Mote Marine otters help launch new library reading initiative
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources will launch a new early literacy initiative, Little Otter’s Big Reading Adventure, on Sept. 28.
The initiative encourages children up to age 6 and their families to read together and build early literacy skills. To celebrate the launch, a live otter demonstration from Mote Marine Aquarium will be streamed at 11 a.m. Two otters will choose their favorite books, and a biologist will share facts about the animals. Families can watch the demonstration at participating Sarasota County libraries, including Osprey Library and Shannon Staub Library, or join the livestream on Zoom.
Families can register young readers for Little Otter’s Big Reading Adventure at any Sarasota County library. Children registered
by the end of the day on Sept. 28 will be entered to win a prize.
“Reading together at an early age helps families create meaningful connections while building skills children will carry with them as they grow,” said Dr. Renée Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries. “Little Otter’s Big Reading Adventure gives families a fun, encouraging way to make reading and learning part of their everyday lives.”
Little Otter’s Big Reading Adventure is replacing 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten with a new format designed to make participation and progress easier to track. Additional events and viewing opportunities are available on the library event calendar. For more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/littles or call 311 or 941-861-5000.
Patti Smith returning to Selby for tribute to Emily Dickinson
Selby Gardens Artist in Residence Patti Smith returns to Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. for a special performance honoring poet Emily Dickinson.
The one-hour performance, An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to Emily Dickinson, is in celebration of the upcoming exhibition, New Feet Within my Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson, that debuts on Nov. 21 at Historic Spanish Point.
“It is a true privilege to welcome Patti Smith back to Selby Gardens. Her singular voice and extraordinary artistry have a remarkable ability to connect us with poetry, with nature, and with the world around us," Selby Gardens CEO Jennifer Rominiecki said.
Smith, well known as the "Godmother of Punk" rock music, is making her eighth visit to Selby Gardens, where she combines public readings and performances with private time for creative inspiration. To purchase tickets, or to become a Selby Gardens member, visit selby.org.
New College's speaker series puts focus on civil discourse
New College of Florida recently announced the fall schedule for its Markovitz Socratic Stage public speaker series, a forum for conversation and civil discourse that connects audiences with leading intellectuals, scholars, jurists and national figures.
The schedule includes American education, artificial intelligence, family and human relationships, and leadership and the legacy of Andrew Jackson. All events begin at 6 p.m. at Sainer Auditorium, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
“The Markovitz Socratic Stage is the intellectual heartbeat of our region,” New College President Richard Corcoran said. “Our Fall 2026 lineup will challenge our perspectives and spark the kinds of energetic, civil debates that define a true liberal arts education.”
The schedule includes:
• Sept. 30, Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence and the Law. Featuring Judge Roy K. Altman and Dr. Stuart Altshuler.
• Oct. 1, The Jeffersonian Revolution of 1800. America 250 Faculty Series featuring Dr. John A. Ragosta and Dr. Brian Steele.
• Oct. 13, What Happened to American Education? Featuring Erika Donalds and President Richard Corcoran.
• Nov. 12, Andrew Jackson: The Sage of the Hermitage. America 250 Faculty Series. Speakers to be announced.
• Nov. 17, AI and Society: Law, Health and Consequences. Featuring Dr. Scott Atlas, with additional speakers TBA.
• Dec. 1, The End of Families? AI, Robots and the Boundaries of Human Relationships. Featuring Dr. Kathleen Richardson.
• Dec. 9, From CEO to the Age of AI: Leadership Lessons and a Look Ahead. Featuring Brian Cornell and Dr. Toby Wade.
“Our responsibility is not to tell people what to think,” Corcoran said. “It is to create the room where people can examine evidence, hear arguments they may not expect and engage one another with respect.”
For more information on programs, speakers and registration, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage.
Around and about
· The fourth annual Walk For Alopecia presented by Pfizer is Sept. 26 at Imagine School in North Port. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m. The event supports research for better treatments and a cure for this autoimmune disease. Visit naaf.org/walk.
· The 2026-27 Sarasota Jewish Chorale musical season is underway and the organization is seeking more singers. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings. For information, contact Herb Fox, president, herbfox61@gmail.com, or Marcy Miller, membership chair, marcymiller8081@gmail.com.
· Nik Wallenda's Wonderland Circus is seeking community support to provide free tickets for Sarasota-Manatee children in Title I schools, underserved families, first responders, and local charities. The circus is scheduled Nov. 21 through Jan. 2. Visit nikwallendafamilyfoundation.org.
· America's Boating Club is offering its eight-hour America's Safe Boating Class for free on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. Each four-hour class begins at 8:30 a.m. at Venice Police Station, 1575 E. Venice Ave. To get registered and qualify for the free classes, call 941-244-8331.
· Tickets are on sale for All Faiths Food Bank's 20th annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Ed Smith Stadium (2700 12th St., Sarasota). The event supports the fight against food insecurity in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available by visiting allfaithsfoodbank.org/bowls-of-hope.
· The Sarasota Players has launched a six-month fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 for essential renovations to its new home, Payne Park Auditorium. Corporate, business, and community members can all contribute directly to the longevity of Sarasota’s first performing arts organization. Information about naming opportunities is coming soon; new seats are already available for $250. To learn more, visit theplayers.org/PayneParkSprint or contact The Sarasota Players at 941-365-2494.
Submissions by Sarasota County Government, Nancy Seijas-Kipnis, Jamie Miller, Laura Crum, Robin Williams, Jesse Biter, Tim McGarr, Sharon Kunkel, and Amanda Heisey.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: For new Sarasota Libraries initiative, Mote Marine's otters go to work
