Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Road Scholar: Georgia O’Keeffe — Visions of an American Pioneer

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

A group of tweens stands on a stage holding scripts.

Focus on Creativity: Creative Dramatics - Week 1

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage! Play theatre games and...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage!

Let's Converse: Meet Sarasota's Superbowl Champion, Richie James!

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:30pm

Rotunda at Selby Library

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Drop in for a chat with Newtown Sarasota native, Richie James, and learn about his journey from Riverview High School to the NY Giants and Kansas City Chiefs, and all the way to Su...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Rotunda

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), All Ages

Program Type: Career Journeys, Games, Special Events

Drop in for a chat with Newtown Sarasota native, Richie James, and learn about his journey from Riverview High School to the NY Giants and Kansas City Chiefs, and all the way to Superbowl LVIII!

The cover of the book titled Haunted Florida Love Stories

Florida's Haunted Love Stories with Chris Balzano

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart. Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale? If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both. ...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Special Events

Registration Required

Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart. Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale? If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both. Across Florida, love is in the air—but that isn’t always a good t

Happy Birthday Bluey the Chicken

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Come meet a sentential chicken from the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Service.

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Program Type: Green Living

Come meet a sentential chicken from the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Service.

UF/IFAS: Meet the Milkweeds!

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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There are over 20 kinds of milkweeds in Florida; most of them are native!Get to know the milkweeds that are suitable for growing in Sarasota County. Learn why these amazing native ...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

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

There are over 20 kinds of milkweeds in Florida; most of them are native!

Get to know the milkweeds that are suitable for growing in Sarasota County.

Time capsule can with lid positioned in front

Lemon Bay Fest Quirky Crafters: Time Capsule Making

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:45pm - 5:45pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Define the present for the future with a time capsule! Fill it with your most important memories, a playlist of your favorite songs, or anything else that you want the world to rem...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

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

Registration Required

Define the present for the future with a time capsule! Fill it with your most important memories, a playlist of your favorite songs, or anything else that you want the world to remember.

Bales of spanish moss being loaded onto a truck.

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center

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Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic HistoryPresented by:David John Turner, writer, researcher, and retired antiquarian booksellerA Florida History Lecture Series Winter ...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Classroom A/B

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

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

Registration Required

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Presented by:

Writing Your Obituary: Past, Present, and Future

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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What if your obituary was not just a summary of your life but a road map to your future? Come review some unusual obituaries and explore the craft of obituary writing, either for y...

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Lectures, Lifelong Learning, One Book Sarasota

Registration Required

What if your obituary was not just a summary of your life but a road map to your future? Come review some unusual obituaries and explore the craft of obituary writing, either for yourself or for someone you care about.

Road Scholar: Forging a Friendship — Jefferson & Madison’s Northern Journey

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about Jefferson and Madison’s 1791 journey and enduring friendship.

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about Jefferson and Madison’s 1791 journey and enduring friendship.

OREO® Cookie Taste Test

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limi...

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living

Registration Required

Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limited-edition varieties.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.Tonight’s theme...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries

Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!
Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.

Tonight’s theme: Family Fun Night!

Cheryl Coleman: Bold Black Pioneers

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

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Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the brilli...

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Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the brilliant innovators who reshaped music and literature.

Attention Veterans: Your Service Matters and So Do Your Benefits!

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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As the Sarasota County Veteran’s Services Outreach Officer, Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families. The seminar will c...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Job Search Assistance, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

As the Sarasota County Veteran’s Services Outreach Officer, Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families.

SRQ Con

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 4:00pm

Selby Library

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Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon! Activities will be held throughout the library including a scavenger hunt, button making, and more. Ven...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Author Event, Creation Station, Games, History & Culture, Lectures, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon!

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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.

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

10:30am–11:30am

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

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

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

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

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

Let's Pretend Day

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: Storytimes

Children ages 2-8 and their caregivers are invited for Wednesday morning free-play time, with an assortment of toys and props to inspire the young imagination! Drop-in anytime between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series

10:30am–11:30am

Adults

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Age Group: Adults

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

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

REGISTRATION IS FULL

Creation Station: Experienced Sewing Lab

10:30am–12:00pm

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

Creation Station

Waitlist

Registration Required

Waitlist

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Do you need access to a sewing machine for practice? Or do you need help with a sewing or mending project? This is an open lab for adults with sewing machine experience.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Play with Paint

10:30am–12:00pm

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

Creation Station

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Creation Station

Registration Required

Play with paint will allow attendees to experiment with different painting techniques.

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.

Genealogy Assistance

11:00am–1:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Genealogy

Registration Required

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers

Bring your questions!

Storytime

11:15am–11:45am

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us at the North Port Library for storytime! Songs, crafts and stories guaranteed!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: ,

Disclaimer(s)

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

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Homeschoolers: Wednesday Meetup

1:30pm–2:30pm

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

Teen Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station

Homeschool Meetup

Play with Paint

2:00pm–3:30pm

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

Creation Station

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station

Registration Required

Play with Paint will allow attendees to experiment with different painting techniques.

Arts & Crafts: Embroidered Valentine Cards

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

Share your feelings with someone you love.... Send this labor of love! All materials provided. This is a one-time only class. Seating is very limited. Adults only.

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.

Chef Warren: Cajun and Creole Cuisine – Rustic, Rich, and Lots of Roux!

3:00pm–4:30pm

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

Community Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures

Registration Required

Learn the secrets of ‘three pot cooking’ to create entrees that feature a melting pot worth of flavors from simple and affordable ingredients.

Registration required.

Heart Lab

3:45pm–4:30pm

Children (5 to 9 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Join us for a special STEAM activity on the first Wednesday of every month!

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.

Teen Writing Club

5:00pm–6:15pm

Teens (13 to 18 years)

Learning Lab

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Learning Lab

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Writers unite! This club meets the first Wednesday of every month to give teens the opportunity to hone their creative writing skills.

Film Showing: "From Sea to Shining Sea" with Laurence Cotton

5:30pm–7:00pm

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

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Movies

Registration Required

Join producer Laurence Cotton for a film screening of From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and the Story of 'America the Beautiful' followed by a Q/A. The film was directed by Mr.

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.

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Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Disclaimer(s)

Disclaimer(s)

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Disclaimer(s)