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PPL
175 Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth NH 03801
(603) 427-1540

Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday (September - May): 1 PM – 5 PM

Sunday (June - August): CLOSED

(603) 433-0981
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Eclipse and Night Sky Photography with NH Astrophotographer Charles Cormier, Thursday March 28

As the April 8 solar eclipse nears, join us to learn more about the night sky with New Hampshire's renowned astrophotographer, Charles Cormier! He will share his spectacular photographs of the planets, stars, eclipses, and more! Explore these special celestial images in a free program open to all. In addition to sharing his phenomenal photos, Mr. Cormier, a professional photographer, will share advice and tips designed to help photographers capture the eclipse safely.

Guitar Sunday @ PPL Featuring Thatcher Harrison, Sunday March 24

Thatcher Harrison is a guitarist and a composer playing everything from classical to jazz, from fingerstyle guitar to popular/rock guitar.  As a competitor, Thatcher Harrison has won 20 prizes in regional, national, and international competitions, most notably the 2020 Boston Guitarfest Competition, 1st Prize at the 2020 Atlanta Festival Guitar Competition, and a winner of the 2019 National YoungArts Foundation Competition.

Don't Be Blinded by the Light: Eclipse Watching Safety, Saturday March 23

Curious about this year's total solar eclipse? New Hampshire is in the path of totality this April 8th. Come learn all about the beautiful phenomenon of eclipses. We will discuss the science behind lunar and solar eclipses, how to view eclipses safely, and where & when to watch on April 8. This is a beautiful coincidence that only occurs on planet Earth and we're lucky enough that it's in our lifetime!

Following the presentation, we will show you how to make a pinhole viewer. Please bring a shoebox if you would like to participate.

Hygge! Monday, March 18

Hygge for You-gge

Drop in between 10 AM-7 PM

hygge  /ˈho͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/

noun: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)."

When it's colder and darker out, all plenty of us want to do is curl up with a good book or soothing activity and get cozy. Why fight it? Take a break from your stresses and drop in for some hygge at the library!

Genealogy Workshop: Are You Getting the Most from Your DNA? Sunday, March 17

Presented by the library’s Special Collections staff and members of the Ranger Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), these events are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all levels of interest and experience. All levels will learn something new!

Explore your Family History at our monthly genealogy workshop, Are You Getting the Most Out Of Your DNA: An Introduction with Certified Genealogist® – CG®, Lana Leggett-Kealey.

Film Screening: Oppenheimer, Thursday March 14

During World War II, Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. appoints physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb. Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945, as they witness the world's first nuclear explosion, forever changing the course of history.

Refreshments will be served. Subtitles are shown whenever possible. This is a free event open to the public. 

Registration is not required. Just drop into the Levenson Community Room!

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Ethics and Legalities, Wednesday March 13

Artificial Intelligence has been making waves in both technology circles and out in the wider world – but what can it do? How is it developed and who regulates it? What are the ethical implications of computers making data-based decisions on their own? And where does all that data come from? Questions, questions, and none of them simple!

The Planner Society: Art Journaling, Wednesday March 13

Have you ever wanted to just open a blank notebook and create something without worrying about the outcome? Do you have art supplies but are afraid to use them? Have you ever just created something for the sake of creating, not worrying about if you’re a “good artist” or if someone will see it? If any of those worries or creative urges have ever floated around in your head, please come to Planner Society in March! We will be letting loose, and playing with colors, textures, and more in our art journaling program.

Local History: Ain't She A Woman — Let Me Tell You Her Story, Tuesday March 12

Can You imagine the hustle and bustle of a prosperous colonial seaport town? 

This interactive presentation invites you to discover the world of past and present Portsmouth from the perspective of African and African American women. In spite of racial discrimination, hardships, and enslavement learn how these pioneers of change fought for justice and freedom, educated generations of children and even defied a sitting president. Hear their stories and celebrate their resilience, versatility, and courage as you discover our Seacoast Black Her/story.