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Dragon flying with older fantastical couple looks on The Dragon of PPL

The Dragon of PPL: A Library Treasure Hunt!

All Day 8/1 - 9/30
Lobby at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity
Age Group:
Adult, Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8), Teen (Ages 13 - 18), Grades 3 - 5

Do you love puzzles and escape rooms? Are you looking for an hour or two of free fun for the whole family or friend group? Are you into gaming, D&D, or fantasy?

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Lobby
Age Group: Adult, Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8), Teen (Ages 13 - 18), Grades 3 - 5
Program Type: Activity
Details:

Do you love puzzles and escape rooms? Are you looking for an hour or two of free fun for the whole family or friend group? Are you into gaming, D&D, or fantasy?

Join a creative writing group blue table with pad of paper and pencil

Creative Writing Group II

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Discussion Group, Writing
Age Group:
Adult

The Portsmouth Public Library invites you to join Creative Writing Group II which meets in person at the library and online via Zoom, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 6 to 8 PM.

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Activity, Discussion Group, Writing
Registration Required
Details:

The Portsmouth Public Library invites you to join Creative Writing Group II which meets in person at the library and online via Zoom, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 6 to 8 PM.

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Chinese Language Discussion Group

Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Online at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The Chinese Language Discussion Group meets online via Zoom. 

Virtual Event
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The Chinese Language Discussion Group meets online via Zoom. 

Woman with long brown hair sitting with notebook and pen on stairs outside Creative Writers III Portsmouth Public Library Thursday Registration is required.

Creative Writing III

Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Discussion Group, Writing
Age Group:
Adult

The Portsmouth Public Library hosts Creative Writing Group III which meets both in person at the library and online via Zoom.

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Activity, Discussion Group, Writing
Registration Required
Details:

The Portsmouth Public Library hosts Creative Writing Group III which meets both in person at the library and online via Zoom.

The Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt

Genealogy Workshop: Born in Two Places? Solving Conflicting Evidence

Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Presentation, Genealogy
Age Group:
Adult
Genealogy Workshop:

Presented by the library’s Special Collections staff and members of the Ranger Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), these events are free, open to the public, and...

Anyone who delves into their family history soon discovers a common frustration: records don’t always tell the same story. Names diverge, dates contradict, place names don’t make sense.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Presentation, Genealogy
Details:
Presented by the library’s Special Collections staff and members of the Ranger Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), these events are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all levels of interest and experience. All levels will learn something new!

Anyone who delves into their family history soon discovers a common frustration: records don’t always tell the same story. Names diverge, dates contradict, place names don’t make sense.

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Italian Language Discussion Group

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

This Italian Language Discussion Group meets at the library and online via Zoom part of the year.
 

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

This Italian Language Discussion Group meets at the library and online via Zoom part of the year.
 

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

French Language Discussion Group

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The French Language Discussion Group meets at the library.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The French Language Discussion Group meets at the library.

Book with lavendar flowers growing out of it. Flowers on corners. Poetry Writing Workshop.

Poets' Workshop Group

Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:30am - 1:00pm
Macleod Board Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Workshop, Writing
Age Group:
Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)

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!

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Macleod Board Room
Age Group: Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)
Program Type: Workshop, Writing
Registration Required
Details:

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!

Language Discussion Group Blue Sky background with clouds

German Language Discussion Group

Monday, August 25, 2025 at 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The German Language Discussion Group meets at the library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room.  

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The German Language Discussion Group meets at the library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room.  

World Affairs Banner with Flag Background

World Affairs Discussion Group

Monday, August 25, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Online at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, World Affairs
Age Group:
Adult

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.

Virtual Event
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, World Affairs
Details:

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.

More Info

This event will be held online on the Zoom platform. Questions or trouble connecting? Visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/news/onlineprograms.
Meditation Banner with Rose Background

Weekly Meditation

Monday, August 25, 2025 at 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adult, Tween & Teen

Hybrid Meditation

Our Weekly Meditation is now offered on Monday evenings as well as Wednesday afternoon.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult, Tween & Teen
Program Type: Activity, Health & Wellness
Details:

Hybrid Meditation

Our Weekly Meditation is now offered on Monday evenings as well as Wednesday afternoon.

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Spanish Language Discussion Group

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The Spanish Language Discussion Group meets at the Library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The Spanish Language Discussion Group meets at the Library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room.

Henry V

Shakespeare Discussion Group: Henry V

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club, Discussion Group, Drama & Music
Age Group:
Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)

How now good friends? Dost thou seek a monthly passtime to broaden the mind and entice the senses? Look no further than Shakespearean Discussion Group! Enjoy the selected play of the month in the way ‘twas presented: to the masses!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)
Program Type: Book Club, Discussion Group, Drama & Music
Registration Required
Details:

How now good friends? Dost thou seek a monthly passtime to broaden the mind and entice the senses? Look no further than Shakespearean Discussion Group! Enjoy the selected play of the month in the way ‘twas presented: to the masses!

