Official Portsmouth libraries

Official Portsmouth libraries Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Official Portsmouth libraries, Library, Norrish Central Library, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth.

📚 The official page for all 9 and the Portsmouth History Centre, home of the city's archives.
ℹ We enable learning, story telling

🕺✨ Get Groovy at Our 70s Disco! ✨🕺Step back in time and celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library on Saturday 11t...
13/06/2026

🕺✨ Get Groovy at Our 70s Disco! ✨🕺
Step back in time and celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library on Saturday 11th July with a family-friendly 1970s disco!
Join live band ‘70s Explosion’ from 3pm as they bring all the feel-good hits and retro vibes—perfect for dancing, singing along, and reliving the decade of disco!
🎟️ Free event – but booking required
Dust off your flares, grab the family, and get ready for an afternoon of funky fun as we celebrate in style!
👉 Book your place now to avoid missing out! https://wegottickets.com/portsmouthbookfest

The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts tonight! If you need to read up on the team you got in your office sweepstake, see what E...
11/06/2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts tonight! If you need to read up on the team you got in your office sweepstake, see what England's chances are, (to end 60 years of hurt), or to see the latest hotshot players to look out for, why not download some of the free football magazines on our pressreader app?

There's 'Match of the day' 'Four Four Two', 'World Soccer' and more! Also keep an eye on magazines and newspapers from around the world to follow their coverage too, particularly if you read magazines & newspapers in other languages!

Download the pressreader app and sign up with your library card number and pin/password today if you haven't already! ⚽️

10/06/2026

Crying Out Loud are working on a big event as part of Refugee week on Sunday 21 June. They are looking for participants to join a community performance and have invited library members! It's FREE, with refreshments provided plus travel expenses if needed. If you are interested pop along to Fratton Community Centre on Thursday 11 June, 6pm to learn more.

Have a look at look at what's new on Freegal this month! 🎧😍
09/06/2026

Have a look at look at what's new on Freegal this month! 🎧😍

✨ Celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library! ✨Join the Portsmouth born author and actor Michelle Magorian on Satu...
09/06/2026

✨ Celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library! ✨
Join the Portsmouth born author and actor Michelle Magorian on Saturday 11th July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Central Library. Michelle will be in conversation with Maggie Bowers from the University of Portsmouth to talk about her childhood and the places that have inspired her creativity, such as the Central Library, Kings Theatre and local cinemas. Author of well-known childrens' books such as Goodnight Mister Tom and Just Henry, Michelle will be drawing on her acting skills to bring to life some of her recent short stories.
📚 Goodnight Mister Tom proudly features in the Portsmouth 100 Books list—explore it here:
👉 https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/portsmouth-100-book-list/
🎟️ FREE tickets (advance booking required):
👉 https://wegottickets.com/portsmouthbookfest
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear from a celebrated local author as part of our Central 50 celebrations!

🎉🧱 Calling all young LEGO® builders! 🧱🎉Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library with a very specia...
06/06/2026

🎉🧱 Calling all young LEGO® builders! 🧱🎉
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library with a very special hands-on activity!
On Saturday 11th July, come along and build your very own miniature Central Library to take home, with the brilliant Bricks McGee. They’ve created an incredible LEGO® design inspired by our much-loved library—now it’s your turn to bring it to life!
🕥 Session times:
• 10:30am
• 12:00pm
• 1:30pm
• 3:00pm
🎟️ Tickets: £8 / £5 (Leisure Card holders)
⚠️ Places are limited, so advance booking is essential
👉 Book your place here:
https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/central-50/
Perfect for budding builders—don’t miss out on this creative, family-friendly celebration! ✨

🎉 Portsmouth Central Library turns 50 this July – and you’re invited to celebrate! Join us as we mark this golden milest...
05/06/2026

🎉 Portsmouth Central Library turns 50 this July – and you’re invited to celebrate!
Join us as we mark this golden milestone with a fantastic programme of events for all ages. From family-friendly fun to special talks and behind-the-scenes tours, there’s something for everyone.
📅 Saturday 11 July | 10am–3.30pm
Drop in for:
✨ 1970s dressing-up
🎂 Birthday cake
🖍️ Design-a-birthday-card activities
🗺️ Treasure hunt
🐾 Meet Dennis & Gnasher and other characters
Plus bookable events including workshops with Lego bricks, behind-the-scenes tours, a special talk with Michelle Magorian (Goodnight Mister Tom) and a 1970s disco with live band!
🎈 Take away a commemorative balloon, sticker and pen while you’re here.
📅 Tuesday 14 July (our official birthday!)
Enjoy a talk on 100 Years of Portsmouth Libraries
🎟️ See the full programme, timings and ticket links at https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/central-50/
Come and help us celebrate 50 years at the heart of the city ❤️📚

Tremletts 100 Exhibition: Portsmouth History Centre at Portsmouth Central Library until end of November 💊💊💉😷👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️💊💊 h...
04/06/2026

Tremletts 100 Exhibition: Portsmouth History Centre at Portsmouth Central Library until end of November 💊💊💉😷👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️💊💊 https://tremlettschemist.wordpress.com/

The Summer Reading Challenge is fast approaching and we're on the look out for young volunteers willing to help! If you...
04/06/2026

The Summer Reading Challenge is fast approaching and we're on the look out for young volunteers willing to help! If you are aged 13-25, love reading and want to help encourage younger children to complete the Challenge during the summer holidays then we want to hear from you!

In this role you will sign children up to the Summer Reading Challenge and talk to them about the books they’ve read as the challenge progresses throughout the summer holiday.

You can apply by either popping into your local library for an application form or you can express interest online at https://volunteer.hiveportsmouth.com/opportunities/summer-reading-challenge-volunteer-2026-11420/

Closing date is Monday 13 July.

📚 Celebrate Portsmouth 100 and 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library!Join PhD researcher Jo Holmes for a fascinating an...
03/06/2026

📚 Celebrate Portsmouth 100 and 50 years of Portsmouth Central Library!
Join PhD researcher Jo Holmes for a fascinating and entertaining journey through the history of Portsmouth Libraries – from their beginnings and development to their impact on the city, with plenty of surprising (and amusing!) stories along the way.
Help us mark this special milestone by discovering how your library service has grown over the past 100 years!
🗓 Tuesday 14 July
🕥 10:30am
Whether you’re a local history enthusiast or simply curious, this is a wonderful way to celebrate Central Library’s golden anniversary and Portsmouth 100.
Tickets are FREE- book at https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/central-50/

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Norrish Central Library, Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO12DX

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+442392819311

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