and so much more.

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Cultural Life, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join the Venice Theatre for an afternoon featuring all things Annie, New York City, and FUN!! Come dressed to impress at our photobooth, build your own skyscraper, and so much more.

Jazz Jam SRQ Logo

Jazz Jam SRQ

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Disclaimer(s)

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

A collage of children enjoying music by Jill Brown

Playdate Harmonies with Jill Brown

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Come sing, play and explore to live music! Kids and caregivers engage in familiar songs while enjoying a sensory experience.

For children ages 1-5. 
 

Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
:

Come sing, play and explore to live music! Kids and caregivers engage in familiar songs while enjoying a sensory experience.

For children ages 1-5. 
 

Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

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.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!
Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.

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, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries
:

Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!
Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.

Sarasota Opera logo

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Adults

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Sister Cities Association of Sarasota Lecture Series ft. Dr Randy Runnels

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Dr. Randy Runnels, for a lecture provided by the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota

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

Join Dr. Randy Runnels, for a lecture provided by the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota

Cover of Dinner In One by Melissa Clark

Cookbook Club | Dinner In One

Thursday, January 29, 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.

January Theme: One-Pot Wonders

January Cookbook: Dinner In One by Melissa Clark

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.

January Theme: One-Pot Wonders

January Cookbook: Dinner In One by Melissa Clark

MyPlate food groups plage

What's on MyPlate!

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Youth Program Room at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join us for a variety of activities and lessons that explain the 5 food groups! Stay till the end for a scavenger hunt.


Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Youth Program Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Join us for a variety of activities and lessons that explain the 5 food groups! Stay till the end for a scavenger hunt.


Registration required.