Hundreds of free events planned
Readers of all ages are being invited to join the 2025 Summer Learning Program of the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Department, “a nine-week celebration of reading, creativity and community sponsored by the Library Foundation for Sarasota County,” county staff has announced.
Having begun on May 31 and continuing through Aug. 2, the program offers hundreds of free events, with all 10 library branches and the History Center involved in the initiative, a news release notes.
“With this year’s theme, Color Our World, participants are encouraged to explore the joy of reading and engage in vibrant, hands-on programs designed to inspire lifelong learning,” the release adds.
“We are proud to offer a season of enriching activities that connect people of all ages with reading, discovery and fun,” said Renee Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, in the release. “Whether you’re a child exploring your first picture book or an adult diving into summer fiction, there’s a place for you at the library,” she added.
Anyone may participate in the Summer Reading Challenge by tracking reading minutes through the Beanstack app or going online at scgov.beanstack.org/reader365, the release continues. The goal is for an individual to read for 600 minutes during the program, with prizes to be “awarded along the way,” the release points out.
Details about the prizes follow:
- Children (up through age 8) — Complete the challenge and chose a free book.
- Tweens/teens (ages 9 to 18) — Earn a book or other prize and a chance to win a Nintendo Switch.
- Adults (ages 19+) — Receive a Friends of the Library Bookstore coupon and a chance to win a Kindle Fire.
“All are welcome to attend library programs,” with no library card needed, the release points out. “Each location will host a festive Summer Learning Kickoff event filled with themed activities, crafts and community fun,” the release says.
“This year’s lineup includes a wide range of art-focused programming through the Artists in the Libraries series, made possible by a generous donation from the Henry Shapiro Charitable Foundation via the Library Foundation for Sarasota County,” the release points out.
The season also will feature the Music in the Library series, “offering high-energy entertainment for all ages,” the release continues. Among the highlights of that series will be “a silent disco at William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Library on July 17,” with families invited “to dance the afternoon away with headphones and good vibes,” the release says.
For details and to get started, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 311 or 941-861-1110.