Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announce, “All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me,” by Patrick Bringley, as the 2026 “One Book, One Community” selection.
Patrick Bringley found himself needing to escape the mundane clamor of daily life, so he quit The New Yorker and sought solace in the most beautiful place he knew. He became a security guard – a ghost, silent and almost invisible – but soon found his voice and his tribe: the artwork, and their creators, and the lively subculture of the other guards. He came to understand how fortunate he was to be walled off in this little world, and how much it resembled the best aspects of the larger world to which he gradually and gratefully returned.
“We know that Sarasota County is a community that appreciates art,” said Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Dr. Renee Di Pilato. “Patrick Bringley’s book, ‘All the Beauty in the World,’ illustrates how art can connect with each person, individually, while bringing people together when they least expect it.”
Throughout the years, the One Book committee has selected the title and hosted public events with the author and readers. The selections have recognized local authors, as well as national and world-renowned writers. The committee started with over 30 titles, eventually selecting five top recommendations, which included “Bite by Bite” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, “Arsenic and Adobo” by Mia P. Manansala, “Under Alien Skies” by Philip Plait, and “Unraveling” by Peggy Orenstein.
The annual events surrounding One Book include programs at county libraries and other venues. The entire community can participate by attending a library event or hosting their own book discussion.
For the 2026 One Book season, “All the Beauty in the World” author Patrick Bringley will be speaking on Friday, March 6, 2026, at two separate events:
10:30 a.m., at Suncoast Technical College Conference Center, 4445 Career Lane, North Port, which is adjacent to the Shannon Staub Library.
7 p.m., at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota.
Both events are free and open to the public. No registration required. First come, first seated. Questions? Visit scgovlibrary.libanswers.com or call 941-861-1110
