Storybook Street

On February 8, 2025, our 5th annual Storybook Street swept through Ed Smith Stadium with a record-breaking crowd and an unforgettable morning of literacy, creativity, and community spirit. This open, first-come, first-serve 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), our free, family-friendly event is designed for children ages birth to seven. Distributing an incredible 8,000 books total, the ELC helped build home libraries and instill a love of reading by offering 20 books per family. 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 and implement a pre-registration system as the event heads to south Sarasota County in 2026.

For ways to help fuel the ELC’s year-round literacy efforts, visit: https://earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org/services/for-families/volunteer

Click here to check out photos from Storybook Street 2025: