In this Newsletter...
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All programs are free of charge. Events may be offered in the library, online, or hybrid. Please note the location of each event beneath the date.
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Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
The library will be CLOSED Monday January 16.
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Gratitude Challenge!
No library card necessary!
Through January 31
Lobby
Stop by the library to pick up a Gratitude Challenge Booklet filled with 30 ideas to show kindness or gratitude to our community helpers or anyone you appreciate!
The booklet includes ideas like "Do something kind for a stranger" or "Donate clothing you no longer need to an organization or individual in need." There are 28 more ideas, and you're welcome to come up with your own if you want to keep the gratitude going! Record your acts of gratitude on the back page of the booklet and return it to the library to earn a PPL book bag!
No registration is required. Find out more about the Gratitude Challenge!
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Drop-In Device Help
No library card is necessary!
First and Third Tuesdays (January 3 and 17)
2 – 3:30 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Room
How do I listen to an audiobook using Libby or Hoopla? Send a text with a picture? Pair Bluetooth headphones? What are apps?!
Get one-on-one help with these questions and more during our drop-in device help time at the library. From library digital services to Microsoft and Macs, all questions are welcome!
No registration or appointment is required — we will help on a first come first serve basis. Find out more about Drop-In Device Help!
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Crazy 8's Math Club for Grades K-2
No library card necessary!
Thursdays January 5 - February 23
3 PM – 4 PM
COMMUNITY CAMPUS
Where Math Meets Mischief!
Join Mollie at the Community Campus for fun with math. Fun activities include Glow In the Dark Geometry, Spy Training, and Toilet Paper Olympics!!! Portsmouth Schools buses will transport your Kindergarten- 2nd graders to Community Campus. We will eat a little snack and start making math mischief!
By signing up you are committing to ALL eight weekly sessions beginning Thursday, January 5, 3:00-4:00, and ending Thursday, February 23. Space is limited so please sign up early! Email Mollie with any questions.
Registration is required. Register and find out more about Crazy 8's Math Club!
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Babysitting Course
No library card necessary!
Fridays January 6 - February 3
3:15 – 5:15 PM
It's that time of the year again! Our ever-popular Babysitting Course is here! Registration is required - online (you only need to sign up for the first day).
This free, 5-session course is open to students entering 6th grade & above. Students must attend all 5 sessions to graduate & receive their certificate. If there is an issue, students must talk to Lucia ahead of time to make any alternate arrangements possible.
Sessions cover babysitting basics, emergencies, ages & stages of development, hands-on experience in the library (possibly), and review and graduation! Please click on the link above for more detailed information and to register.
Registration is required. Register and find out more about Babysitting!
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Cold Weather Coat Swap
No library card necessary!
Ends January 7
Library Café
Need a coat or winter accessory? Stop by the library’s lobby anytime before January 7, 2023, and pick something out! Thanks to the generous donations of community members, we have an assortment of cold weather clothing including coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens for all ages & sizes.
Free and open to all.
No registration is required. Find out more about the Coat Swap!
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Middle School Mondays
No library card necessary!
Monday January 9
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Join us every Monday for games, crafts, and other incredibly fun and interesting activities planned JUST FOR YOU!!!
Come on over, hang out with your friends, have some fun (and maybe a snack)!
Want to see a particular activity? Tell us what you want your Middle School Mondays to be, and we'll see if we can make it happen!
No registration is required. Find out more about Middle School Mondays!
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Astrology 101
No library card necessary!
Monday January 9
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Let's talk astrology! This program will provide a basic history and overview of western astrology, including the twelve zodiac signs, the four elements and three modalities, the ten traditional planets, and the five major aspects.
Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to look up their natal charts in advance. Although this program will not include personalized readings from Kate, her presentation will provide foundational instruction on how to read an astrological chart, which participants can then apply on their own.
Rest assured that even if all you know is your Sun sign, this program is still for you! The goal is to demystify astrology in order to empower you to use this powerful archetypal system for self-reflection and personal growth.
Registration is required. Register and find out more about Astrology 101!
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Homeschool Monthly Meet-Up
No library card necessary!
Tuesday January 10
1 – 2:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Homeschool families are invited to a monthly meet-up at the Portsmouth Public Library. The library will provide some STEM toys, activities and crafts for children as well as light refreshments. Meet and chat with other caregivers, learn about upcoming library programming for your family and ask questions! Questions? Please contact Gretyl by emailing gmmacalaster@cityofportsmouth.com.
