What’s What at Local Libraries | September 2026

Celebrate National Library Card Month by patronizing your local library and trying something new

August 29, 2026 michele525 ABOVE THE FOLD, DIVERSIONS | THINGS TO DO, LIBRARY EVENTS 0
There's a ton of stuff happening at local libraries. All's you have to do it check it out.

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

September 2026

Note: Libraries are closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

September is the American Library Association’s Library Card Month, and with that comes a nudge to locals to take advantage of one of the best resources in our community. At several locations of your choosing.

One of the perks of living in New Port Richey is having TWO library systems at my disposal – the New Port Richey Public Library, which is operated by the city, and Pasco County Libraries, which boast several branches and are operated by the county- a real plus in the event that a book on your “To Read” list is on the shelf in Dade City or Wesley Chapel. Simply put a hold on it, and it’s ferried to your home branch – in my case, Centennial Park Library.

Love that. Along with the Meescan from the New Port Richey Library, which tells me how much money I’ve saved by borrowing rather than buying books – something that makes me less sad about offloading some coveted titles in the home bookcase to the free little library at the rec center since I’ve realized I’m probably not going to read them again.

Well, maybe some of the self-help stuff.

Your library card broadens horizons in that you can borrow a book, a DVD, or learn how to use a computer. There’s the opportunity to find a new hobby. Take a stab at line dancing. Learn a new language. Join a book club. Chess Club. D & D Club. Get some gardening advice. Practice yoga or tai chi. Attend a concert. Build and throw clay pots. Get some insite on Medicare. Get your blood pressure checked.

The list goes on…..and on.

Scroll down for a taste of special and ongoing events and 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®

Boots on the Ground: Line Dance Workshop, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 2 at the New Port Richey Library | For teens and adults

From the promo

Learn all of the classic line dances, including Boots on the Ground, in this beginner-friendly class! It’s a great opportunity to try some fresh moves, meet new people, and get a little exercise to boot. Everyone is welcome, no experience required.

Practical Magic Midnight Margarita Mix, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 8 at the New Port Richey Public Library | For Adults | Registration encouraged

From the promo

Come for an evening of magical mixology inspired by the iconic 90s witch-flick Practical Magic. Create your own midnight margarita mix and craft a mocktail, all while learning about the magical meanings behind each ingredient. Then take home your own margarita kit so you can enjoy a brew at the witching hour!

Film Screening | Practical Magic, 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, September 10 at the New Port Richey Public Library

From the promo

Based on the novel by Alice Hoffman, this 1998 film features Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, two witches from a long line of magical women. After a family curse disrupts their love lives, the sisters must embrace their magic and work together to break it, save the man Gillian loves, and protect their family. With romance, humor, and a little supernatural chaos, the film is a beloved blend of fantasy and comedy. Enjoy themed snacks while you watch the film!

Environmental Committee Meeting, 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, September 10 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.

Okra Occasion, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, September 12, at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey

Come on out and join in the fun while sharing the magic of okra — one of Florida’s forgotten summer vegetables. There will be samples of delicious okra dishes, okra recipe books, okra seeds, fresh okra for sale by local growers, and an okra recipe tasting contest. Come for some seasonal food and learn about sustainable living!

City of New Port Richey Cultural Affairs Meeting, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 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.

Sharks & Shipwrecks, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 19 at the Starkey Ranch Library | $10 per child

Dig for a shark tooth fossil and make a cool necklace, go on a treasure hunt for gold doubloons, create an edible craft and more.  Visit various stations and learn about pirates, shipwrecks and sharks.  Fee is $10. per child, recommended for children 6 – 12 years old.  Parents free. Purchase a ticket at mapsmuseum.org. Limited to 50 children.  

Free Professional Headshots | 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, September 19 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday | Register now

From the promo

Get a high-quality professional portrait taken—perfect for LinkedIn, portfolios, book jackets, or any other professional use. Each participant will have a 10-minute session with a professional photographer using studio lighting and a dark background.

Free for all participants.
Each person will receive at least one edited photo delivered via email.
A valid email address is required.
Advance registration is required, and participants must arrive on time for their session.

Brainstorms NPR: Air Science, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, September 23 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at the New Port Richey Library | Free |

Brainstorms NPR is back with another fun science project. Learn what the atmosphere is, why air is important, and how we can help to keep air clean. Topics include aerodynamics, wind speed, and lift.  Attendees will participate in a parachute challenge and build an anemometer.

Register for the Starkey Ranch program here.
Register for the New Port Richey Library program here.

New Port Richey Library Riverside Concert Series featuring the Jahfari Reggae Band, 6 p.m. Friday, September 25 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free

The Jahfari Reggae Band delivers a unique mix of reggae styles, from ska and rocksteady to roots and dancehall. With infectious rhythms and positive vibes, Jahfari keeps the music flowing and the crowd “Moving Forward!”

New Port Richey Library Announces Free Riverside Concert Series for Fall 2026

Regency Robotics, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey

A hands-on robotics program where kids can learn the basics of programming and robotics through fun interactive challenges. No prior robotics experience is required. This beginner-friendly program is designed for kids ages 8-12 and focuses on problem-solving, teamwork, and learning how robots respond to programming.

Space is limited to ensure every participant gets hands-on time with the robots.

Children’s Wizard Workshop: Spellbinding Stationery & Magical Cinema Matinee, 2 – 4:30 p.m. Satruday, September 26 at the South Holiday Library

Children are invited to join us for a fun afternoon of decorating notebooks, painting wand pencils, and watching (PG) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Agatha Christie – A One-Woman Performance by Nan Colton, 1 – 2 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at the Starkey Ranch Library

Renowned playwright, director, storyteller, actress, and educator Nan Colton steps into the character of Agatha Christie. Inviting the audience into a conversation Agatha might have had at a book signing, Nan will share humorous and fascinating details from the life of this beloved author.

