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.

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.

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

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

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), Families, All Ages

Youth Activity Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity 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), Families, All Ages

Program Type: Special Events, Storytimes

Calling all families with readers! Our dog friends from the Suncoast Humane Society are returning to the Jacaranda Library, and they want you to read to them!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Meeting Room- Classroom A

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

Registration Required

This storytime activity is geared towards children ages three to five. However, other family members may come in to enjoy the story as well.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 7/3–7/4

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:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

We will resume normal hours on Monday, July 6.

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.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Meeting Room- Classroom A

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

Registration Required

This storytime activity is geared towards children ages three to five. However, other family members may come in to enjoy the story as well.

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

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!

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.

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.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

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

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Read with the Dogs

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.

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

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!

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.

Important

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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

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Primary tabs

Read with the Dogs