Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Monday Morning Movie: Maltese Falcon

Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10:30am - 1:30pm

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

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Join us for a relaxed Monday morning screening of "The Maltese Falcon" (1931). 100 minutes runtime."After the death of his partner, San Francisco private eye Sam Spade is dragged i...

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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: Movies

Join us for a relaxed Monday morning screening of "The Maltese Falcon" (1931). 100 minutes runtime.

"After the death of his partner, San Francisco private eye Sam Spade is dragged into a quest for a priceless statuette."

Florida Reflections Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

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The Florida landscape has provided aesthetic inspiration to artists for centuries. Titian Ramsay Peale and John James Audubon came in search of native flora and fauna, followed by ...

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Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: America's 250th Celebration, Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

The Florida landscape has provided aesthetic inspiration to artists for centuries.

Serenity Sound Healing by Blue Lotus Buddhist Meditation Center

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

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Serenity Sound Healing is an auditory journey that immerses participants in a sea of harmonious sounds, created by a variety of instruments such as crystal bowls, Tibetan singing b...

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Full

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

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

Program Type: Healthy Living, Lectures, Music in the Libraries, Performances

Registration Required

Serenity Sound Healing is an auditory journey that immerses participants in a sea of harmonious sounds, created by a variety of instruments such as crystal bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, gong, chimes, drums, and even human vocal tones.

black and white photo of archaeological dig at Indian Mound Park circa the 1970s.

The Archaeology of Indian Mound Park

Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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While there is no question that Sarasota County is an attractive place to call home, archaeological sites like the one at Indian Mound Park prove humans have felt this way for thou...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Archaeology, History & Culture, Lectures

While there is no question that Sarasota County is an attractive place to call home, archaeological sites like the one at Indian Mound Park prove humans have felt this way for thousands of years.

Music | Paging Through the American Songbook

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library

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Join jazz vocalist Darienne Oaks and pianist David Lahm for an unforgettable hour of Paging Through the American Songbook—a vibrant journey through beloved jazz standards from the ...

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Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room AB

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

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

Join jazz vocalist Darienne Oaks and pianist David Lahm for an unforgettable hour of Paging Through the American Songbook—a vibrant journey through beloved jazz standards from the Great American Songbook.

Remake Learning: Clay Trinket/Game Trays

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Learning Lab at Gulf Gate Library

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With local artist, Shelly Augsbury, to guide you, teens and their families can create their own trinket trays out of air-dry clay. Or, take your trinket tray a step further and tur...

Waitlist

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Learning Lab

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years), Families

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

Registration Required

With local artist, Shelly Augsbury, to guide you, teens and their families can create their own trinket trays out of air-dry clay.

Your Hit Parade is Back!

Monday, April 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am

Meeting Room at Elsie Quirk Library

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Experience an hour-long collection of timeless tunes from the iconic "Hit Parade" radio and TV shows spanning 1935 to 1959. Take a nostalgic journey with this talented jazz duo, fe...

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Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

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

Experience an hour-long collection of timeless tunes from the iconic "Hit Parade" radio and TV shows spanning 1935 to 1959.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, April 28, 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: Hits of the 80's!

Drop-In Card Making

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm

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

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Drop in to make beautiful handmade cards for someone special or to get ready for Mother’s Day. We’ve got everything you need to spread Springtime cheer!No registration or experienc...

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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: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Drop in to make beautiful handmade cards for someone special or to get ready for Mother’s Day. We’ve got everything you need to spread Springtime cheer!

No registration or experience required.

Black and white negative depicts an exterior view of a Ralph Twitchell-designed house on the beach; undated

When Modernism Met the Gulf Coast

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Classroom A/B at Osprey Library

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When Modernism Met the Gulf CoastPresented by:Nicholas Dietz, Historic Preservation Specialist, Sarasota County History CenterProgram begins promptly at 2PMAbout this LectureThe Sa...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Osprey Library

Room: Classroom A/B

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, America's 250th Celebration, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

When Modernism Met the Gulf Coast

Presented by:

Nicholas Dietz, Historic Preservation Specialist, Sarasota County History Center

Program begins promptly at 2PM

UF/IFAS: Lawn Ornaments - Alternative Lawns for Florida

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Veranda Room at North Port Library

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Discover how to swap out turfgrass in favor of beneficial alternatives, like Native Sunshine Mimosa, Florida-Friendly Perennial Peanut and more. These groundcovers can attract poll...

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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

Discover how to swap out turfgrass in favor of beneficial alternatives, like Native Sunshine Mimosa, Florida-Friendly Perennial Peanut and more.

Music | Love & Bossa Nova performed by Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library

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Gulf Gate Library is pleased to welcome Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar, whose captivating Bossa Nova performances have delighted audiences from Paris to London. Blending English a...

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Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room AB

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Off the Page Literary Celebration, Performances

Gulf Gate Library is pleased to welcome Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar, whose captivating Bossa Nova performances have delighted audiences from Paris to London.

Audiobooks Come Alive!

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

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Have you ever wondered how audiobooks come alive? Author Tamara Lush leads a panel of audiobook narrators Melissa Moran and Aaron Shedlock to share all the behind the scenes of aud...

