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New space, familiar faces. Fruitville Library is open! We reopened our doors today, and it was so nice to see familiar f...
10/15/2026

New space, familiar faces. Fruitville Library is open!

We reopened our doors today, and it was so nice to see familiar faces and welcome you back to your library. Thank you for your patience throughout the renovations and for making our first day back feel so special.

Come explore the redesigned children’s area, refreshed study rooms, and new spaces to read, learn and connect. We’re happy to have you back and can’t wait to see you!

Uncover the secrets behind some of the world's most famous art heists! Off the Page: Robert K. WittmanThursday, Nov. 5 |...
10/15/2026

Uncover the secrets behind some of the world's most famous art heists!

Off the Page: Robert K. Wittman
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 6 p.m. | Selby Library (1331 First. St., Sarasota)
Friday, Nov. 6 | 3 p.m. | William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Library (300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice)

Meet Robert K. Wittman, former FBI special agent and founder of the bureau's National Art Crime Team. During his 20-year career, he recovered more than $300 million in stolen art and cultural treasures, bringing remarkable stories of investigation and recovery to life.

From rescuing masterpieces by Rembrandt and Renoir to pursuing the $500 million theft at Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Wittman's career reads like a real-life thriller. His bestselling memoir, "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures," takes readers behind the scenes of these extraordinary cases.

At Off the Page this November, discover the stories behind the headlines and hear from the investigator who helped bring stolen treasures home. Then. Now. Always, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources connects our community with fascinating experts and experiences that bring history to life.

If you could learn the story behind any missing historical treasure or famous artwork, what would you choose? Tell us in the comments!

Share this post with an art lover, history buff or mystery enthusiast who wouldn't want to miss this!

Long before the library had 10 community branches, Sarasota’s library service was already finding ways to meet people wh...
10/15/2026

Long before the library had 10 community branches, Sarasota’s library service was already finding ways to meet people where they were.

Betty Service became a beloved part of Sarasota’s library history, serving as a librarian for nearly half a century. She began working with the Sarasota Public Library in 1926 and became its head librarian, helping generations of Sarasota residents discover books, information and the simple joy of being welcomed into the library.

And the library itself was changing with the community. Betty Service understood that a love of reading begins with connection. In 1953, she was visiting schools each month to tell stories and developing programs to inspire young people to explore books. With a growing need for library space, she hoped to expand the library and introduce bookmobile service, bringing books and the joy of discovery to more people throughout the community. Her vision reflects an enduring library value: access to stories and learning should reach beyond the walls of a building.

This led to the Sarasota County Bookmobile in 1962, traveling from DeSoto Road to Englewood and making about 21 stops. By 1973, the Bookmobile could no longer accommodate all the needs of the community, helping lead to the 1983 opening of Gulf Gate Library, originally named the Betty Service Branch.

Even after retiring as librarian in 1974, she continued telling stories to children at Gulf Gate Library, where the branch carried her name. A 1974 Sarasota Herald-Tribune article captured something especially meaningful: children were coming to hear Betty tell stories that their own parents had once heard from her. Her library service had become a connection between generations.

Today, the Sarasota County Libraries’ Pop-Up van brings library services beyond our traditional walls and into the community, making it easier for people to discover books, resources, programs and all the library has to offer wherever they are.

From Betty Service’s storytelling, to the Bookmobile, to today’s Pop-Up Library, the way we deliver library service may change, but the purpose remains the same Then. Now. Always, our libraries meet our community where it is and connect people with the resources they need.

We're going big for the 50th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run this year! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the beautiful Siest...
10/15/2026

We're going big for the 50th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run this year! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the beautiful Siesta Beach! Register today on RunSignup for the 1-mile fun run or the 5K race: https://loom.ly/-4Za9GQ

For more info, call 311. 🦀 | New Balance University

When we think of fall bird migration in Florida, vultures aren’t usually the first birds that come to mind. In fact, man...
10/14/2026

When we think of fall bird migration in Florida, vultures aren’t usually the first birds that come to mind. In fact, many folks don’t realize that vultures migrate at all, and that is partially correct. The two types of vultures that can be found in Florida are black vultures and turkey vultures. 🦃

Black vultures live here year-round. Turkey vultures are also present year-round; however, there are northern populations that spend their summers in the northern United States and Canada and fly south for the winter. Just like other migratory birds, these northern populations like to escape the cold winters of the north and spend their time in climates more suitable for their survival. As you are out enjoying Florida’s abundance of winter birds, take note of how many more turkey vultures you see roosting in trees or taking advantage of soaring in the thermals (rising columns of heat). If you can stand the heat and humidity, go back out in the summertime to compare the difference!