No registration is required. Find out more about Homeschool Monthly Meet-Up!
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Teen D&D
No library card necessary!
Tuesdays January 10 & 24
5 – 7 PM
Levenson Community Room
ADVENTURE AWAITS as Teen D&D returns to the library! Players 13 – 18, join us for Teen D&D! Every two weeks we get together and roll the dice!
New to the game? No problem! Email Andrew to set up an introductory session or to chat about your experience with the game to find out if you even need one.
Even experienced players new to the club must email Andrew and touch base before jumping into the adventure. Find out more about Teen D&D!
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Lego Club
No library card necessary!
Wednesdays (January 11, 18 & 25)
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Each week children in grades K-5 are invited to join us in the Levenson Meeting Room to try out the weekly LEGO challenge, work on individual projects and have fun with other LEGO-loving kids! Challenges may include building things that float, ziplines, and more.
Snacks will be served—please email Andrew to let him know if your child has food allergies or aversions.
No registration is required. Find out more about Lego Club!
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Creative Writing Group
No library card necessary!
Second and Fourth Wednesdays (January 11 & 25)
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Room and Online
The Portsmouth Public Library hosts a Creative Writing Group that meets both in person at the library and online via Zoom. They meet two Wednesdays a month from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Writers of all genres are invited to attend and share their work in a congenial and sensitive environment! This group is for folks who are willing to commit to attending most meetings. The goal is to create a consistent, supportive group for sharing your work.
Interested writers should email the facilitator, Sarah Pruitt at portsmouthlibrarywriters@gmail.com for the Zoom link or with any questions.
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Hive Mind Collective for Teens & Tweens
No library card necessary!
Thursdays (January 12, 19 & 26)
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Hive Mind is a new after school offering for middle and high school students! We’ll be setting up shop in the Levenson Meeting Room on Thursdays with a rotating selection of A/V equipment and activities. Drop in to watch and make TikToks, try new tools, and discuss online trends.
Hive Mind is a collaborative space: sit back and enjoy videos on the big screen or come prepared with your own multimedia project ideas to develop. All levels of engagement are welcome!
Questions about this program? Please send them to gsvanhanley@cityofportsmouth.com.
No registration is required. Find out more about the Hive Mind Collective!
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Film: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
No library card necessary!
Thursday January 12
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
2022. Rated PG. 115 minutes.
A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides that she must have one of her own.
Films at the library are open to the public and FREE. We show recent films as well as films that you might have missed in the theatres. All films will feature subtitles where possible. Light refreshments will be served.
No registration is required. Space is limited, so come early to secure your seat. Find out more about Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris!
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Youth D&D
No library card necessary!
Friday January 13
3:30 – 5 PM
Levenson Community Room
Join us, Adventurers, for monthly games of Dungeons and Dragons!
We will slay (or befriend) dragons! We will find and hoard shiny objects! We will make an orc feel better about himself! We will spend too much time deciding which goblin in the bunch is our favorite! (I vote for Grunt.)
Sign-ups are limited to six players each session, for humans aged 8 –12.
New Character Creation Workshop on Friday December 9—create the character you'll be using in library games! This is the time to create a shiny, new character to use at future library D&D games. Please bring a pencil and your imagination.
Questions? Call the library at 603-766-1740.
Registration is required and space is limited. Register and find out more about Youth D & D!
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Windows & Water: Meet the Artist Reception
No library card necessary!
Saturday January 14
2 – 4 PM
Levenson Community Room
You won't want to miss the Windows and Water exhibit on display in the Levenson Community Room through January 26. Susan Bienen Johnson, the exhibit's featured artist, will host a Meet the Artist Reception Saturday, January 14, 2 – 4 PM. Susan will discuss her vision and technique for the paintings included in the Windows and Water exhibit and answer questions about her work.
Susan, a former resident of New Castle and Portsmouth, has graciously shared dozens of intimate views of the water as seen through windows to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the city of Portsmouth. Susan was born and raised in New York City, graduated from the High School of Music and Art and Brandeis University, and studied Interior Design at the Boston Architectural College. Susan now lives in Brookline and is a frequent visitor to Menemsha.
Light refreshments will be available.
