Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It’s that time of year again. 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. Theatre and science presentations, arts n’ crafts, special story times and more.
The New Port Richey Public Library kicks it off with the annual Touch-a-Truck event here kids can have the opportunity to get a close-up look at a city fire truck or police cruiser and other city and county vehicles that will be lined up in the Library/City Hall parking lot.
Note to aspiring filmmakers – In honor of the city’s Centennial the NPR Library has opened registration for the first NPR-themed film festival to be held in August 2024 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre.
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.
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.
Returning this summer is the ‘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.
Below readers can read more about that and link to individual library websites where you can explore programs offered regularly along with special events. There’s sure to be something to catch your interest.
- 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.
You can also peruse some highlighted monthly happenings by scrolling down the calendar of special events which can be accessed by date/week via the Quick Search feature.
QUICK SEARCH
Library Branch Links
Special Events
ESOL Classes
Master Gardener Events
More What’s What NPR Calendars
LINK TO LIBRARY BRANCH CALENDARS
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.
Special Events
****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 our full calendar for a list of video production basics classes.
NPR Library Summer Kickoff: Touch-a-Truck, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at NPR City Hall Parking Lot and in the library in New Port Richey | Free
Explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more at this annual event. Face painting and other activities will be available inside the Library, where you can register for this year’s Summer Library Challenge. All trucks will be in the City Hall/Library parking lot. Thank you to the NPR Fire Dept, the NPR Police Dept and the NPR Public Works team for providing vehicles for this event.
**** 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.
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).
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Teens: Adventuring with Dungeons and Dragons, 3-5 p.m. Monday, June 3 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday (runs for 7 weeks)
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.
Summer Movie Matinee – PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 3 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
It’s time for family-friendly summer movies! We will be showing PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie today. Popcorn will be served but you are welcome to bring snacks from home. This movie is free and open to all ages.
Atlantic Coast Theatre Presents: Winnie-the-Pooh, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 4 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Don’t miss this opportunity to see a LIVE theatre production at the Hudson Regional Library! Come out and see Pooh-Bear, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga & Roo in this charming new adaptation of A.A. Milne’s original 1926 book filled with music, audience interaction, and stories of friendship. This program is free and open to all.
Ocean Adventure: Splish, Splash Water Party, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 6 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday
Get ready for a fun water day experience at the South Holiday Library! Calling all kids to join us for an unforgettable time filled with sprinklers, games, and awesome prizes. Dive into the fun as we cool off under the sun with refreshing water activities, exciting games, and chances to win cool prizes. From water balloon tosses to relay races and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, water shoes, and a towel. It’s going to be a fun time, so come make a splash with us. Signed waivers are required to participate in this program: Sign waiver here.
Virtual! English Conversation Group, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 7 and 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.
Tampa Taiko Japanese Druming Presentation, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
Tampa Taiko is a fun-filled, interactive program that covers the history of taiko, the music of Japan, and a modern drumming performance. This presentation is recommended for elementary-aged children and families.
Summer Movie Matinee – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 10 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Come out and join others to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem today. Popcorn will be served but you are welcome to bring snacks from home. This movie is free and open to all ages.
Science Adventures for Tweens: Ogre Swamp Slime, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey | Grades 4-7
Celebrate Science Adventures Week with this fun activity and watch a movie with us about a big, green, terrifying ogre who lives in a swamp.
Sharks & Shipwrecks MAPS Museum presentation, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center in Odessa | $10 plus fees
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat” for this Great Discoveries Begin with MAPS event at Starkey Ranch TLC. Learn all about pirates and sharks, dig for a shark tooth fossil, go on a treasure hunt, create sand art and more! This event is on June 15 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Tickets are $10 per child (plus taxes and fees.) Adults are free with paid child ticket. Purchase at mapsmuseum.org.
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Summer Fun for Everyone – Razzmatazz Entertainment, 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Get out of the heat and come on out to the library for an interactive ventriloquism and magic show that is sure to be fun for all ages! This program is free and open to all.
NPR Library Summer Concert Series Featuring “Innovation,” 6-7 p.m. Friday, June 21 in the Magnolia Room at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey
Come ready to salsa dance the night away as Innovation fills the room with music! Four talented musicians will bring Latin music to life as part of their mission to honor and preserve Cuban culture. Mocktails will be served.
Almost ABBA Summer Celebration – An ABBA Tribute Concert, 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center in Odessa | $13
Jive to ABBA’s greatest hits with a magical concert experience by Almost ABBA. Concert tickets are $13+ taxes and fees. Seating is first come, first seated. Purchase tickets today at SRTheatreTickets
Summer Fun for Everyone – Mad Science, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 25 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Join in on a fun and interactive science show that brings the WOW! There will be amazing chemical reactions, fantastic forces, and so much more! This program is free and open to all.
Summer Harvest Cooking Workshop for Adults, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey | Adults
In this class, we will explore some of the best vegetables and fruits to grow during the summer and how to be sure your garden survives Florida’s summers! We will also try a salad recipe that pairs perfectly with summer.
Giving Tree Music Drum Circle, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday | Free | Seats are limited
Children will explore various percussion instruments, learn basic rhythms, and participate in creating vibrant beats together. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to express themselves creatively, build teamwork skills, and, most importantly, have a blast making music!
This event for elementary-aged children and their families will be a ticketed event. Tickets are free and will be available at the library half an hour before the event on a first-come, first-serve basis. All parties must be present to receive a ticket.
“Adventure Down Under” with Digeridoo Down Under, 2-3 p.m. Friday, June 28 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday | Free
The DDU Show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, comedy, character-building, storytelling, and audience movement/participation. It’s interactive, educational, motivational and super fun for all ages! This program is intended for children going into Grades K-3. Siblings & families are welcome to accompany their elementary students, but space is limited to the room capacity.
Master Gardener Programs and Seminars
Junior Master Gardener Program, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 5 – July 31 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | $65
The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program is an innovative 4-H youth gardening project modeled after the highly popular Master Gardener Volunteer Program. JMG offers horticulture and environmental science education through fun and creative hands-on activities.
The course is every Wednesday starting on June 5 and will meet weekly* through July 3. (*There will be no meeting on July 3, 2024) Recommended for ages 8-11. For more Master Gardener events in Pasco County, click here.
- Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Growing Bananas and Other Cold Tolerant Plants in Pasco County, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
- Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Advanced Orchid Care & Clinic, 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 17 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
- Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Propagation, 6-7 p.m. Monday, June 10 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey.
- Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – Building Terrariums, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
- Pasco Extension Master Gardeners – African Violets, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. June 19 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa
