The 5th annual Storybook Street swept through Ed Smith Stadium in February 2025 with a record-breaking crowd and an unforgettable morning of literacy, creativity, and community spirit. This open, first-come, first-served event reached capacity within just 30 minutes, as more than 1,100 attendees filled the beloved ballpark, eager to explore the immersive world of books, arts, and science. Families traveled from six surrounding counties to take part in this one-of-a-kind experience. Created and hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County (ELC), this free, family-friendly event is designed for children ages birth to seven. Distributing an incredible 8,000 books, the ELC helped build home libraries and inspire a lifelong love of reading in young children. With the help of 18 arts & science partners and 50 volunteers, families experienced hands-on activities, live performances, and interactive exhibits that brought books to life. Pulling off an event of this scale is an incredible feat for such a small coalition—a dedicated team of just 20 staff members. Their passion and commitment to early literacy continue to make a lasting impact on our area’s littlest learners. The overwhelming enthusiasm for Storybook Street confirmed its status as a must-attend event for families with little ones. Due to the unprecedented demand, organizers have already pivoted in planning for next year to find ways to serve more families as the event heads to south Sarasota County in 2026.

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