Library Programs

Babies
Preschool
Juvenile

Teens
Adults

Main Library - Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome. Programs are designed for 3-5 year olds. Open to families and home daycares with 8 children or less. Larger groups must call to register for a special session.

Churchland Branch - Thursdays @ 10:30AM. Ages 3-5. Larger groups call for a special session.

Manor Branch - Thursdays @ 10:30AM. Ages 3-5. Groups over 10, please call 465-2916.

Cradock Branch - Thursdays @ 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5.

Join us for Babygarten at the Main Library, a fun and exciting, and informational program for infants and their caregivers. Babygarten classes focus on how nursery rhymes, songs, and books can enrich your children’s lives from the very beginning and provide them with a foundation for later learning success. Register online here...  Sponsored by a grant from Target

Two-Time - A program specially designed for children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.  The program will include a story time followed by fun activities that will help your child learn pre-literacy skills that are so important when he or she reaches school age.  Held on Saturdays @ 11:00 AM.  See the list of dates & locations and register online here...   Sponsored by a grant from Target

is the theme for our Summer Reading Program 2009 Registration Starts June 22nd at all Locations.  Featuring Storytimes, Crafts, Magic, Music and all kinds of Fun.  Children birth to 12 can join at any branch beginning June 22nd 2009.  Sponsored by the Marvin Fenster Family, the Library of Virginia, and the Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library.  Click here for calendar of programs...
Why would your child want to participate? Because it's FUN! they can earn FREE PRIZES! See Free Programs and best of all, they just might develop a love for reading.

Especially for Teens coming June 22nd a summer program for individuals ages 12 - 17.   Come have some fun at the library, There will be Teen programs at ALL our locations this summer, keep track of the number of pages read and you will be entered in our raffle for awesome prizes! Registration begins on June22nd at all locations of the Portsmouth Public Library.  Click here for TEEN summer reading calendar...

New program for Guys ages 10-12 Guys read! A book club just for guys to talk books and share a pizza or two. Our featured book is Hatchet by Gary Paulsen held @ Cradock Branch Library, 28 Prospect Parkway on June 30, 2009 4:00 pm. Register and receive a free book at the program!  How to register; in person at the circulation desk, by calling 393-8759, or online at www.portsmouthpubliclibrary.org/ Limited to nine guys – register today!

Attention writers!   Join our new Writing Group.  We meet @ the Churchland Branch at 5:00 PM twice a month.  See our upcoming dates here...   Who knows, you may be the next Pulitzer Prize winner!

The Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library's "Books By The Inch" Monthly Book Sale will be held on the second full weekend of each month Saturdays from10 - 4 (open to the public). Preview for members only is on Fridays from 1-6 pm. Membership to the Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library is available onsite.

Second Tuesday Forum 2008 begins in October and runs through March.  All forums are free and held at Noon once a month at the Commodore Theater, 421 High Street, Portsmouth.  See all forum topics and dates here...

Free Literacy Programs for Organizations.  We come to you! "Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library" and "Motheread/Fatheread" are programs designed to help parents/caregivers prepare their children for school and/or improve their reading skills to help their children read better. Read more here...  Or call 393-8501, ext. 28 for more information.