Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Road Scholar: Georgia O’Keeffe — Visions of an American Pioneer

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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

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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 the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

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 ...

View Details

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.

View Details

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!

Filters

Arts & Crafts: Hearts on Fire Votives

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Learning Lab

Cancelled

Cancelled

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

Sparkles and twinkles, all you could ask for from a vision of love. All materials provided. Nor registration is required. These programs are popular. Seating is limited. First Come, first seated.

Valentine's Flower Arrangement Class

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Veranda Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

VITA Tax Assistance

10:00am–2:00pm

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

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Tax Help

Tax Assistance with VITA Volunteers.

To schedule an appointment please visit www.UWSvita.org or call 1-833-897-8482 beginning Friday, January 16, 2026.

Love Our Library! Love Our Sale! Book Sale

10:00am–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

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Program Type: Book Sales

All books will be sold at an amazing $1.00 each. If you love to read or give books as gifts, our Love Our Library … Love Our Sale! is your opportunity to share lots of love just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Make and Take

10:30am–12:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Veranda Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

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.

AARP Income Tax Assistance

10:30am–2:30pm

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: Tax Help

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Happy Birthday Bluey the Chicken

2:00pm–3:00pm

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Program Type: Green Living

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

Disclaimer(s)

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

AARP Tax Help

2:00pm–5:00pm

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

Library Branch: Selby Library

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

Program Type: Tax Help

Selby Library dates of Tax Preparation: February 2nd - April 15th. Located on the 2nd floor.

Days and Hours of Operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - 2-5pm. Saturdays 11am-2pm.

Lemon Bay Fest: The Lives of Rose Huddleston Tate and May Wetherall

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

Join Betty Nugent from the Englewood Museum to learn about these long-time residents who made a big difference in their community through their activity in the Lemon Bay Women’s Club.

Monday Morning Movie: Rebel Without a Cause

10:30am–1:30pm

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

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

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: Movies

Join us for a relaxed Monday morning screening of "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955).

Disclaimer(s)

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

Genealogy Assistance

10:45am–12:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Genealogy

Get help from knowledgeable and experienced volunteer researchers.

Bring your questions!

UF/IFAS: Meet the Milkweeds!

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Veranda Room

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.

AARP Income Tax Assistance

1:00pm–5:00pm

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: Tax Help

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Lemon Bay Fest: American Roots Music Roadshow

2:00pm–3:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events

Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka of Vermont have been strummin' and singing together professionally for 30 years, and when they bring their travelling American Roots Music Roadshow to their audiences, they also bring along a wagon full of knowledge to

CHAT Information Table

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Library Branch: North Port Library

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

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

Join Andre from the Sarasota Health Department for information about CHAT in the lobby.

AARP Tax Help

2:00pm–5:00pm

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

Library Branch: Selby Library

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

Program Type: Tax Help

Selby Library dates of Tax Preparation: February 2nd - April 15th. Located on the 2nd floor.

Days and Hours of Operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - 2-5pm. Saturdays 11am-2pm.

Cupid’s Crooner: Sinatra for Lovers

3:30pm–4:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Music in the Libraries, Performances

Registration Required

Nick Fiasco returns to Jacaranda Library!

This time Nick's masterful vocals and engaging showmanship will focus on romance just in time for Valentine's Day.

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.

AARP Tax-Aide

10:00am–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Tax Help

Tax help by appointment.

Forever Fit

10:15am–11:00am

Adults, Seniors

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

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.

AARP Tax-Aide

10:30am–3:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Tax Help

AARP is providing free tax preparation at the Shannon Staub Library again this year. The tax returns will be prepared by IRS-certified tax counselors.

Genealogy Assistance

11:00am–1:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Cancelled

Cancelled

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Genealogy

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your questions!

Nutrition Cooking Class

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

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

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.

AARP Income Tax Assistance

1:00pm–5:00pm

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: Tax Help

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

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Upcoming Events

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--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---