Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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.

Image of the book cover for "Season on the Drink"

Author Talk: Pat Harris

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

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Join author Pat Harris as he discusses his book "A Season on the Drink". About the book: Based on a true story, The Residence’s fast-pitch softball team is remarkable in the e...

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Author Event, Lectures

Registration Required

Join author Pat Harris as he discusses his book "A Season on the Drink".

Attention Veterans: Your Service Matters and So Do Your Benefits!

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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As the Sarasota County Veteran’s Services Outreach Officer, Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families. The seminar will c...

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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, Healthy Living, Job Search Assistance, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

As the Sarasota County Veteran’s Services Outreach Officer, Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families.

Rune Writings of the Viking Era to Present: North America and Europe

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:30am - 1:30pm

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

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Join Loraine Jensen and Anne Louise Thompson from the American Association for Runic Studies to discover the fascinating world of runes used around 1 A.D. through the Viking Age an...

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Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

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

Program Type: History & Culture, Lifelong Learning

Join Loraine Jensen and Anne Louise Thompson from the American Association for Runic Studies to discover the fascinating world of runes used around 1 A.D. through the Viking Age and beyond.

One Book: Road Scholar: Greece — Land of History, Beauty & Inspiration

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about to learn about the history, culture and spirit of Greece.

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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: Cultural Life, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, One Book Sarasota

Enjoy a free one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about to learn about the history, culture and spirit of Greece.

UF/IFAS: Green Buildings in our Community

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Interested in making your home or business a green building? Join us for a look at Sarasota County’s approach to green building, certified "green buildings" locally, different cert...

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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, Cultural Life, Green Living

Interested in making your home or business a green building?

UF/IFAS: Age-Friendly Housing- Universal Design and Visibility

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Learn how to make your home age-friendly! The design of houses can impact the ability of residents to stay at home as they age or following a short- or long-term disability. To bet...

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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, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning

Learn how to make your home age-friendly! The design of houses can impact the ability of residents to stay at home as they age or following a short- or long-term disability.

One Book: Pysanka Demonstration

Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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Celebrate the beauty and tradition of Pysanka, the ancient Ukrainian art of egg decorating. Learn about the intricate designs, symbolic meanings, and wax-resistant techniques used ...

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda 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: Art Displays & Exhibits, History & Culture, One Book Sarasota, Special Events

Registration Required

Celebrate the beauty and tradition of Pysanka, the ancient Ukrainian art of egg decorating. Learn about the intricate designs, symbolic meanings, and wax-resistant techniques used to create these stunning works of art.

One Book - Bliss is a Practice: Everyday Rituals for Resilience

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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Co-authors and sisters Dr. Stacie Herrera and Sandi Herrera invite you on an engaging journey to rediscover your innate resilience and joy. Through playful connection, guided refle...

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Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Healthy Living, One Book Sarasota

Co-authors and sisters Dr. Stacie Herrera and Sandi Herrera invite you on an engaging journey to rediscover your innate resilience and joy.

A hole in denim is mended shut with colorful threads.

One Book Quirky Crafters: Creative Mending

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 4:45pm - 5:45pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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Give your old clothes a spring makeover! Join us to make a customized clothing patch using basic embroidery and sewing techniques. Learn how to transform holes in your outfits into...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs, One Book Sarasota

Give your old clothes a spring makeover! Join us to make a customized clothing patch using basic embroidery and sewing techniques. Learn how to transform holes in your outfits into works of art with us!

Portraits of animals made out of egg cartons

EQ Craft Crew: Egg Carton Critters

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Join us the third Tuesday of every month for a new art project!In this hands-on art program, our young artists will be given egg cartons and other supplies to make a new friend, a ...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Children (5 to 9 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Green Living, Lifelong Learning

Join us the third Tuesday of every month for a new art project!

One Book: Creative Mindfulness - A Creative Journey Back to You

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Program Room at Elsie Quirk Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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Explore your thoughts and stresses through the creative process to discover problem-solving skills and solutions. Relax with a guided visualization and complete 2-3 drawings follow...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Healthy Living, Lifelong Learning, One Book Sarasota

Registration Required

Explore your thoughts and stresses through the creative process to discover problem-solving skills and solutions. Relax with a guided visualization and complete 2-3 drawings followed by discussion. No art experience required or necessary!

