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picture of library pop up van

POP-UP: Storytime @ Longboat Key

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Pop-Up Library
Program Type:
Outreach, Storytimes,
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Join the Pop-Up library staff at The Longboat Key Town Center Green for stories, songs and rhymes, and more!

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Pop-Up Library
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Outreach, Storytimes,
:

Join the Pop-Up library staff at The Longboat Key Town Center Green for stories, songs and rhymes, and more!

Dog with a book

Read with the Dogs

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Special Events, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

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!

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
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!

A clay pot painted as a gingerbread house

EQ Craft Crew: Gingerbread House Ornaments

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

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

In this hands-on art program, our young artists will turn clay pots into gingerbread house ornaments!

Sponsored by the the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 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 clay pots into gingerbread house ornaments!

Sponsored by the the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

Lego Pile

LEGO Club

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Storytime Room at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
LEGO Club:

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

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

LEGO Club

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

A rainbow of art supplies arranged in a circle.

Tinker Tuesday

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Families

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
:

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Friendship bracelets

Kids Drop-in Craft: Friendship Bracelets

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Storytime Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Drop-in anytime between 4 and 7 to make your own friendship bracelets for yourself, friends, or family!

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life
:

Drop-in anytime between 4 and 7 to make your own friendship bracelets for yourself, friends, or family!

Toddler Reading

Cheer & Joy Storytime

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Join Miss Taylor for a very special storytime! Dress up in your most festive gear and help us spread joy and cheer throughout the library!

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, Storytimes
:

Join Miss Taylor for a very special storytime! Dress up in your most festive gear and help us spread joy and cheer throughout the library!

Knitting Basket

Knit and Crocheting Group

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at Fruitville Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Join us at the Fruitville Library with your knit/crochet projects. All ages and skills are welcome. Supplies and knowledgeable members are on hand to help anyone interested in learning to knit or crochet. 

Library Branch: Fruitville Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
:

Join us at the Fruitville Library with your knit/crochet projects. All ages and skills are welcome. Supplies and knowledgeable members are on hand to help anyone interested in learning to knit or crochet. 

Read with the Dogs

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

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.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
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.

Lego Pile

LEGO® Club

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

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

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.

book arrangement with coffee

Morning Brew Coffee Club and Book Swap

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Creation Station at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, All Ages

Join us for a monthly cozy catch-up on the third Thursday of every month!

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Volunteer Orientations & Programs
:

Join us for a monthly cozy catch-up on the third Thursday of every month!

Kids playing with chalk

Kid's Sensory Playtime

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

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.  

Cancelled
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events
:

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.  

Read with the Dogs

Read with the Dogs

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Port Library
Program Type:
Special Events
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

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  

Library Branch: North Port Library
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Special Events
:

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  

clapboard on its side

Movie Night at the Library: "Miracle on 34th St"

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Join us to watch: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) PG

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: 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: Movies
:

Join us to watch: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) PG

Gingerbread Houses

Build a Gingerbread House

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Caregivers and kids can work together to build gingerbread houses and decorate them with candy!

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Caregivers and kids can work together to build gingerbread houses and decorate them with candy!

Homeschoolers at the Library

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning
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), Families

A time for homeschool children and their families to socialize, participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities and more!

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting 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), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning
:

A time for homeschool children and their families to socialize, participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities and more!

Disclaimer(s)

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

an evening with Amy Mendon

Holiday Concert: Amy Mendon

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
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

Soprano Amanda Mendon and Pianist Jesse Martins Are Back!

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: 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, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Soprano Amanda Mendon and Pianist Jesse Martins Are Back!

craft stick ornaments

Craft Stick Holiday Ornaments

Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room- Classroom A at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Bring your creativity! There are so many fun  holiday ornaments that can be made with craft sticks.

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
:

Bring your creativity! There are so many fun  holiday ornaments that can be made with craft sticks.

dog reading

Read with the Dogs

Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:15am - 12:15pm
Classroom B at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Every third Saturday of the month, children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom B
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type:
:

Every third Saturday of the month, children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Suncoast Humane Society logo

Read with the Dogs

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Special Events,
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families
Program Type: Special Events,
:

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

A rainbow of art supplies arranged in a circle.

Tinker Tuesday

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
Age Group:
Children (5 to 9 years), Families

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station,
:

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Tuesday Movie Night

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Storytime Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Movies
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)

Join us for a movie night!

We will be watching Arthur Christmas this evening!

Snacks and water will be provided.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Storytime 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)
Program Type: Movies
:

Join us for a movie night!

We will be watching Arthur Christmas this evening!

Snacks and water will be provided.

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 12/24 - 12/26
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

Libraries and History Center ClosureWednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Dec. 27.

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

Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Dec. 26

We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Dec. 27.

A yellow circle with a black gear and lightning bold. Around the gear and lightning bolt in black text is "Creation Station".

Youth Lab: Winter Papercrafts

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Creation Station at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Create a variety of paper crafts themed around winter.

Recommended for ages 5-9. 

If registering multiple children, please fill out the form for each participating child.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Registration Required
:

Create a variety of paper crafts themed around winter.

Recommended for ages 5-9. 

If registering multiple children, please fill out the form for each participating child.

Disclaimer(s)

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