We've had a quiet holiday season. We're missing deeply the buzz of an old Saturday morning at the library, when folks would mingle in the lobby, friends would happen upon each other browsing new books, families would drop in for a story and a game, and the regulars would arrive early to stake out their favorite comfy chair on the second floor. 

But there's hope on the horizon (speaking of which, visit our COVID-19 information page for the most reliable vaccine information!) and in spite of it all we find ourselves turning to the new year with renewed spirits.

What does that mean for you? For one thing, we have a NEW ONLINE CALENDAR! This calendar is more user-friendly and has enhanced features. You can more easily find programs by type and by age group, and registering for and sharing events is a breeze. Check it out and let us know what you think!

We've also got an excellent schedule of events planned to kick off this new year. If you're looking to learn a new skill, build better habits, or shake up your routine, read on for all of the free, online goodness! 

We hope January brings a sense of renewal for you. As always, feel free to reply directly to this email if there's anything you need. We'll make sure your request gets where it needs to go. 

Happy New Year from all of us at Portsmouth Public Library! 

In This Newsletter...

Note: Please view this email in your browser to see the entire message.

• Current Services
• Hours
• Indigenous Stories: People of the Dawnland
• The Planner Society
• Standing Up to Racism (Waitlist Only)
• Writing A Picture Book
• Embroidery Workshop
• Genealogy Workshop: Objects of Inspiration
• Local History: Jazz in the Seacoast Area
• How to Write a Stellar Résumé & Cover Letter
• Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group
• Book Clubs for Adults
• Youth & Family January Events
• Teen & Tween January Events
• World Affairs Discussion Group
• Weekly Meditation
• Language Discussion Groups
• Read Woke Challenge
• Watch Streaming Movies with Kanopy
• Download Ebooks, Audiobooks, Magazines, and More
• Learn a New Craft, Language, or Technology Skill
• Need a Library Card?

All programs and events will be held ONLINE unless otherwise indicated. All programs are free of charge. Need help using Zoom to connect? Visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/news/onlineprograms.

Current Services

At this time, we are unable to offer browsing, computer use, or any other services inside the building.

Don't worry! You can still check out materials by placing a hold for Curbside Pickup – which we now offer on demand.

You can also continue to return library materials, get recommendations, attend online events, and access all online services.

Please know how much we loved seeing everyone who came in for browsing in October and November, and we look forward to opening up further in the future.

For more information, visit our Current Services page. We will continue to update it as our services change.

Hours

The library will be closed Friday, January 1 and Monday, January 18.

Limited library services continue during the following hours. Please note that we are CLOSED between 1 PM and 3 PM Monday through Thursday. If you need to ask a question by phone, or use Curbside Pickup on demand, please know that we are not available between these times. Thanks for your understanding as our team works very hard to keep services running as smoothly as possible!

Monday – Tuesday: 11 AM – 1 PM and 3 – 7 PM
Wednesday – Thursday: 11 AM – 1 PM and 3 – 5 PM
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM
Sunday: CLOSED

11 AM – 12 PM each day is reserved for seniors a­nd high-risk or immunocompromised library users. We ask everyone to respect this accommodation, and visit after noon if you are not in this population.

Indigenous Stories: People of the Dawnland

No library card necessary!

Tuesday January 12
7 - 8:30 PM

“People of the Dawnland,” an interactive exhibit at Strawbery Banke, is a space for learning more about the Abenaki, People of the Dawnland, past and present, by exploring their culture, arts, foodways and storytelling traditions. Objects found by archaeologists in the Puddle Dock neighborhood of Strawbery Banke include pottery and stone tools; and demonstrate that Native people have been here for millennia. Anne Jennison and Dr. Alexandra Martin will share their experiences and thoughts about creating the exhibit.

Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent by email. Find out more & register now!

The Planner Society

No library card necessary!

Wednesday January 13
7 - 8:30 PM

Calling all planners! Join the Planner Society. Meet other like-minded, organized, artistic folks. Grab your planner and your favorite pens, and meet us on Zoom! We’ll share tips and tricks, and have time for participants to share their planner expertise as well. This program is open to adults and teens ages 13 and up.

Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent by email. Register now!

Standing Up to Racism (Waitlist Only)

No library card necessary!

Unfortunately, the next two sessions of Standing Up To Racism filled up fast - sign up for the waitlist below to be notified when we run this class again.

Session 1: Wednesdays January 13 – 27, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
THIS CLASS IS FULL. Register for the waitlist!

