The community of New Port Richey celebrated a significant milestone in promoting literacy and community engagement with the grand opening of a new Little Free Library at the Recreation & Aquatic Center. This collaborative effort between the Library and Recreation Center aims to provide easy access to books and other educational resources for people of all ages.

The unveiling ceremony, which took place on February 6, 2024, was attended by several notable guests, including Mayor Chopper Davis, Library Director Andrea Figart, Library Advisory Board Vice-Chair Nicholas Pacini, and Andre Julien, the Director of the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center. The guest of honor, however, was 8-year-old McKenna.

McKenna, who serves as an Ambassador for the New Port Richey Public Library, helped spearhead this collaborative project. She has been collecting donated children’s books for little libraries around the city for nearly a year now, earning a following and recognition from City Hall along the way. With her family, friends, and neighbors in attendance, McKenna unveiled the new Little Free Library, donating a collection of picture books and youth fiction to kickstart the project.

The location of this newest Little Free Library underscores the partnership between New Port Richey’s Public Library and Recreation Center. Together, they share a vision of creating inclusive spaces where community members can come together to learn, connect, and grow.

“We are thrilled to introduce this Little Free Library as a resource for our community members to access books,” said Andrea Figart. “This initiative embodies our commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a sense of community engagement.”

This Little Free Library (Charter #162013) marks the fourth such initiative sponsored by the New Port Richey Public Library. The idea was originally introduced by the Library Advisory Board, with the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library co-sponsoring the project. The libraries, which were built by volunteers Hal Macallus, Graham Brewin, and Richard Knoop, are located at Jasmin Park (Charter #162010), the James E. Grey Preserve (Charter #162011), and the Cotee River Park (Charter #162012).

The New Port Richey Public Library invites members of our community to take or leave a book at any of these locations. You can learn more by downloading the Little Free Library app or by visiting littlefreelibrary.org. Visit the New Port Richey Public Library online at www.nprlibrary.org or in person at 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652.

Photo Credit: New Port Richey Public Library

Date Posted: February 26, 2024