Teen Super Smash Bros.™ Gaming Tournament

Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00am - 2:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Get ready for an epic showdown! Join us for our Teen Super Smash Bros.™ Tournament, where teens can showcase their gaming skills on the Nintendo Switch™. Play using the Nintendo Sw...

Registration Open

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Career Journeys, Cultural Life, Games, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Get ready for an epic showdown! Join us for our Teen Super Smash Bros.™ Tournament, where teens can showcase their gaming skills on the Nintendo Switch™.

One Book - "Emma" Watercolor Tea Party with the Venice Theatre

Monday, March 30, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

One Book Sarasota:

This event is offered as part of the One Book Sarasota programming. Read the Book, Join the Discussion, Share the Story. Learn more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook.  &n...

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Watercolor to the sounds of baroque music as we enjoy tea and treats with the cast of the Venice Theatre’s “Emma”. Free free to bring your own fancy tea cup and reference photos or...

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Full

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, One Book Sarasota

Registration Required

Watercolor to the sounds of baroque music as we enjoy tea and treats with the cast of the Venice Theatre’s “Emma”.

SRQ Con

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00am - 4:00pm

Selby Library

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Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon! Activities will be held throughout the library including a scavenger hunt, button making, and more. Ven...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Age Group: Youth, 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

Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Author Event, Creation Station, Games, History & Culture, Lectures, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Join us for the annual pop culture convention at Selby Library, SRQCon!

Filters

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

10:30am–11:30am

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

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.

Yak and Yarn

10:00am–11:30am

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Conference Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning

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

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

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)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

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)

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Intermediate Origami

10:30am–12:30pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Creation Station

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Join Teresa as she teaches even more difficult origami than she does in her beginner class.

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.

LEGO® Play Morning

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

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

Baked into History: Stories Grown in Sarasota

4:30pm–6:00pm

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

Story Time Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

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

Program Type: Cooking & Nutrition, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Summer Learning

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Teens and tweens, come join us to bake cookies and learn about Sarasota's agricultural history at this special program presented by the Sarasota County History Center!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

10:30am–11:30am

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Summer Learning UF/IFAS: The Tale of Atala and Coontie

4:00pm–5:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Veranda Room

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, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

The coontie plant, historically utilized by Florida's indigenous people, was driven close to extinction due to European settlers' commercial exploitation. It has now rebounded as a staple in Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices.

Yak and Yarn

10:00am–11:30am

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Conference Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning

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

Libraries and History Center Closure

All Day 7/3–7/4

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, Selby Library, Shannon Staub Library, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, Pop-Up Library

Description:

Sarasota County Libraries and the History Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

We will resume normal hours on Monday, July 6.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Meeting Room- Classroom A

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Osprey Library

Room: Meeting Room- Classroom A

Age Group: Youth, Preschoolers (3 to 5 years), Families

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

Registration Required

This storytime activity is geared towards children ages three to five. However, other family members may come in to enjoy the story as well.

Get to Know the Creation Station

6:00pm–7:00pm

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

Creation Station

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Creation Station

Age Group: Tweens (9 to 12 years), Teens (13 to 18 years), New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families

Program Type: Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Drop by the Creation Station to learn about some of the different equipment we have available and get a tour of the space!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Busy Little Hands Activity Hour

10:30am–11:30am

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families can enjoy loosely structured play with a variety of rotating toys and activities in our Story Time Room.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Yak and Yarn

10:00am–11:30am

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Conference Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning

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

Where Wildflowers Grow: Watercolor Sarasota’s Past

2:00pm–3:30pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Art Displays & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Summer Learning

This event is one of this year's Summer Learning programs. Check out all of the fun programs at all of our library locations. There's something for everyone!

Teens and tweens, join us to view a special exhibit of local art and get inspired to create your own watercolor masterpieces in this special program presented by the Sarasota County History Center!

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

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)

Program Type: Games, Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

Babies (Birth to 1 year), Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

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)

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Book Club

3:00pm–4:30pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors

Juliano Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Juliano Room

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Book Discussions, Clubs, Lifelong Learning

Join us for the Friday Afternoon Monthly Book Discussion. Every 2nd Friday of the month.

Newcomers are always welcome. Please inquire about a copy of the book at the Information Desk.

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Primary tabs

Summer Learning

Summer Learning