What’s Happening at Local Libraries | August 2026

Check out some of what's happening at local libraries

July 28, 2026 michele525 ABOVE THE FOLD, CALENDARS | ARCHIVES, DIVERSIONS | THINGS TO DO, LIBRARY EVENTS 0

August 2026

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

It’s about more than just the books – though for many that’s the best part about local libraries. Especially when you get your receipt from the library showing how much money you saved by borrowing, rather than buying your books. Cha Ching$$

But there is so much more going on at these community hubs. Borrow a book, a DVD, or access a computer. Learn a new hobby. Join a club. Attend a cooking seminar. Try a new language. Attend a gardening event. “Borrow” some vegetable seeds. Take a yoga or tai chi class. Try your hand at the pottery wheel or a drawing class. Attend a concert. Play the ukulele. Learn a thing or two about Medicare.

That’s just a taste of some of the programs your local library offers. Scroll down for some special events and ongoing programs. Or access the Pasco County or New Port Richey Library websites directly at the links below.

 Pasco County library card gives you access to all branches across Pasco County, New Port Richey, Pinellas County, Hernando County, and other libraries, providing an extensive selection of books, technology resources, classes, seminars, and other enrichment programs.

Be sure to explore local libraries on your own online by accessing the New Port Richey Public Library website here and the Pasco County Libraries website here.

SPECIAL EVENTS
BODY & MIND
BOOK CLUBS
CAREER & TECH HELP
CLUBS | ONGOING
GARDENING | HORTICULTURE
LEARN A LANGUAGE
MUSIC & ART PROGRAMS
STORYTIMES
StoryWalk®

Laughter Yoga, 3 – 4 p.m. Sunday, August 2 at the Starkey Ranch Library. Victoria Dym, author and Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, will lead the group in this intro to Laughter Yoga session | For adults

Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh Out Loud, without relying on humor, jokes, or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits. No mats or special clothing; one chair per participant arranged in a circle.

Making Flavored Syrups, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 4 at the New Port Richey Library | For adults | Registration encouraged

Discover how to make your own flavored syrups! Enjoy all the flavor and none of the unhealthy additives. Leave with a sample and everything you need to make your own at home.

All supplies included. Please only register once per household.

Back to School Bash, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, August 8 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey

Join us for a fun and exciting Back to School Bash as we get ready for the new school year! Kids can pick up free school supplies and decorate a backpack (while supplies last), enjoy our hands-on Touch-a-Truck experience, and take part in back-to-school photos.

Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13 at the New Port Richey Library

The Environmental Committee offers advisory opinions and recommendations to the City Council on environmental issues facing the city, serves as the planning committee for the City’s major environmental events, and explores new environmental initiatives. All meetings are open to the public.

Hurricane Prep and Evacuation Planning, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13 at the Starkey Ranch Library

Pasco County Emergency Management will present this information session on planning and preparing for a hurricane. Free and open to the public.

City of New Port Richey Cultural Affairs Meeting, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, at the New Port Richey Library | The public is welcome to attend

The Cultural Affairs Committee is an official committee of the City of New Port Richey.  The committee is composed of committed individuals who are appointed by the City Council.   Members make recommendations and advise the City Council regarding financial sponsorship and the creation and support of activities that promote the cultural education and appreciation of those who live, work, and play within the city. The Cultural Affairs Committee holds monthly meetings, and the public is invited to attend.

Saturday Sounds, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, August 22, at the New Port Richey Library. Limited to ages 18 and up. Registration is suggested and opens July 22 at 11 a.m.

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.

For information about this event and others at the New Port Richey Library, visit nprlibrary.org

Regency Park Library Community Resource Fair, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, August 29 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey

This free event brings together representatives from various organizations offering assistance in areas such as healthcare and wellness, housing and utility assistance, education and literacy programs, family and youth support, and more! Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with service providers, gather informational materials, and learn about programs that can benefit individuals and families. BayCare will be offering free health screenings, and Sertoma will provide free hearing screenings. Whether you’re seeking assistance or looking to learn more about community resources, this fair is open to all. No registration is necessary – drop by and explore the support available to you!

Get tickets to area museums and theatrical performances at Richey Suncoast for FREE with Your Library Card!!!

Check out the New Port Richey Library’s Theatre Pass Program and the Pasco County Libraries Discovery Pass Program, where you can use your library card as your ticket to the theatre! As part of the Theatre Pass Program with the Richey Suncoast Theatre, your library card will get you two tickets to a theatre show. To register, fill out the registration form for your desired showing. Seating is assigned by the Richey Suncoast Theatre. If you require special accommodations, please get in touch with the theater at 727-842-6777. Click here for info.

