Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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

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Made by Shells, Told by TimePresented by:Dr. Uzi Baram, Professor Emeritus, New College of FloridaA Florida History Lecture Series Winter 2026 "Made in Florida" programProgram begi...

Waitlist

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:

A graphic image of two women in exercise clothes with the text "Intro toGYROKINESIS® Method."

Intro to Spinal Health with Breath (GYROKINESIS® Method)

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

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INTRO TO SPINAL HEALTH WITH BREATH (GYROKINESIS® Method) is a movement practice that addresses the entire body by improving posture, stimulating the nervous system, increasing rang...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Healthy Living

Registration Required

INTRO TO SPINAL HEALTH WITH BREATH (GYROKINESIS® Method) is a movement practice that addresses the entire body by improving posture, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flo

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

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Long before modern Sarasota emerged, a thriving society flourished along its bays, rivers, and estuaries. For Sarasota's first peoples, water was not just a resource—it was the lif...

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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.

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

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

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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.

A group of tweens stands on a stage holding scripts.

Focus on Creativity: Creative Dramatics - Week 1

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage! Play theatre games and...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Career Journeys, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

"For every action there is a reaction" isn't just a saying in this class! Learn how to react confidently to whatever life throws at you on and off the stage!

Let's Converse: Meet Sarasota's Superbowl Champion, Richie James!

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:30pm

Rotunda at Selby Library

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Drop in for a chat with Newtown Sarasota native, Richie James, and learn about his journey from Riverview High School to the NY Giants and Kansas City Chiefs, and all the way to Su...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Rotunda

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), All Ages

Program Type: Career Journeys, Games, Special Events

Drop in for a chat with Newtown Sarasota native, Richie James, and learn about his journey from Riverview High School to the NY Giants and Kansas City Chiefs, and all the way to Superbowl LVIII!

The cover of the book titled Haunted Florida Love Stories

Florida's Haunted Love Stories with Chris Balzano

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart. Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale? If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both. ...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Special Events

Registration Required

Wide eyes, sweaty palms and a racing heart. Are these the tell-tale marks of a love story or a haunted tale? If the story is set in Florida, chances are it’s both. Across Florida, love is in the air—but that isn’t always a good t

Happy Birthday Bluey the Chicken

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Come meet a sentential chicken from the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Service.

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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), 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: Green Living

Come meet a sentential chicken from the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Service.

UF/IFAS: Meet the Milkweeds!

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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There are over 20 kinds of milkweeds in Florida; most of them are native!Get to know the milkweeds that are suitable for growing in Sarasota County. Learn why these amazing native ...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Green Living, Lifelong Learning

There are over 20 kinds of milkweeds in Florida; most of them are native!

Get to know the milkweeds that are suitable for growing in Sarasota County.

Time capsule can with lid positioned in front

Lemon Bay Fest Quirky Crafters: Time Capsule Making

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:45pm - 5:45pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Define the present for the future with a time capsule! Fill it with your most important memories, a playlist of your favorite songs, or anything else that you want the world to rem...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Define the present for the future with a time capsule! Fill it with your most important memories, a playlist of your favorite songs, or anything else that you want the world to remember.

Bales of spanish moss being loaded onto a truck.

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Classroom A/B at Osprey Library and History Center

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Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic HistoryPresented by:David John Turner, writer, researcher, and retired antiquarian booksellerA Florida History Lecture Series Winter ...

Registration Open

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: Cultural Life, Green Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

Presented by:

Road Scholar: Forging a Friendship — Jefferson & Madison’s Northern Journey

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about Jefferson and Madison’s 1791 journey and enduring friendship.

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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 Jefferson and Madison’s 1791 journey and enduring friendship.

OREO® Cookie Taste Test

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limi...

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Healthy Living

Registration Required

Celebrate the month of February with a sweet and exciting OREO® cookie taste test adventure! Teens are invited to explore a variety of OREO® flavors, from classic favorites to limited-edition varieties.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.Tonight’s theme...

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Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Music in the Libraries

Let your inner star shine at Karaoke Night!
Join us at the North Port Library every fourth Tuesday of the month for a fun-filled evening of music and self-expression.

Tonight’s theme: Family Fun Night!

Cheryl Coleman: Bold Black Pioneers

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

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Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the brilli...

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Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Embark on a journey of discovery! Join Cheryl Coleman and travel alongside the thousands who ventured north during the Great Migration. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the brilliant innovators who reshaped music and literature.

Filters

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

Teen Writers Club

4:00pm–5:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Veranda Room

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.

Knit and Crocheting Group

10:15am–12:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Conference Room

Library Branch: Fruitville 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 Fruitville 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.

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

LEGO Club

2:00pm–3:30pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Program Type: Clubs, Games,

LEGO Club

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Ages 5 and up. Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Creations will be on display in the youth area for one week following the programs.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Read with the Dogs

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.

Teen Writers Club

4:00pm–5:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Veranda Room

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,

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

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

Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

We will resume normal hours on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Knit and Crocheting Group

10:15am–12:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Conference Room

Library Branch: Fruitville 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,

Teen Writers Club

4:00pm–5:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Veranda Room

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,

Disclaimer(s)

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

Knit and Crocheting Group

10:15am–12:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Conference Room

Library Branch: Fruitville 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,

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years)

Program Type: Special Events

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. The program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

This program is intended for children who can read independently

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Program Type: Special Events

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs from the Suncoast Humane Society Pet Therapy Team. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.

Knit and Crocheting Group

10:15am–12:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Conference Room

Library Branch: Fruitville 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,

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 11/26–11/27

Closing

Branches:

Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Teen Writers Club

4:00pm–5:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Veranda Room

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,

Disclaimer(s)

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

Knit and Crocheting Group

10:15am–12:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Conference Room

Library Branch: Fruitville 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,

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

LEGO Club

2:00pm–3:30pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Age Group: Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Families

Program Type: Clubs, Games,

LEGO Club

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Ages 5 and up. Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Creations will be on display in the youth area for one week following the programs.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Teen Writers Club

4:00pm–5:30pm

Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years)

Veranda Room

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,

Disclaimer(s)

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

Knit and Crocheting Group

10:15am–12:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Families

Conference Room

Library Branch: Fruitville 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,

LEGO® Club

6:00pm–7:00pm

Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Library Branch: North Port Library

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years), Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, Creation Station, Games

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO® bricks, you provide the imagination.

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Upcoming Events

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LEGO Club

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Read with the Dogs

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LEGO Club

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