Upcoming Events

Featured Events

UF/IFAS: One Seed-Herb Trio

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

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Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators! Whether you are a novice gar...

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Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Green Living, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators!

an altoid tin with a felt rabbit and carrots inside it.

EQ Craft Crew: Micro Habitats

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month for a new art project!In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn a metal tin into a full habitat for an animal of their choosi...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning

Join us the 3rd Tuesday of every month for a new art project!

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn a metal tin into a full habitat for an animal of their choosing!

The Sober Speakeasy: Literary Libations at your library

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

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Learn the techniques to make a non-alcoholic version of three classic prohibition-era inspired cocktails:1. Old Fashioned – Infusion TechniqueWe’ll explore infusion by steeping a s...

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, Special Events, Venice Centennial

Registration Required

Learn the techniques to make a non-alcoholic version of three classic prohibition-era inspired cocktails:

1. Old Fashioned – Infusion Technique

a miniature zen garden with sand, rocks, a rake, and small plants.

Asian Gardens with Sari

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Join Sari to explore various garden styles in Asia that reflect uniquely different cultural values and traditions. Enjoy calmness while raking the sand in a miniature Zen gard...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Join Sari to explore various garden styles in Asia that reflect uniquely different cultural values and traditions. Enjoy calmness while raking the sand in a miniature Zen garden.

Resume Building Workshop

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

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Join SHRM workplace professionals for an interactive Resume Building workshop!Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of effective resume writing.Practice with hands-on assistance to help kick-s...

Registration Open

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: Career Journeys, Job Search Assistance, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Join SHRM workplace professionals for an interactive Resume Building workshop!

Black and white image of a man looking up at a shell midden.

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center

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Made by Shells, Told by TimePresented by:Dr. Uzi Baram, Professor Emeritus, New College of FloridaA Florida History Lecture Series Winter 2026 "Made in Florida" programProgram begi...

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: Archaeology, Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Presented by:

A graphic image of two women in exercise clothes with the text "Intro toGYROKINESIS® Method."

Intro to Spinal Health with Breath (GYROKINESIS® Method)

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

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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

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.

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.

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.

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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: ,

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

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

In-Person Writer's Circle

1:00pm–2:00pm

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

Conference Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Conference Room

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

Program Type: Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

The in-person Betty J. Johnson Library writing group is for anyone seeking dedicated time to work on new or continuing writing projects.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Library Advisory Board Meeting

1:30pm–3:30pm

Meeting Room- Classroom A

This is not a library sponsored event.

Library Location: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A

Purpose of Room Use

Quarterly Meeting

Adult programming | Beyond Downton Abbey: Gilded Age Society in New York & London

2:00pm–3:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room A

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Join Marilyn Carminio for a captivating lecture that journeys through three dazzling decades of high society—beginning in 1870s New York and culminating in the elegance of Edwardian London.

Creation Station Craft: Engrave a Wooden Spoon with the Glowforge (session 1)

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

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

Registration Required

Each monthly session explores a different piece of Creation Station equipment.

This month we will use the Glowforge to engrave wooden spoons! Limited to 8 participants, and all supplies provided.

Tools to Quit Smoking

3:00pm–5:00pm

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: Discussion Groups, Healthy Living

Adult Program

Through Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way Program, Gulfcoast South AHEC (GSAHEC) offers free Group Quit sessions to tobacco users free of charge.

Community Advocacy Team Meeting

3:30pm–5:15pm

Meeting Room A

This is not a library sponsored event.

Library Location: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

Purpose of Room Use

Community Advocacy Team Meeting

Lego Explorers

3:45pm–4:45pm

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

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Unleash your inner architect with LEGO® and DUPLO® building! Come over and let's paint the town brick red with our creative construction skills.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Bad Art Night

4:00pm–5:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Have you always wanted to make art without the pressure to make it "good?" We got the program for you! Dig into our pile of craft supplies to make your own piece of "Bad Art" in this freestyle craft event.

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.

Youth Math Tutoring

4:00pm–5:00pm

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

Teen Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

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

Program Type: Career Journeys, Volunteer Orientations & Programs

Registration Required

Join us every Wednesday for engaging and supportive math tutoring sessions designed for children ages 5 to 12.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Beginning Yoga for Teens

4:30pm–5:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Unwind and get fit with this beginner-friendly guided yoga class for teens and tweens! Join us for an hour-long lesson and learn basic yoga and breathing exercises that can be used in your everyday life. Registration required.

Teen Movie Night: 10 Things I Hate About You

5:00pm–7:00pm

Teens (13 to 18 years)

Teen Zone

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Teen Zone

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: History & Culture, Movies

Grab some popcorn and enjoy a free showing of a different movie each month!

Knit and Stitch

5:30pm–7:30pm

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

Rotunda

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Rotunda

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Join other fiber arts enthusiasts on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Selby Rotunda. Bring your crochet, spinning, knitting, or any needle work you enjoy. Note: there is two hour parking.

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

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

Library Branch: North Port Library

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

Piano Tuning

9:00am–10:00am

All Ages

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: All Ages

Program Type: Performances

Yak and Yarn

10:00am–11:30am

Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Conference Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

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.

Wisdom of Women

10:00am–12:00pm

Adults

Conference Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Conference Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Discussion Groups

Discussion group

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)

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.

Important

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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Forty Carrots Partners in Play

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