Two events planned on March 14 for public to meet the author
Sarasota County’s 2025 One Book, One Community selection: is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, the county’s Libraries and Historical Resources Department has announced.
The public is invited to meet the author at two in-person events on Friday, March 14, a county news release says:
- 10:30 a.m. at the North Port Performing Arts Center, which stands at 6400 W Price Blvd. in North Port.
- 7 p.m. at Selby Library, which is located at 1331 First St. in Sarasota.
“The One Book program brings Sarasota County together through a shared love of reading, fostering meaningful discussions and connections around a single title,” the news release explains.
“Each year, a selection committee chooses a book and invites the author to participate in community events, while libraries host related programming,” the release adds.
“This year’s selection, a heartwarming debut novel, captivated the selection committee with its unique story of Marcellus, a clever octopus, and his unexpected friendship with a grieving widow,” the release points out. “The book’s themes of human connection, resilience and marine life promise to inspire readers of all ages,” it says.
The announcement was celebrated in this video, “featuring an oversized stuffed octopus causing mischief at Selby Library, culminating in the reveal of Remarkably Bright Creatures,” the release notes.
“Throughout March, all Sarasota County Libraries will host events and programs inspired by the book,” the release continues. Companion book selections for children and teens also will be available “to engage young readers,” the release notes.
Renee Di Pilato, director of Libraries and Historical Resources, expressed her excitement about this year’s selection in the release: “Remarkably Bright Creatures celebrates the beauty of unlikely friendships and the wonders of the natural world. It’s a story that will spark meaningful conversations across our community while encouraging readers to see the world from a new perspective.”
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/OneBook or call 311.