Local library events
Storytimes and kids' library events near PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY from the public library calendar.
175 PARROTT AVENUE, PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801
Upcoming events
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Toddler Story Time is recommended for two and three year olds and their caregivers and will feature stories, singing, puppets, playing and more! THERE IS NO STORY TIME ON JUNE 25!
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Open to all tweens and teens, grade 6 and up. Come take part in a creative cupcake decorating challenge! You will be provided with three cupcakes, frosting, and decorative candies, and get an hour to create three themed confectionery creations! The best part? Eating them when you're all done, of course! Registration required, please use the form below. Call us at 603-766-1740 with any questions, or email us at libinfo@cityofportsmouth.com
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
US
The Chinese Language Discussion Group meets online via Zoom. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! Click this linkto connect via Zoom. Password: 3GWdHC More Info Questions about connecting via Zoom? Visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/news/onlineprograms. For information about our Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
12:15 PM to 1:15 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
This Italian Language Discussion Group meets at the library and online via Zoom part of the year. Please note each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! Click this linkto connect via Zoom. (No Zoom June, July or August) Password: 3GWdHC More Info Questions about connecting via Zoom? Visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/news/onlineprograms. For information about our other Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
The French Language Discussion Group meets at the library. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! More Info For information about our Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
A 7-Minute Health Talk & a 30-Minute Walk Walk With a Doc inspires communities through movement and conversation with walking groups led by healthcare providers. Drop into the library on the second Saturday of the month and join us! A doctor from Portsmouth Regional Hospital will give a short, seven-minute talk on a health topic. Following the presentation, they will lead you on a 30-minute walk from the library to City Hall and back! Please wear comfortable shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring a water bottle if you wish. Light refreshments will be provided by Whole Foods Market. This event is offered rain or shine. Registration is not required, just drop in to take a walk, learn about health, and meet new friends! This program series is offered through a partnership between the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Walk with a Doc, Whole Foods Market, and the Portsmouth Public Library.
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
If you want to improve your English, join us at our English Conversation Group! During these weekly meetings, you will practice speaking English with others, improve pronunciation, and build vocabulary while increasing your confidence. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. The library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! Registration is not required. Just drop in!
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
Come to the library to play Mah Jongg, the ancient Chinese game of tiles on Saturdays from 10:30 AM —12:30 PM! The game is fun for all ages, free, fast, and easy to learn. We teach beginners the Tawainese version of Mah Jongg every Saturday at 10:30 AM. It only takes 15 minutes to learn, and then you're ready to play! Registration is not required. Join us! More Info Open configuration options Children under ten (10) years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
Emerging readers! You are invited to come share a book with one of our reading dogs — first come, first served. This program will be held in the Youth Services area of the library and is open to readers of all ages. Would you like more information about Reading Dogs? Contact Gretyl by emailing gmmacalaster@portsmouthnh.gov
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
Poets are invited to join our new Poets' Workshop Group! This community of poets will share their work in a friendly and sensitive environment, explore others' work, write, reflect, revise, and publish! This group is for folks willing to commit to writing, reading others' work, providing helpful feedback to the other writers, and attending most meetings. The goal is to create a consistent, supportive group for sharing your work. The group meets twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays from 11:30 AM - 1 PM in the Macleod Board Room. Registration is required and space is limited. If the group is full, you may add your name to the waiting list and the group facilitator will contact you when there is space to join.
12:00 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
City of Thievesby David Benioff Lev Beniov considers himself “built for deprivation.” He’s small, smart, and insecure, a Jewish virgin too young for the army, who spends his nights working as a volunteer firefighter with friends from his building. When a dead German paratrooper lands in his street, Lev is caught looting the body and dragged to jail, fearing for his life. He shares his cell with the charismatic and grandiose Kolya, a handsome young soldier arrested on desertion charges. Instead of the standard bullet in the back of the head, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation, Lev and Kolya embark on a hunt to find the impossible….
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
The German Language Discussion Group meets at the library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! More Info For information about our Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
US
Are you fascinated by international affairs and the world of foreign policy? If so, please join our online World Affairs Discussion group. This program is offered online via Zoom. Register to receive weekly topics and readings, and access to the discussions. To register, please contact our director, ccfriese@portsmouthnh.gov.
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Calling all Families! Do you love learning new games but hate reading the directions? Have you wondered about those weird Trash Panda and Gonuts for Donuts games in Youth Services? Join us for Family Game Night this summer and learn a new game with other families and youth staff. Or play old standbys like UNO and challenge your neighbors! Each week will feature a new theme, a variety of games, and youth staff to help guide you through - and of course snacks! Stay tuned throughout the summer for more details!
6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
Each week, we hold two sessions of meditation, led by experienced staff and volunteer instructors. > Mondays 6 – 6:45 PM > > Wednesdays 12:15 – 1 PM Learn a variety of styles in a welcoming format! Open to all ages and all levels of experience. Drop in any time! Weekly meditation at the library is hybrid - attend in person or online. See our current schedule of teachers, or find out more about our volunteer instructors at cityofportsmouth.com/library/weekly-meditation. Registration is not required. Click this linkto connect via Zoom. Password: 3GWdHC
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
City of Thievesby David Benioff Lev Beniov considers himself “built for deprivation.” He’s small, smart, and insecure, a Jewish virgin too young for the army, who spends his nights working as a volunteer firefighter with friends from his building. When a dead German paratrooper lands in his street, Lev is caught looting the body and dragged to jail, fearing for his life. He shares his cell with the charismatic and grandiose Kolya, a handsome young soldier arrested on desertion charges. Instead of the standard bullet in the back of the head, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation, Lev and Kolya embark on a hunt to find the impossible….
