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 ...

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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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Tween Craft Tuesday - Air Dry Clay

4:00pm–5:00pm

Youth, Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Storytime Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Storytime Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life

Registration Required

Let your creative soar while making your very own air dry clay creations!

For tweens ages 9-13.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: ,

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

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

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

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.

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

10:30am–11:30am

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

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

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

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: ,

Disclaimer(s)

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

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Read with the Dogs

4:00pm–5:00pm

Youth

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

Age Group: Youth

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Children are invited for a special opportunity to share a story with a furry friend! Take advantage of this no-pressure, judgment-free zone to practice reading with a certified therapy dog. Space is limited. First come, first seated.

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!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Musical Motion

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

Musical Motion is a FREE bilingual learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

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.

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

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

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

Fun to be Fit: Littles

10:15am–11:00am

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)

Meeting Room AB

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room AB

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years)

Program Type: Healthy Living

Registration Required

Join presenter Adrianne Pezzella for a special music and movement program especially for children and their caregivers to attend together. Enjoy quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise, and having fun!

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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

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

Veranda Room

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)

Program Type: Games, Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

ROAR! on the Road Storytime

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Enjoy this free storytime program from The Ringling that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. Best for ages 0-5. Space is limited.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Veranda Room

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)

Program Type: Games, Special Events

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

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!

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Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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Disclaimer(s)

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Disclaimer(s)

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Disclaimer(s)

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Forty Carrots Partners in Play