Session 2: Sundays January 24 – February 7, 2 – 4 PM
THIS CLASS IS FULL. Register for the waitlist!

What does it mean to be an ally? How can we help dismantle systemic, anti-black racism?

In this 3-part, online workshop with Anne Romney, we will look at racism in all its forms – internalized, interpersonal, institutional and systemic. Topics will include white privilege, understanding the toll of microaggressions, and what it means to be an ally/accomplice in the fight for social justice – with emphasis on concrete actions people can do, small and large.

Registration required – space is limited. Attendance is expected at all three classes.

Each Zoom session will be two hours. There will be homework each week of 1-2 hours, consisting of reading and videos. Total time commitment will be about 12 hours over the course of three weeks. There will be ample time for discussion for the whole class and in smaller, break out groups.

Registration is full. Sign up for the waitlist above to be notified when a new session is scheduled.

Writing A Picture Book

No library card necessary!

Two-Week Workshop
Thursdays January 14 & 21
6:30 - 8 PM

Picture books for children are poems with pictures. They can be hysterically funny. They can bring a family memory to life. Maria Popova describes picture books as “stories that tackle with elegant simplicity such complexities as uncertainty, loneliness, loss, and the cycle of life.”

What makes a story one that children will love?  What are the components that blend and form the structure and beauty of a picture book story? 

In this two-week workshop for adults, participants will explore word by word and image by image how one picture book is made. Please join author Terry Farish to explore the narrative components that help a picture book sing.

Terry will offer prompts and guidelines for participants to write their own picture book in Part I of the workshop. Part II is a Picture Book Writing Group in which participants are invited to share their picture books in progress and join in discussion about the group members' work. Discussion in the group will note what's really alive in a story.

Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent by email. Find out more & register now!

Embroidery Workshop

No library card necessary! Must live locally.

Saturday January 16
2 - 4 PM

Embroidery is one of the simplest hobbies to pick up – you can do it too! The library is here to help.

In this two-hour Zoom workshop taught by library staff, you’ll learn several basic stitches, handy tips and tricks, and how to stitch a simple design. You’ll have all the tools you need to create more beautiful embroidery. We’ll provide all the materials you need in a kit for curbside pickup – just attend with your own scissors and some bright light.

This workshop is free and open to adults and kids ages 10+. Registration is required – space is limited! You must live locally and be able to pick your kit up at the library.

Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent by email. Register now!

Genealogy Workshop: Objects of Inspiration

No library card necessary!

Sunday January 17
2 - 4 PM

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!

Share an object or artifact that has led to a genealogical discovery in your family research – do you have an object that lead to a breakthrough? Unearthed a new line in your family tree? Found a repository or collection you had not thought of? Filled in a missing connection? A family clock, sheet music, mysterious photograph, brooch, inscribed book, teapot, piece of lace, uniform? It could be anything, and we would all love to see your item and hear the research story!

This is your chance to share! You will share the image of one family item and have a scheduled 5 minutes to describe the provenance of the object, the steps taken in research, and the discovery that presented itself. Together we will discuss the findings, learn some research tips, and hopefully be inspired to dig out those family artifacts that truly tell a story.

Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent by email. Those wishing to share an object will need to send images by email. Find out more & register now!

Local History: Jazz in the Seacoast Area

No library card necessary!

Tuesday January 26
7 - 8:30 PM

In this informative recounting of the growth of jazz in Seacoast New Hampshire, Charlie Jennison presents a first-hand look at the people behind the scenes as well as the important players, venues, and events that shaped the current flourishing jazz world in Portsmouth. From its beginnings in the 1950s to the influx of amazing talent in the new millennium, Charlie will unfold his personal recollections of how jazz and its proponents have enriched the Seacoast community and inspired generations of artists and listeners.

No registration required. Find out more & get the Zoom link!

How to Write a Stellar Résumé & Cover Letter

No library card necessary!

Thursday January 28
6:30 - 8 PM

Register today for an introductory workshop on résumés and cover letters, taught by Portsmouth Public Library staff!

Learn the basics of what makes a solid résumé and an impressive cover letter, some tips and tricks for catching the eye of your potential employer, and tools you can use to take it further.

Note: this is an overview of résumé and cover letter writing. It will not involve individual review of your résumé or cover letter, or instruction in Microsoft Word or other software.

Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent by email. Register now!

Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group

No library card necessary!

