Selby Library
About
Selby Library in downtown Sarasota offers families a peaceful, air-conditioned retreat with so much more than just books. Kids will love the extensive children's section filled with colorful displays, while parents can enjoy the stunning bay views from the reading areas. The library hosts regular story times and educational programs that make learning fun and interactive.
Highlights
- ✓Engaging story time sessions with animated readers and interactive songs
- ✓Spacious children's section with age-appropriate books and comfortable reading nooks
- ✓Free computer access with educational games and learning software
- ✓Beautiful Sarasota Bay views from reading areas
- ✓Regular educational programs including crafts, science activities, and summer reading challenges
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early for story time programs as they fill up quickly, especially during summer and school breaks
- 2.Check the library's online calendar before visiting to catch special events like puppet shows, STEM activities, or visiting authors
- 3.The bay-view reading areas make perfect quiet spots for older kids to work on homework while younger siblings explore the children's section
- 4.Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, but can be tight during weekday evenings when the library is busiest
- 5.Bring library cards from home or sign up for free cards on-site - borrowing limits are generous and include digital resources
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings (10:00 AM - noon) are ideal for story times and programs while avoiding weekday crowds. Weekday late afternoons (4:00-6:00 PM) get busy with after-school visitors, so midday visits offer a quieter experience.
What to Know
The library is completely free to visit and use. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. While there's no café inside, the downtown location means plenty of nearby restaurants for before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs (June-August) offer extra activities and prizes for kids. The library is closed Sundays year-round. Holiday hours may vary, so check ahead for Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.
Nearby Eats
O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill (0.2 miles away) offers casual waterfront dining with a kids' menu and outdoor seating. For a quick bite, Marina Jack (0.3 miles) has family-friendly options with spectacular bay views.
More Activities Near Sarasota
Ca' d'Zan
Ca' d'Zan, the magnificent 56-room mansion built by circus magnate John Ringling, transports families back to the glamorous 1920s with its stunning Venetian Gothic architecture and waterfront setting. Kids fascinated by history, architecture, or circus lore will be captivated by the ornate rooms, colorful tile work, grand tower with panoramic bay views, and stories of how circus royalty once lived in this breathtaking palace.
Premier Escape Adventures
Premier Escape Adventures offers immersive, family-friendly escape room experiences that get kids and parents working together to solve puzzles and crack codes. With multiple themed rooms designed to accommodate various skill levels, it's the perfect rainy day activity or special occasion celebration that challenges young minds while keeping everyone entertained for an hour of pure problem-solving fun.
The Florida Center for Early Childhood
The Florida Center for Early Childhood offers a unique hands-on learning experience where kids can explore sustainability through interactive aquaponics systems, renewable energy demonstrations, and ecological activities. This hidden gem in Sarasota combines education with entertainment, making environmental science accessible and exciting for young learners through touch-and-see exhibits.
Celery Fields
Celery Fields is Sarasota's hidden gem for families who love nature and wildlife. With its easy, stroller-friendly boardwalks, tall observation towers that kids can climb, and the chance to spot dozens of bird species plus alligators and turtles, it's an outdoor adventure that feels like a mini safari right in your backyard. The flat, paved trails make it accessible for all ages, while the elevated viewing platforms turn wildlife watching into an exciting scavenger hunt.