Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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.

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.

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 - "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!

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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.

Animonday Summer Takeover

5:00pm–7:00pm

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

Story Time Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Story Time Room

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

Program Type: Movies, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

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!

Animonday is back! Join us on select Mondays this summer to hang out and watch anime and enjoy Japanese snacks.

Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop

11:00am–1:00pm

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

Classroom A/B

Upcoming

Registration Required

Upcoming

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, Arts & Crafts, Green Living, Lifelong Learning

Registration Required

Artist Christine Gilkey will lead this class on how to make a macrame plant hanger.

Handcrafted Blooms with the Cricut

2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Registration Open

Registration Required

Registration Open

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026)

Registration Required

Join local artisan Cris Walton, and learn how to transform paper into beautiful flowers! Rolled paper flowers are made using a paper template cut into a spiral shape, rolled tightly and released to create a flower.

Tech Navigator

2:00pm–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Group Study Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Group Study Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Program Type: Technology Instruction, Virtual

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person or distance appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

Tinker Tuesday

4:00pm–5:00pm

Youth, Children (5 to 9 years), Families

Meeting Room II

Library Branch: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

Room: Meeting Room II

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

Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Creation Station

A different project every week!

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

UF/IFAS Green Living Class

1:30pm–2:30pm

Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Meeting Room B

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room B

Age Group: Adults, Seniors, All Ages

Program Type: Green Living

There are many opportunities for becoming more sustainable in the way we live our lives, but where should you start?

A Matter of Balance #7

2:00pm–4:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Elsie Quirk Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living, Lectures

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to help people learn practical strategies to manage falls and increase physical activity levels.

Participants will learn:

Teen Writing Club

5:00pm–6:30pm

Teens (13 to 18 years)

Learning Lab

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Learning Lab

Age Group: Teens (13 to 18 years)

Program Type: Clubs, Creation Station, Lifelong Learning

Writers unite! This club meets the first Wednesday of every month to give teens the opportunity to hone their creative writing skills.

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.

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.

Tech Navigator

10:00am–12:00pm

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

Library Branch: North Port Library

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

Program Type: Technology Instruction

Stumped by technology? Your technology questions can be answered through an in-person appointment with one of our Tech Navigators. Tech Navigators are library staff members ready to assist you with technology skills.

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.

Adult Read with the Dogs

10:30am–12:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Youth Activity Room

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Youth Activity Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Special Events

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

Blood Pressure & BMI Screenings

10:30am–2:00pm

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

Creation Station

Library Branch: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

Room: Creation Station

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

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living

The Sarasota Department of Health will be performing various health screenings to improve the health of our Sarasota County residents. This is a complimentary service. They will be set up in the Creation Station for their sessions.

Chair Yoga with Manching

11:00am–12:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Meeting Room A

Library Branch: Gulf Gate Library

Room: Meeting Room A

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Active Older Adult Living, Healthy Living

Come join us in this exciting Chair Yoga practice to explore gentle yoga poses with the support of a chair. This class is perfect for anyone who’s new to yoga, living with limited mobility, or coming back from injury.

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.

Chucko the All-American Clown

6:00pm–7:00pm

Youth, 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

Meeting Room

Library Branch: Shannon Staub Library

Room: Meeting Room

Age Group: Youth, 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: Career Journeys, Cultural Life, History & Culture, Lifelong Learning, Performances, Plant a Seed, Read (Summer 2026), Special Events

Meet Chuck Sidlow and watch, follow, and participate in his magical and musical LIVE TRANSFORMATION into CHUCKO THE ALL-AMERICAN CLOWN!

Life After Downton Abbey

10:00am–1:00pm

Adults, Seniors

Veranda Room

Library Branch: North Port Library

Room: Veranda Room

Age Group: Adults, Seniors

Program Type: Discussion Groups, Movies

Enjoy a cup of tea while discussing British movies and television series with a very welcoming group.

Disclaimer(s)

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

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