What’s What at Local Libraries | December 2024

Check out special events and some ongoing programs. Find a new book or a new hobby perhaps. Access library websites and explore on your own

The library is a place to turn to. A magnet of resources meant to meet the needs of the community.

BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey

It is times like we have been through and time to come when we realize the importance of local libraries. The library is a place to turn to. A magnet of resources meant to meet the needs of the community. A place, to pick up a new read that might introduce you to a new world, but also to look for a job, learn a language, a craft, a musical instrument. It is a place that promotes the arts by hosting small concerts and classes on painting, pottery, sewing, and more.

It is a place where you can read the newspaper for nothing or sign up for free video streaming services or an online or in-person foreign language class. Where you can learn how to garden the Florida way and check out a packet of seeds to get you started. Watch a movie with others. Hear a lecture on local history or what’s going on in space.

Most of all it is a place to build community – a place to get back to if you haven’t been for awhile. to walk on in for the very first time.

Check out some of what’s happening on the calendar below and find links to local branches so you can explore other offerings on your own.



SPECIAL EVENTS



Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown NPR

Enjoy products from local organic growers in an open-air courtyard, and learn about growing and preparing your own. Hear interesting lectures, view demos and check out non-GMO, heirloom seeds at your NPR Library Seed Bank.

No charge to attend. Now accepting EBT/SNAP benefits! Visit Tasty Tuesdays Facebook Page for info about each week’s specialties.


To Infinity and Beyond! 5:30 – 7: 30 p.m. Thursday, December 5 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR | All Ages

Join NASA Solar System Ambassador James Paradise for an exciting discussion on the latest advancements in space exploration and a glimpse into the possibilities of our interstellar future

Learn more about James Paradise here.


New Port Richey Library Riverside Concert Series “The Sounds of Sinatra”, 6 p.m. December 13 in Sims Park in downtown NPR

The music series closes 2024 with a terrific Frank Sinatra tribute from Brooklyn native, Bill Stabile. 

Count on hearing the hits of Frank Sinatra in this show entitled, “Songs of Sinatra – A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes”. During his performance, Bill reflects upon the musical career and personal life of the legendary singer. He incorporates Sinatra’s style, swagger, and mannerisms in a way that makes it a fun event for all! This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Please feel free to bring your own camp chair or blanket for seating. 


Saturday Sounds | The Boxers, 7 p.m. Saturday, December 21 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | $13

This brother duo meticulously recreates the iconic look and sound of a Simon and Garfunkel concert experience. Tickets are on sale for $13 + taxes and fees. Seating is general admission- first come, first seated. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/SRTheatreTickets.



ONGOING PROGRAMS



For the body and the mind…..

  • Exploring Movement & Meditation, 5:15 – 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Regency Park Library in NPR.
  • Kids Yoga, 11 – 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the NPR Public Library.
  • Mindful Chair Yoga, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursdays at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
  • Midday Meditation, 1 – 2 p.m. Fridays at the NPR Public Library.

Join a Club…..

  • Walk & Talk Club, 10 – 11 a.m. Mondays at the NPR Public Library.
  • Chess Club, 4:30 – 6: 30 p.m. Mondays at the NPR Public Library.
  • Tiara Club, jewelry making – 2 – 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 4 at the South Holiday Library

Learn or practice a language…

  • Let’s Speak French, 6 p.m. Monday, December 7 at the Regency Park Library in NPR. Adults.
  • Fun French for Kids, 4 p.m. Monday, December 16 & 30 at the Regency Park Library in NPR.
  • English Next Level, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the NPR Public Library. Learn English at your library! This instructional class is geared toward advanced beginners or newly intermediate English speakers. Please note that this class is led by volunteers, and it is not a certified ESOL / ESL course.
  • Gluten Tag, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fridays at the NPR Public Library. Practice your German language skills in an informal and friendly group setting. This group is self-led.
  • Mandarin Chinese, 1 – 3 p.m. Fridays at the NPR Public Library. Practice your Mandarin Chinese language skills in an informal and friendly group setting. This group is self-led; the class will be led via conversation practice and not with an instructor.

Gardening

  • Master Gardener Seminar: How to Build a Raised Bed, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 9 at the Regency Park Library in NPR.
  • UF/IFAS Master Gardeners | Caring For Holiday Plants, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 17 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR
  • Master Gardener Seminar | Caring for Holiday Plants, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, December 18 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
  • Plant Parent Club, 6 – 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa. Join fellow plant lovers to discuss houseplant topics, swap cuttings, and create plant-themed crafts!

Career and job search help….

  • Career Source, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. Join Career Source for assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interviewing preparation, EmployFlorida assistance, and more.
  • Tech Help, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown NPR. Tech-savvy staff members and volunteers will help you get the most out of your technology. From social media to editing documents and more. Registration is required, Register for a half-hour session online, over the phone, or in person.



WEST PASCO LIBRARY BRANCHES



Pasco County Libraries Website
New Port Richey Public Library Website

  • Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road
    Holiday. (727) 834-3204
  • Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road
    Hudson. (727) 861-3040
  • New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. (727) 853-1279
  • Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road
    New Port Richey, (727) 861-3049.
  • South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive
    Holiday. (727) 834-3331.
  • Starkey Ranch Library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. : 727-815-7126


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