Andy's drawing workshop for children is happening this Saturday at North End Library at 1-3pm. Aimed at children aged 7-16 this session is for youngsters interested in improving their drawing skills. Suitable for beginners or the more advanced. Materials will be provided but you can bring your own if you wish - Andy will show you how to get the best out of them. ✏️ 🖍️
SpaMedica, a provider for NHS and private cataract and eye condition services in Portsmouth, will be having a pop-up information stall in the morning on 20 May at Southsea Library, and 21 May at Central Library.
There is often fear and uncertainty about cataract operations, and SpaMedica want to help the local community feel happier about improving their sight. 🙂
All libraries will be closed on the bank holidays Monday 4 May and Monday 25 May. The mobile library will be off the road.
Additionally Alderman Lacey Library will be closed on Thursday 7 May as it’s a polling station for the local elections.
You can renew items by logging into your library account. Digital resources are still available 24/7. Visitor parking permits can be obtained online at /rvp.
Fancy something a bit different to read? The International Booker Prize is 10 years old this year. Central library have a display of this year's longlist.
The selection celebrates the best works of long-form fiction or collections of short stories translated into English and published in the UK and/or Ireland between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026. The prize money is divided equally between the author and the translator. Why not try one and see if you agree with the winner? #internationalbooker2026 #readingagency #nationalyearofreading2026 #GoAllIn
The Women's Prize for Fiction 2026 shortlist has just been announced!
We have a display of all the longlisted books at Lacey library. Have a look, see what you think! Any of the books can be requested to be picked up at any library in Portsmouth, so don't worry if Lacey library's not your local!
#NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn2026 #WomensPrize
Are you baffled by your GP surgery's eConsult system? If so, come along to North End library on Wednesday 6 May from 12 to 4pm. Medical students from the Derby Road surgery will be on hand to show you how to use it. You don't have to be a patient there to come along. 😀
Quick Reads are now in their 20th year! Pop into any library in Portsmouth and pick up one of the 6 new books that makes up this year's collection.
They are great for readers who have lost confidence, face concentration challenges, or are living with, or recovering from illnesses such as cognitive disorder or brain injury. As short, affordable, and carefully crafted books, Quick Reads help to give readers confidence and rediscover a joy of reading.
They are also great if you're just short on time, but want to keep up with your reading!
#readingagency #NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn2026 @readingagency@go_all_in_2026
Andy's drawing workshop for children is happening this Saturday at North End Library at 1-3pm. Aimed at children aged 7-16 this session is for youngsters interested in improving their drawing skills. Suitable for beginners or the more advanced. Materials will be provided but you can bring your own if you wish - Andy will show you how to get the best out of them. ✏️ 🖍️
If you're a carer, join us to discover resources available at your local library. Working with the Carers Centre we're holding 9 discovery sessions to familiarise you with how libraries can support you. The first three will be held at the following locations:
Southsea Library: 12 May, 1.15-2.30pm
Cosham Library: 16 June, 1.15-2.30pm
Carnegie Library: 7 July, 1.15-2.45pm
To book your place call 023 9285 1864.
We were sorry to hear of the recent passing of Desmond Morris. His book "The naked ape" appears on our Portsmouth 100 book list as one of the most impactful books published in the last 100 years. We chose this book for our list because it was the first to view humans as just another primate species, and brought evolutionary explanations for human behaviour to a mass audience. The book wasn't without it's critics, but it sparked public thinking about human behaviour.
For a full list of the Portsmouth 100 book list see /public-library-service/portsmouth-100-book-list/.
Starting Friday, 1 May, we're launching a brand-new Board Game Club for home educated children and their families !
🕙 When: Every Friday (term-time), 2pm to 4.30pm
📍 Where: Southsea Library
👥 Who: All ages welcome
Come along to play classic favourites, discover new games, and enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. No booking required – just drop in and join the game! This is in addition to the board game club at Central Library that already meets on Thursdays, 11am to 1pm.
Andy's drawing workshop for children is happening this Saturday at North End Library at 1-3pm. Aimed at children aged 7-16 this session is for youngsters interested in improving their drawing skills. Suitable for beginners or the more advanced. Materials will be provided but you can bring your own if you wish - Andy will show you how to get the best out of them. ✏️ 🖍️
