Join Portsmouth Public Library for the return of our amazing Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party on Friday June 16th  The field behind the library will be full of fun and games from 6 - 8 PM including inflatable obstacle course, popcorn, face painting, hula hooping and more! And don't forget to sign up for our 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!  Read and listen to books, record your minutes on Beanstack then visit the library to earn prizes. There is a program for youth of all ages - birth to high school!  (RAIN LOCATION: Connie Bean Center)

Fascinated by Japanese flower arranging? Come learn about the practice and history in a demonstration and exhibition of Ikenobo Ikebana at the Portsmouth Public Library. At 12:30 PM on Friday, June 16, an Ikenobo Ikebana exhibition will be unveiled in the library's lobby. The exhibition runs from Friday, June 16 at 12:30 PM until Saturday, June 17 at 5 PM. 

Fascinated by Japanese flower arranging? Come learn about the practice and history in an exhibition of Ikenobo Ikebana at the Portsmouth Public Library. At 12:30 PM on Friday, June 16, an Ikenobo Ikebana exhibition will be unveiled in the library's lobby. The exhibition runs from Friday, June 16 at 12:30 PM until Saturday, June 17 at 5 PM. On Saturday, June 17 at 1 PM, the library will host a demonstration of the Ikebono Ikebana technique of flower arranging in the library's Leveson Community Room at 1 PM. 

Join us at the library in the Special Collections Room and be part of our Research Huddle! In sports, a huddle is when the players gather in a circle to strategize, motivate, or celebrate. We think genealogists should do the same!

This is the perfect opportunity to dig into your personal history and tell your family’s story. Use the library’s print collections and research databases to progress with your fact-finding. We’ll gather to use library resources, share our successes, learn from fellow researchers, and overcome our research stumbling blocks!

Children, families, and classical music lovers are invited to a very special free performance at the library this month!

Visiting musicians, from institutions like New England Conservatory and New York Philharmonic, will play movements from a variety of pieces including works by Bach and Medelssohn. Musicians will also discuss the history of quartets, and answer questions! These musicians will also be joined by members of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.

Join staff librarians and crafters to learn the fun, simple, and satisfying art of needle felting in a free 90-minute class!  Here's an opportunity to get creative and spend some time creating a cute bird out of wool roving material using a needle felting needle or barb. Our craft programs are informal and provide a venue to meet other adults in the community who enjoy crafting. Regardless of your crafting skills, this program is for you!

Registration is required and all supplies are provided. Space is limited so don't delay, register today!

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
2023. Rated PG-13. Runtime 135 minutes.

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Films at the library are open to the public and FREE. All films will feature subtitles where possible.

Registration is not required. This is a drop-in event. Space is limited so arrive early to secure your seat. Refreshments will be served.

Join us for a special event with local bestselling children's book author and illustrator, David McPhail! 

Mr. McPhail is launching his next book, Truffle: A Dog and Cat Story, at a Book Launch Party at the Portsmouth Public Library!  This beautifully illustrated children's book is due out June 5, 2023. Be one of the first to purchase a signed copy on Tuesday June 6 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

Log your reading and win prizes. This year's theme is ALL TOGETHER NOW...

Find out more about the Summer Reading Programs!