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A pine needle basket woven with teal thread and teal and tan beads with a jeweled charm hanging from the rim.

Pine Needle Basket Weaving Part 1

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join us for this two-part class to learn the basics of pine needle basket weaving!

Plant

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Creation Station at North Port Library
Program Type:
Green Living
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Join Sarasota Extension Services Master Gardeners for questions pertaining to Florida-friendly gardening, composting, and identifying insects.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Green Living
:

Join Sarasota Extension Services Master Gardeners for questions pertaining to Florida-friendly gardening, composting, and identifying insects.

Confetti bowl

Arts & Crafts: Party Central Bowl

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Add a little sparkle to your life.  Celebrate the new year with a fun party centerpiece!  Make a bowl out of confetti for your party table.  All materials are provided.  These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.

Fun to be Fit: Kids logo

Fun to be Fit: BIGS

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Healthy Living, Special Events
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Join Ms. Adrianne in her Fun To Be Fit Kids "BIGS" class. Experience an action-packed class filled with obstacle courses, fitness games, and team-building challenges designed to boost your athletic skills while having lots of fun.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)
Program Type: Healthy Living, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join Ms. Adrianne in her Fun To Be Fit Kids "BIGS" class. Experience an action-packed class filled with obstacle courses, fitness games, and team-building challenges designed to boost your athletic skills while having lots of fun.

Get to Know the Creation Station

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Creation Station at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Drop by the Creation Station to learn about some of the different equipment we have available and get a tour of the space!

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
:

Drop by the Creation Station to learn about some of the different equipment we have available and get a tour of the space!

Art supplies laid out in a rainbow circle.

Tinker Tuesday

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Youth, 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: Youth, 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.

water lily

Venice Yoga: Mindfulness Movements with Venice Kids Yoga for Tweens and Teens

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Healthy Living
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Practice yoga and mindfulness activities with instructor

Sarah Thurow!

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Cultural Life, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Practice yoga and mindfulness activities with instructor

Sarah Thurow!

game night

Family Game Night

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games
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

Join us for the library's Monthly Game Night! Every first Tuesday of the month from 5-7 PM, we invite you to enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, and socializing.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda 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: Games
:

Join us for the library's Monthly Game Night! Every first Tuesday of the month from 5-7 PM, we invite you to enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, and socializing.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Arts & Crafts

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Cancelled
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning

French Conversation & Culture Group

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room- Classroom A at Osprey Library and History Center
Purpose of Room Use:

French Conversation and Culture Group. All are welcome to come and practice your French. Discussions in French are very expansive and include culture, language, cuisine, and travel...

Meeting Room- Classroom A
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Location: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A
Purpose of Room Use

French Conversation and Culture Group. All are welcome to come and practice your French. Discussions in French are very expansive and include culture, language, cuisine, and travel. We also discuss local events in French.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
,
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

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), Families
Program Type: ,
:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Forty Carrots Logo

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting 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)

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning
:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room B 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)
Forty Carrots Partners in Play:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help yo...

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)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Toddler Reading

Play & Learn Storytime

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Storytime Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)

Join Miss Taylor for a special Play & Learn Storytime! Each storytime will feature books and songs as well as play time at the end.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes
Registration Required
:

Join Miss Taylor for a special Play & Learn Storytime! Each storytime will feature books and songs as well as play time at the end.

Knitting Basket

Knit and Crocheting Group

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate 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 Gulf Gate 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. 

Limited to 12 participants.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate 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 Gulf Gate 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. 

Limited to 12 participants.

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 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.

2 animated children playing with toys

Let's Pretend Day

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 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.

Photo of Richard Dowling

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Adults

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the John Goodman Performance and Lecture Series:

Please register for each event separately AND each name attending. (Duplicate registrations are deleted.)

Person tilting framed canvas with acrylic paint sliding across it.

Play with Paint - Acrylic Paint Pour

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Creation Station at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Creation Station
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Play with paint will allow attendees to experiment with different painting techniques. This month we will explore acrylic paint pours.

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Creation Station
Registration Required
:

Play with paint will allow attendees to experiment with different painting techniques. This month we will explore acrylic paint pours.

People talking

Socrates Café: Open Topic Discussions

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at Selby Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Discussion Groups,
Age Group:
Adults

Everyone is welcome to the open-topic discussions of the Socrates Cafe.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussions, Discussion Groups,
:

Everyone is welcome to the open-topic discussions of the Socrates Cafe.

Disclaimer(s)

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

a view of a temple in Japan

Travelogues with Jane Mahler: Japan Part 2

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Koyasan and Nara are cultural, spiritual and artistic treasures in the Kii Peninsula of Japan.  Japan's history and culture were shaped by the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, which became intertwined in th
Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:
Koyasan and Nara are cultural, spiritual and artistic treasures in the Kii Peninsula of Japan.  Japan's history and culture were shaped by the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, which became intertwined in th

Genealogy Assistance

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Genealogy
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers

Bring your questions!

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Genealogy
:

Come and get assistance from knowledgeable volunteers

Bring your questions!

Toddler Reading

Storytime

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 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! 

Toddler Playing

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
,
Age Group:
Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

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), Families
Program Type: ,
:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Disclaimer(s)

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