Upcoming Events

Featured Events

A group of tweens stands on a stage holding scripts.

Focus on Creativity: Creative Dramatics - Week 1

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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"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! Play theatre games and...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

"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!

Let's Converse: Meet Sarasota's Superbowl Champion, Richie James!

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:30pm

Rotunda at Selby Library

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Drop in for a chat with Newtown Sarasota native, Richie James, and learn about his journey from Riverview High School to the NY Giants and Kansas City Chiefs, and all the way to Su...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Rotunda

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), All Ages

Program Type: Career Journeys, Games, Special Events

Drop in for a chat with Newtown Sarasota native, Richie James, and learn about his journey from Riverview High School to the NY Giants and Kansas City Chiefs, and all the way to Superbowl LVIII!

The cover of the book titled Haunted Florida Love Stories

Florida's Haunted Love Stories with Chris Balzano

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart. Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale? If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both. ...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Special Events

Registration Required

Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart. Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale? If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both. Across Florida, love is in the air—but that isn’t always a good t

Happy Birthday Bluey the Chicken

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Come meet a sentential chicken from the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Service.

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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: Green Living

Come meet a sentential chicken from the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Service.

UF/IFAS: Meet the Milkweeds!

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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There are over 20 kinds of milkweeds in Florida; most of them are native!Get to know the milkweeds that are suitable for growing in Sarasota County. Learn why these amazing native ...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Green Living, Lifelong Learning

There are over 20 kinds of milkweeds in Florida; most of them are native!

Get to know the milkweeds that are suitable for growing in Sarasota County.

Time capsule can with lid positioned in front

Lemon Bay Fest Quirky Crafters: Time Capsule Making

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:45pm - 5:45pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Define the present for the future with a time capsule! Fill it with your most important memories, a playlist of your favorite songs, or anything else that you want the world to rem...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Define the present for the future with a time capsule! Fill it with your most important memories, a playlist of your favorite songs, or anything else that you want the world to remember.

Bales of spanish moss being loaded onto a truck.

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center

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Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic HistoryPresented by:David John Turner, writer, researcher, and retired antiquarian booksellerA Florida History Lecture Series Winter ...

Registration Open

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: Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Presented by:

Writing Your Obituary: Past, Present, and Future

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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What if your obituary was not just a summary of your life but a road map to your future? Come review some unusual obituaries and explore the craft of obituary writing, either for y...

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Lectures, Lifelong Learning, One Book Sarasota

Registration Required

What if your obituary was not just a summary of your life but a road map to your future? Come review some unusual obituaries and explore the craft of obituary writing, either for yourself or for someone you care about.

Road Scholar: Forging a Friendship — Jefferson & Madison’s Northern Journey

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about Jefferson and Madison’s 1791 journey and enduring friendship.

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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 Jefferson and Madison’s 1791 journey and enduring friendship.

OREO® Cookie Taste Test

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limi...

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living

Registration Required

Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limited-edition varieties.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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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.Tonight’s theme...

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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.

Tonight’s theme: Family Fun Night!

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

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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 brilli...

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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.

Attention Veterans: Your Service Matters and So Do Your Benefits!

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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As the Sarasota County Veteran’s Services Outreach Officer, Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families. The seminar will c...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Job Search Assistance, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

As the Sarasota County Veteran’s Services Outreach Officer, Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families.

SRQ Con

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 4:00pm

Selby Library

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Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon! Activities will be held throughout the library including a scavenger hunt, button making, and more. Ven...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Age Group: Youth, 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

Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Author Event, Creation Station, Games, History & Culture, Lectures, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon!

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Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop

11:00am–1:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Classroom A/B

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

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: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Green Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Artist Christine Gilkey will lead this class on how to make a macrame plant hanger.

Tech Navigator

2:00pm–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Group Study Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Group Study Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Program Type: Technology Instruction, Virtual

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

A Matter of Balance #7

2:00pm–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lectures

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to help people learn practical strategies to manage falls and increase physical activity levels.

Participants will learn:

Tech Navigator

10:00am–12:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Technology Instruction

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Blood Pressure & BMI Screenings

10:00am–2:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living

The Sarasota Department of Health will be performing various health screenings to improve the health of our Sarasota County residents. They will be set up in the LOBBY for their sessions.

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

1:30pm–3:30pm

Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Conference Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Green Living

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.

Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

Chucko the All-American Clown

6:00pm–7:00pm

Youth, 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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, 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, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Meet Chuck Sidlow and watch, follow, and participate in his magical and musical LIVE TRANSFORMATION into CHUCKO THE ALL-AMERICAN CLOWN!

Life After Downton Abbey

10:00am–1:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Discussion Groups, Movies

Enjoy a cup of tea while discussing British movies and television series with a very welcoming group.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Make and Take

10:30am–12:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Veranda Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Registration Required

Join us for an enjoyable craft session in the Veranda Room at the North Port Public Library! It will be a fun time of learning and building new crafting skills.

SRQ Con

11:00am–4:00pm

Youth, 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

Library Branch: Selby Library

Age Group: Youth, 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

Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Author Event, Creation Station, Games, History & Culture, Lectures, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon!

Nature Printing with Florida Nature

11:30am–1:00pm

Youth, 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

Classroom A/B

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Classroom A/B

Age Group: Youth, 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: Arts & Crafts, Green Living, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Students will learn about the basics of nature printing. Paint will be applied to leaves, ferns, and other plants. The painted nature will then be placed face down on a piece of paper and pressed down firmly.

Summer Learning Ice Cream Kickoff

1:00pm–3:00pm

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

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Program Type: Cultural Life, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than FREE ICE CREAM? We're excited to kick off our 2025 Summer Learning program, "Color Your World," with a visit from The Q Ice Cream Truck.

Jazz Jam SRQ

5:30pm–7:30pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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.

Nutrition Cooking Class

12:00pm–1:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Learn how to make balanced, tasty, and nourishing meals get simple strategies for eating healthy, participate in fun activities!

Registration required as space is limited.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Tech Navigator

2:00pm–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Group Study Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Group Study Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Program Type: Technology Instruction, Virtual

Crystal Bowl Sound Bath

4:00pm–5:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Veranda Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Healthy Living, Music in the Libraries

Registration Required

Everything in our universe is information and energy vibrating at specific frequencies. Music is a powerful tool to guide consciousness into higher realms and induce healing.

Health in Motion

11:00am–3:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Program Type: Healthy Living

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Health in Motion staff will be on-site to provide no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness.

Road Scholar: Honoring D-Day— Echoes of Valor & Victory

1:00pm–2:30pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Veranda Room

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 D-Day, the beginning of the end for Nazi oppression in Europe

A Matter of Balance #8

2:00pm–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lectures

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to help people learn practical strategies to manage falls and increase physical activity levels.

Participants will learn:

Tech Navigator

10:00am–12:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Technology Instruction

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

1:30pm–3:30pm

Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Conference Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Green Living

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.

Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

Advanced Spanish Conversation Group

2:00pm–3:30pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room A

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Discussion Groups, Spanish/En Español

Spanish Group Conversation.

IANDS: International Association for Near-Death Experiences - The Latest Research (monthly meeting)

3:00pm–5:15pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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.

Pop Stop Wellen Park Night Market

6:00pm–9:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Offsite Event

Library Branch: Pop-Up Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Outreach

Visit the Pop Up library at the Wellen Park Night Market! The market takes place on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 6-9pm in Downtown Wellen Park.

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