Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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.

Nesting Shorebirds and Seabirds of Tampa Bay

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

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Do you enjoy birdwatching? Come learn about Florida’s nesting shorebirds and seabirds during a lecture presented by Audubon Florida. You’ll learn skills, such as how to identify bi...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Lectures

Registration Required

Do you enjoy birdwatching? Come learn about Florida’s nesting shorebirds and seabirds during a lecture presented by Audubon Florida.

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

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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 ...

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Full

Library Branch: Osprey Library

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:

Drop-In Valentine's Card Making

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:30pm

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

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Stop by to create personalized handmade cards for family, friends, or someone special! All supplies provided.For adults. No registration required.

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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: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Stop by to create personalized handmade cards for family, friends, or someone special! All supplies provided.

For adults. No registration required.

One Book: Writing Your Obituary; Past, Present, and Future

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm

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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What if your obituary was not just a summary of your life but a road map to your future? Come review some unusual obituaries and explore the craft of obituary writing, either for y...

Registration Open

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Lectures, Lifelong Learning, One Book Sarasota

Registration Required

What if your obituary was not just a summary of your life but a road map to your future? Come review some unusual obituaries and explore the craft of obituary writing, either for yourself or for someone you care about.

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.

Enhancing Your Reading Experience With Digital Apps

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

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Are you an avid e-book reader? Come learn about popular reading apps, book clubs, author chats, and personalized book recommendations. Note: This program requires that partici...

Registration Open

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Lifelong Learning, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Are you an avid e-book reader? Come learn about popular reading apps, book clubs, author chats, and personalized book recommendations.

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.

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.

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 - "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...

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

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

Forever Fit

10:15am–11:00am

Adults, Seniors

Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Dr. Edward James II Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

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

Forever Fit is an exercise class for ages 55+.

Join us and learn simple exercises to increase strength, balance, and endurance.

Disclaimer(s)

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

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

10:15am–11:15am

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

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type:

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy a special uninterrupted playtime with your child in our FREE Partners in Play® (PIP) groups. Meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand.

Disclaimer(s)

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

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 B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

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. Space is limited, pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk the day of the event.

Roaming Readers (Outside Program)

10:15am–11:30am

Adults, Seniors

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Book Discussions

Registration Required

Let's walk and talk about books, those we have read, what we are reading now or even what we want to read!

Great Decisions Group Discussion

10:15am–12:30pm

Adults

Community Room

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Room: Community Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Discussion Groups

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.

Lemon Bay Fest: Archaeology of the Manasota Key Offshore Site

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

Program Type: Archaeology, History & Culture, Lectures, Lifelong Learning, Special Events

Join Sarasota County’s archaeologist, Clay Bush, for a lecture on this globally significant site located only 350 yards off of Manasota Key that reveals insights into the lives of the Archaic Florida peoples.

Lemon Bay Fest: 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

Join us for story time filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts- all about lemons! Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Musical Motion

10:30am–11:30am

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

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning, Storytimes

Musical Motion is a FREE bilingual learn & play class that encourages bonding while developing early learning and literacy skills in children.

Homeschool Hang: Shrinky Dinks

11:00am–12:00pm

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

Learning Lab

Waitlist

Registration Required

Waitlist

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Learning Lab

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

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

Registration Required

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate’s monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library.

Forty Carrots: Partners in Play

12:00pm–1:00pm

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

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium

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

Program Type:

Disclaimer(s)

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

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 B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Lifelong Learning

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Enclave HOA / John Hament

12:45pm–3:45pm

Conference Room

This is not a library sponsored event.

Library Location: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Conference Room

Purpose of Room Use

HOA Meeting: Special Board Meetin

Book Shop Bingo

1:00pm–2:00pm

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

Youth Activity Room

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity Room

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

Program Type: Games

Registration Required

Join us for a fun game of Bingo at the library! Book prizes graciously donated by the Friends of the Jacaranda Public Library Book Shop.

Creation Station Adult Lab: Valentine's Paper Roses

1:00pm–2:30pm

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

Creation Station

Waitlist

Registration Required

Waitlist

Library Branch: Selby Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Technology Instruction

Registration Required

Join us in making paper roses for Valentine's Day!

Genealogy Assistance

1:00pm–3:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Library Branch: William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Genealogy

Come and get assistance with your genealogy research from knowledgeable volunteer.

Bring your questions!

REGISTER AT THE INFORMATION DESK AT THE VENICE LIBRARY.

Quirky Knitters

1:00pm–3:00pm

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

Program Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Program Room

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Clubs

Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet. All skill levels welcome. Registration is not required, so come on in to knit and chat!

AARP Income Tax Assistance

1:00pm–4:30pm

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

Meeting Room A

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

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

Program Type: Tax Help

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---

Call (941) 500-9181 to set up your appointment!

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

1:30pm–3:30pm

Adults, Seniors

Conference Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Conference Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Green Living

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.

Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

Advanced Spanish Conversation Group

2:00pm–3:00pm

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

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

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

Program Type: Discussion Groups, Spanish/En Español

Spanish Group Conversation.

Spanish Moss in Florida: A Social and Economic History

2:00pm–3:30pm

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

Classroom A/B

Full

Registration Required

Full

Library Branch: Osprey Library

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:

Arts & Crafts: Conversation Hearts on Canvas

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Learning Lab

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Learning Lab

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Discussion Groups, Lifelong Learning

Sweet nothings on canvas...what a better way to enjoy this month of love. All materials provided. No registration is required. These programs are popular. Seating is limited. First Come, first seated.

AARP Tax Help

2:00pm–5:00pm

New Adult (18-30 years), Adults, Seniors, Families, All Ages

Library Branch: Selby Library

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

Program Type: Tax Help

Selby Library dates of Tax Preparation: February 2nd - April 15th. Located on the 2nd floor.

Days and Hours of Operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - 2-5pm. Saturdays 11am-2pm.

Secrets of the Underground Railroad

3:00pm–4:00pm

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

Meeting Room

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

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

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

Registration Required

The Secrets of the Underground Railroad…revealed!

The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses that led enslaved people in the south escape to freedom in the north.

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Forty Carrots Partners in Play

Disclaimer(s)

Forty Carrots Partners in Play

--- ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. ---