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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!

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!

Children exercising

Fun to be Fit Kids - Littles

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living
Age Group:
Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Spend quality time singing, dancing, exercising, and having fun! For ages 1-5.


 

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families
Program Type: Healthy Living
:

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together. Spend quality time singing, dancing, exercising, and having fun! For ages 1-5.


 

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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

Cartoon image of two children playing with toys

Let's Pretend Day

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
, Storytimes
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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.

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.

Toddler Reading

Storytime

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:15am - 11:45am
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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

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! 

Diverse group of young children listening to a story.

Little Adventures Story Time

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Games, , Storytimes
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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. 

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games, , Storytimes
:

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. 

Musical Motion

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
:

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

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.  

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.

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.

Little Book Worm

Preschool Storytime

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

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.

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.

Toddler Reading

Storytime

Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup. 


 

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)
Program Type: Storytimes
:

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup. 


 

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.

Toddler Reading

Stories and a Craft

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, fun activities, and a craft. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

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), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
:

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, fun activities, and a craft. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

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.

Toddler Reading

Family Storytime

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Kid's Zone at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and more! 

Recommended ages 3-5 and their families. 

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Kid's Zone
Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
:

Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and more! 

Recommended ages 3-5 and their families. 

Toddler Reading

Storytime

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup. 


 

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)
Program Type: Storytimes
:

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup. 


 

Magic Show feat. Dick Stevens

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

tbd

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

tbd

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Games, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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

Cartoon image of two children playing with toys

Let's Pretend Day

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
, Storytimes
Age Group:
Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

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.

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.

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 1/1 - 1/2
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 ClosureThursday, Jan. 1 - Friday, Jan. 2.We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Jan. 3.

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

Thursday, Jan. 1 - Friday, Jan. 2.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Jan. 3.