Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
August 2024
Each month I am amazed at the awesome programs available at our local libraries. Between the hometown New Port Richey Public Library and the Pasco County Library system which boasts several branches, there are plenty of options meant to fill the varied needs of residents proving how essential our libraries are in the collaborative nurturing of a thriving community.
Scroll down to find a calendar of events, links to local branches, and more.
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- 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 ongoing programs include story times, book clubs, gaming, Quingong, craft classes, movies, Master Garden Programs, SHINE Programs, ESOL, Tech Help, Photo Scanning. Listings here only include branches in west Pasco with a few Special Programs exceptions that might be worth taking the ride for. For information on Pasco County Libraries and events at all branches, visit pascolibraries.org.
Score a Free Pass to Area Museums
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.
Read With the Rays for Awards
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.
QUICK SEARCH
Library Branch Links
Special Events
Ongoing
Music | Art | Crafts | Writing
ESOL | Language 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
August 1 – 3
“Florida’s Motion Picture Paradise” with author David Morton, 6-7 p.m. Friday, August 2 at the New Port Richey Public Library
Learn about Florida’s amazing contributions to the film industry and its key role in creating the modern entertainment industry! David Morton discusses how Florida became a “third coast” to the American film and television industries over the past one hundred years. Proudly presented by the City of New Port Richey’s Cultural Affairs Committee, the Hacienda Hotel, and the Library
Back to School Swap, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at the New Port Richey Public Library
Bring in any kids clothing or accessories that are clean and in good condition, beginning July 29th. Donations will be accepted in the children’s library. Then come back on the day of the Swap to shop for items new to YOU! Don’t have anything to donate? You can still come and shop at the Swap. Any items not selected at the Swap will be donated to local community closets.
-Accepting items for babies, kids and teens.
-We will accept donations of clothing items (no undergarments or swimsuits, please), sunglasses, hats, shoes, purses and other “wearable” accessories. No non-wearable items or clothing for adults, please.
-Please be sure that items are clean and in good condition.
Centennial Event!!!!! The City of NPR and the New Port Richey Public Library host the first New Port Richey Film Festival starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey
This inaugural Film Festival held in honor of the city’s upcoming Centennial Celebration will feature a diverse array of submissions from local filmmakers, with categories for youth, teens, and adults.
Attendees will enjoy a wide range of films, highlighting the creative talents within our community. In addition to contemporary works, the program will shine a spotlight on classic films by legendary actors Thomas Meighan and Ed Wynn. A historical presentation will delve into New Port Richey’s motion picture past, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s storied connection to the film industry.
Lectures at the Ranch – Elliot Kleinberg: Weird Florida, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
Reporter, Author, and Blogger, Eliot Kleinberg humorously showcases Florida’s quirks in a whirlwind tour of its rich 500-year history. Seating is first come, first seated. A limited number of door prizes will be given away along with complimentary refreshments provided by the Friends of Starkey Ranch Library. This program is funded by a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
August 4 – 10
Summer Movie Matinees, King Foo Panda, 2-4 p.m. Monday, August 5 at the Hudson Regional Library
The Hudson Library hosts family-friendly summer movies featuring Kung Fu Panda 4 on August 5. Popcorn will be served but you are welcome to bring snacks from home. Free and open to all ages.
Great Explorations Presents: Four Paths of the Sun, Tuesday. August 6 with showings from 1-5 p.m. at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
Four Paths of the Sun is a 15-minute presentation that will take place inside a small planetarium. Each show is limited to 15 people, with a new show beginning every 30 minutes.
Showings will be at 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm, 2:30 pm, 3 pm, 3:30 pm, 4 pm and 4:30 pm.
Storytime with Smokey Bear, 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, August 6 at the Hudson Regional Library and 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, and at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday
Come on out for this special storytime presented by Smokey Bear to celebrate his 80th birthday! A big thanks to the USDA Forest Service for collaborating with public libraries nationwide to bring the real Smokey Bear to engage children in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers, while exploring their local environment! We’re excited to share this environmental learning experience and to celebrate 80 years of Smokey Bear! This program is intended for children ages Birth-5. Registration is not required for this event; however, space and supplies are limited.
August 11 -17
A Musical Journey Through Florida with Chris Kahl, 6-6:45 p.m. Thursday, August 15 at the New Port Richey Library
Proudly presented by the City of New Port Richey’s Cultural Affairs Committee and the Library, Florida Humanities Speaker Chris Kahl takes audiences on a historical journey through the state, featuring performances of songs covering a wealth of historical events, characters, and folklore with in-depth storytelling about Ponce de Leon’s voyage to Florida in 1513, Henry Flagler’s building of Florida’s East Coast Railroad, Florida’s unique eco-systems, and more. Original songs come from Chris Kahl’s Florida-themed albums, Orange Blossom Memories and Sunshine Kid.
NPR Library Summer Concert Series: Son2 Latin Music, 6-7 p.m. Friday, August 16 at the New Port Richey Public Library
Son2 brings the spirit and rhythm of Latin music to life with a diverse selection of salsa, merengue, bachatas, boleros, cumbias, vallenatos, and more. This indoor concert will be our last of the summer, and is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Whether you want to dance the night away or enjoy some captivating melodies, Son2 promises a night of entertainment and fun.
