Event List

Filters
Age Group

Homeschool Hang: Doodle Pens

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. 

Mongolian landscape

Travelogue: Mongolia

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Join Jane Mahler as she teaches us about the vibrant country of Mongolia.
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Registration Required
:
Join Jane Mahler as she teaches us about the vibrant country of Mongolia.
Teen

Last Stop Teen Hangout

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Teen Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Games
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Teen Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Games
:

LAST Stop is a drop-in program designed for teens in 6th through 12th grade to participate in fun activities, talk with friends, have snacks, and play games.

Disclaimer(s)

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

VITA Tax Assistance

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 2:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

VITA Tax Assistance

Cancelled
Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Tax Help
:

VITA Tax Assistance

kids art class

Art Club for Kids

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room- Classroom A at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years)

Every third Saturday of the month, this program will focus on a famous artist. Children will learn about famous artists and their methods and create their own masterpieces based on the style of that artist.

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

Every third Saturday of the month, this program will focus on a famous artist. Children will learn about famous artists and their methods and create their own masterpieces based on the style of that artist.

Suncoast Writers Guild Readers Workshop

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Suncoast Writers Guild has been helping people develop the craft of writing for 35 years as a safe place to share stories and poems, get feedback, and build connections.

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Special Events
:

The Suncoast Writers Guild has been helping people develop the craft of writing for 35 years as a safe place to share stories and poems, get feedback, and build connections.

Princesses

Princess Storytime

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Color Our World (Summer 2025), Performances, Special Events, Storytimes
Age Group:
Youth, Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Princess Power!

Join us for a special, magical storytime hosted by a fairy-tale princess!

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), Families
Program Type: Color Our World (Summer 2025), Performances, Special Events, Storytimes
:

Princess Power!

Join us for a special, magical storytime hosted by a fairy-tale princess!

Origami Fish

Beginner Origami

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Creation Station at North Port Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Teresa as she teaches the art of origami. She likes to create items to decorate a home or to give away as a gift. She brings in her own extra work as examples and sometimes to give away.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Registration Required
:

Join Teresa as she teaches the art of origami. She likes to create items to decorate a home or to give away as a gift. She brings in her own extra work as examples and sometimes to give away.

dog reading

Read with the Dogs

Saturday, January 17, 2026 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.

One Book: Drawing with Dean - Intro to Creativity Session 2

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, One Book Sarasota, Special Events
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join artist, Sarah Dean, and learn to draw to your heart's content and have fun creating art! This art class is open both experienced artists and complete beginners. Attend one or all!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, One Book Sarasota, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Join artist, Sarah Dean, and learn to draw to your heart's content and have fun creating art! This art class is open both experienced artists and complete beginners. Attend one or all!

dragon

The Book Dragons- Cozy Mystery

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Calling all young book lovers! Come join the book dragons, where we dive into the latest and greatest YA novels, classics, and everything in between.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Teen Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Book Discussions, Volunteer Orientations & Programs
:

Calling all young book lovers! Come join the book dragons, where we dive into the latest and greatest YA novels, classics, and everything in between.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Teen Advisory Board

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Teen Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Volunteer Orientations & Programs
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Want to get more involved with the library?

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Teen Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Volunteer Orientations & Programs
:

Want to get more involved with the library?

Disclaimer(s)

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

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day
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 ClosureWe will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

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, Jan. 20.

Sewing

Open Sewing Lab

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults

Use 1 of 5 Brother sewing machines on Your Own Project. Must Know How to Sew.  

Machines Available on first come first serve basis.

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station
:

Use 1 of 5 Brother sewing machines on Your Own Project. Must Know How to Sew.  

Machines Available on first come first serve basis.

Storytime - Infant

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Storytimes,
Age Group:
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 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.

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

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.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:15am
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
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: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events

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.

Stories and Fun

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
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)

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, and fun activities. 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)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
:

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

Genealogy Assistance

Tuesday, January 20, 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!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Games, Special Events
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: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Games, Special Events

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.

Taxes

AARP Income Tax Aide | Appointment Scheduling

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Tax Help
Age Group:
All Ages

Attend this sign-up session to register for an AARP Income Tax Assistance appointment. 

Advance appointments are required to utilize AARP's tax assistance services this tax season.

Cancelled
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Tax Help
:

Attend this sign-up session to register for an AARP Income Tax Assistance appointment. 

Advance appointments are required to utilize AARP's tax assistance services this tax season.

One Seed-Herb Trio

UF/IFAS: One Seed-Herb Trio

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Green Living, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators!

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Green Living, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Join us for One Seed-Herb Trio and learn how to grow and use this season’s featured crop... herbs, which are beneficial to both people and pollinators!

Library Advisory Board Orientation

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room B at Gulf Gate Library
Purpose of Room Use:

Library Advisory Board Orientation

Meeting Room B
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Location: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Purpose of Room Use

Library Advisory Board Orientation

matisse fishbowl

Creative Spirit Art Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors
This group of local professional artists helps to spread the love of art, creativity, and human connection by presenting a new art project/technique each month. No prior experience is necessary.
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom A/B
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:
This group of local professional artists helps to spread the love of art, creativity, and human connection by presenting a new art project/technique each month. No prior experience is necessary.
lavender and sachet

Arts & Crafts: Lavender Sachets

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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

Refresh your closets and drawers for the coming spring!  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.

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
:

Refresh your closets and drawers for the coming spring!  All materials are provided. These classes are popular.  Seating is limited.  Adults only.  First come, first seated.