Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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:

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.

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Fun to be Fit Kids

10:30am–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: Special Events

Fun To Be Fit Kids

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Classes are designed for children and their caregiver(s) to send quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise and having fun!

Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

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

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)

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for songs, rhymes, play, and of course great stories! Engage kids in visual literacy, language development, and social skills in a fun class presented by our Youth Services team.

Selby Book Club

10:30am–11:30am

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

Creation Station

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Book Discussions, Discussion Groups

Join a lively book club for inspiring conversations! Selby Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of most months. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. Registration is not required.

Disclaimer(s)

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

AARP Tax-Aide

10:30am–2:30pm

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: Tax Help

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free assistance for federal returns at Elsie Quirk Library.

40 Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Special Events

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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play®

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Genealogy Assistance

1:00pm–3:00pm

Adults

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Genealogy

Registration Required

Come and get expert assistance from knowledgeable volunteers.

Bring your questions!

REGISTER AT INFORMATION DESK

AARP Income Tax Assistance

1:00pm–5:00pm

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!

Matter of Balance Spring Series (1 of 8)

2:00pm–4:00pm

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, Discussion Groups, Lectures

Registration Required

Please Register for Matter of Balance!

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.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

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

Storytime Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Storytime Room

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

Program Type: Special Events

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Last Stop Teen Hangout

3:30pm–5:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years)

Teen Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Games

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Learn What's New in 2026 with the Changes to Medicare

4:00pm–5:15pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Healthy Living, Lectures

Come learn "What's New in 2026" for Medicare recipients.

SHINE: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders

Dungeons and Dragons

4:00pm–5:30pm

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

Program Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Clubs, Games

Registration Required

Bring your Dungeons and Dragons characters to life with your friends as we discover what is rotten at the core of Appleton! Please bring your completed DnD 5e character sheet to this game.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Teen Writers Club

4:00pm–5:30pm

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

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: , Clubs, , Discussion Groups,

If you like writing your own pieces or would like to grow your creativity, come join us for our Teen Writers Club! Enhance your writing skills, participate in free-writing exercises and get feedback on written work.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Doodle Club

4:30pm–5:30pm

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

Teen Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Teen Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Come draw with us! In this open hour have fun drawing your own doodle designs.

Monday Movie Night

5:30pm–7:00pm

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)

Storytime Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Storytime 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)

Program Type: Movies

Join us for a movie night!

We will be watching Rapunzel this evening!

Snacks and water will be provided.

Jazz Jam SRQ

5:30pm–7:30pm

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: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Shannon Staub Book Club: "The Second Mrs. Astor"

6:00pm–7:00pm

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

Conference Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Conference Room

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

Program Type: Book Discussions, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

This month we will be reading and discussing "The Second Mrs. Astor" by Shana Abé.

Spring Classical Concert: Dawn

6:00pm–7:00pm

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

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries

Sarasota Music Conservatory - violin, cello, piano - "Dawn" - Experience the talent of the next generation of musicians as the Young Artists from the Sarasota Music Conservatory perform on violin, cello and piano.

AARP Tax-Aide

10:00am–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Tax Help

Tax help by appointment.

Forever Fit

10:15am–11:00am

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: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+.

Join us and learn simple exercises to increase strength, balance, and endurance.

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

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

Program Type: Storytimes,

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.

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Upcoming Events

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Fun To Be Fit Kids

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Forty Carrots Partners in Play

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

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