Cool facts about turkey vultures:

• They’re mostly scavengers, eating carrion and roadkill.
• Their name comes from their bare, red head, which resembles a turkey’s head.
• They have an extraordinary sense of smell.
• The wingspan of a turkey vulture can reach 6 feet!
• An especially acidic stomach helps keep them safe from bacteria.
• They are state and federally protected.
• A group of vultures soaring is called a “kettle.”

Got any other interesting facts about turkey vultures? Comment below! 🗨️

Your next favorite author could be someone you meet at the library.Off the Page is almost here! All November long, Saras...
10/14/2026

Your next favorite author could be someone you meet at the library.

Off the Page is almost here! All November long, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources invites readers, writers and curious minds to celebrate the power of stories through our fourth annual literary celebration.

From conversations with bestselling authors and book signings to writing workshops and family activities, there’s something for every kind of story lover. With all 10 library locations joining the celebration, you never know what story, idea or new favorite author you’ll discover next.

We’re kicking things off Nov. 1 with Publishing Day and Local Author Fair at Selby Library, followed by a month full of literary adventures, including Family Day for all ages and special appearances by acclaimed authors Anthony Horowitz, Nathaniel Philbrick, Brad Meltzer, Kate Quinn and more!

The best part? Every event is FREE and open to the public!

A story rarely stays on the page. It sparks conversations, inspires creativity and sometimes even encourages us to tell a story of our own. Turn the page with us this November!

Explore the full schedule at OffThePageFL.org.

Then, Now, Always. Libraries have long brought people and stories together. Off the Page carries that tradition forward, giving everyone a chance to meet an author, find inspiration and be part of the conversation.

Build the skills that help you move forward. 💼📚Whether you're preparing for a new opportunity, brushing up on math, stre...
10/13/2026

Build the skills that help you move forward. 💼📚

Whether you're preparing for a new opportunity, brushing up on math, strengthening computer skills or getting ready for a test, Brainfuse HelpNow can support your next step.

Use SkillSurfer to work at your own pace on academic, workplace and technology skills—whether your goal is professional, academic or personal.

Access Brainfuse HelpNow through our Digital Library at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/DigitalLibrary.

Library

Join us for the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Englewood Sports Complex on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and b...
10/13/2026

Join us for the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Englewood Sports Complex on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and browse through local vendors and their holiday creations.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Registration is open! To sign up, visit bit.ly/476rZ9g.

Vendor registration closes Sunday, Oct. 18.

📍Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood ❄️

Meet Nathaniel Philbrick | Off the PageWhat if history could feel as gripping as a great novel? This November, step into...
10/09/2026

Meet Nathaniel Philbrick | Off the Page

What if history could feel as gripping as a great novel? This November, step into the past with acclaimed historian and bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick.

Philbrick brings the drama of America’s founding and its maritime history to life through vivid storytelling. His books include In the "Heart of the Sea," winner of the National Book Award and later adapted into a major motion picture, along with "Mayflower," "Bunker Hill," "Valiant Ambition," and "Travels with George."

A featured historian in Ken Burns’s PBS series "The American Revolution," Philbrick offers a fascinating perspective on the people, places and events that shaped our nation.

What moment in American history would you most want to experience through a historian’s eyes? Tell us in the comments!

Then. Now. Always. Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources brings bestselling authors, book signings, writing workshops and more to all 10 library locations.

Tag a history lover and share this post with someone who loves discovering the stories behind the past!

Get ready for food, fun and entertainment at the North Jetty Food Truck Rally! 🚚Join us between 5-9 p.m., Nov. 6 and 20...
10/09/2026

Get ready for food, fun and entertainment at the North Jetty Food Truck Rally! 🚚

Join us between 5-9 p.m., Nov. 6 and 20, as well as Dec. 4 and 18, at North Jetty Park for good times and delicious treats!

1000 S. Casey Key Road, Nokomis.

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