Plan a book date for Valentine's Day on Longboat Key

Longboat Library is bringing back its annual book sale on Feb. 14, which organizers say is the perfect time for couples to make a book date.

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. January 30, 2026

Mary Baker, board president of the Longboat Library, says guests can plan a fun book date for Valentine's Day to shop the annual sale.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

What better date is there for a book lover than an afternoon of shopping deals and making a lobster picnic on Longboat Key?

None, according to the team at the Longboat Library. Staff have planned the library's annual book sale for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 on the library lawn.

Mary Baker, the library's board president, said they are glad to once again host the annual sale after having a hiatus last year while the island recovered from the hurricanes.

Now, especially with the need to start downsizing the library collection in anticipation of the new public library coming to the Key, they are happy to bring back the sale.

The Longboat Library annual book sale on Feb. 14 will feature a wide selection of nonfiction and fiction titles.

"This year, because of the new library that's coming, we're starting to downsize some of our permanent collection that's not normally included," she said.

Baker said visitors will be able to find some exceptionally nice finds amid the downsizing, especially for art and local interest books. There will be an extensive selection for both nonfiction and fiction fans, including an impressive array of $1 cookbooks, she said.

Most books will be priced under $3. Proceeds will benefit Save Our Seabirds.

"The prices are going to be really good," she said. "Most paperback books will be a dollar, and hardback books will be two dollars."

Those planning to make a date of it can grab lunch from The Maine Line food truck, which offers lobster rolls, chowder, sandwiches, whoopie pies and more.

Construction is set to begin on the new Sarasota County-run library in 2027. Until then, Baker said the private library plans to keep operating so there isn't a gap in library availability for residents. Baker said she hopes they can offer some books in a "Friends of" book shop as part of the new public library.

The library is located at 555 Bay Isles Road. If weather is poor, the sale will be rescheduled to Feb. 15. Visit LongboatLibrary.org or call 941-383-2011 with questions.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.