No registration is required. Find out more about the Meet the Artist Reception!
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Genealogy Workshop
No library card necessary!
UNH's Milne Special Collections & Archives Resources
Sunday January 15
2 – 4 PM
Levenson Community Room & Online
Genealogy workshops are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all levels of interest and experience. Everyone will learn something new. Join us!
Genealogical research in archives can be confusing. This presentation will teach you to make productive use of materials such as letters, diaries, and account books. We will focus on the resources available at UNH’s Milne Special Collections to assist you in learning how to use archives and finding material relevant to your research, including locating accurate genealogical information related to women and minorities.
Milne Special Collections and Archives contain over 18,000 linear feet of rare books, manuscripts, university records, photographs, sound recordings, and local history materials. Strengths of our collections include material pertaining to Anglo-American traditional music and dance, angling, the Shakers, and NH writers. Appointments are free and open to all members of the public.
Registration is required. This is a hybrid event, you may choose to attend in person at the library, or online via Zoom. Find out more and register for the Genealogy Workshop!
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Needle Felting Workshop
No library card necessary!
Tuesday January 17
6:30 – 8 PM
Levenson Community Room
Due to popular demand, the library staff crafters will again teach the fun and simple technique of needle felting! Participants will discover how easy it is to create projects with natural wool roving. Join us to learn how easy it is to poke fluffy pre-spun wool with felting needles to turn colorful locally sourced supplies into cute little sculptures! We will each create a felt mushroom ornament at this free workshop.
This program will be in person at the library, and the library provides all materials.
This class is already full. Please register for the waitlist to hear about future workshops. Find out more and register for Needle Felting!
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The Planner Society
No library card necessary!
Cozy and Centered – Plan Your Word of the Year!
Wednesday January 18
5 – 6:30 PM
Online
The Planner Society presents a Cozy Online Program Series for the dark winter months when it's better to snuggle in and be cozy at home while getting connected and centered for 2023!
Join us online via Zoom for our Cozy and Centered –Plan Your Word of the Year program! Creating a Word of the Year is an alternative to creating New Year Resolutions. These days, many people intentionally select a specific word or phrase to act as a compass throughout the year. This practice is more flexible than making resolutions, so light a candle, steep your favorite tea, grab your journal or planner, and meet others online for a Cozy and Centered night to start your year!
We will provide a free activity packet that includes art paper, markers, tea, and tips for choosing your Word of the Year. Register for the event and pick up your packet at the library the week before the event.
Registration is required. Register and find out more about Cozy and Centered – Plan Your Word of the Year
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We Craft! 🧶 Drop-in Craft Time
No library card necessary!
Friday January 20
5 – 6:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
We craft, ewe craft, we all craft together! Join library staff Nicole and Michaela on the third Friday of the month for a relaxing end-of-week drop-in craft time. Seek help on a crafting hurdle, get advice on a tricky mending project, or share your expertise with fellow local crafters. Bring your current work in progress, stay for a few stitches or join us for the whole time. All levels of crafters are welcome!
If you have extra skeins of leftover yarn or tools for a craft you’ve given up for good, feel free to bring gently used items to swap.
No registration is required. Find out more about We Craft!
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Astrology 201
No library card necessary!
Monday January 23
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Don't miss Astrology 201! This workshop is great for anyone who has attended Astrology 101 with Kate Sheridan in the past, and also for anyone who has basic astrology knowledge. If you are familiar with the twelve zodiac signs, the four elements, three modalities, and ten traditional planets, then you are ready for Astrology 201!
After a brief review of the Astrology 101 concepts mentioned above, Kate will share her insights into how to read a chart, including a closer look at the five major aspects and a deep dive into concepts relating to the twelve houses of a chart. Understanding houses will not only allow you to read a natal chart more fluently but will also help demystify predictive astrology.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their natal chart to the workshop (either paper or digital is fine, but you'll want to have a 360 degree wheel chart rather than the typed list of placements). Although this program will not include personalized readings from Kate, her presentation will provide in-depth instruction on how to read an astrological chart, which participants can then apply on their own.
The evening will begin with a Q & A session, particularly for those who attended Astrology 101 on January 9, so come prepared with your questions!
Registration is required. Register and find out more about Astrology 201!
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Local History: Winter Speaker Series
No library card necessary!
