Are you looking for a way to keep your kids entertained over these hot summer months in Sarasota? Fortunately, the city's libraries have an array of fun activities for children. The best part about the services that these libraries provide is that many of them are free! Check out our list of the best free library events in Sarasota to keep the kids entertained and engaged in learning during summer break. 

North Sarasota Library

Dog lovers will enjoy coming to North Sarasota Library on Mondays for "Read with the Dogs." Every Monday in July and on August 6, kids ages five through 11 can come read with certified pet therapy dogs for free. The kids are able to open up, learning key reading, and communication skills while the dogs also love the attention and the interaction they get! 

On Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in July and August, Tinker Tuesday provides a different craft project for kids six through 18. The Youth Chess Club will also meet on July 11 and 25 at 3:30 p.m., encouraging children ages seven through 18 to bring out their entire families for an afternoon of strategy and fun.

Selby Public Library

Mondays at the Selby Library ignite creativity among those ages four through 10 with their "Build It!" series where kids get the opportunity to play with different materials in the sessions held at 2:30 p.m. on the second, third, and fourth weeks in July. 

For the next four Wednesdays, the free "Code with Scratch" programs teaches basic coding principles to children ages five through seven at 2:30 p.m. and ages eight through14 at 3:30 p.m. The Inventors Club also takes place each of the next four Wednesdays, and kids age nine and up can come to think up inventions that solve real-world problems.

Fruitville Library

All kids are welcome to the Fruitville Library on Mondays at 4 p.m. through the end of August for the Knitting and Crocheting Group. It's recommended that people bring their own yarn and needles, but all skill levels are welcome. 

There will be meetings of the Fruitville Library Anime Club at 4:30 p.m. on July 30 and August 27, where kids ages 11 through 18 can share their passion for anime, talk about Japanese culture, and eat Japanese snacks. On Tuesday, July 31, at 2 p.m., there will be a free "Painting with Everyday Objects" class.

Gulf Gate Library

Media Mondays take over the fourth Monday in July and August. Kids ages 13 through 18 who are interested in media can sign up in advance and create a podcast, vodcast, or short film for free.

The Gulf Gate Library also has Team Gaming Nights on August 1 and August 29 at 5:30 p.m. where children ages 13 through 18 play a variety of approved video games. If chess is your thing, the Gulf Gate Chess Club welcomes players of all experience levels at noon on July 21, August 4 and August 18.

Sarasota libraries have tons of fun, free  events for your kids this summer. Find something that will spark their imagination and create memorable experiences!

Find more events in Sarasota by registering on 941area, your free guide to everything in the Sarasota and Bradenton area.

 

Cover photo courtesy of PxHere