Person standing on one foot in yoga pose outside at sunset. Summer Yoga Tuesday June 17- September 16

Summer Yoga in the Garden

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Library Garden at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Garden & Nature, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)

Sage Clarke is back this summer to offer free weekly yoga classes on Tuesday evenings! Join us on Tuesdays from June 17 to September 16 from 6:30-7:30 PM for an hour of outdoor, all-levels yoga in the library garden behind the library.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Library Garden
Age Group: Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)
Program Type: Activity, Garden & Nature, Health & Wellness
Details:

Sage Clarke is back this summer to offer free weekly yoga classes on Tuesday evenings! Join us on Tuesdays from June 17 to September 16 from 6:30-7:30 PM for an hour of outdoor, all-levels yoga in the library garden behind the library.

Shubeik Lubeik cover

Speculative Fiction Book Club: Shubeik Lubeik

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Macleod Board Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult
Hybrid Spec Fic Book Club:

The library's Speculative Fiction Book Club meets the final Tuesday each month at 7 PM. All are welcome. Whenever possible, copies of each month's title will be available for ch...

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Macleod Board Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Book Club
Details:

The library's Speculative Fiction Book Club meets the final Tuesday each month at 7 PM. All are welcome.

Whenever possible, copies of each month's title will be available for checkout with a library card.

Registration is optional - register to receive reminders!

This club will be held in hybrid format. Come in person at the library, or attend online! Click this link to connect via Zoom. Password: 3GWdHC

For more book groups, visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/book-discussion-groups.

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

Meditation Banner with Rose Background

Weekly Meditation

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 12:15pm - 1:00pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adult, Tween & Teen
Hybrid Meditation:

Our Weekly Meditation will now be hosted in the Levenson Room AND online, every Wednesday from 12:15 - 1 PM! Attend in person or via Zoom. Appropriate for all levels of experience....

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Adult, Tween & Teen
Program Type: Activity, Health & Wellness

Our Weekly Meditation will now be hosted in the Levenson Room AND online, every Wednesday from 12:15 - 1 PM! Attend in person or via Zoom. Appropriate for all levels of experience.

See our current schedule of teachers, or find out more about our volunteer instructors, at cityofportsmouth.com/library/weekly-meditation.

No registration required. Click this link to connect via Zoom. Password: 3GWdHC

Join a writing group typewriter keys and typewriter in background

Creative Writing Group I

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Writing
Age Group:
Adult

The Portsmouth Public Library hosts Creative Writing Group I, which meets both in person at the library and online via Zoom two Wednesdays a month from 6 to 8 PM. 

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Activity, Writing
Registration Required
Details:

The Portsmouth Public Library hosts Creative Writing Group I, which meets both in person at the library and online via Zoom two Wednesdays a month from 6 to 8 PM. 

Poster for lecture: Working Class displacement and grief in Downtown Portsmouth. The title of the talk is prominently featured in the upper left corner. Beneath that, text reads, "Presentation and book signing with E.M. Ippolito, Wed Aug 27, 6:30 PM, Levenson Room. At the bottom is artwork by Julia Adler. It is a collage of houses, buildings, and people meant to represent Portsmouth.

Local History: Working Class Displacement and Grief in Downtown Portsmouth

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Presentation, History
Age Group:
Adult

Working Class Displacement and Grief in Downtown Portsmouth
with E.M. Ippolito

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Presentation, History
Details:

Working Class Displacement and Grief in Downtown Portsmouth
with E.M. Ippolito

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Chinese Language Discussion Group

Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Online at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The Chinese Language Discussion Group meets online via Zoom. 

Virtual Event
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The Chinese Language Discussion Group meets online via Zoom. 

Poster for Local History Talk: They Wanted To Be Found - Archaeological Discoveries from the Portsmouth African Burial Ground. Poster features centered black-and-white photograph of the African Burial Ground Memorial Park, taken from Court St.

Local History: They Wanted To Be Found – Archaeological Discoveries from the Portsmouth African Burial Ground

Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Presentation, History
Age Group:
Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)

Join us for a compelling presentation by Dr.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Adult, Teen (Ages 13 - 18)
Program Type: Presentation, History
Details:

Join us for a compelling presentation by Dr.

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Italian Language Discussion Group

Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

This Italian Language Discussion Group meets at the library and online via Zoom part of the year.
 

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

This Italian Language Discussion Group meets at the library and online via Zoom part of the year.
 

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

French Language Discussion Group

Friday, August 29, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The French Language Discussion Group meets at the library.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The French Language Discussion Group meets at the library.

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Spanish Language Discussion Group

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
Adult

The Spanish Language Discussion Group meets at the Library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

The Spanish Language Discussion Group meets at the Library in the Hilton Garden Inn Room.

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron Trees and river surrounded by mountains

Mystery Book Club: The Poacher's Son

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult
Hybrid Mystery Book Club:

The library's Mystery Book Club meets at 1 PM on the first Tuesday of each month. All are welcome.Whenever possible, copies of each month's title will be available for checkou...

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Details:

The library's Mystery Book Club meets at 1 PM on the first Tuesday of each month. All are welcome.

Whenever possible, copies of each month's title will be available for checkout with a library card.

Registration is optional - register to receive reminders!

This club will be held in hybrid format. Come in person at the library, or attend online! Click this link to connect via Zoom. Password: 3GWdHC

For more book groups, visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/book-discussion-groups.

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron