Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan

The Active Older Adult Living initiative focuses on centering our older adult residents.

Sarasota County Libraries will provide meaningful services to support this community's specific lifestyle goals and motivations. The library will foster age integration through programs that celebrate and enable the sharing of skills, talents and wisdom that Sarasota County's diverse and talented older adult population offers to strengthen our civic health.

Intergenerational experiences are not only a critical key component of the overall civic health of a community. These also show tremendous health benefits for all ages.

Sarasota County's strength is that it has one of the oldest adult populations in the country. Our libraries will leverage this strength to capture their unique stories with both the libraries and the History Center's programming.

1. All residents enjoy the health benefits of intergenerational experiences.
2. Older adult residents perceive Sarasota County Libraries as an essential institution in their daily lives.
3. Sarasota County Libraries create programs and activities that center on older adult interests, needs and hobbies.

Browse events on the library calendar with the Active Older Adult Living category.

When was the last time you visited a library? Our buildings have been modernized to create both expected and unexpected experiences where patrons enjoy seeing friends, taking part in events and having a place to relax.

1. Residents have access to vibrant social engagements.
2. The community grows and flourishes with intergenerational experiences.
3. All residents enjoy belonging to an inclusive and welcoming community. 

View all events on the library calendar.

Sustainability is a core value of librarianship and our libraries will demonstrate this  by raising awareness, offering educational opportunities, providing solutions and advocating to protect the fragile ecosystems of our community. This initiative will integrate preservation, archaeology and Sarasota County Libraries' renowned historical collections.

Browse Green Living events on the library calendar.

Health and wellness are the foundation of a thriving community, affecting economic prosperity, educational achievement and social development.

Sarasota County Libraries promotes programs, resources, expertise and connections to encourage physical, mental and emotional health for all members of the county. To do this, libraries provide a variety of opportunities to strengthen an individual’s well-being, enabling all residents to enjoy holistic health and wellness, safety and vitality.

1. Residents learn more about the effects of healthy living practices.
2. A thriving community where everyone has access to resources for physical, mental and social health.
3. Sarasota County Libraries is a trusted partner to support county-wide health and wellness initiatives. 

View Healthy Living events on the library calendar.

The Lifelong Learning initiative focuses on being a lifelong partner for every resident of Sarasota County on their customized learning journey through discovery, exploration and passion building.

Our libraries work with partners across the county to nurture 21st-century skill sets, provide wrap around services to support achievement and foster a love of learning at every age and stage of life. The library will embrace its strength as an equity-driven, alternative learning institution and contribute to the county's quality educational system to ensure opportunities for all.

1. Everyone has equal access to public service and educational resources.
2. The library system is the heartbeat of a community that connects and supports everyone.
3. Support for civic health, education and individual growth and fulfillment.

Browse Lifelong Learning events on the library calendar.

The Meaningful Career Journeys initiative focuses on supporting every resident's goal to find purpose and meaning in their work.

Sarasota County Libraries will facilitate learning about career pathways and educational opportunities for residents at every stage of life. The library will support the continuation of knowledge and skills to build and provide opportunities outside of traditional institutional pathways. The library will provide access to information and resources, including social services, financial resources and educational programs to anchor Sarasota County's lifelong learning system.

1. The library system contributes to small businesses and entrepreneurship.
2. The library serves as the hub of the community, supporting lifelong career paths for Sarasota County's residents.

Browse Career Journeys events on the library calendar.

The Vibrant Cultural Life initiative focuses on creating, celebrating and experiencing the world-class arts and culture scene that defines Sarasota County.

With a focus on "storytelling in all its vibrant forms," Sarasota County Libraries will offer community members a variety of enlightening, enriching and entertaining experiences. The library will be the free and inclusive center of the county's cultural richness, fostering empathy and compassion to promote a variety of viewpoints, forge new cultural identities and strengthen the creative economy.

1. Residents will embrace the history of Sarasota County.
2. The library system creates an environment that nurtures arts and culture.
3. Individuals develop skills and appreciation for the performing and visual arts.
4. Residents of Sarasota County develop pride in their own culture and have a deep appreciation of others.

Browse Cultural Life events on the library calendar.