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Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Workplace Success
Technology is the key to many of today's employability skills. This series of workshops will help you improve in areas like communication, problem-solving, planning, and organization, by getting you more comfortable with email, common office programs and other needed computer skills
Find out more »Galaxy Jewelry
Make an out of this world piece of galaxy themed jewelry at this free craft for ages 13-17. Choose between making a solar system necklace or nebula bottle in the meeting room at 2:30.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »STEM Time
Learning is fun during STEM Time! Learn how to build a robot, or play a video game with a hand-drawn controller, or build different cool electronics and contraptions during our STEM program beginning at 2:30 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562
Find out more »Tween Club: I Survived! Will You?
If you love Lauren Tarshis and her ‘I Survived!’ book series then come down to the Copley Meeting Room at the Portsmouth Public Library and test your skills and abilities in multiple action-packed games which is inspired by a real life-threatening moments in history. This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Take Your Child to the Library Day
Do you have book ideas and stories you just can't wait to write about, or pictures in your head that would make great illustrations? When you visit us on the 1st you will get to decorate your very own idea journal with stickers and metallic markers as we celebrate "Take your child to the library" day! This program is intended for ages 12 and under. For more information call 740-354-5562.
Find out more »African Americans and the Vote
In honor of Black History Month view the historical drama, Slema, depicting the marches from Selma, AL, to the state capital of Montgomery to secure voting rights for black people all day on the Main Floor. In conjunction with this program view a historical display based on the theme "African Americans and the Vote" as well as "Women's Suffrage."
Find out more »Devices
Bring your own device and learn to use it, or explore what device is right for you before you buy. We have some cool devices for you to look at and explore too!
Find out more »Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Go on epic adventures and battle deadly foes in this popular role-playing game. All levels of experience and skill are welcome! If you prefer using your imagination for crafting instead of gaming then check out the library’s craft cart and make something awesome! Join the fun at 2:30 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Workplace Sucess
Technology is the key to many of today's employability skills. This series of workshops will help you improve in areas like communication, problem-solving, planning, and organization, by getting you more comfortable with email, common office programs and other needed computer skills.
Find out more »Pictorial Quilt Squares
Celebrate Black History Month by making a quilt square that tells a story. We will provide everything you need and show you how easy it is to make this amazing piece of art inspired by Harriet Power’s famous quilts. Join us at 2:30 in the Meeting Room. This free program is for ages 13-17.
Find out more »River Valley Writers
Are you interested in learning about the writing process? Or, are you a writer looking for a community of your own? Look no further! Join the River Valley Writers to share your experiences and create relationships with other local authors. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00-7:30pm in the Meeting Room at the Main Branch. For more information please contact the Reference Desk at (740) 354-5688.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »Computer Games
Teens! Join us for an hour of digital fun to play games like Unturned on the STEAM game database, or put your building skills to the test with Minecraft! Get your game on at 2:30 in the IT lab!
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562
Find out more »Literary Thursdays: Short Story Group
Think you have to read a whole novel to read a great story? Think again! Join us for a reading and discussion of an amazing story that’s only a few pages long. February we will be focusing on stories and poems by African American authors including ; "The Million Man March Poem" and "Still I Rise." by Maya Angelou and “Can’t Beat ‘Em” by Nalo Hopkinson. This free program is for ages 13-17 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »Tween Club Winter Penguin
Have fun making a cute penguin with a tuxedo and bowtie. The event will be held February 6 at 4:30 in the Copley Room at the main location. Ages 8-12. Please contact Local History Department at 740-354-5304 to register.
Find out more »Adult Dungeons and Dragons
Join PPL as we act as Dungeon Master for a FREE 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons session. All skill levels welcome. Program will be located on the Main Floor in the IT lab. 18+
Find out more »Fiction Book Group
Join other adults on the first Friday of every month in the Quiet Room at our Main Branch to discuss selected fiction titles. This book group, hosted by a library staff member, reads a variety of fictional titles to keep things interesting! For more information or to request a copy of this month’s title, call 740-354-5688. February Discussion: Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben: Suburban New Jersey Detective Napoleon "Nap" Dumas hasn't been the same since senior year of high school, when his twin brother Leo and Leo's girlfriend Diana were found dead on the railroad tracks -- and Maura,…
Find out more »Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Have you ever wondered what happens at the library after closing time? Bring your stuffed animal to Youth Services on Friday (2/7/20) between 2-5:30 p.m. and tuck them in for a Stuffed Animal Sleepover. On Saturday morning, when you come to pick up your friend, you can hear all about their Library adventures while you have a snack and make a fun craft. For more information about this program call 740-354-5562.
Find out more »Hoopla
Come learn about downloading and streaming movies, TV series, music, eBooks, and more with the library's newest free service, hoopla!