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Open sensory play for our youngest patrons! This first-come, first-served program is recommended for children ages 6mo to 5 years and their caregivers. Join us outside! Be prepared for a wet, mucky, messy or sandy time and of course - lots of fun!
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
The Spanish Language Discussion Group meets at the Library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! More Info For information about our Language Discussion Groups, visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15! It's that time of the year again! Our ever-popular Babysitting Course is here! Signups Required - online (you only need to sign up for the first day). This free, 5-session course is open to students entering 6th grade & above. Students must attend all 5 sessions to graduate & receive their certificate. If there is an issue, students must talk to Lucia ahead of time to make any alternate arrangements possible. Each session will have homework assigned for the next week, including readings from an e-textbook. Students who do not have access to a computer or e-reader should tell Lucia so we can loan a print book- we have very limited copies. - Day 1: The Basics. We will discuss expectations for the course, and cover the basics of babysitting & professionalism. - Day 2: Emergencies. We will have first responders here to talk about their work & how to stay safe while babysitting or alone & to answer questions. - Day 3: Babies! Adorable, sensitive, terrifying ;) Learn about how to properly hold, feed and change a baby, plus all the little things you need to know to keep an infant safe and happy. - Day 4: Ages & Stages. We will be discussing child development, activities to keep kids busy & happy, and discipline strategies. - Day 5: Review & Graduation. We will finish up the curriculum, review the course, & then have a brief graduation ceremony at 5 PM.
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
Sage Clarke is back this summer to offer free weekly yoga classes on Tuesday evenings! Join us on Tuesdays from June 16 to September 15 from 6:30-7:30 PM for an hour of outdoor, all-levels yoga in the library garden behind the library. Our focus will be to move and awaken the body, find a mental respite from our busy lives, recharge our spirit, and fully enjoy our precious summer. You will be encouraged to work at your own level to find the perfect practice that works for you. No experience is required, but you should be able to move from seated on your mat to standing without difficulty. Registration is not required. Just drop in! Please bring a yoga mat if you have one; if not, borrow one from us. In the event of bad weather, we will meet inside the library. About the Instructor Sage Clarke, CM, MS, E-RYT500 Sage has lived in Portsmouth for 20 years and is the owner of RISE Wellness Collective RISEWellnessYork.com and Inner Knowing Wellness InnerKnowingWellness.com in York, Maine. She has taught group and private yoga on the Seacoast for over a decade. Sage has experience working with beginners and folks with physical limitations, as well as athletes and experienced yogis wanting to deepen their practice. She brings her background in Women's and Family Health, her current practice in Intuitive Energy Work, Reiki, and Tarot to offer a fun and connected approach to yoga, working from the physical body into the subtle energetic and spiritual elements.
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Put on your comfiest pajamas, grab your favorite stuffie and meet us in the sun room for pajama story time! This story time is geared toward children ages 2-5 and will feature bedtime stories, songs, rhymes and more! Registration is requested but not required.
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Laptime is recommended for babies ages 0 to 18 months and will feature stories, songs, fingerplays, bouncing rhymes, and puppets. Laptime is designed to engage babies and caregivers and provide social interaction while encouraging early literacy skills including talking, singing, reading and playing. This story time is recommended for babies that are not yet walking, but can accommodate older toddler siblings as well.
12:15 PM to 1:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Join educators from The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for this summer’s library program: Dinosaur Detectives! Participants will learn the basics of paleontology, see some of the Museum’s fossil and replica collection, and create a mini dinosaur diorama to take home! Registration is required and will open on June 12.
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Toddler Story Time is recommended for two and three year olds and their caregivers and will feature stories, singing, puppets, playing and more! THERE IS NO STORY TIME ON JUNE 25!
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth , NH, 03801, US
Escape Room Grades 6-12 | 60 Minutes | Registration Required Unearth the past. Escape the present. Step into a high-stakes archaeological expedition led by two rival professors! Your team will dig, decode, and discover your way through hands-on puzzles. The catch? You only have one hour to get to the relic before the other team does. Do you have what it takes to solve the mystery and find the lost relic? Space is limited due to game play and registration is required. Priority will be given to PPL cardholders This game begins promptly at 4pm.
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
US
The Chinese Language Discussion Group meets online via Zoom. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! Click this linkto connect via Zoom. Password: 3GWdHC More Info Questions about connecting via Zoom? Visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/news/onlineprograms. For information about our Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
12:15 PM to 1:15 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
This Italian Language Discussion Group meets at the library and online via Zoom part of the year. Please note each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! Click this linkto connect via Zoom. (No Zoom June, July or August) Password: 3GWdHC More Info Questions about connecting via Zoom? Visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/news/onlineprograms. For information about our other Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH, 03801, US
The French Language Discussion Group meets at the library. Please note that each group is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. However, the library has many resources for language learning—ask us today! More Info For information about our Language Discussion Groups, visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/languagediscussiongroups. Please direct all other language discussion questions to Christine Friese, Library Director, through our contact form or by calling 603.766.1703.