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!

Filters

Tech Navigator

10:00am–12:00pm

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

Library Branch: North Port Library

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

Program Type: , , Technology Instruction

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

Lemon Bay Fest: Archaeology of the Manasota Key Offshore Site

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: Archaeology, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

Join Sarasota County’s archaeologist, Clay Bush, for a lecture on this globally significant site located only 350 yards off of Manasota Key that reveals insights into the lives of the Archaic Florida peoples.

Book Shop Bingo

1:00pm–2:00pm

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

Youth Activity Room

Waitlist

Registration Required

Waitlist

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity Room

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

Program Type: Games

Registration Required

Join us for a fun game of Bingo at the library! Book prizes graciously donated by the Friends of the Jacaranda Public Library Book Shop.

Creation Station Adult Lab: Valentine's Paper Roses

1:00pm–2:30pm

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

Creation Station

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Join us in making paper roses for Valentine's Day!

AARP Income Tax Assistance

1:00pm–4:30pm

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!

Advanced Spanish Conversation Group

2:00pm–3:00pm

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Discussion Groups, Spanish/En Español

Spanish Group Conversation.

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

2:00pm–3:30pm

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

Classroom A/B

Registration Open

Registration Required

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:

Arts & Crafts: Conversation Hearts on Canvas

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Learning Lab

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

Sweet nothings on canvas...what a better way to enjoy this month of love. All materials provided. No registration is required. These programs are popular. Seating is limited. First Come, first seated.

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.

Secrets of the Underground Railroad

3:00pm–4:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

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

Registration Required

The Secrets of the Underground Railroad…revealed!

The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses that led enslaved people in the south escape to freedom in the north.

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

3:00pm–5:15pm

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

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type: Author Event, Book Discussions, Clubs, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) focuses most of its resources into providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects.

Lemon Bay Fest: Squeeze and Create! Lemon Art Lab

3:30pm–5:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

When life gives you lemons, make some art! Learn how to make lemon prints on fabric, and then use the juice to add an acidic pop of color to a watercolor painting. Recommended for ages 9 to adult.

Drop-In Valentine's Card Making

10:30am–12:30pm

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: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Stop by to create personalized handmade cards for family, friends, or someone special! All supplies provided.

For adults. No registration required.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Lemon Bay Fest: Seashells 101

11:00am–12:00pm

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: Art Displays & Exhibits, Clubs, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

Discover an enthusiasm for shells and the local environment with the Englewood Shell Club. Shells from the Club's collection will be on display as members share an overview of local shells and best conservation practices on the beach.

Lemon Bay Fest Movies: “Patrick Smith’s Florida” and “Cracker”

1:30pm–3:45pm

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: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Movies, Special Events

Join us in wrapping up Lemon Bay Fest with a double movie feature and light refreshments. These films highlight the importance of preserving Florida’s unique past, showcasing the lives of those who embody its "Florida Cracker" heritage.

Book Club

3:00pm–4:30pm

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

Juliano Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Juliano Room

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Clubs, Lifelong Learning

Join us for the Friday Afternoon Monthly Book Discussion. Every 2nd Friday of the month.

Newcomers are always welcome. This month we will be discussing: The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd.

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.

Sparkle and Create: Self-Led Jewelry Making

10:30am–12:00pm

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

Creation Station

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station

Unleash your creativity and craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using a variety of materials and techniques.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Stained Glass Art

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Veranda Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life

Registration Required

Create a unique glass masterpiece with local artist Ron Hoffman!

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.

Pianist Eleonora Lvov: "Romanticism throughout the Ages"

2:30pm–3:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events

Registration Required

“Romanticism Throughout the Ages: An Expression through Music, History & Literature” a performance and discussion with concert pianist Eleonora Lvov.

Eleonora Lvov, internationally acclaimed Russia

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.

Open Sewing Lab

10:00am–12:00pm

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

Conference Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Conference Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station

Use 1 of 5 Brother sewing machines on Your Own Project. Must Know How to Sew.

Machines Available on first come first serve basis.

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.

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Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)