The Pasco County Libraries Discover Pass Program also grants two tickets to area museums, including the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Florida Holocaust Museum, the Imagine Museum, the Tampa Bay History Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete.

Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
  • Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. most Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
  • Tai Chi Gung, 2 – 3 p.m. most Tuesdays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • Kids Yoga, 11 – 11:45 a.m. most Wednesdays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • Yoga with Stacey, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, at the Starkey Ranch Library.
  • Silver Lining Social, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, August 6 and September 3 at the New Port Richey Library. Seniors in Service invites you to a Silver Lining Senior Social! Enjoy some time relaxing and mingling with neighbors and new friends.  Light refreshments available. Registration encouraged.

Health Care Events

  • Medicare 101, 10 – 11 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month at the New Port Richey Library. Followed by private one-on-one sessions. The Medicare 101 presentation conducted by the SHINE Program will provide information on the basics of Medicare with coverage that falls into four different areas called “Parts”- Medicare Part A, B, C & D, and what they mean to you. A SHINE volunteer will also be available to answer questions about each Part that holds your interest. www.floridashine.org
  • BayCare Health Screening, 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, August 14 at the Regency Park Library. Join BayCare for free health screenings. This includes lipid screenings with Blood Pressure, Lipid, BMI, and Glucose checks (all done via finger sticks). Each screening should take about 10-15 minutes per person. Walk-ins welcome.
  • BayCare Healthy Workshop Series – Health in Motion & Healthy Habits, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, August 14 and 28 at the Starkey Ranch Library. This covers the vital role of fitness in everyday life. Includes an overview of preventing chronic disease with exercise and managing weight with exercise. (30-40 min)
  • Tools to Quit: Tobacco Cessation Class, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 at the New Port Richey Library. This class, offered by the Gulf Coast North Area Health Education Center, offers education on the health effects related to tobacco use, the benefits of quitting, and what to expect when quitting.

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  • Career Source, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. Check the schedule for individual help by appointment.
  • Career Source, 10 – 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 11 at the Regency Park Library.
  • Career Source Employment Assistance, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesday, August 18 at the South Holiday Library.
  • Tech Basics, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Starkey Ranch Library. Learn about various ports on a laptop or computer and their purpose, as well as different devices that can be used through these ports, such as a mouse, HDMI, flash drive, and more.
  • Tech Help, Mondays & Thursdays 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.
The Tiara Club meets Wednesday, August 5 at the South Holiday Library
  • Walk & Talk Club, 10 – 11 a.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • Chess Club, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Mondays at the New Port Richey Library. All ages.
  • Stitched Together Knitting & Crochet Club, 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • Tiara Club, 2 – 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 5 at the South Holiday Library. Hair jewelry crafting for adults.
  • Teens & Tweens Chess Club, 3 – 5 p.m. Thursdays, July 9 and July 23 at the Starkey Ranch Branch.
  • Silver Lining Social, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursdays, August 6, and September 3 at the New Port Richey Library. Seniors in Service invites you to a Silver Lining Senior Social! Enjoy some time relaxing and mingling with neighbors and new friends.  Light refreshments available.
  • Dungeons & Dragons Club, 3 – 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 4 and 18 at the Starkey Ranch Branch.  Explore the fantastic world of Dungeons & Dragons. Character creation and all D&D-related things. You may bring your own materials, such as the Player’s Handbook, dice, and a notebook.
  • Anime Monday: Anime & Manga Club, 5 – 6 p.m. Monday, August 31, September 28, October 26. November 30 & December 28 at the New Port Richey Library. For middle and high school ages. Discuss your favorite shows, characters, and manga series, and discover new recommendations from other fans. Enjoy Japanese snacks and chat, share fan art, and explore fun activities like trivia, crafts, and more.
  • Teens & Tweens Chess Club, 3 – 5 p.m. Thursday, August 27 at the Starkey Ranch Library.
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New Port Richey FarmNet | Seeds of the Season – From Seed to Harvest, 5 p.m. Thursday, August 27 at the New Port Richey Library

New Port Richey FarmNet presents Seeds of the Season, a hands-on introduction to seasonal gardening that you can do right at home. This crash course features planting demonstrations, an overview of regenerative gardening practices, DIY starter kits, and more to help you get ready for the autumn growing season

New Port Richey Library has a Seed Borrowing Program and also hosts a weekly community market called Tasty Tuesdays

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, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods, hand-made items, and more.

