To mark the 20th anniversary of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is hosting a free event for the community on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at 2801 Newtown Blvd. The celebration will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including a keynote address, ribbon-cutting ceremony, live entertainment, children’s activities and community exhibits. The library has been a pillar of the community since its establishment in 2003, evolving from a mobile library initiative led by Betty J. Johnson.  Johnson, who served the Sarasota County community for nearly 40 years at the Selby Library, is passionate about youth literacy and was instrumental in creating a permanent library in Newtown. With the support of the Friends of the Library, Johnson secured a $10,000 grant in 1979 to start a mobile library service, which ultimately grew into the North Sarasota Library. In recognition of her invaluable contributions, the Sarasota County Commission renamed the library as the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library in 2019. The library also honors the legacy of Dr. Edward James II, a beloved community leader who was a strong advocate for North Sarasota. In 2018, the library’s meeting room was named in his memory, recognizing his voice and support for the community. For more information, please visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 311 or 941-861-1110.