Free event sponsored by the Friends of Starkey Ranch TLC. Seating is limited and pre-registration is strongly advised.

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 Elly Fairytale from Pexels
  • Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. most Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Note: Hacienda Hotel is the destination on September 21.
  • 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, September 9, at the Starkey Ranch Library.
  • Silver Lining Social, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, 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
  • Medicare, Medicaid & SNAP Help, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 1 at the Regency Park Library. Assistance with applying for QMB state buy-in program to help pay for the Medicare Part B premium, “Medicaid,” and food stamps (“SNAP”). Contact José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for more information.
  • BayCare Healthy Workshop Series – Health in Motion & Healthy Habits, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, September 11 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)
  • Body Composition Screenings, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, September 18 at the Starkey Ranch Library. Join BayCare for a free and quick, non-invasive Tanita Body Composition screening measuring body fat %, muscle mass, visceral fat, BMI, metabolic age, hydration, and other key health indicators.

CLICK-TO ADVERTISMENT

  • Centennial Park Book Club: The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay (adults), 12 – 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 1 at the South Holiday Library.
  • Hudson Library Book Social, 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 1. Gather with fellow bookworms to snack, chat, swap books, and make intentional time to read! With the Hudson Library under construction, this club will meet at Mochinut, 9113 Little Rd, New Port Richey.
  • Hudson Library Romance in Review Book Club, 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 1 at Sugar Bomb Dessert & Drink Cafe, 7200 Ridge Rd STE 13, Port Richey. This month’s discussion will be on This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub.
  • Regency Park Library Monthly Book Club, 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 8.
  • Regency Park Library Mystery Book Club – Just the Nicest Couple, by Mary Kubica, 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 15.
  • South Holiday Branch Book Club, 2 – 3 p.m., Thursday, September 10. (adults)
  • Story Seekers – Tween Book Club, 4 – 5 p.m. Thursday, September 10 at the South Holiday Library. Each month, tweens will eat snacks, make a book-themed craft, and discuss that month’s book club book before voting on the next read.
  • Starkey Ranch Branch Lit Club, “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 12.
  • 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, September 8 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.
  • 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, September 2 at the South Holiday Library. Hair jewelry crafting for adults.
  • Teens & Tweens Chess Club, 3 – 5 p.m. Thursdays, September 10 and 24 at the Starkey Ranch Branch.
  • Silver Lining Social, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, 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, September 1 & 15 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, 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.
  • Ready, Set, Write! Workshop, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays, September 5, October 3. November 7 and December 5 at the New Port Richey Public Library.  In this six-month workshop for new writers, we’ll explore the foundational elements of storytelling through short lectures and hands-on writing activities. Sharpen your skills, develop your craft, and bring your story to life!
  • Poetry Club – Bob Dylan, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 5 at the New Port Richey Public Library.
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Plant Parent Club | Let’s Talk Butterflies, 6 – 6:50 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa

Come out for a very special Plant Parent Club as gardener and butterfly waystation caretaker Susan Dalton Carney shares why butterfly gardens matter and how to plan and plant one at home.

This program requires registration in order to participate in the take-home kit.  If you would like to attend without a reservation for a kit, please email acole@pascolibraries.org.

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 | Horticulural Events & Programs, September 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, 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. Saturday, 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.
  • Paper Marbling, 2 – 3 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at the Centennial Park Library. Registration opens August 20.
  • Art Explorers! – 3D Paper Landscapes, 3 – 4 p.m. Saturday, September 5 at the Centennial Park Library. *This program is intended for children in grades 2nd-5th. Please ensure a parent/guardian arrives with the child a few minutes earlier in order to review and sign our Makerspace Playbook and waiver. All supplies needed will be provided by the library.
  • Let’s Get Retro, 2 – 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 30 at the South Holiday Library. Old school crafting for adults.

Adult Art Labs and Free Art Closet Days are regularly held at the Centennial Park Library. Registration often fills up before the start of the month, so if you are interested in those events, visit the Centennial Park Library calendar here.

Clayworks Classes of all sorts and for all ages are held regularly at the Starkey Ranch Library. For more information, visit the Starkey Ranch Library Calendar here.

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.
  • 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.
  • Toddler Story Times, 10:10 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Starkey Ranch Library.
  • Storytime, 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays at the Centennial Park Library. This is an early literacy event, intended for children ages Birth-5. Registration is not required; however, space and supplies may be limited.
  • Storytime, 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays at the South Holiday Library.
  • Story Time Sessions, 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays at the Regency Park Library.
  • 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, and 11 – 11:45 a.m. Fridays at the New Port Richey Library.
  • Saturday Storytime, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Satruday, September 12 at the Regency Park Library.

Read to the Sharing Our World Therapy Dogs, 5 – 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Regency Park Library. Join certified therapy dogs from Sharing Our World Therapy Dogs who love to hear a story! Practice reading skills, relax, and pet these friendly dogs.

Early Childhood Socialization and Early Literacy Programs

  • Baby Social Early Literacy, 10:15 a.m. most Thursdays at the Regency Park Library. Bring your little one for a fun morning of play and socialization. This program is designed for babies up to 12 months & their caregivers.
  • Preschool Playtime, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. most Thursdays at the Regency Park Library. Children learn and grow through play! Playdate @ the Library is a special time for young children and their caregivers to play, discover & meet new friends.

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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