Garden Groove | Horticulture Events & Programs, August 2026
  • English Basic Skills – Zoom, 10 – 11 a.m. Saturdays. This is a one-hour basic skills class for English language learners who have limited English fluency. The class is taught in English and is held on Zoom.  Basic topics include greetings, simple conversations, and basic grammar.  This is an adult class. The class is held online on Zoom.  Please email the South Holiday Library to sign up.  Registration is required.  sh@pascolibraries.org 
  • English Conversation Group – South Holiday Zoom, 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 – 11:30 a.m. Fridays. English conversation for speakers of other languages. Practice your English speaking skills in a group on Zoom. Speakers of all levels are welcome. We have a new topic for every meeting. Intended for adults. Please email the South Holiday Library for more information and to register. sh@pascolibraries.org
  • Gluten Tag! 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fridays at the New Port Richey Library. Practice your German language skills in an informal and friendly group setting. Intermediate speakers.
  • Mandarin Class, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Fridays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • English Next Level, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Fridays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • English Conversation Corner, 3 – 4 p.m. Saturdays at the Starkey Ranch Library. This program is for adults ages 18+ looking to improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. For more information, call Starkey Ranch Library at 727-815-7126, or email sr@pascolibraries.org.
  • English Practice Café, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 28 & Dec. 26 at the New Port Richey Library. Improve your English skills through casual conversation in a comfortable environment. Enjoy fun activities, coffee, and snacks while practicing English with tutors and other students. This is an 18+ event.
  • Café y Conversaciones, Saturday, Aug. 29 & Sept. 26. at the New Port Richey Library. Conéctate con otros ispanohablantes de la comunidad y exploremos juntos una nueva actividad. Nos reunimos el último sábado de cada mes. Agosto — hablemos de gramática.

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More Local News & Events

  • UkePlay: Ukulele Play-Along, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 at the New Port Richey Library. For teens and adults.
  • Native American Flute, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 at the New Port Richey Library. Students will learn how to hold the flute, produce clear tones, and play simple melodies using intuitive techniques. Along the way, we’ll explore breathwork, rhythm, and the meditative qualities that make this instrument so special. No registration necessary.
  • Adult Art Lab – Acrylic Painting with Palette Knives, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11, & 25 at the Pasco Arts Council in Holiday. Rediscover your creativity and build real art skills in a relaxed, supportive studio setting. Explore new materials each month and grow as an artist at your own pace.
ADVERTISING INFO
  • Baby Storytime Session 1 with Ms. Becky, 10:15 – 10:50 a.m. most Mondays at the Starkey Ranch Library. Families with children ages 10 months to 3 years . * Cancelled on Aug. 10
  • Baby Storytime Session 2 with Ms. Becky, 11 – 11:45 a.m. Mondays at the Starkey Ranch Library. Families with children ages 10 months to 3 years. * Canceled on Aug. 10.
  • Josh the Otter Storytime, 10:15 – 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 4 at the Starkey Ranch Library. This is a special storytime with Josh the Otter and the Trinity Rotary Club! Children will learn about water safety during this special storytime and meet Josh the Otter. Each child will receive a free Josh the Otter book.
    Preschool Storytime, 10:15 – 11 a.m. Thursdays at the Starkey Ranch Library. Ages 3 – 5.
  • Rhymes to Readers, 1 – 1:45 p.m. Thursdays (starting Aug. 27) and 11 – 11:45 a.m. Fridays (starting Aug. 28) at the New Port Richey Library.

A StoryWalk® is an outdoor reading activity that allows children, families, and people of all ages to read a story while walking along a nature trail. Pages of a story are placed on posts on a trail, combining literacy and physical activity into one enjoyable experience. 

James E. Grey Preserve, 6938 Plathe Road, New Port Richey. First installed in March of 2020, our StoryWalk® takes you down a 1/4 mile trail through the preserve, reading a story together along the way. A new story is installed three times a year, each featuring additional early literacy activities and interactive tasks to enhance the story as you go.

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey.  Includes 18 reading station posts installed along a 0.20-mile nature trail loop on the back-left side of the playground area.

Withlacoochee River Park, 12249 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City.  Withlacoochee StoryWalk®, located in Dade City, is a 0.30-mile trail with 18 posts.

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CITY NEWS

City News | Rotary Club of New Port Richey Awards $1,500 to NPR Public Library

February 9, 2026 michele525 CITY NEWS, COMMUNITY SERVICES, COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT, HELPING HANDS | FUNDRAISERS, IN THE LOOP Comments Off on City News | Rotary Club of New Port Richey Awards $1,500 to NPR Public Library

Funds from the donation will be used to outfit ELROY with additional shelving and to expand
the mobile collection, allowing the Library to better serve residents at outreach events,
community locations, and underserved areas throughout the city. […]

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