Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources has announced it's 2025 "One Book, One Community" selection: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

Sarasota County's One Book program aims to bring residents together by fostering a  shared love of reading, with discussions and events around a single book. Each year, a selection committee chooses a book and invites the author to participate in community events, while libraries host related programming. 

This year’s selection, Van Pelt's much-lauded debut novel, is the unique story of Marcellus, a clever octopus, and his unexpected friendship with a grieving widow. Van Pelt will attend two community events in person on Friday, March 14: one at 10:30 a.m. at North Port Performing Arts Center (6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port); and one a  7 p.m. at Selby Library (1331 First St., Sarasota).

Throughout March 2025, all Sarasota County libraries will host events and programs inspired by the book, including educational activities, book club discussions, special events and educational activities. Companion book selections for children and teens will also be available to engage young readers.

"Remarkably Bright Creatures celebrates the beauty of unlikely friendships and the wonders of the natural world," says Renee Di Pilato, Sarasota County's director of libraries and historical resources. "It's a story that will spark meaningful conversations across our community while encouraging readers to see the world from a new perspective."

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit sarasotacountylibraries.org/onebook or call 311.