Eight-Week Course
Wednesdays February 3 - March 24
10 - 11:15 AM or 7 - 8:15 PM

What is our country’s role in the world? How does our foreign policy affect trade, migration, conflict and environmental issues? How are the political and social trends in our nation reflected around the globe? For the sixth year in a row, the library offers a unique opportunity to consider and discuss a number of foreign policy topics.

Back by popular demand, we’ll have two independent groups, both of which will convene online using Zoom: you can choose from a 10 – 11:15 AM session or a 7 – 8:15 PM meeting, on eight consecutive Wednesdays. Note: you will be able to switch back and forth between times as needed. For the purposes of registration, just choose one time.

This FREE 8 week “Great Decisions” course, created by the Foreign Policy Association to educate the public about current events, will include the following topics for 2021:

• Global Supply Chains and National Security
• Persian Gulf Security Issues
• Brexit and the European Union
• Struggles Over the Melting Arctic
• China’s Role in Africa
• The Korean Peninsula
• Roles of International Organizations in a Global Pandemic
• The end of globalization?

Registration is required. Portsmouth Public Library cardholders are eligible for a free copy of the Great Decisions Briefing Book, 2021 edition.
Register for the 10 AM session.
Register for the 7 PM session.

Book Clubs for Adults

No library card necessary!

You will find no greater feeling of belonging, nor cozier companionship, than in a book club! Ours are particularly welcoming, varied, and passionate. What better season than this to curl up with a good book and then discuss it? Here's what's on offer for adults:

Classics Book Club
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Tuesday January 5 | 7 - 8 PM

Fiction Book Club
Pieces of Happiness: A Novel of Friendship, Hope and Chocolate by Anne Ostby
Monday January 11 | 1 - 2 PM or 7 - 8 PM

LGBTQ Book Club
Bingo Love by Tee Franklin
Tuesday January 19 | 7 - 8 PM

Book Talk
Monday January 25 | 1 - 2 PM
At our Online Book Talk, connect with other readers online, and share your recommendations! Bring a three-line description of an adult book (or two) that you enjoyed, or just come and listen to community favorites. We’ll be there to guide the discussion and share how you can find more titles you’ll like – especially ones that are available online! 

Speculative Fiction Book Club
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
Tuesday January 26 | 7 - 8 PM

Classics Book Club
The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson
Tuesday February 2 | 7 - 8 PM

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

Visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/book-discussion-groups for more information, synopses, and more!

Youth & Family January Events

Teen & Tween January Events

No library card necessary!

Teen Take and Makes
Mondays and Tuesdays
11 AM – 7 PM
Each week we’ll have a new activity for teens in grades 6 -12. Each kit will also include a snack! No registration is required, but pickup is first-come-first-served on Mondays and Tuesdays between 11 AM and 7 PM. The project will be the same on Monday and Tuesday, so no need to come both days. There will be no take and makes on Monday, January 18 due to the holiday.

Teen Game Night
Tuesday January 5
6 – 7 PM
Teens and tweens in grades 6-12 are invited to join us on Zoom for an hour of games. Attendees will decide what games we play! In the past we’ve played Among Us, Werewolf, Pictionary, and Jackbox Games.

Teen Book Club
Tuesday January 6
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Teens ages 13-18! Join us for this month's book discussion on Zoom. Email Mollie at memulligan@cityofportsmouth.com for the Zoom link. This month's book is The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells.

Teen Book Chat
Wednesday January 6
7 – 8 PM
Teens ages 13-18! Share what you are reading, get book suggestions, and chat with other readers like you! Join us on the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8 PM via Zoom to chat all things books. Email Mollie at memulligan@cityofportsmouth.com for the Zoom link.

Middle School Book Club
Tuesday January 12
3:30 – 4:30 PM
The Middle School Book Club meets once a month on Zoom to discuss a new book. Students in grades 6 to 8 are all welcome to attend! Please email Mary at msouriol@cityofportsmouth.com for the Zoom link and password. This month's book is Clean Getaway by Nic Stone.

Teen D&D
Tuesdays January 12 and 26
5 – 7 PM
ADVENTURE AWAITS!! Do you play Dungeons and Dragons or wish you did? Are you interested in a bi-weekly sword-swinging, magic missile-firing roleplay journey into the hearts of mystical worlds? Have you ever wanted to be just a little evil and steal a sheep from an unsuspecting elven shepherd?! Then join us for Teen D&D! Every two weeks we get together virtually and roll the dice! New to the game? No problem! We have periodic introductory sessions where you learn the basics of the game and how to build a character. The next introductory session is January 12!

