Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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

:

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...

Waitlist

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

:

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

:

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...

View Details

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

:

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

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 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

:

"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

:

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...

View Details

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

:

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

:

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

View Details

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

:

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

:

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

:

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:

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

:

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

:

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

:

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...

View Details

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

:

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...

View Details

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

Creation Station Open Lab

2:00pm–5:00pm

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

Creation Station

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Creation Station

Age Group: 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: Active Older Adult Living, Creation Station

Are you curious about our Creation Station? Join us for Open Lab, where library patrons can explore and experiment with a variety of tools and equipment such as Osmo technology, robots, button makers, and more.

Disclaimer(s)

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

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.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

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

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Read with the Dogs

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.

Level Up

3:45pm–4:45pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Creation Station, Games, Lifelong Learning

Drop in to play games on our Nintendo Switch!

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Play & Learn Storytime

10:15am–11:15am

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

Storytime Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Storytime Room

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

Registration Required

Join Miss Taylor for a special Play & Learn Storytime! Each storytime will feature books and songs as well as play time at the end.

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.

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:45pm

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

Veranda Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

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, May 26.

Fun to be Fit: BIGS

4:00pm–5:00pm

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

Community Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Healthy Living, Special Events

Registration Required

Join Ms. Adrianne in her Fun To Be Fit Kids "BIGS" class. Experience an action-packed class filled with obstacle courses, fitness games, and team-building challenges designed to boost your athletic skills while having lots of fun.

Arts & Crafts Storytime -

10:15am–11:00am

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

Storytime Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

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.

Lego Explorers

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Important

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

Primary tabs

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Read with the Dogs

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)