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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 include author talks and book signings by bestselling authors, writing workshops, and more with all 10 library locations participating and partner locations, Ringling College of Art and Design.
Every year a new artist is selected to create the Off the Page illustration. The 2025 illustration was created by Jenin Mohammed, who was born and raised in Miramar, Florida. A graduate of UCF’s Character Animation program, Jenin officially broke into children’s publishing after winning the 2020 Summer Spectacular Illustration Grand Prize. A fan of humor, she draws the slice-of-life comic Knot Write Now.
2026 Featured Authors and Events
Dalia Colón
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 2 p.m.
Gulf Gate Library
7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
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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 Venice 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.
Maj. 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 | 3 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.”
Browse Nathaniel Philbrick's titles in CloudLibrary.
Brad Meltzer
Friday, Nov. 13 | 6 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
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 6 p.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. 13 | 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
Monday, Nov. 16 | 6 p.m.
Gulf Gate Library
7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
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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.
Family, Youth, Tween and Teen events
Family Day
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shannon Staub Library
4675 Career Ln, North Port, FL 34289
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Enjoy a full day of family fun with 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.”
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.
Plus, enjoy storytime, a petting zoo, crafts, and sweet treats for all ages. Free ice cream while supplies last!
Browse eBooks in hoopla by Jonathan Stutzman, including illustrators such as Heather Fox (opens in a new tab).
Writing Workshops
Publishing Day
Details are coming soon.Join an exciting writer’s conference—meet publishing experts, swap books, and take your writing to the next level at the Off the Page literary celebration kickoff featuring publishing industry professionals and instructors from Ringling College of Art and Design.
Off the Page Programs
Browse our past programs with our featured authors, presenters and events.
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Funding is provided in part through a Florida Humanities Book Festival Grant with funds from the Jacarlene Foundation 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 Jacarlene Foundation.