Event List

Filters
Age Group
Event Category
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.

Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center

Quit Smoking Now

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at North Port Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Multi-session program meets weekly for 4 weeks and will provide you with the valuable tools you need to help you quit tobacco.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Healthy Living
:

The Multi-session program meets weekly for 4 weeks and will provide you with the valuable tools you need to help you quit tobacco.

knitted items

Yak and Yarn

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
Conference Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

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

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups
:

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

Two books open on a table

Great Books Discussion Group

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month from January through March and is moderated by Ross Ament. Reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 1.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning
:

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month from January through March and is moderated by Ross Ament. Reading selections will be from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 1.

Confetti bowl

Arts & Crafts: Party Central Bowl

Thursday, January 8, 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

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, Discussion Groups, 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.

foodscaping

Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Foodscaping for the Suncoast

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Lectures
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors
Many people want to grow more of their own food, but do not consider our unique climate when starting a garden.
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Lectures
:
Many people want to grow more of their own food, but do not consider our unique climate when starting a garden.
Writing Club

Teen Writers Club

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
, Clubs, , Discussion Groups,
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

If you like writing your own pieces or would like to grow your creativity, come join us for our Teen Writers Club!  Enhance your writing skills, participate in free-writing exercises and get feedback on written work.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: , Clubs, , Discussion Groups,
:

If you like writing your own pieces or would like to grow your creativity, come join us for our Teen Writers Club!  Enhance your writing skills, participate in free-writing exercises and get feedback on written work.

Disclaimer(s)

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

take away box planter with plant

Arts & Crafts: Chinese New Year Take-Out

Tuesday, January 13, 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

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.

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
:

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.

Anime Club

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 4:45pm - 6:00pm
Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Clubs, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years)

Want more anime or manga in your life? Whether you’ve just discovered anime or you’ve been reading manga for years, this is the place to meet fellow fans, watch and discuss your favorite series, and eat yummy snacks!

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Learning Lab
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Clubs, Discussion Groups
:

Want more anime or manga in your life? Whether you’ve just discovered anime or you’ve been reading manga for years, this is the place to meet fellow fans, watch and discuss your favorite series, and eat yummy snacks!

Writer's Circle

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Virtual
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Writer’s Circle was created for writers of all genres and experience levels.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning, Virtual
Registration Required
:

The Writer’s Circle was created for writers of all genres and experience levels.

junk journal

Arts & Crafts: Junk Journal Junkies

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Conference Room at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Green Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

A Junk Journal Club for enthusiasts.  Please bring your own journal and glue.  Meet new friends and carve out some time for yourself and your thoughts.... 

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Green Living
:

A Junk Journal Club for enthusiasts.  Please bring your own journal and glue.  Meet new friends and carve out some time for yourself and your thoughts.... 

GULFCOAST SOUTH AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER

Quit Smoking Now

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Creation Station at North Port Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Multi-session program meets weekly for 4 weeks and will provide you with the valuable tools you need to help you quit tobacco.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Healthy Living
:

The Multi-session program meets weekly for 4 weeks and will provide you with the valuable tools you need to help you quit tobacco.

knitted items

Yak and Yarn

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

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

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups
:

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

Wisdom of Women

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Conference Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults

Discussion group

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Discussion Groups
:

Discussion group

Two books open on a table

Short Stories Discussion Group

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:15am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

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.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
:

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.

Chinese take away planter

Arts & Crafts: Chinese New Year's Take-Out

Thursday, January 15, 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

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.

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
:

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.

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library Book Club

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room II at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

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. 

 

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Room: Meeting Room II
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Discussion Groups
:

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. 

 

British Flag with words " Life after Downton Abbey."

Life After Downton Abbey

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00am - 1:00pm
Juliano Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups, Movies
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Enjoy a cup of tea while discussing British movies and television series with a very welcoming group.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Juliano Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups, Movies
:

Enjoy a cup of tea while discussing British movies and television series with a very welcoming group.

Disclaimer(s)

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

spicetea

Healthy Living | Asian Spice Teas

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Discussion Groups, Green Living, Healthy Living
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join Sari in the vibrant world of Asian tea traditions. In this immersive class, you’ll craft your very own signature tea infusion—layering exotic flavors, aromatic spices, and cultural wisdom.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cooking & Nutrition, Discussion Groups, Green Living, Healthy Living
Registration Required
:

Join Sari in the vibrant world of Asian tea traditions. In this immersive class, you’ll craft your very own signature tea infusion—layering exotic flavors, aromatic spices, and cultural wisdom.

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.

Death Cafe

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Youth Activity Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

The Death Cafe returns to the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library every third Saturday of the month! Join us for an open discussion about death and life, dying, end-of life topics and their place in our lives. Come and share.

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Discussion Groups
:

The Death Cafe returns to the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library every third Saturday of the month! Join us for an open discussion about death and life, dying, end-of life topics and their place in our lives. Come and share.

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.

Quirky Readers Book Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Book Discussions, Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Discussions, Clubs, Cultural Life, Discussion Groups
:

Looking to try something new and maybe make a friend or two?  Join the library book club! 

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.