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Travelogue | Japan III - Ise-Shima, Kyoto

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Adults

In the final part of this series, we journey to Ise-Shima, a region of profound spiritual heritage and natural beauty.

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library
Room: Meeting Room AB
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

In the final part of this series, we journey to Ise-Shima, a region of profound spiritual heritage and natural beauty.

Anime Club

Anime Club

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Teen Center at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Movies
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Join us in the teen center to watch anime, discuss our favorite characters, and enjoy a small craft or art activity!

This is recommended for tweens and teens, ages 9-18.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Movies
:

Join us in the teen center to watch anime, discuss our favorite characters, and enjoy a small craft or art activity!

This is recommended for tweens and teens, ages 9-18.

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.)

Full
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.)

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
Chef Warren cooking and smiling

Chef Warren: Soup’s On! Ditch the Can and Make Your Own

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Soups and stews are delicious but often time-consuming to make from scratch. Discover how to create healthy and delicious soups and stews quickly with these helpful tips and hints. 

Registration required.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures
Registration Required
:

Soups and stews are delicious but often time-consuming to make from scratch. Discover how to create healthy and delicious soups and stews quickly with these helpful tips and hints. 

Registration required.

IANDS: International Association for Near-Death Experiences - The Latest Research (monthly meeting)

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:15pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Author Event, Book Discussions, Clubs, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) focuses most of its resources into providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Author Event, Book Discussions, Clubs, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events
:

As an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) focuses most of its resources into providing the highest quality information available about NDE-related subjects.

Shery Faye Presents Historical Women--Abigail Adams

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Performances
Age Group:
Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Abigail Adams presented by Sheryl Faye, a performer who portrays women from history.

 

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: History & Culture, Performances
:

Abigail Adams presented by Sheryl Faye, a performer who portrays women from history.

 

The Golden Temple in Kyoto.

Japan Travelogue: Ise-Shima, Kyoto

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Ise-Shima is a land steeped in spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Long revered as the “home of the gods,” it is most famous for the Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto site.

Registration Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Ise-Shima is a land steeped in spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Long revered as the “home of the gods,” it is most famous for the Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto site.

Coastline of Croatia

Travelogue with Jane Mahler: The Dalmatian Coast - Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The Ancient and Classical Antiquity of the Dalmatian Coast:  Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina as experienced by Jane Mahler.  This session will explore travels in the countries that used to be Yugoslavia. 

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

The Ancient and Classical Antiquity of the Dalmatian Coast:  Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina as experienced by Jane Mahler.  This session will explore travels in the countries that used to be Yugoslavia. 

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.)

Registration Open
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.)

Asian Spice Teas

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Special Events
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Discover the rich traditions of spice and herbal tea-making in diverse Asian cultures and make your own original herbal tea blend to taste in class!

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Special Events
Registration Required
:

Discover the rich traditions of spice and herbal tea-making in diverse Asian cultures and make your own original herbal tea blend to taste in class!

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.

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.

Anime Club

Anime Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Teen Center at Selby Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Movies
Age Group:
Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Join us in the teen center to watch anime, discuss our favorite characters, and enjoy a small craft or art activity!

This is recommended for tweens and teens, ages 9-18.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Movies
:

Join us in the teen center to watch anime, discuss our favorite characters, and enjoy a small craft or art activity!

This is recommended for tweens and teens, ages 9-18.

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 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.)

Venice Train Depot

The Historic Venice Train Depot

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Buildings with historical significance often get that designation based on age or type of architecture or where it’s located or who lived there. But you should also consider its purpose, function and role in history.

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Buildings with historical significance often get that designation based on age or type of architecture or where it’s located or who lived there. But you should also consider its purpose, function and role in history.

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.

Time Sifters Lecture Series: Year in Review - What's been discovered & What's being talked about

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5:45pm - 7:15pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Archaeology, History & Culture, Lectures
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Free Archaeology Lecture presented by the Time Sifters Archaeology Society: "Year in Review: What's been discovered & What's been talked about", prese

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

Free Archaeology Lecture presented by the Time Sifters Archaeology Society: "Year in Review: What's been discovered & What's been talked about", prese

harpsichord

Astralis Chamber Ensemble: Baroque Masters

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Program Type:
Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

The award-winning musicians of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble have been described as “scary good” and “truly riveting.” Angela Massey (flute),Paul Aguilar (violin), Thomas Maternik-Piret (cello), and Alexandra Dunbar(harpsichord) present “Baroque M

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Music in the Libraries, Performances
Registration Required
:

The award-winning musicians of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble have been described as “scary good” and “truly riveting.” Angela Massey (flute),Paul Aguilar (violin), Thomas Maternik-Piret (cello), and Alexandra Dunbar(harpsichord) present “Baroque M

Black and white image of a man looking up at a shell midden.

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center
Program Type:
Archaeology, Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Presented by:

Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Osprey Library and History Center
Room: Classroom A/B
Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Archaeology, Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Registration Required
:

Made by Shells, Told by Time

Presented by:

Oregon Plat map

Using Land Documents for Family History Research (PLSS States)

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:45pm
Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library
Program Type:
Genealogy, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Want to uncover exactly where your ancestors lived, or find out who owned your land a century ago? Join Dr.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Genealogy, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
:

Want to uncover exactly where your ancestors lived, or find out who owned your land a century ago? Join Dr.

Photo of a Florida landscape with water and palm trees.

The Natural World of Sarasota's First Peoples

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library
Program Type:
Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Long before modern Sarasota emerged, a thriving society flourished along its bays, rivers, and estuaries.

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Long before modern Sarasota emerged, a thriving society flourished along its bays, rivers, and estuaries.

Selby Book Club

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Creation Station at Selby Library
Program Type:
Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Join a lively book club for inspiring conversations! Selby Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of most months. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. Registration is not required.

Library Branch: Selby Library
Room: Creation Station
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Discussion Groups, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning
:

Join a lively book club for inspiring conversations! Selby Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of most months. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. Registration is not required.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Road Scholar

Road Scholar: Georgia O’Keeffe — Visions of an American Pioneer

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Veranda Room at North Port Library
Program Type:
History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
Age Group:
New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

Library Branch: North Port Library
Room: Veranda Room
Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, All Ages
Program Type: History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning
:

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about the iconic paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.