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Handbell with bow around handle

Ring Side Presents a Hand Bell Program of Holiday Music

Friday, December 5, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room at Fruitville Library
Program Type:
Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Ring in the holiday season with the enchanting sounds of handbells! Join Ringside for a joyful afternoon performance featuring timeless holiday favorites and festive melodies.


Registration Required.

Registration Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Fruitville Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

Ring in the holiday season with the enchanting sounds of handbells! Join Ringside for a joyful afternoon performance featuring timeless holiday favorites and festive melodies.


Registration Required.

Puss In Boots Marionettes

Puss In Boots Marionette Show

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Meeting Room at Shannon Staub Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning, Performances
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Back by popular demand... Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theater returns for a special presentation of the classic fairy tale Puss In Boots! Enjoy the performance and learn all about how these puppets are used to bring the story to life.

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: Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning, Performances
:

Back by popular demand... Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theater returns for a special presentation of the classic fairy tale Puss In Boots! Enjoy the performance and learn all about how these puppets are used to bring the story to life.

Preschool Music with Mr. Dave

Preschool Music with Mr. Dave

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room at Fruitville Library
Program Type:
Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

The storytime includes simple stories, nursery rhymes and songs. For infants to five years, attending with caregiver. 

Library Branch: Fruitville Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
:

The storytime includes simple stories, nursery rhymes and songs. For infants to five years, attending with caregiver. 

Drums of Unity with Joe Licinski

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Drums of Unity is an opportunity for participants to join in a fun, dynamic, and positive group activity. Interaction, cognitive-motor connection, rhythm, active memory and fun are all part of this unique activity.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Drums of Unity is an opportunity for participants to join in a fun, dynamic, and positive group activity. Interaction, cognitive-motor connection, rhythm, active memory and fun are all part of this unique activity.

a Christmas tree by a fireplace

A Christmas Carol Read-Aloud

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Performances
Age Group:
Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Enjoy live music, carols, cookies, hot cocoa, and be a part of the abridged version of the beloved classic story by Charles Dickens!

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), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Cultural Life, Performances
Registration Required
:

Enjoy live music, carols, cookies, hot cocoa, and be a part of the abridged version of the beloved classic story by Charles Dickens!

ukulele

Music | Holiday Music, performed by the Hawaiian Shirts Ukulele Band

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate 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), Adults, Seniors, Families

"You better watch out. 

        You better not cry.

                      You better not pout."  

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Adults, Seniors, Families
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

"You better watch out. 

        You better not cry.

                      You better not pout."  

Music notes on a square yellow sign.

Level Up Your Guitar Theory Practice and Recital

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Career Journeys, Lifelong Learning, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Enjoy a public practice and final recital from participants in the Level Up Your Guitar Theory class! The official recital begins at 11:30am and ends at 12:30pm.

Cancelled
Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: Career Journeys, Lifelong Learning, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Enjoy a public practice and final recital from participants in the Level Up Your Guitar Theory class! The official recital begins at 11:30am and ends at 12:30pm.

Disclaimer(s)

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

A man holding a guitar and a woman holding a violin, smiling at each other.

Swingin' Holiday Tunes with Vermont's Easy Street

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

This musical duo will perform the sweetest of your favorite holiday tunes. Everyone will enjoy classic popular songs from Bing to Burl; beautiful carols; and instrumental renditions of seasonal music on the fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Special Events
:

This musical duo will perform the sweetest of your favorite holiday tunes. Everyone will enjoy classic popular songs from Bing to Burl; beautiful carols; and instrumental renditions of seasonal music on the fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.

Sarasota Jazz Club Logo

Jazz Jam SRQ

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Disclaimer(s)

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

piano and sheet music

Fall Classical Concert Series: Breathe

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, 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

Ukrainian clarinetist Yurii Padkovskyi returns with flutist Allison DeFrancesco in a virtuoso program for winds for the Fall Classical Concert Series finale!

No registration required, but limited seating available.

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: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Ukrainian clarinetist Yurii Padkovskyi returns with flutist Allison DeFrancesco in a virtuoso program for winds for the Fall Classical Concert Series finale!

No registration required, but limited seating available.

vts

Vermont's Easy Street - "Swingin' Holiday Tunes from Bing to Burl"

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
All Ages

Join Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka for a delightful hour of classic holiday favorites—plus some lesser-known songs from traditions around the world. 

Let’s sing together!

All ages. First come, first seated

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Join Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka for a delightful hour of classic holiday favorites—plus some lesser-known songs from traditions around the world. 

Let’s sing together!

All ages. First come, first seated

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!

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.

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.

Jazz Jam SRQ Logo

Jazz Fundamentals & Beyond workshop series

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for a monthly jazz jam session that provides an introduction to jazz jamming. Perfect for beginners!

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for a monthly jazz jam session that provides an introduction to jazz jamming. Perfect for beginners!

Disclaimer(s)

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

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.)

crooner

Music | Golden Oldies for Golden Years!

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room AB (Staff only) at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors

Frank D'Ambrosio brings live music with the nostalgic charm of the ’40s and ’50s. A natural crooner, he delivers entertainment filled with class and style.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Staff only)
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Frank D'Ambrosio brings live music with the nostalgic charm of the ’40s and ’50s. A natural crooner, he delivers entertainment filled with class and style.

Jazz Jam SRQ Logo

Jazz Jam SRQ

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances
:

Come to listen or to play at this bi-monthly open mic jazz jam session for amateur performers. No registration is required. Bring your instrument, and if you would like to play, you may sign up when you arrive.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Photos of Joy McIntyre and Dr. Joseph Holt

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

Wednesday, January 14, 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.)

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!

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.

Photos of Joy McIntyre and Dr. Joseph Holt

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

Wednesday, January 21, 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.)

Theatre of the Mind Presents "Lovers and Other Strangers"

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Join us for a fast-paced and fun dramatic reading of Lovers and Other Strangers with Theatre of the Mind.

Seating is first-come first-served.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Performances
:

Join us for a fast-paced and fun dramatic reading of Lovers and Other Strangers with Theatre of the Mind.

Seating is first-come first-served.

A collage of children enjoying music by Jill Brown

Playdate Harmonies with Jill Brown

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Come sing, play and explore to live music! Kids and caregivers engage in familiar songs while enjoying a sensory experience.

For children ages 1-5. 
 

Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Program Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Program Type: Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries, Performances, Storytimes
:

Come sing, play and explore to live music! Kids and caregivers engage in familiar songs while enjoying a sensory experience.

For children ages 1-5. 
 

Sponsored by the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library.