Planner Society
Wednesday January 13
7 PM
Calling all planners! Join the Planner Society. Meet other like-minded, organized, artistic folks. Grab your planner and your favorite pens, and meet us on Zoom! We’ll share tips and tricks, and have time for participants to share their planner expertise as well. This program is open to adults and teens ages 13 and up.

Teen Takeout: A Book Box for Teens
Friday, January 15^th
Teen Takeout is a free book box curated by the youth services team and delivered right to your door. Each box will include a book to keep, themed surprises to open as you read, some fun library swag, and a snack. You also have the option of requesting a surprise book from our collection to compliment the rest of your box. This program is open to all tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Fill out this registration form so we can put together the perfect box for you. Register by January 11 to receive the January box. Boxes are limited. Any registrations received after January 11 will be for our March box. Boxes will be delivered on January 15.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Tuesday January 19
7 – 8 PM
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a group of teens who meet monthly on Zoom to help plan library events and more. We always welcome new members! Email serottger@cityofportsmouth.com for an application.

Middle School Paint Night
Wednesday January 27
5 – 6 PM
Calling all middle school artists! Are you a painter, or do you want to start painting? Each session, we will watch a YouTube painting tutorial and follow along together on Zoom. Supplies kits to be picked up at the library the week of the event...and there's a snaaack! Gotta keep your creative energy up!

Registration required for all Teen events except Take and Makes. Click on individual links above to register.

World Affairs Discussion Group

Weekly Meditation

Language Discussion Groups

Read Woke Challenge

No library card necessary!

ONLINE Read Woke Challenge
Open through March 31, 2021

Are you ready for the Read Woke Challenge? Open to all ages, this challenge is simple: read just 10 books - one from each of 10 diverse categories.

What is Read Woke?

Read Woke is a movement. It is a feeling. It is a style. It is a form of education. It is a call to action; it is our right as lifelong learners. It means arming yourself with knowledge in order to better protect your rights. Knowledge is power and no one can take it away. It means learning about others so that you can treat people with the respect and dignity that they deserve no matter their religion, race, creed, or color.
- Cicely Lewis, creator of Read Woke

How the Challenge Works

The Read Woke Challenge at PPL is open to anyone, ages 0-109! Choose a book to read from each of the 10 categories using the recommended lists, let us know what you learned, and earn badges. Read Woke is for ALL AGES!

Need help finding books for a particular category? Browse our book lists!

Or, get personalized recommendations from library staff! Just fill out our form for adults or for youth and teens.

To register for the Challenge, create or log in to your Beanstack account now. 

We want to hear about what you are learning as you participate in the Read Woke Challenge! Share with us ​#PPLNHReadWoke and with Cicely Lewis, creator of #ReadWoke!

1. African American Voices
2. Asian American Voices
3. Diverse Abilities
4. Female Voices
5. Hispanic American Voices
6. Immigration
7. LGBTQ+ Voices
8. Native American Voices
9. Social Injustice
10. Voices of those Experiencing Poverty & Homelessness

Watch Streaming Movies with Kanopy

Download Ebooks, Audiobooks, Magazines, and More

Learn a New Craft, Language, or Technology Skill

Portsmouth Public Library card needed.

Art & Craft Classes with Creativebug

• Over 1,000 video classes on everything arts and crafts: from knitting, crochet, sewing and quilting, to baking, home décor, painting and drawing.
• Videos are self-paced, with something for every crafting skill level. 
• Creativebug is for all ages. You will find classes to suit all skill levels and classes geared specifically for kids and their adults.

• Online video training library with over 3,000 self-paced training classes on a wide range of computer skills for beginning, intermediate, and advanced users.
• Topics offered include: the entire suite of Microsoft and Adobe products, website development, business skills, design skills, audio and video tools, creative inspirations, and much more.
• All of the courses are taught by expert instructors and have fully searchable transcripts.

• Online language study tool that allows you to learn at your own pace.
• Grammar explained in English and conversation examples provided by native speakers.
• Appropriate for ages 7 and up, depending on reading skills.
• Over 70 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of 20 different languages!

• Sample tests and test prep for college admission tests such as GRE, ACT, SAT, CLEP, and TOEFL, as well as GED and high school equivalency materials.
• Sample tests and test prep for occupations (including nursing, law enforcement, cosmetology, plumbing, firefighting) along with military entrance exams, such as ASVAB.
• Resume and cover letter builder that is targeted towards using industry keywords.
• Information on many careers and a skills and interest matcher to help find a field.
• College and scholarship finders with filters.
• US Citizenship resources.

Need a Library Card?