Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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

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:

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.

Filters

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

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. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Preschool Jamboree

10:30am–11:00am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about.

Coffee Chat with Sarasota County Schools

10:30am–11:30am

Meeting Room A

This is not a library sponsored event.

Library Location: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

Purpose of Room Use

We are organizing monthly Coffee Chat events to engage parents and community members in topics important to education.

Story Time

10:30am–11:30am

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

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games, Storytimes

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness.

Great Decisions Group Discussion

10:30am–12:30pm

Adults

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Discussion Groups

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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

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 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

Creation Station Adult Lab: Papercraft Bookmarks

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 to make collage bookmarks!

Genealogy Assistance

1:00pm–3:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Genealogy

Come and get assistance with your genealogy research from knowledgeable volunteer.

Bring your questions!

Quirky Knitters

1:00pm–3:00pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs

Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet. All skill levels welcome. Registration is not required, so come on in to knit and chat!

Pine Needle Basket Weaving Part 2

1:00pm–4:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Creation Station

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Special Events

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

AARP Income Tax Assistance

1:00pm–5:00pm

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

Meeting Room A

Cancelled

Cancelled

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!

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

1:30pm–3:30pm

Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Conference Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Green Living

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.

Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

Enhancing Your Reading Experience With Digital Apps

2:00pm–3:30pm

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

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Lifelong Learning, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Are you an avid e-book reader? Come learn about popular reading apps, book clubs, author chats, and personalized book recommendations. Note: This program requires that participants are proficient with using phones and tablets.

Arts & Crafts: Blooming Hearts

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

A heart in bloom. All from a twist of your finger! Come see how. All materials provided. No registration is required. These programs are popular. Seating is limited. First Come, first seated.

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.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Meeting

4:30pm–5:30pm

Teens (13 to 18 years)

Teen Zone

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Teen Zone

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Volunteer Orientations & Programs

Join other teens at our monthly Teen Advisory Board Meeting. The Board will discuss topics related to teen library services, teen programs and the teen collections. Attendees will receive community service credit for their time at the meeting.

Unleashing Imagination: Art Media - Week 6

4:30pm–5:30pm

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

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Join us for an unforgettable art class that uses hands-on techniques alongside art history, while fostering self-expression, innovation and creativity. Try out a variety of art styles across six sessions!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Movie Night at the Library: "Roman Holiday"

5:30pm–8:00pm

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

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, Movies

Join us to watch: “Roman Holiday” (1953) TV-G

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library Book Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Book Discussions, Discussion Groups

Join us in-person as we discuss "A Kind of Freedom" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton for our monthly Book Club!

Copies of the book will be available at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library.

Disclaimer(s)

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

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!

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Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Disclaimer(s)

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)