FOVL Proud to Be Lead Sponsor of Off the Page 2026
This November, book lovers across Sarasota County will gather for the annual Off the Page Literary Celebration, and the Friends of the Venice Public Library (FOVL) is honored to be the lead sponsor once again!
What is Off the Page?
Hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, Off the Page is a month-long literary festival featuring bestselling authors, writing workshops, book signings and more. All 10 library locations take part, and every event is free and open to the public.
The festival kicks off Sunday, Nov. 1 with Publishing Day and Local Author Fair at Selby Library, a writers' conference with publishing industry experts, established authors and creative writing faculty. Featured authors this year include Anthony Horowitz, Brad Meltzer, Nathaniel Philbrick and Kate Quinn.
Why FOVL Is Proud to Be Involved
As longtime advocates for the Venice community and the William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library, FOVL believes in the power of libraries and literature to educate, inspire and connect people. Our sponsorship helps bring top literary talent to our area and keeps Off the Page events free for everyone.
That support is made possible by our members, donors, volunteers and bookstore shoppers. Thank you!
Off the Page in Venice
Three Off the Page events are coming to Venice this year:
Robert K. Wittman, "Art Crime: Frauds, Forgeries and Fakes"
Friday, Nov. 6, 3 pm | William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S.
FBI agent, bestselling author and art crime expert Robert Wittman shares inside stories from the multibillion-dollar world of art crime, where frauds, forgeries and fakes make up the biggest part of the business.
Brad Meltzer
Friday, Nov. 13, 7 pm | Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5
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."
Kate Quinn
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 pm | Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Quinn brings history to life in novels like "The Alice Network," "The Rose Code" and "The Astral Library."
Seating for most Off the Page events is first come, first seated, so plan to arrive early.
Join Us in Celebrating Literature
Whether you're a reader, an aspiring writer or simply someone who loves stories, there's something for you at Off the Page. Mark your calendar, explore the full schedule and join us at the events right here in Venice.
See the full Off the Page lineup: sarasotacountylibraries.org/my-library/events/off-the-page
Love your library? Become a Friend: venicefriends.org/support-friends