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Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type: Author Event, Book Discussions, Cultural Life

Have you ever wondered how audiobooks come alive? Author Tamara Lush leads a panel of audiobook narrators Melissa Moran and Aaron Shedlock to share all the behind the scenes of audiobook creations.

Fun with Flowers for Mothers Day

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Meeting Room AB at Gulf Gate Library

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Led by the Sarasota Garden Club, children and teens can make their own floral arrangements to give to a mother, grandmother, or anyone they want to celebrate this Mother’s Day! &nb...

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Registration Open

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room AB

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

Program Type: Cultural Life, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Led by the Sarasota Garden Club, children and teens can make their own floral arrangements to give to a mother, grandmother, or anyone they want to celebrate this Mother’s Day! Best for ages 5-18. Registration required.

Lecture: "Up from Slavery to Tea with the Queen: The Amazing Life of Booker T. Washington"

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library

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Booker T. Washington was the most prominent African American educator and orator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born a slave, Washington rose to a position of political...

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Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Booker T. Washington was the most prominent African American educator and orator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lecture | Dame Helen Mirren: A Queen in her own right

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Meeting Room A at Gulf Gate Library

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Dame Helen Mirren - an international icon known for her extraordinary range - began her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company at 18 and has since appeared in more than 125 film...

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Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Cultural Life, Lectures, Lifelong Learning

Dame Helen Mirren - an international icon known for her extraordinary range - began her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company at 18 and has since appeared in more than 125 films and television productions.

Resume Workshop

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Community Room at William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

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Learn how to write a standout resume and discover all the free resources that Sarasota County Libraries have to help you on your career journey! Whether you are just starting to pu...

Registration Open

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: Career Journeys, Job Search Assistance, Lectures

Registration Required

Learn how to write a standout resume and discover all the free resources that Sarasota County Libraries have to help you on your career journey!

Filters

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.

Let's Pretend Day

10:30am–11:30am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Children ages 2-8 and their caregivers are invited for Wednesday morning free-play time, with an assortment of toys and props to inspire the young imagination! Drop-in anytime between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Storytime

11:15am–11:45am

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

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us at the North Port Library for storytime! Songs, crafts and stories guaranteed!

Preschool Jamboree

10:30am–11:00am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about.

Pop-Stop and Storytime at The Bay Park

10:00am–12:00pm

All Ages

Offsite Event

Library Branch: Pop-Up Library

Age Group: All Ages

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Healthy Living, Outreach, Storytimes

The Pop-Up visits The Bay and offers park goers the opportunity to check out materials, get a library card or browse the shelves and sit in our cozy bean bags to read.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:00am

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

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), Families

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for songs, rhymes, play, and of course great stories! Engage kids in visual literacy, language development, and social skills in a fun class presented by our Youth Services team.

Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup.

POP STOP - Longboat Key

10:00am–11:30am

Youth, Families, All Ages

Offsite Event

Library Branch: Pop-Up Library

Age Group: Youth, Families, All Ages

Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Outreach, Storytimes

Full library service for residents of Longboat Key.

Read with the Dogs

3:30pm–4:30pm

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), Families, All Ages

Youth Activity Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity 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), Families, All Ages

Program Type: Special Events, Storytimes

Calling all families with readers! Our dog friends from the Suncoast Humane Society are returning to the Jacaranda Library, and they want you to read to them!

Let's Pretend Day

10:30am–11:30am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Storytime

11:15am–11:45am

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

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us at the North Port Library for storytime! Songs, crafts and stories guaranteed!

Fun To Be Fit Kids

10:30am–11:15am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Healthy Living, Performances, Summer Learning, Storytimes

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!

Fun To Be Fit Kids is a music and movement program for children and their caregivers to attend together.

Story Time

10:30am–11:30am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games, Storytimes

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:00am

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

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), Families

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for songs, rhymes, play, and of course great stories! Engage kids in visual literacy, language development, and social skills in a fun class presented by our Youth Services team.

Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup.

Let's Pretend Day

10:30am–11:30am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Storytime

11:15am–11:45am

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

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us at the North Port Library for storytime! Songs, crafts and stories guaranteed!

Preschool Jamboree

10:30am–11:00am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about.

Story Time

10:30am–11:30am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games, Storytimes

For ages 2-5. Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am–11:00am

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

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), Families

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for songs, rhymes, play, and of course great stories! Engage kids in visual literacy, language development, and social skills in a fun class presented by our Youth Services team.

Storytime

10:30am–11:15am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us for storytime! Stories, rhymes, songs, and simple crafts for little ones and their special grownup.

Let's Pretend Day

10:30am–11:30am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Storytime

11:15am–11:45am

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

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

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

Program Type: Storytimes

Join us at the North Port Library for storytime! Songs, crafts and stories guaranteed!

Preschool Jamboree

10:30am–11:00am

Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Toddlers (1 to 3 years), Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Program Type: Storytimes

Jump and wiggle, twist and shout,
Stories come alive, that's what we're all about.

Important

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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Primary tabs

Read with the Dogs

Summer Learning