Upcoming Events

Featured Events

UF/IFAS: One Seed-Herb Trio

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

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Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators! Whether you are a novice gar...

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Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Green Living, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators!

an altoid tin with a felt rabbit and carrots inside it.

EQ Craft Crew: Micro Habitats

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month for a new art project!In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn a metal tin into a full habitat for an animal of their choosi...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month for a new art project!

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn a metal tin into a full habitat for an animal of their choosing!

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

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Learn the techniques to make a non-alcoholic version of three classic prohibition-era inspired cocktails:1. Old Fashioned – Infusion TechniqueWe’ll explore infusion by steeping a s...

Registration Open

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

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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 gard...

Registration Open

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.

Resume Building Workshop

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

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Join SHRM workplace professionals for an interactive Resume Building workshop!Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of effective resume writing.Practice with hands-on assistance to help kick-s...

Registration Open

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: Career Journeys, Job Search Assistance, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Join SHRM workplace professionals for an interactive Resume Building workshop!

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

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Made by Shells, Told by TimePresented by:Dr. Uzi Baram, Professor Emeritus, New College of FloridaA Florida History Lecture Series Winter 2026 "Made in Florida" programProgram begi...

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

Registration Required

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Presented by:

A graphic image of two women in exercise clothes with the text "Intro toGYROKINESIS® Method."

Intro to Spinal Health with Breath (GYROKINESIS® Method)

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

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INTRO TO SPINAL HEALTH WITH BREATH (GYROKINESIS® Method) is a movement practice that addresses the entire body by improving posture, stimulating the nervous system, increasing rang...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Healthy Living

Registration Required

INTRO TO SPINAL HEALTH WITH BREATH (GYROKINESIS® Method) is a movement practice that addresses the entire body by improving posture, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flo

Photo of a Florida landscape with water and palm trees.

The Natural World of Sarasota's First Peoples

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Long before modern Sarasota emerged, a thriving society flourished along its bays, rivers, and estuaries. For Sarasota's first peoples, water was not just a resource—it was the lif...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Long before modern Sarasota emerged, a thriving society flourished along its bays, rivers, and estuaries.

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

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.

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.

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.

Filters

Lemon Bay Fest: Open Chomp Saw Lab

3:45pm–5:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Green Living, Lifelong Learning

In this open lab, patrons will have access to use Chomp Saws a safe, easy-to-use cutting device to make lemons, lemon trees, or whatever they can imagine! Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Youth Math Tutoring

4:00pm–5:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Teen Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Career Journeys, Volunteer Orientations & Programs

Registration Required

Join us every Wednesday for engaging and supportive math tutoring sessions designed for children ages 5 to 12.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Kids Craft: Color a Valentine Cupcake

4:30pm–5:30pm

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Story Time Room

Waitlist

Registration Required

Waitlist

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Cultural Life

Registration Required

Using special pens with edible ink, color a real valentine cupcake you can actually eat!

ROAR! on the Road with The Ringling

4:30pm–5:30pm

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

Age Group: Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

ROAR! is The Ringling's free storytime that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum.

CANCELLED LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Cancelled

Cancelled

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

Read Em and Eat

3:45pm–4:45pm

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Meeting Room II

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: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Read for at least 10 minutes in our "lounge" and enjoy a sweet treat as a reward. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Afternoon STEM

4:00pm–5:00pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Meeting Room B

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 for an afternoon of STEM fun! Explore electricity and make a circuit using glitter glue, salt, LED lights, and batteries. Best for ages 5-12, under 7 best with adult supervision.

How to Roll a Beeswax Candle

4:00pm–5:00pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Youth Activity Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity Room

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Children and families are invited to come craft a beeswax candle with bee expert Maria McIntyre of Juniper Moon Apiary.

Pokémon™ Club

4:00pm–5:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Teen Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen 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.

Kids Craft: Build a Valentine Gingerbread House

4:30pm–5:30pm

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Story Time Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Creation Station, Cultural Life

Registration Required

Kids can build and decorate gingerbread houses with valentines candy. How sweet!

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day

Closing

Branches:

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Elsie Quirk Library, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, Fruitville Library, Gulf Gate Library, North Port Library, Osprey Library and History Center, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

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), Families, All Ages

Youth Activity Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity 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), Families, All Ages

Program Type: Special Events, Storytimes

Calling all families with readers! Our dog friends from the Suncoast Humane Society are returning to the Jacaranda Library, and they want you to read to them!

EQ Craft Crew: Closet Clean Out!

3:45pm–4:30pm

Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

Join us on the third Tuesday of every month for a new art project!

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will be given an assortment of craft supplies to let their imaginations and creativity run wild!

Tinker Tuesday

4:00pm–5:00pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

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

'Owl' About Florida's Owls- Owl Pellet Dissection!

3:45pm–4:45pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Green Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for a fun, hands-on program to learn 'owl' about Florida's native owl species.

Youth Math Tutoring

4:00pm–5:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Teen Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Career Journeys, Volunteer Orientations & Programs

Registration Required

Join us every Wednesday for engaging and supportive math tutoring sessions designed for children ages 5 to 12.

Disclaimer(s)

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

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

Kid's Sensory Playtime

11:00am–12:00pm

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Games, Special Events

Join us at the North Port Library for a kid's sensory playtime.

A fun interactive, educational time designed for children with autism and/or sensory challenges.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Special Events

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. The program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

This program is intended for children who can read independently

Pokémon™ Club

4:00pm–5:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Veranda Room

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.

Drop-in Art Night

4:00pm–7:00pm

Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Green Living

We provide the supplies, you bring the creativity! A variety of materials will be available for you to explore and create. Recommended for ages 4-12.

Mario Kart Tournament

6:00pm–7:30pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Challenge your friends and family to a fast-paced round of Mario Kart projected on the library's giant movie screen!

Art Club for Kids

10:15am–11:15am

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Meeting Room- Classroom A

Waitlist

Registration Required

Waitlist

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Every third Saturday of the month, this program will focus on a famous artist. Children will learn about famous artists and their methods and create their own masterpieces based on the style of that artist.

Read with the Dogs

11:15am–12:15pm

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Classroom B

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Classroom B

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Program Type:

Every third Saturday of the month, children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Important

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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

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