It’s getting toward the end of the school year, which means the Summer Library Reading programs will be kicking off this month, offering a variety of activities meant to stem what many educators call the “summer slide.”
Be sure to sign up, whether you are a kid or an adult, at the New Port Richey Library, as that reading challenge is open to all ages and typically comes with some fun giveaways.
Other special events include the annual Monarch Festival at the New Port Richey Library and an Author’s Fest at the Starkey Ranch Library. Add to that a Touch-a-Truck Event and an American Sign Language Social and special Summer Program kick-off events at most branches.
Scroll down or access the Quick Search feature below to find events and programs by category.
Be sure to explore on your own by accessing the New Port Richey Public Library website here, which has been delightfully updated as of late, and the Pasco County Libraries website here.
QUICK SEARCH
Special Events & Programs – This Month
Arts | Crafts
Body & Mind
Career and Computer Assistance
Clubs
Health
Language Classes
Library Master Gardener Programs
Tasty Tuesdays Market @ NPR Library
Special Events & Programs
New Port Richey Monarch Festival, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in the center courtyard at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown NPR | Free
Featuring educational and fun activities for all ages, including presentations by the “Milkweed Man” and the Sierra Club, Kids Yoga by Flow Yoga Studios, face painting, arts and crafts by the Pasco Fine Arts Council, sidewalk chalk, and additional vendors with butterfly art.
Authors Fest, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Starky Ranch Library in Odessa | Free
Enjoy captivating storytimes, meet talented local authors, and take part in engaging workshops. Whether you’re an avid reader or an aspiring writer, there’s something for everyone.
For information on this and other events, visit the Starkey Ranch Library events page here.
Pasco’s Own Cotee River: Headwaters to the Gulf, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR
Come out for this fun and informative presentation on the magic of the Pithlachascotee River, led by New Port Richey resident and Sierra Club member Linda Blake, M.S. Ed.
Be sure to stick around to meet some of the river’s wild residents. Friends from Heart of the Wild will be bringing along a variety of reptiles, including a friendly (and colorful) corn snake. For information on this and other events, visit the NPR Library event page here.
Monday Matinee Movie – The Unbreakable Boy, 2 – 5 p.m. Monday, May 19 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | For adults
Bring your own refreshments if you would like to this monthly offering. The library will provide popcorn.
ASL Social, 12 – 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Free
This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other sign language users. We will provide refreshments and board games for your enjoyment. Please refrain from speaking and use sign language. For information on this and other events, visit the Starkey Ranch Library events page here.
New Port Richey Library Touch a Truck, Hurricane Expo Summer Program Kickoff, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at the New Port Richey Library/City Hall in downtown NPR | Free
Check out some big rig trucks and equipment, and pick up some info on hurricane preparedness. Sign up for the Summer Library Challenge and enjoy kids’ activities, food vendors, and giveaways.
For more information on this and other NPR Library programs, visit nprlibrary.org.
Bubbles and Foam Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
Come play in a sea of continuously flowing foam and cool off under a giant dinosaur sprinkler! There will be additional activities for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t forget a swimsuit and a towel.
Once Upon a Summer Reading Quest Kick-Off Party, 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey
Sign up for the Summer Reading Program and enjoy a family storytime & dance party, cooking demos, games, and crafts
Arts | Crafts
- Learn to Paint & Draw Better, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
- Stitched Together Kitting & Crochet Club, 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
- Creative Coloring for Adults, 2 p.m. Fridays at the South Holiday Library.
- Photography Workshop, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Satruday, May 10 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa. Learn how to expose a photograph correctly and use the right shutter speed to take photos of wildlife in action. All skill levels welcome. Please bring your camera and manual for this class. Ages 16+ . For information or to register, visit the Starkey Ranch Library events page here.
- Pottery for Beginners, 2-4 p.m. Satruday, May 24 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
- Paint the Zodiac, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the NPR Library. Celebrate the zodiac each month with an art creation inspired by this month’s astrological sign. For teens and adults. Registration is highly suggested.
Body and Mind
- Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. most Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
- Exploring Movement & Meditation, 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey.
- Kids Yoga, 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
- Saturday Sound, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the NPR Library. Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that uses sound frequencies to promote physical and emotional well-being. By harnessing the vibrations that make up everything in the universe, this technique aims to balance and harmonize your body’s energy. Registration required.
Career Assistance Programs
- Career Source, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
- Tech Topics, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Register in advance for these classes to learn how to use email, word programs, social media, and more. Teens and adults.
- Tech Help Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursdays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Tech-savvy staff members and volunteers will help you get the most out of your technology. From social media to editing documents. Register in advance.
Clubs
Most branches host book clubs of various sorts on a regular basis and those looking should explore the offerings at their local branch. Below, find some clubs that might seem a bit out of the ordinary to those who have not visited in a while.
- Poetry Club, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 5 at the New Port Richey Public Library. For adults.
- Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
- Chess Club, 3:30 – 5:30, Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library. All ages.
Health
- Medicare Basics with SHINE, 10 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at the New Port Richey Public Library. Visit the NPR Library Event Calendar for more info.
- Bay Care Health Screening, 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey. This includes lipid screenings with Blood Pressure, Lipid, BMI, and Glucose checks (all done via finger sticks). Walk-ins are welcome.
Language Classes
Pasco County Libraries System-Wide Virtual Classes
- English Conversation Group, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 -11:30 a.m. Fridays. This is a fun, casual atmosphere to practice and improve your English. Speakers of all levels are welcome. We have a new topic for every meeting. The class will be hosted by Claudia from the South Holiday Library on Zoom. Intended for adults. Please email the South Holiday Library, sh@pascolibraries.org, for more information and to register. Registration required.
- English for Beginners, 10 – 11 a.m. Saturdays. Basic topics such as greetings, simple conversations, and basic grammar. This is an adult class. The class is held on Zoom. Please email the South Holiday Library, sh@pascolibraries.org, to sign up. Registration required.
New Port Richey Library Language Offerings
Local libraries offer ongoing virtual and onsite language classes. Patrons are also welcome to learn on their own through language apps they can access for free through county and city library systems.
- English Next Level, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Improve your English skills at the Library! Enjoy a supportive environment to practice conversation and build confidence in your language abilities. This class is designed for those who already know the basics of English and want to improve their grammar and communication skills. Please note that this class is led by volunteers and is not a certified ESOL / ESL course
- Guten Tag!, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. most Fridays at the New Port Richey Library. Practice your German language skills in an informal and friendly group setting. This group is self-led; class will be led via conversation practice and not with an instructor.
- Mandarin Chinese, 1:30 – 3 p.m. most Fridays at the New Port Richey 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 Programs
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | What to do with my Orchid Now, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Basic Vegetable Gardening, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Pollinator Garden in a Pot, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at the Zephyrhills Public Library
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Plants & Pets, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the New River Library in Wesley Chapel
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Exploring the Vital Role of Florida Mangroves, 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 19 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Floriography, 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 19 at the Daniel A Cannon Memorial Library in St. Leo
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Plants & Pets, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at the New River Port Richey Public Library
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | All About Elderberry, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Rain Barrel Workshop, 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the New River Branch Library in Wesley Chapel | $65
- UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Soil to Boil Herbal Tea Blending Class with Native Florida Plants, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market
The weekly market is located in the courtyard of the New Port Richey Public Library at 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey. The market is open every Tuesday, rain or shine, from am to pm. Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods and foods, hand-made items, and more.
You never know what you’ll find: organic produce, plants, bread, honey, eggs, coffee, skincare, etc. Get to know your growers, ask questions, and learn from their experience
Check out other local markets in the What’s What NPR Market Days Section
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