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Off the Page Literary Celebration
Literary Celebration features author talks, book signings, writing workshops, and more!
Off the Page is a literary celebration hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources throughout the month of November. Events features bestselling authors, writing workshops, and more with all 10 library locations participating.
The artist behind this year’s Off The Page illustration, Amanda Ho, is an illustrator and surface pattern designer based in Bradenton, Florida, who teaches at Ringling College of Art and Design. She holds a BFA from Brigham Young University and a MFA from Columbus College of Art and Design. She has worked for Illumination Entertainment, designing and illustrating for franchises including Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets and The Grinch. Her personal work leans towards children’s illustration, exploring the fantastical and celebrating the quiet strength of characters who are misunderstood or overlooked.
All Off the Page events are free and open to the public.
Seating for most Off the Page events is first come, first seated. Please view the events on the library calendar for registration details.
Parking is available on site, but early arrival is recommended.
Featured Events
Publishing Day and Local Author Fair
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Selby Library
1331 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236
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Join an engaging writers’ conference featuring publishing industry experts, established authors and creative writing faculty. Learn insider tips, gain practical advice and connect with professionals who can help take your writing to the next level.
Meet local authors: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Family Day
Family Day
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shannon Staub Library
4675 Career Ln, North Port, FL 34289
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Enjoy family fun with an author and illustrator, enjoy storytime, a petting zoo, crafts, and sweet treats for all ages.
11 a.m. to noon. Award-winning author-illustrator duo Heather Fox and Jonathan Stutzman, creators of the beloved A Llama series, including “Don’t Feed the Coos” and “Llama Destroys the World.”
Free ice cream starting at noon while supplies last!
View more books by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox in the Enhanced Catalog.
Browse eBooks in hoopla by Jonathan Stutzman, including illustrators such as Heather Fox (opens in a new tab).
Dapper Danielle
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Shannon Staub Library
4675 Career Ln, North Port, FL 34289
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Meet former Disney entertainer Dapper Danielle, co-author of “I Love Disney’s Magic Kingdom,” and “The Lost History of Disney World,” who will share stories about her writing and experiences as a former Disney cast member.
Featured Authors
Dalia Colón
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 2 p.m.
Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library
4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293
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Dalia Colón is an award-winning journalist, author and host of “The Zest” podcast, known for exploring Florida’s culture and cuisine through storytelling, including her book “The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook.”
Robert K. Wittman presents "Art Crime and the FBI"
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 6 p.m.
Selby Library
1331 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236
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Author of the New York Times bestseller "Priceless," shares thrilling stories from his FBI career recovering stolen art and protecting cultural heritage worldwide.
Louis P. Masur
Friday, Nov. 6 | 1:30 p.m.
North Port Library
13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
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Louis P. Masur is a Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University and an accomplished historian. His books explore American culture, politics and history, including “A Journey North” and “The Civil War: A Concise History.” His work has appeared in major national publications.
Robert K. Wittman presents "Art Crime: Frauds, Forgeries and Fakes"
Friday, Nov. 6 | 3 p.m.
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library
300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, FL 34285
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FBI agent, best-selling author, and art crime expert Robert Wittman uncovers the inside stories of the multi-billion dollar worldwide business of art crime where frauds, forgeries, and fakes are the largest component.
Anthony Horowitz
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 6 p.m.
Selby Library
1331 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236
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Anthony Horowitz is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter known for the Alex Rider series and the “Magpie Murders” novels, with a career spanning books, television and film across mystery and thriller genres.
Browse Anthony Horowitz's titles in CloudLibrary and hoopla.
John Gronski
Monday, Nov. 9 | 10:30 a.m.
Elsie Quirk Library
100 West Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223
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Major General John Gronski, U.S. Army (Retired), is an international speaker, leadership expert and author of “The Ride of Our Lives.” His memoir shares the story of a cross-country bicycle journey that shaped his life and leadership philosophy. With a distinguished 40-year military career, he brings insight, humor and practical lessons on resilience, teamwork and leadership.
Nathaniel Philbrick
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m.
Riverview Performing Arts Center
1 Ram Way, Sarasota
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General and Visitor parking lots.
First come, first seated.
Nathaniel Philbrick is a National Book Award–winning historian and bestselling author of works on maritime and early American history, including “In the Heart of the Sea” and “Travels with George.”
View Nathaniel Philbrick's books in the Enhanced Catalog.
Browse Nathaniel Philbrick's titles in CloudLibrary.
Brad Meltzer
Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.
Venice Performing Arts Center
1 Indian Ave, Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
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First come, first seated.
Brad Meltzer is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, television host and historian whose work spans thrillers, nonfiction and children’s books, including “The Viper” and “The JFK Conspiracy.”
Browse Brad Melter's titles in CloudLibrary and hoopla.
Craig Johnson
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 3 p.m.
Selby Library
1331 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236
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Craig Johnson is a New York Times bestselling author of the Longmire mystery series, including “The Cold Dish,” whose work has earned numerous awards and inspired the hit television adaptation.
Anne E. Fernald
Sunday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m.
Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S. Tamiami Trail., Sarasota, FL 34236
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Anne E. Fernald is a professor of English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Fordham University and a leading scholar of Virginia Woolf and feminist modernism. Her book “Her Own Voice” explores influential women who reshaped literature and art, bringing academic insight to a broad audience.
Dr. Phil Plait
Monday, Nov. 16 | 6 p.m.
Gulf Gate Library
7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
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Dr. Phil Plait is an astronomer and science writer known as the “Bad Astronomer,” author of “Bad Astronomy” and “Under Alien Skies,” and a leading voice in making complex space science accessible and engaging.
Gary Monroe
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 6 p.m.
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234
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Gary Monroe is an award-winning author, photographer and folklorist whose work has helped preserve Florida’s cultural history. His research on the Highwaymen artists brought national recognition to their legacy. Through books, photography and lectures, he shares the rich stories of Florida’s art and folk traditions.
Horror Authors Panel with the Horror Writers Association
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 4 p.m.
North Port Library
13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
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Step into the world of horror with professional writers from the Horror Writers
Association’s Southwest Florida chapter. Hear readings from published works and
explore the craft behind the chills during a live panel discussion.
The Horror Writers Association is a long-standing international organization of professional writers in the horror genre. The only Florida chapter of this organization is based in southwest Florida.
Phyllis Biffle Elmore
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 4 p.m.
Fruitville Library
100 Apex Rd., Sarasota, FL 34240
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Phyllis Biffle Elmore is an award-winning author, veteran and textile artist whose work explores personal history, military service and the legacy of quilt and fiber arts, including her acclaimed memoir “Quilt of Souls.”
Kate Quinn
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 6 p.m.
Venice Community Center
326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, FL 34285
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Kate Quinn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, known for “The Alice Network,” “The Rose Code” and “The Astral Library,” bringing history to life through character-driven storytelling.
Off the Page Programs
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Funding is provided in part through a Florida Humanities Book Festival Grant with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources and the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.