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

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.

Discussion group

Early literacy begins in infanthood - join Miss Taylor for a storytime specifically dedicated to babies ages 0-24 months.

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+. 

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

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.

The Short Story Discussion group meets once a month from January through March and is moderated by Eileen Kohut. Readings will be from "That Glimpse of Truth: the 100 Finest Short Stories Ever Written" selected and introduced by David Miller.

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about. 

Musical Motion is a FREE bilingual learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children.

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness. 

Join us at the North Port Library for a kid's sensory playtime.  

A fun interactive, educational time designed for children with autism and/or sensory challenges.  

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.

Create buttons and magnets of various sizes after learning to use the button maker!

Come and get assistance with your genealogy research from knowledgeable volunteer.

Bring your questions!

REGISTER AT THE INFORMATION DESK

Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet.  All skill levels welcome.  Registration is not required, so come on in to knit and chat!

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.

Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

Theatre of the Mind presents a play reading of "Lovers and Other Strangers" by Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor.

Ring in 2026 with leftover crafts from 2025! We have limited quantity of some of last year's crafts, including but not limited to:

Ring in the Chinese New Year!  Repurpose a Chinese take-away box to plant a sprout.  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

Meeting of the Friends of the Elsie Quirk Library to discuss fundraising efforts, upcoming events, and ways to support library programs and services.

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. The program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

This program is intended for children who can read independently  

Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was? 

Are you craving crisp, fresh, and tasty veggies harvested from your own yard or community garden?  Wondering what items you need to start your edible garden and how to find the perfect spot for it?  You will learn tips to 

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Challenge yourself to make a tower out of toothpicks with the provided materials to see which material works the best.  Best for ages 5-12.

Join us for an unforgettable art class that uses hands-on techniques alongside art history, while fostering self-expression, innovation and creativity. Try out a variety of art styles across six sessions!

In this class learn more about different collaging techniques and make your own work of art!

The motto of the Sarasota Area Playwrights Society is "Making Plays Better".  Come see the developmental process in action: a new play by a local playwright read by member actors with feedback from theatre professionals and the audience.

Join us to watch: “84, Charing Cross Road” (1987) PG

A New York writer and London bookseller forge a tender and heartfelt friendship through a 20-year correspondence. 

Join us in-person as we discuss "The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon for our monthly Book Club!

Copies of the book will be available at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library. 

Melt and mold recycled crayons from the Shannon Staub Children's Department into special cosmic swirled crayons you can take home.

Are you an aspiring novelist? Come participate in a creative writing workshop, where we will practice techniques for outlining and developing the plot of your story. Please bring pen and paper with you. For adults. 

Citizenship test preparation by the Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County.