Find out more »Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Go on epic adventures and battle deadly foes in this popular role-playing game. All levels of experience and skill are welcome! If you prefer using your imagination for crafting instead of gaming then check out the library’s craft cart and make something awesome! Join the fun at 2:30 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Workplace Sucess
Technology is the key to many of today's employability skills. This series of workshops will help you improve in areas like communication, problem-solving, planning, and organization, by getting you more comfortable with email, common office programs and other needed computer skills.
Find out more »Wire Hanging Decorations
Claim your locker or wall with a crafty creation of your own making! Use wire, stones, sea glass, feathers and more to make yours unique! Join us at 2:30 in the Meeting Room. This free program is for ages 13-17.
Find out more »Black History Month Craft
In honor of Black History Month, join us on the Main Floor in creating quilt pattern squares in the vein of Harriet Powers, a black folk artist and quilt maker who lived as a slave in rural Georgia known for her use of traditional appliqué techniques to record local legends, Bible stories, and astronomical events on her quilts. FREE; No registration required.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »Computer Games
Teens! Join us for an hour of digital fun to play games like Unturned on the STEAM game database, or put your building skills to the test with Minecraft! Get your game on at 2:30 in the IT lab!
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Literary Thursdays: Science Meets Literature
Hey, Science lovers! Create your own coded language and write secret messages. Then make a necklace and spell secret words in Morse code. Join us in the “Science Lab" (aka Meeting Room) at 2:30! This free program is for ages 13-17.
Find out more »Tween Club: Button Heart
Want something special for Valentine's Day this year? Come and join the Tween Club on February 13, 2020 at 4:30 pm as we create button hearts! This program will be held in the Copley Meeting Room at the Main Library and is for ages 8-12. Please register beforehand with the Local History Department, or call 740-354-5304.
Find out more »Valentine’s Craft Program
Join us in Youth Services for a fun Valentine Day craft. You can bring your own valentine box and we will supply the craft items to make a one of a kind Valentine box! If you don't have a box that's okay, you can use one of the boxes we will supply. This program is for children ages 12 and under. For more information call 740-354-5562.
Find out more »Hoopla
Come learn about downloading and streaming movies, TV series, music, eBooks, and more with the library's newest free service, hoopla!
Find out more »Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Go on epic adventures and battle deadly foes in this popular role-playing game. All levels of experience and skill are welcome! If you prefer using your imagination for crafting instead of gaming then check out the library’s craft cart and make something awesome! Join the fun at 2:30 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Inspirational Book Group
Join other adults who love to read and discuss the Inspirational Fiction genre. This group, hosted by a library staff member, meets today at 12:00 in the Quiet Room at our Main Branch. February Discussion: The Healing Jar by Wanda E. Brunstetter: What if you thought you found love only to be rejected? Jesse Smucker rescinds his proposal of marriage, leaving Lenore Lapp feeling sure she will never, ever marry.
Find out more »Workplace Sucess
Technology is the key to many of today's employability skills. This series of workshops will help you improve in areas like communication, problem-solving, planning, and organization, by getting you more comfortable with email, common office programs and other needed computer skills.
Find out more »Decoupage Washer Necklaces
Get an introduction to the art of decoupage by making a necklace. Choose an image, a washer and a cord and in just a few minutes you have an awesome necklace. Add a variety of beads and charms for extra flair. Make yours at 2:30 in the meeting room.
Find out more »Tooth Fairy Party
It's time to celebrate our fairy friend and make tooth keepsake bags and fairy dust. All while watching "The Tooth Fairy" movie. For more information about this program call 740-354-5562.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »Computer Games
Teens! Join us for an hour of digital fun to play games like Unturned on the STEAM game database, or put your building skills to the test with Minecraft! Get your game on at 2:30 in the IT lab!
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Literary Thursdays: Page to Stage
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month by learning about famous dances, songs and plays popularized or created by African Americans. Don’t miss the fun at 2:30 in the Meeting Room. This free program is for ages 13-17.
Find out more »Tween Club: The Watsons go to Birmingham Movie Night
Join us as we watch The Watsons go to Birmingham. Rated PG. We will be meeting in Gay’s Room in Youth Services. This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Library at the Lofts
Enjoy a book discussion, conversation and coffee at The Lofts Coffee Company where the PPL hosts this monthly, off-site book group. Check out a copy of the book by visiting the Main Branch located on Gallia Street. February Discussion: The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary: What if your roommate is your soul mate? A joyful, quirky romantic comedy, Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare is a feel-good novel about finding love in the most unexpected of ways.
Find out more »Lego Club Jr.
Children ages 12 and under are invited to join staff of the Youth Services Department as we meet to make amazing LEGO creations. For more information call 740-354-5562.