August 18 -24
Great Explorations Presents: Distant Worlds — Alien Life?, showings from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, August 22 at the New Port Richey Library
Distant Worlds — Alien Life? is a 53 minute presentation that will take place inside a small planetarium. Each showing is limited to 15 people, with a new show beginning every hour, on the hour. Showings will be at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.
ONGOING
**** 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).
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Master Gardener Programs and Seminars
- Ask A Master Gardener, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
- Master Gardener Seminar – Rain Barrel Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson. Explore the benefits of rainwater harvesting and get tips and tricks for installing a functional rain barrel. Paying participants – $65 – will receive one (1) rain barrel complete with mesh and spigot ready for installation. You must be a Pasco County resident to attend the workshop. Limit one rain barrel per household. Register by July 31..
- Master Gardeners: Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida, 2-3 p.m. Monday, August 19 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday
- Master Gardeners: From Soil to Boil — Vegan Stew, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 20 at the New Port Richey Library. “Soil to Boil” is an initiative aimed at promoting nutrition, gardening, and healthy cooking through an educational curriculum. The primary focus is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to grow their own food, make informed dietary choices, and prepare nutritious culturally inspired meals.
- Master Gardeners: How to make “No Labor Mango Salsa” with Florida Grown Mangoes, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Satruday, August 31 at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City.
ESOL & Foreign Language
- 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.
Learn a language or hone your skill…
- Let’s Speak French!, 6- 7 p.m. Monday, August 5 at the Regional Park Library in New Port Richey, Become more fluent in French through casual conversation. This gathering is geared to adult beginner and intermediate levels. The group will meet on the first Monday of every month. Space is limited. For information, call (727) 861-3049. Registration required.
- Mandarin Chinese Class, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Fridays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Practice your Mandarin Chinese 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.
- Bonjour Mes Amis, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays at the New Port Richey Public Library. Practice your French 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.
Give It A Whirl
Classes and programs you might like to try
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. Hours are also available for those who are familiar with the use of the equipment.
Creative Arts Classes & Programs
Ukulele Social Hour, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Mondays 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 in this social self-guided class that is intended to be fun for anyone who wants to start off slowly. This group is designed for those with basic ukulele skills. For more information, contact the branch at 352 567-3576.
- Free Art Closet, 3-5 p.m. Thursday, August 1 and 15, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Saturday, August 10, and 3 – 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 27 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
- Art Journaling for Adults, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 7 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
- RPRP: Regency Park’s Recycled Projects, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Satruday August 10 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey. Recycled art is a great exercise in creativity as it provides a new purpose for objects that have satisfied their original use. In this class, turn recycled berry containers and similar plastics into beautiful window decorations.
- Learn to Paint and Draw (Better) 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. most Tuesdays. Beginners to intermediate artists can get expert guidance. Learn how to improve your technique in watercolor, acrylics, pastels, graphite, charcoal, mixed media, and more. Work on the suggested projects and exercises or bring your art for advice and guidance on improving. Questions are welcome, community is encouraged. Materials are provided.
- Creative Coloring for Adults, 2 – 3 p.m. most Fridays at the South Holiday Library in Holiday.
- Painting Open Studio, 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, August 15 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
- Artist Series: Paint Like Pollock, 10 – 11 a.m. and 12 – 1 p.m. Satruday, August 31 at the New Port Richey Library. An instructor will guide you through the process, offering tips and techniques to help you embrace the spontaneity and freedom of Jackson Pollock’s style. No experience is necessary to attend this class. Registration is required as supplies are limited
- Young Authors Writing Camp, 3-4 p.m. starting Monday, August 5 at the Land O’Lakes Library.
- Dear Diary, Journaling for Adults, through 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.
- Art Journaling for Adults, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 7 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
- 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.
Health | Community Services at the Library
- Medicare Basics – SHINE, 10 a.m. Thursday, August 1 at the New Port Richey Public Library. 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. Individual appointments are available.
- Bay Care-Booster Seat Educational Giveaway, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 6 at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City. Join BayCare Kids for an educational presentation about booster seats. This event is for families with children ages 5 and up and over 40 lbs. Registrants will receive a free booster seat at this event. Space is limited, so please register to ensure your space. For more information, call 352 567-3576. Registration required.
- Baycare Community Health Screening, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, August 9 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. These free screenings can help detect the early onset of illnesses which may increase the chances of successful treatment of chronic diseases. Get your blood pressure, BMI, lipids, and glucose checked (all done via finger sticks). Each screening should take about 10-15 minutes per person. Walk-ins welcome.
- SHINE: Senior Medicare Patrol, 12 – 1 p.m. Monday, August 19 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday. Learn tips to protect yourself from scams and fraud. Join SHINE from the Area Agency on Aging as they educate about the numerous scams and frauds impacting older adults. For questions about this seminar, please contact Geralyn at 727-570-9696 ext. 234
Community Resource Fair, 10 a.M. – 12 p.m. Tuesday, August 27 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday.
