Sarasota County's library system is replacing its early literacy program with a new one that opens with otters picking their favorite books on live video.

Little Otter's Big Reading Adventure launches Monday, Sept. 28, replacing the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announced Sept. 21. The new program targets children from birth to age 6 and their families.

Kids earn a prize for each completed log. Those who finish all 20 receive a book and a certificate.

The library system said the switch is meant to make participation easier to track and progress more fun to celebrate. Instead of logging individual book titles, families work through 20 reading logs that combine books with early literacy activities.

To mark the kickoff, Mote Marine will stream a live otter demonstration at 11 a.m. Sept. 28. Two otters will choose their favorite books while a biologist shares facts about them. Families can watch at participating library branches, including Osprey Library and Shannon Staub Library, or tune in on Zoom. ABC7 Sarasota reported the demonstration will originate from Mote SEA Aquarium, Mote Marine's science education facility in Sarasota.

Dr. Renée Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, said the program aims to strengthen family reading habits and build early literacy skills from an early age. "Little Otter's Big Reading Adventure gives families a fun, encouraging way to make reading and learning part of their everyday lives," Di Pilato said in the announcement.

Registration is open now. Families can sign up at any Sarasota County library branch. Children registered by the end of the day Monday, Sept. 28, will be entered into a prize drawing.

For more information, families can visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/littles or call 311 or 941-861-5000.

Upcoming:

• Monday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. — Little Otter's Big Reading Adventure launch and live Mote Marine otter demonstration, streamed at Osprey Library, Shannon Staub Library and other participating branches, plus Zoom. Registration open at all Sarasota County library locations.