April 2026
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Come on and explore some of the many things happening at local libraries this month. Here’s just a sampling, and many are sure to find something to their liking and interest on this month’s calendar. I encourage you to take it further by linking to libraries near and maybe a little far. Your 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.
As taxpayers, you are welcome to claim ownership. Go on and check it out.
Check out the many ongoing programs and special events happening at local libraries that serve to enrich the lives of individuals in our community
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.
The New Port Richey Public Library will be closed on Friday, April 3
Special Events & Programs – This Month
At the Movies
Body | Mind Health
Career and Computer Assistance
Clubs
Language Classes
Library Master Gardener Programs
StoryWalk®at Local Parks
More Calendars
Poetry Open Mic, 12 – 1:45 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the New Port Richey Library | Performances open to teens and adults
Express yourself, share your art, and enjoy readings from other talented voices in the community.
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 is only necessary for those who would like an open mic spot. Only registrants are guaranteed a time slot; we will try to include additional poets if time allows. No registration is required for those who wish to attend as an audience member.
For more library events and programs, visit nprlibrary.org
Gopher Tortoise SHELLebration, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the New Port Richey Public Library
Learn about the gopher tortoise, an important keystone species that plays a vital role in our ecosystem. We’ll celebrate National Gopher Tortoise Day with kids’ activities and a viewing of the documentary Gopher Games. Presented in partnership with the Florida Suncoast Sierra Club.
Special Performance “The RMS Titanic and Ralph B. White,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the New Port Richey Public Library
Join Lynn Anderson as she portrays the Unsinkable Molly Brown and shares the story of Ralph B. White, a member of the 1985 expedition that discovered the RMS Titanic. White later co-directed salvage operations, filmed the wreck for major productions, and captured the now-famous images of the ship resting 2.5 miles beneath the Atlantic.
With the blessing of his family, Lynn will present Ralph’s original slideshow, featuring rarely seen copyrighted images and an insider look at the life and legacy of this remarkable explorer.
Morning Author Jam, Writing Workshops and Author Panel, 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Starkey Park Theatre, Library and Cultural Center in Odessa
Meet in the library courtyard to hear local author readings, check out local vendors and community organizations, and grab bites from local food trucks!
Author Reading Lineup
- 10:15 am – Victoria Dym – Poetry
- 10:20 am – JC Gatlin – Thriller
- 10:25 am – Brandy Grillo – Non-Fiction/Memoir
- 10:30 am – Austen Valenzuela -Fantasy
- 10:35 am – Stephen Wise – Fiction
- 10:40 am – Jacqueline Wyco – Non-Fiction
- Creative Writing Workshop – with Roy Peter Clark 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Publishing Workshop – with Kelly Coon 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
- Author Panel – “Where Stories Begin” 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
- How to Create Comics – with Mike Maihack 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Regency Rocks – Rock Painting for Families, 4 – 5 p.m. Monday, April 13 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey
Families are welcome to come out and paint rocks together for the library’s rock garden.
Neurodiversity & the Digital Danger Zone, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the New Port Richey Public Library
Autism advocate and public speaker Mandy Pinckley joins us to discuss the mental health and safety of neurodivergent youth within the Digital Danger Zone. Mandy combines stories, advocacy, and research, providing strategies to promote resilience and well-being for neurodivergent individuals online.
Cinema Club: Leave No Trace, 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the New Port Richey Public Library
Cinema Club is a monthly film series celebrating artistic and thought-provoking movies. This month, we’re featuring the 2018 film Leave No Trace. Enjoy a fully-loaded popcorn bar while you watch the film! This film is rated PG and has a runtime of 1hr 49min. Closed captioning available.
City of New Port Richey Environmental Committee Meeting, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the New Port Richey Public Library | All are invited to attend
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
For more information, link to newportrichey.librarycalendar.com/event/environmental-committee-meeting-21858
Shake, Rattle and Roll- The Chitlin’ Circuit and the Birth of Rock ‘N’ Roll, presented by the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, 12 – 1 p.m. Satruday, April 18 at the New Port Richey Public Library
From the promo…
The Chitlin’ Circuit trail is the story of a parallel universe along the highways and backroads of the South in the days of Segregation and the new music after WWII that began showing up on jukeboxes in the Carolinas and on all night radio shows from far away, it rocked the hearts of young returning vets and it will roll its way into your heart, guaranteed.
