What’s What at Local Libraries? Summer Reading Programs Kick Off and Plenty of Special Events

Have you signed up yet? There’s still time as both the city library and county libraries kick off their summer programs meant to challenge patrons of all ages to hit the books and log the minutes spent there.

Libraries offer all sorts of incentives – gift cards, prizes, and special events that are fun and educational and serve to stem what many educators call “the summer slide.”

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.


The New Port Richey Library will be closed on June 19 in recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday.



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
Volunteer Orientations for Teens



Special Events & Programs



Scottish Highland Dancing Introductory Class, 5 – 6 p.m. Monday, June 2 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR | Free

Scottish Highlands dancing is the perfect blend of art and sport, dating back to the 12th century. Enjoy an introductory class where local professional Margaret Howard teaches you the basics of Highlands dancing. All ages, skill levels, and backgrounds are welcome. For more NPR Library events, visit nprlibrary.org


Poets Open Mic, 12 – 1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR | Free

 Share your art or enjoy readings from our local talent! Coffee and tea will be provided. Performances are open to teens and adults. Read an original poem or a favorite piece by another poet.

  • Acts must be no longer than five minutes. 
  • You may perform in a group. 
  • Acts must be family-friendly. 
  • Registration encouraged

 For more NPR Library events, visit nprlibrary.org


Cooking Matters: Food Smarts for Adults, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 9 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR | Free

Learn how to make healthy snacks on a budget, how to add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your life, and how to choose drinks that support your health. Presented in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay. For more NPR Library events, visit nprlibrary.org


Giving Tree Drum Circle, 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 10 at the Hudson Regional Library and Friday, June 13 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday, and Thursday, June 19 at the South Holiday Library, 2 p.m. June 25 at the Starkey Ranch Library | Free | For elementary ages & their families

Drum Circles are for Everyone! Regardless of age or ability, the rhythm can connect us all! Drum, dance, and create our own music – together! No registration is required. This program is intended for children in grades K-3; however, families of children K-3 can attend. Space may be limited. 

For more events at Pasco County Libraries, visit www.pascolibraries.org.


Florida Aquarium: Animal Ambassadors, 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey

Meet some animal ambassadors from the Florida Aquarium! This educational presentation is geared for elementary students but is open to all ages.  For more NPR Library events, visit nprlibrary.org


The Actor’s Toolkit: From Technique to Performance, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR | For ages 16 + | Free

Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just looking to refine your skills, this workshop dives deep into essential acting techniques, from character building to mastering physicality and voice control.

You’ll work with expert instructor Cynthia White to explore how technique transforms raw talent into compelling performances, all while having fun in a supportive, energetic environment. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a toolkit of practical skills, ready to bring your next performance to life.  For more NPR Library events, visit nprlibrary.org


Durney Key Restoration Seminar, 5 – 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24 at the New Port Richey Library

This project, led by the Energy and Marine Center in Port Richey, includes a detailed survey of invasive plant species, an assessment of the health and extent of existing oyster beds, ongoing monitoring of water quality, litter removal, and the identification and replacement of native plant populations.

The goal of the project relates to increasing oyster habitats, limiting erosion, replacing invasive plants with natives, increasing local ecosystem health, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for public use. Learn about the project, community sponsors, and volunteering opportunities. For more NPR Library events, visit nprlibrary.org


Summer Reading Quest – Circus Dog Show, 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Hudson Regional Library

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! You are cordially invited to watch a group of funny and entertaining dogs perform a variety of unique tricks! This program is free and open to all ages, but seating is limited. For more events at Pasco County Libraries, visit www.pascolibraries.org.


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.
  • Beginning Pottery Classes, 3-5 p.m. Monday, June 2 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Ages 16 +
  • Cozy Crafters – Pressed flower sun-catchers, 2-4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
  • Crafting with Cricut: Fairy Shelf Sitter, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
  • Family Craft Quest – Build A Dragon, 10:15 -11:15 a.m. Satruday, June 21 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson. All ages.



Body and Mind



  • Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. most Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
  • Kids Yoga, 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the New Port Richey Public Library.


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


PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

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



  • Libraries with Heart: Hands-Only CPR Demo, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 at the New Port Richey Public Library.
  • Medicare Basics with SHINE, 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at the New Port Richey Public Library. Visit the NPR Library Event Calendar for more info.



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 in-person 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

  • Master Gardener Seminar – Bromeliads in Florida, 6 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson.
  • UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Pollinators, 6-7 p.m. Monday, June 9 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey.
  • UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Rain Barrels 101, 2-3 p.m. Monday, June 16 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. 

  • Master Gardeners – Orchid Clinic, 2-3 p.m.Monday, June 16 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.

  • UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Plant Propagation, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at the New Port Richey Public Library.
  • UF/IFAS Pasco County Pineapple Propagation, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.



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



Volunteer


Participating in Teen Advisory Programs in local libraries is a way for students to log volunteer hours – a necessity for college applications – and for libraries to garner important input as to the kinds of programs they offer. Below are scheduled volunteer orientations for students ages 13-18.

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