Situated along the shores of Little Sarasota Bay, the Elling Eide Center is a research library, scholarly retreat, and 72-acre nature preserve dedicated to advancing the study of Medieval China, Inner Asia, and the Environment. Home to one of the nation’s most significant private collections of East Asian literature, the Center welcomes researchers from around the world to conduct library research, collaborate on translation projects, participate in training workshops, and present public lectures.

Our mission is to advance scholarly research in the humanities, focusing on Medieval China and Inner Asia, and in environmental studies. 

Our vision is to cultivate the unique strengths of our natural setting and library to encourage research and education that benefit communities worldwide.

• Named for its founder, Elling Oliver Eide (1935–2012), the private, independent, non-circulating research library houses an exceptional collection of rare books, manuscripts, archives, artwork, artifacts, ephemera, audiovisual materials, works on paper, and other unique resources.

• Surrounding the Library is a 72-acre acre private research preserve featuring imperiled coastal habitats and wildlife.  The public may visit the Eide Center by invitation only, either by volunteering or by participating in scheduled programs.

Want to learn more and contribute to our mission? Visit EideCenter.org

8000 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
(941) 921-4304