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.

View Details

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...

View Details

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.

Filters

LEGO® Club

6:30pm–7:30pm

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

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

LEGO Club

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

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:30pm

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

Teen Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Rubbing Plate Art

6:30pm–7:30pm

Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

Age Group: Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Young artists can experiment with texture and color by learning to use rubbing plates to create patterns on paper.

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day

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:

Libraries and History Center Closure

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Mario Kart Tournament

6:00pm–7:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Challenge your friends and family to a fast-paced round of Mario Kart projected on the library's giant movie screen!

LEGO® Club

6:30pm–7:30pm

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

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

LEGO Club

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

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:45pm

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

Veranda Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Explore Virtual Reality Session 1

4:30pm–5:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Registration Required

Strap into a virtual reality headset to explore worlds beyond your imagination and compete in immersive games!

Explore Virtual Reality Session 2

5:00pm–5:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Registration Required

Strap into a virtual reality headset to explore worlds beyond your imagination and compete in immersive games!

Explore Virtual Reality Session 3

5:30pm–6:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Registration Required

Strap into a virtual reality headset to explore worlds beyond your imagination and compete in immersive games!

Explore Virtual Reality Session 4

6:00pm–6:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Registration Required

Strap into a virtual reality headset to explore worlds beyond your imagination and compete in immersive games!

Explore Virtual Reality Session 5

6:30pm–7:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Registration Required

Strap into a virtual reality headset to explore worlds beyond your imagination and compete in immersive games!

Explore Virtual Reality Session 6

7:00pm–7:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Games

Registration Required

Strap into a virtual reality headset to explore worlds beyond your imagination and compete in immersive games!

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:45pm

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

Teen Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Teen Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:45pm

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

Veranda Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:45pm

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

Veranda Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day

Closing

Branches:

Description:

Libraries and History Center Closure

We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Chucko the All-American Clown

6:00pm–7:00pm

Youth, 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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, 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: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Meet Chuck Sidlow and watch, follow, and participate in his magical and musical LIVE TRANSFORMATION into CHUCKO THE ALL-AMERICAN CLOWN!

Nature Printing with Elizabeth Goodwill

11:30am–1:00pm

Youth, 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

Classroom A/B

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center

Room: Classroom A/B

Age Group: Youth, 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: Arts & Crafts, Green Living, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Students will learn about the basics of nature printing. Paint will be applied to leaves, ferns, and other plants. The painted nature will then be placed face down on a piece of paper and pressed down firmly.

Princess Storytime with Anna and Elsa

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: Cultural Life, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Storytimes

Join us for a magical, musical storytime hosted by Anna and Elsa from Frozen!

Nutrition Cooking Class

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Learn how to make balanced, tasty, and nourishing meals get simple strategies for eating healthy, participate in fun activities!

Registration required as space is limited.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Fun To Be Fit Kids

10:30am–11:15am

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: Healthy Living, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Storytimes

Kid's Origami Workshop

3:00pm–3:45pm

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

Veranda Room

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Creation Station

Registration Required

Join Melina and learn how to make your own paper creation! Instructions and supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Summer Learning UF/IFAS: The Tale of Atala and Coontie

4:00pm–5:00pm

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

Veranda Room

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, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

The coontie plant, historically utilized by Florida's indigenous people, was driven close to extinction due to European settlers' commercial exploitation. It has now rebounded as a staple in Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices.

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LEGO Club

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Disclaimer(s)