Backyard Chickens – Things You Need to Know, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey
Learn about chickens and what you’ll need to raise them – topics include
- Review of New Ordinances
- Types of henhouses for hot climates
- Different types of pens
- Location of your coop/henhouse in your yard
- How to predator-proof your pen/henhouse
- Introducing your pullets to their new henhouse
NPR Library Riverside Concert Series featuring Common Ground, 6 p.m. Friday, April 24, in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
From the promo….
Common Ground is an alt/rock band from Tampa known for their eclectic blend of covers and original songs. Their dynamic sound and high-energy performances have made them a favorite among local music fans. Join us as we close out this season’s Riverside Concert Series with an unforgettable evening of live music!
This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Please feel free to bring a blanket or chair for seating.
For more library events and programs, visit nprlibrary.org
Get Your Tickets to theatrical performances at Richey Suncoast for FREE with Your Library Card!!!
FILE PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
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.
Playing this month at Richey Suncoast…
Peter and the Star Catcher, April 12 and April 17 – 19 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $27.50 +
From the promo…
This Tony Award-winning play upends the century-old story of Peter Pan with a wildly theatrical, hilarious, and touching prequel. Pirates, mermaids, starstuff, and secret missions collide in a swashbuckling tale for dreamers of all ages. Told with limitless creativity and a brilliant ensemble cast, this story will have you laughing, gasping, and believing in magic all over again.
For more information about this show and other events at Richey Suncoast, visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com/event-calendar
- Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. most Mondays at the New Port Richey Public Library.
- 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.
Health & Health Care Events
- Medicare Basics with SHINE, 10 – 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at the New Port Richey 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. www.floridashine.org Note: Individual appointments are available following the presentation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tech Help by Appointment, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesdays at the Regency Park Library. Adults
- Walk & Talk Club, 10-11 a.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Library. All ages.
- Homeschooler Monday Meetup, 1 -2 p.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Library.
- AI Club, 1 p.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Library. A hands-on group where people of all backgrounds can come together to explore, learn, and experiment with artificial intelligence. It’s part tech workshop, part idea exchange, and part community hangout. The goal is to demystify AI and make it accessible to everyone.
- Chess Club, 3:30 – 5:30, Mondays at the New Port Richey Library. All ages.
- Stitched Together Knitting & Crochet Club, 5-7 p.m. Mondays at the New Port Richey Library. Adults
- Dungeons & Dragons, 3 – 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Starkey Ranch Library.
- Poetry Club, 12:30-1:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at the New Port Richey Library. Adults.
Read to (Certified) Therapy Dog Programs for Kids,
- Regency Park Library – 4:30 p.m. most Tuesdays.
- Centennial Park Branch Book Club – The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (adults)
- South Holiday Branch Book Club 2 – 3 p.m., Thursday, April 9.
- Regency Park Branch Chapter Chasers – Elementary Homeschool Book Club,11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. (tweens & teens)
- Starkey Ranch Branch, Novels on Tap, The Last Train to Key West, Sunday, April 19
- Regency Park Branch Mystery Book Club – The Death of Mrs. Westaway, 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 20. (adults)
- Starkey Ranch Library Branch Lit Club – “A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab 10:30 am – 11:30 am Saturday, April 25.
Pasco County Library System-Wide Virtual and In-Person Classes
- English Conversation Group, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 -11:30 a.m. Fridays. 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 Basics 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.
- English Conversation Corner, 3 – 4 p.m. most Saturdays at the Starkey Ranch Branch.
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. 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
- Beginning German, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Fridays. Learn German from the ground up — no prior experience needed! We’ll start with the basics and then move on to phrases you can use in daily life. This series will last for 10 weeks.
- Guten Tag!, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. most Fridays. 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. Practice your Mandarin Chinese language skills in an informal and friendly group setting. This group is self-led; the class will be led through conversation practice, rather than with an instructor.
Check out the Master Gardener Programs and Seminars held at our libraries
For more information about the Pasco Extension and events, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
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 1 p.m. Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods, hand-made items, and more.
- Ukulele Play-Along, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the New Port Richey Library. Ages 15+. Registration encouraged.
- Native American Flute, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the New Port Richey Library.
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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