Event List

Filters
Age Group
Coat Swap

Coat Swap

All Day 11/15 - 1/31
Lobby at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

Cold Weather Coat Swap
November 15 – January 31
Donations accepted November 3 – January 17

Portsmouth Public Library Lobby

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Lobby
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Details:

Cold Weather Coat Swap
November 15 – January 31
Donations accepted November 3 – January 17

Portsmouth Public Library Lobby

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Italian Language Discussion Group

Friday, January 9, 2026 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, January 9, 2026 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.

people talking english american canadian and australian flags

English Conversation Group

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Macleod Board Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, Language
Age Group:
All Ages

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. 

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Macleod Board Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Discussion Group, Language
Details:

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. 

Mah Jongg Tiles

Mah Jongg

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages

Come to the library to play Mah Jongg, the ancient Chinese game of tiles on Saturdays from 10:30 AM —12:30 PM!

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Hilton Garden Inn Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Details:

Come to the library to play Mah Jongg, the ancient Chinese game of tiles on Saturdays from 10:30 AM —12:30 PM!

Reading Dogs - Chloe & Tillie!

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Youth Services at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Authors & Books
Age Group:
Youth, Grades K - 2, Grades 3 - 5

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.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Youth Services
Age Group: Youth, Grades K - 2, Grades 3 - 5
Program Type: Activity, Authors & Books
Details:

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.

More Info

Children under ten (10) years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Book with lavendar flowers growing out of it. Flowers on corners. Poetry Writing Workshop.

Poets' Workshop Group

Saturday, January 10, 2026 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!

Unlikely Animals

Fiction Book Club: Unlikely Animals

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult
Hybrid Fiction Book Club:

The library's Fiction Book Club meets the second Monday each month at 1 PM and 6:30 PM. All are welcome.Whenever possible, copies of each month's title will be available for checko...

Unli

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

The library's Fiction Book Club meets the second Monday each month at 1 PM and 6:30 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.

Unli

Language Discussion Group Blue Sky background with clouds

German Language Discussion Group

Monday, January 12, 2026 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.  

Middle School Book Club

Middle School Book Club

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Youth Activity Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8), Youth

Students in grades 6-8 are invited to meet with other readers to talk books and trivia!

Students can pick up the book at the library ahead of time and then join us for a fun conversation and related activities about the book.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8), Youth
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Details:

Students in grades 6-8 are invited to meet with other readers to talk books and trivia!

Students can pick up the book at the library ahead of time and then join us for a fun conversation and related activities about the book.

Image shows a blue background with cartoons of teens eating, talking, listening to headphones and relaxing, Text reads "Middle School Mondays!" Mondays, 3:30, 6-8th graders. Relax! Socialize! Snacks! Do your own thing!"

Middle School Mondays

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Workshop, Art & Culture, Authors & Books, Computer, Crafts, Gaming, Science & STEAM
Age Group:
Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8)

Calling All Middle Schoolers!!!

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8)
Program Type: Activity, Workshop, Art & Culture, Authors & Books, Computer, Crafts, Gaming, Science & STEAM
Details:

Calling All Middle Schoolers!!!

World Affairs Banner with Flag Background

World Affairs Discussion Group

Monday, January 12, 2026 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

Available online on the Zoom platform. Questions or trouble connecting? Visit portsmouthnh.gov/library/news/onlineprograms.
Meditation Banner with Rose Background

Weekly Meditation

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Macleod Board Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adult, Tween & Teen

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

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

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

Unlikely Animals

Fiction Book Club: Unlikely Animals

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult
Hybrid Fiction Book Club:

The library's Fiction Book Club meets the second Monday each month at 1 PM and 6:30 PM. All are welcome.Whenever possible, copies of each month's title will be available for checko...

Unli

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

The library's Fiction Book Club meets the second Monday each month at 1 PM and 6:30 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.

Unli

Waddler Storytime Tuesdays 10:30AM January thru February

Waddlers

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time
Age Group:
Youth, Toddler, Preschool

Waddler Time is designed for our younger toddlers AND caregivers! Mobile 1s and 2s will engage in the five building blocks of literacy (SING, TALK, READ, WRITE AND PLAY) through this interactive storytime! 

 

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Youth, Toddler, Preschool
Program Type: Story Time
Details:

Waddler Time is designed for our younger toddlers AND caregivers! Mobile 1s and 2s will engage in the five building blocks of literacy (SING, TALK, READ, WRITE AND PLAY) through this interactive storytime! 

 

Language Group Banner with Tuscan Background

Spanish Language Discussion Group

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 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.

Kindergarten and First Grade Book Club Tuesday January 13 3:30 PM with cover of The Water Princess with girl holding a jug of water on her head.

Grades K/1 Book Club

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Youth Activity Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Youth, Grades K - 2

The Water Princess written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is the story of one young girl's quest to bring clean drinking water to her African village and is inspired by a true story!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Youth Activity Room
Age Group: Youth, Grades K - 2
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Details:

The Water Princess written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is the story of one young girl's quest to bring clean drinking water to her African village and is inspired by a true story!

Text reads "Babysitting Course" above an image of three children playing with blocks

Babysitting Course

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Workshop
Age Group:
Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8), Teen (Ages 13 - 18)

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).

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen, Tween (Grades 6 - 8), Teen (Ages 13 - 18)
Program Type: Workshop
Registration Required
Details:

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).

Woman with grey hair standing with side profile English Classes

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
OFF SITE at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Discussion Group, Authors & Books, Language
Age Group:
Adult

Take English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes in Portsmouth!

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: OFF SITE
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Activity, Discussion Group, Authors & Books, Language
Details:

Take English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes in Portsmouth!

Planner Society use your stickers

Planner Society: Use Your Stickers!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Activity, Crafts
Age Group:
Adult

Have you been hoarding stickers? Did you get a sticker subscription at some point in your life and have plenty left over? Do you have a sticker bin? Do you want to keep buying stickers?

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

Have you been hoarding stickers? Did you get a sticker subscription at some point in your life and have plenty left over? Do you have a sticker bin? Do you want to keep buying stickers?

Laptime winter

Baby Laptime Story Time

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Story Time
Age Group:
Youth, Baby

Laptime is recommended for babies ages 0 to 18 months and will feature stories, songs, fingerplays, bouncing rhymes, and puppets.

Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Youth, Baby
Program Type: Story Time
Details:

Laptime is recommended for babies ages 0 to 18 months and will feature stories, songs, fingerplays, bouncing rhymes, and puppets.

Meditation Banner with Rose Background

Weekly Meditation

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 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

The Color-Brave Caregiver

EmbraceRace: The Color-Brave Caregiver

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Levenson Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Workshop, Discussion Group, Civics & Community
Age Group:
Adult

How do I help my child learn about race as a parent, educator, and caregiver? What are the roles I can play, what should I do, and what do I need to say? 

Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Portsmouth Public Library
Room: Levenson Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Workshop, Discussion Group, Civics & Community
Registration Required
Details:

How do I help my child learn about race as a parent, educator, and caregiver? What are the roles I can play, what should I do, and what do I need to say? 

Join a writing group typewriter keys and typewriter in background

Creative Writing Group I

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn Room at Portsmouth Public Library
Program Type:
Discussion Group, 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. 

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