What’s What at Local Libraries | July 2024

Check out special events, see what's happening regularly and try something new

There are books galore at local libraries and so much more. Check it out.

Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

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In honor of Independence Day the New Port Richey Public Library will be closed on Thursday July 4. Pasco County Libraries will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.

  • New Port Richey Public Library’s ongoing programs that are held regularly include Rhymes to Readers Story Times, Kids Yoga, Quigong, Medicare Basics with SHINE, Writers Workshop, Language Classes, Movies, ESOL Classes, Walking Club, and The Tasty Tuesday Community Market which is held each Tuesday in the Library/City Hall courtyard. To access the library calendar and for more info go to the NPR Library Calendar of Events at newportrichey.librarycalendar.com/events or nprlibrary.org
  • Pasco County Library Branches also offer a variety of ongoing programs including Story Times, ESOL Classes, music lessons, yoga, mahjong, gardening programs, virtual and in-person book clubs, crafting, career help and more. The Summer Reading Challenge runs through July 31, 2024. For more information and a complete schedule, www.pascolibraries.org.

Summer Reading Programs/Challenges are up and running for all ages and libraries come through with all sorts of programs and activities meant to fill up those summer days. You can check out some of those event below.

Pasco County Libraries are also offering a Discovery Pass to patrons who can enjoy free access (first-come, first-served) to the area museums and attractions such as the Glazer Children’s Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Imagine, Tampa Bay History Center and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete.

Ongoing this summer is ‘Reading with the Rays’ presented by Suncoast Credit Union. The program runs through August 31 and awards readers with Tampa Bay Rays prizes including a grand prize – two tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays in action. Catch more of that and register at pascolibraries.org.


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Library Branch Links
Special Events
ESOL Classes
Master Gardener Events
Give It A Whirl – Programs to Try
More What’s What NPR Calendars


LINK TO LIBRARY BRANCH CALENDARS


WEST PASCO LIBRARIES

Centennial Park Library
5740 Moog Road in Holiday
(727) 834-3204

Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Road in Hudson.

New Port Richey Public Library
5939 Main St., New Port Richey

Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road, New Port Richey
(727) 861-3011

South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Dr., Holiday.

Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre and Cultural Center
12118 Lake Blanche Dr., Odessa.

EAST & CENTRAL PASCO BRANCHES

Hugh Embry Library
14215 4th St, Dade City,

Land O’Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes,

New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

Zephyrhills Library
5347 8th Street, Zephyrhills


Special Summer Events
West Pasco Libraries


****Calling all filmmakers!!! Enter the New Port Richey Film Festival, now through July 26, 2024, with the festival scheduled for Saturday, August 3 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey

Participate in New Port Richey’s first-ever Film Festival. Categories are available for adults, teens and kids. Winners will be announced during a screening at the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre on Saturday, August 3rd. Want to participate but not sure where to start? Check out the library’s full calendar for a list of video production basics classes. 


**** Pasco Schools Mobile Feeding Van, 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monday – Thursday at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey

The Pasco County Schools Food & Nutrition Services Mobile Feeding Unit will be here from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday to provide free food for children 18 years and under.

In an effort to make sure local students are getting fed over the summer break, Pasco County Schools Nutrition will be out at the Regency Park Library and other mobile feeding sites. That service is open to those 18 and younger. Click here for a list of summer feeding sites in your zipcode.


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

Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods and foods, unique, hand-made items and more. Regular items include organic produce, plants, bread, honey, eggs, coffee, skincare, etc. Get to know your growers, ask questions, and learn from their experience.

The market is SNAP shopping friendly, so bring your EBT cards to use up to $40 in SNAP and get an additional $40 in Fresh Access Bucks (FAB).


Summer Movie Matinees, 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 1, July 7 and July 15 at the Hudson Regional Library | All ages

The Hudson Library hosts family-friendly summer movies and will show Trolls Band Together on July 1, Migration on July 7, and Wish on July 15. Popcorn will be served but you are welcome to bring snacks from home. Free and open to all ages.


Magic Suzie performs from 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 at the New Port Richey Public Library | All ages

Comedy and magic for the whole family! This performance is for youth and families of all ages. Seating will be first come, first served and will open 15 minutes before showtime. 


Silly Adventures for Elementary: Windell Campbell, Storyteller, 2-3 p.m. Monday, July 8 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey and 2-3 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the South Holiday Library | Grades K-3

special guest, storyteller Windell Campbell, for some will be at the library to share some amazing stories!


Summer Fun for Everyone: DunnDee Farms – Reptile Show, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 at the Hudson Regional Library | All ages

Learn how coldblooded creatures live, communicate and move about their environments in this up-close experience with live animals. This program is free and open to all ages. 


Adventures with the Owl’s Nest Sanctuary, 2-3 p.m. Friday. July 12 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday | For kids in grades K – 3

See the interesting animal ambassadors at Owl’s Nest Sanctuary and learn about what services they offer. This program is intended for children going into Grades K-3.  Siblings & families are welcome to accompany their elementary students, but space is limited.


Quests and Quirks: 80’s Adventure Movies for Families, 2-3 p.m. Friday, July 12 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Kids & Families

The library will show the 1980’s fantasy flick “The Princess Bride”.

While this movie is rated PG, it has scenes that younger audiences might find scary. It is encouraged that patrons ages 10 and under be supervised by a parent or guardian.


Virtual Outdoor Adventure Series-Outdoor Cooking with Beth Dooley, 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 12 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday

Join James Beard award-winning cookbook author, Beth Dooley, as she guides viewers through getting outside and cooking a delicious meal out in the fresh air. This in-library screening is provided courtesy of Wilderness Inquiry.  Light refreshments will be provided.  


Virtual Outdoor Adventure Series-A Year in the Life of a Bear, 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 19 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday

Sometimes there is more to life than eating honey and stealing picnic baskets!  Join Spencer Rettler as he discusses a year in the life of a bear including hibernation, raising cubs, finding food and preparing for winter.  You will learn how bears navigate through the forest using their sense of smell, what type of berries they like and where they build a den for hibernation.  This in-library screen is being provided courtesy of Wilderness Inquiry.  Light refreshments will be provided.  


Birdwatching with an Expert, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday

Looking to reconnect with nature and learn something about birds in the area? Spend some time watching birds with an ornithologist. Binoculars and a spotting scope provided. Waivers are required for each person attending this program.


Summer Talent Showcase, 12-1:45 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the New Port Richey Public Library | Registration ends July 13 | Ages 5-17

This Summer Talent Showcase will be open to youth ages 5-17. 
-Acts must be no longer than five minutes. 
-You may perform in a group. 
-Acts must be family-friendly. 


Summer Fun for Everyone – The Bucky and Gigi Show!, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at the Hudson Regional Library | All Ages

These two former Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Clowns will get the whole family laughing with magic, juggling, music, dance and more.


Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre Presents: Robin Hood, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Kids & Families

Come journey through a puppet-powered tale of “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” There will be music, action and plenty of adventure. Note: This program has a 200-person capacity. Tickets will be given out at the door before the event for persons present, on a first come first serve basis. 


Virtual Outdoor Adventure Series-Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 26 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday

Travel across the Pacific for an adventure in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai’i.  Learn about the active volcanoes within the park, as well as the geology, history and culture of the island.  This in-library screening is being provided courtesy of Wilderness Inquiry.  Light refreshments will be provided.  


Summer Concert Series: Ektor Keys, 6-7 p.m. Friday, July 26 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey | Free

Ektor Keys, a piano player and singer, is redefining the music scene with his unique approach to melodies. Join Ektor Keys on a musical journey that defies boundaries and invites you to rediscover the power of familiar tunes


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Master Gardener Programs and Seminars


The Fungus Among Us: Grow Your Own Mushrooms, 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday

Grow your own organic Oyster Mushrooms.  Oyster mushrooms normally grow on fallen trees in a forest, but you can grow them right out of a box.  Attendees will receive a mushroom grow kit and sample dishes made using oyster mushrooms.  


Master Gardener Seminar: Bananas and More, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa

Bananas are some of the most popular fruits in the world. Learn about growing bananas and other tropical fruits in your backyard. The presentation will cover climate zones and growing zones, tropical fruit horticulture, origins, and morphology of the banana plant and how to create the best conditions for bananas in Pasco County.


ESOL Classes Systemwide Virtual

  • ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Fridays. English language tutoring is available one-on-one via ZOOM. 30-minute appointments are offered on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. These lessons are intended for students with some prior experience learning English. Lessons are taught in English by a certified teacher. A group class for beginning speakers is offered on Saturday mornings on Zoom. Please email the South Holiday Library to sign up and for more information. Registration required.
  • English Conversation Group, 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10-11:30 a.m. most Fridays. Practice your English-speaking skills in a group on Zoom. 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. Please call or email the South Holiday Library for more information and to register. Registration required.
  • English for Beginners, 10-11 a.m. Saturdays. This is a one-hour class for beginning English language learners who have little to no fluency in English. The class is taught online. 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 to sign up. Registration required.

Give It A Whirl

Classes and programs you might like to try

Go on a gaming adventure…..

Adventuring with Dungeons and Dragons, 3-5 p.m. Monday, July 8 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. For teens. Calling all Adventurers! Sign up for this seven-week adventure to explore the many worlds of D&D. Bring your character sheet, dice, and improv skills. No experience necessary! Once you register for the first session, you will be registered for all 6 sessions. You must attend the first session to continue with the campaign. Registration required.

Bingo, 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 22 at the Hudson Regional Library. Come play Bingo and try to win fun prizes. This program is free and open to all but seating is limited.


Do something with those old family photos…..

Beginner Photo Scanning by Appointment, 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. Sessions are intended for beginners who need some guidance with using the library photo scanners


Be creative…..

Library Card Design Contest, through July 31 at the New Port Richey Public Library. Artists of all ages are invited in a centennial themed library card contest! The winning cards will be reproduced as limited edition library cards later this year.

Pottery for Beginners for Tween/Teens, 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 1 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa. Get instruction on how to throw on the wheel. No experience necessary. All supplies are provided and registration is required. This class is open for ages 9 to 15. Part 2 of the claswill be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 15 for glazing your piece.

Tiara Club, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at the South Holiday Library. Start a new adventure this summer with Tiara Club at South Holiday Library. This project is suitable for beginners. You do not need previous jewelry making experience. All supplies are provided, or you may bring your own, if you prefer. Registration is limited. 

Adult Summer Craft – Yarn Painting, 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson. Come out for an afternoon of crafting This program is free and all supplies will be provided. Pre-Teen & Teen Summer Craft – Yarn Painting is from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, July 11.

Stroke of Genius, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at the South Holiday Library. Learn fun, simple painting techniques that anyone can master to get beautiful results. This project is suitable for beginners. All supplies are provided, or you may bring your own, if you prefer. Registration is encouraged. 

Open Cosplay Workshop, 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the Starkey Ranch Library. Come hang out with Maria, a seasoned cosplayer, who can teach you the ropes, from sewing a costume, to making accessories and putting on makeup! Come learn and be part of the vibrant cosplay community in Florida. For ages 7 and up.


Try your hand at writing…….

Dear Diary, Journaling for Adults, July 24 – August 7 at the South Holiday Library. Pick up your monthly adult journal at the library. It includes fun writing prompts and pictures to color. 

Writers Workshop, 4-7 p.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Join other local writers to discuss ideas, read selections and share feedback. 


Learn how to play an instrument…

Adult Guitar Lessons, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the Hudson Regional Library.Come and go as you please– each lesson covers fundamentals including exploring individual notes on the fret board, basic chord shapes including barre chords and power chords, and reading guitar tabs. Handouts of the syllabus and practice materials will be available to take home.

It is recommended that you bring your own instrument, if you have one available, though a limited number of guitars are available upon request. This session is for ages 18+. Registration required.

Ukulele Social Hour, 10:15 a,n, -12:30 p.m. at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City. Join this informal, casual, and slow-paced get-together to strum on ukuleles. Participants will take turns suggesting songs. This activity is intended to be social and fun for anyone who wants to start off slowly. This class is self-guided. Please check our events calendar for more ukulele classes coming up. This group is intended for those with basic ukulele skills. For more information, please contact the branch at 352-567-3576.


Calendars

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