Find out more »Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Go on epic adventures and battle deadly foes in this popular role-playing game. All levels of experience and skill are welcome! If you prefer using your imagination for crafting instead of gaming then check out the library’s craft cart and make something awesome! Join the fun at 2:30 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Workplace Sucess
Technology is the key to many of today's employability skills. This series of workshops will help you improve in areas like communication, problem-solving, planning, and organization, by getting you more comfortable with email, common office programs and other needed computer skills.
Find out more »Mask Decorating
Join us in decorating white masks with a variety of supplies including beads, feathers, markers, gems and more! They are fun to wear and make a cool decoration for your room! See what you can create at 2:30 in the Meeting Room. This free program is for ages 13-17.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »Computer Games
Teens! Join us for an hour of digital fun to play games like Unturned on the STEAM game database, or put your building skills to the test with Minecraft! Get your game on at 2:30 in the IT lab!
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Literary Thursdays: Facts and Fiction
Celebrate Black History Month and the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and the culmination of the women’s suffrage movement with some great reads from our teen and non-fiction sections! Browse some books at 2:30 in the Meeting Room.
Find out more »An Afternoon of Painting
Join us as knowledgeable staff present step-by-step instruction on how to paint a trio of whimsical birdhouses. Registration is required. $10 supply fee must be paid at time of registration. Must be 18+
Find out more »Tween Club: Groovy Lava Lamps
Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day by making themed Lava Lamp (Jars) in the Copley Meeting Room at the Portsmouth Public Library! This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Chopped Jr.
Put your culinary, carving, and creative skills to the test! Kids ages 12 and under can join Youth Services staff for a three-course, timed challenge that involves play-doh sculpting, food preparation, and challenges their creativity. For more information about this program call 740-354-5562.
Find out more »Devices
Bring your own device and learn to use it, or explore what device is right for you before you buy. We have some cool devices for you to look at and explore too!
Find out more »Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Tween Club Shamrock Man
Please join us as our Tween Club creates a craft for St. Patrick's Day. We will be making a Shamrock Man. The event will be on Thursday, March 5 at 4:30 in the Copley Room at the main location. Ages 8-12. Please contact Local History at 740-354-5304 to register.
Find out more »Books N Play
Children ages 4-6 are invited to the library for an interactive program. Children will enjoy story time with music, movement activities, rhymes, and games that focus on interactive learning between child and parent/caregiver. For more information about this program call (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Toddler Time
All children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver are invited to an interactive story time program. Children will enjoy short stories, movement activities, music and a fun playtime! For more information call (740) 354-5562.
Find out more »Book Babies
An exciting story time session for children ages 3 months – 24 months that includes music, finger plays and a short playtime! Get more information about this program by calling (740)354-5562.
Find out more »Chromatography Flowers
Let's get creative! Help the Tween Club get ready for spring by making Chromatography Flowers! This program will be held in the Copley Meeting Room of the Main Library on March 12, 2020 at 4:30 pm. Please register beforehand with the Local History Department, or call 740-354-5304.
Find out more »Tween Club: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Movie Night
Join us as we watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Rated PG! We will be meeting in Gay’s Room in Youth Services. This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Tween Club: Pokémon Scavenger Hunt
Calling all Pokémon Trainers! Join us as we embark on an adventure throughout the library in order to find the rarest of Pokémon that are hidden within the Youth Department. Work by yourself or a partner in order to solve the puzzles that will lead you to the Pokémon. Trainer Badges will be crafted/ awarded once the hunt has ended. The adventure will start in the Copley Meeting Room at the Portsmouth Public Library! This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Tween Club: Board Game Cafe
Do you think to argue with your friends about who is who? Or do you happen like to work with others in order to solve a crisis? Well, you’re in luck, come down to the Copley Meeting Room at the Portsmouth Public Library in order to play some board games. This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Wooden Block Chick
Get ready for Easter with the Tween Club as we make this little chick from a wooden block. This program will be held in the Copley Meeting Room of the Main Library on April 9, 2020 at 4:30 pm. Ages 8-12. Please register beforehand with the Local History Department, or call 740-354-5304.
Find out more »Tween Club: The Lego Movie
: Join us as we watch The Lego Movie! Rated PG. We will be meeting in Gay’s Room in Youth Services at 4:30 pm. At the end of the movie, we will be playing with Legos to see what kind of creations we can make. This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »Tween Club April Showers
Ready for Spring? April showers bring May flowers with this adorable craft for our tweens. The event will be held on April 23 at 4:30 in the Copley Room at the main location. Ages 8-12. Please contact Local History at 740-354-5304 to register.
Find out more »Tween Club: Break a Record
Join the fun as we attempt to break world records, such as clapping, assembling a doll, and bubble blowing! This record breaking event will be in the Copley Meeting Room at the Portsmouth Public Library! This program is for children ages 8-12. For more information or to register, call 740-354-5304 or visit the Local History Department.
Find out more »