A History of Portsmouth in 101 Objects — Introducing 400+ Years of Portsmouth History with the Editorial Advisors
Tuesday January 24
6:30 — 8 PM
Levenson Community Room
Join us for the kickoff of the Winter Speaker Series for A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects. The speaker series is free, open to the public, and is co-hosted by the Portsmouth Public Library. Each talk or panel in the series will feature authors and objects from and inspired by the book. Sever of the objects featured in the book will be on display at the library throughout the year.
Recently published, the Portsmouth NH 400 Legacy Project book, A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects, is a crowd-sourced compendium of objects and ideas the people of Portsmouth selected as those most important to the story of the city. It includes objects that embody Portsmouth's history since before European contact and in the 400 years since. Matched with writers who know their topics well, this compilation of objects and many voices, together portray Portsmouth's unique, diverse and wide-ranging history.
The Library contributed funds to this project, which were generously gifted to the Library from the Estate of Richard E. Winslow, Local Historian, Library Special Collections Staff, and City Historian Emeritus. This publication is dedicated to him.
The Editorial Advisors, including directors and staff of the Portsmouth Athenaeum, Portsmouth Historical Society, Portsmouth Public Library, and Strawbery Banke Museum will lead off A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects Winter Speaker Series.
No registration is required. Find out more about the 101 Objects Winter Speaker Series!
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Film: Emma
No library card necessary!
Thursday January 26
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Levenson Community Room
Emma
2020. Rated PG. 124 minutes.
Handsome, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy town. In this glittering satire of social class and the pain of growing up, Emma must adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along.
Films at the library are open to the public and FREE. We show recent films as well as films that you might have missed in the theatres. All films will feature subtitles where possible. Light refreshments will be served.
No registration is required. Space is limited, so come early to secure your seat. Find out more about Emma!
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Shakespeare Discussion Group
No library card necessary!
As You Like It
Tuesday January 31
4 – 5 PM
Macleod Board Room
Hail fine patrons! Wishing thou a most celebratory 2023! ‘Tis now 400 years since the Bard’s First Folio was published, and what better way to celebrate this most festive occasion, than to join Shakespeare Discussion Group?
Fair fellows, it is with great pleasure that I announce we will be discussing the great comedy of As You Like It. Join our merry band of Shakespeareans in the Macleod room January 31 at 4PM. Worry not if you’ve not joined in the past, as we invite fellows of all ages and knowledge to attend!
Registration is optional - register to receive reminders. Find out more and register for the As You Like It discussion & find out more!
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Indigenous Stories: An Unbroken Circle
No library card necessary!
Indigenous Communities and the Seacoast
Tuesday January 31
7 – 8:30 PM
Levenson Community Room and Online
Join Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective members to hear how their work is reframing New Hampshire’s history from an Indigenous perspective.
The history of the Indigenous communities of the Seacoast has been endangered since the colonization of this land by white settlers in 1623. While it was a momentous occasion for those forging a path for themselves in a new world, their discovery of this shore led to the displacement of the Indigenous communities who lived here for over 12,000 years.
This year, as Portsmouth celebrates its 400th Anniversary, we ask whose history are we celebrating. What histories and experiences have been ignored or systemically erased? Join us for a panel discussion with local Indigenous leaders as they clarify long-held falsehoods, share their peoples' history, and discuss their current projects. As we move into a new century of colonial settlement let us recognize that Indigenous ties to the Piscataqua region have never ceased. Their stewardship of the land has never wavered. Indigenous perspectives must be heard in order for us to understand the land we call home and move together toward our shared future.
This event is free and open to all. The program is a hybrid event, you may attend in person at the library, or online via Zoom.
Registration is required. Find out more and register for An Unbroken Circle!
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Story Times
No library card necessary!
Homeschool Story Time
Tuesday January 31
1 PM
Join Miss Mollie for this monthly story time designed for elementary-aged children (preschool students also welcome).
Baby Lap Time Story
Wednesdays January 11, 18 & 25
9:30 AM
Join us in the Levenson Meeting Room for Lap Time! This program is recommended for babies ages zero to 18 months and will feature storytelling, singing, playing and more!
Toddler Story Time
Wednesdays January 11, 18 & 25
10:30 AM
Join us in the Levenson Meeting Room for books, songs, and rhymes at a story time recommended for two and three year olds and their caregivers.
Waddler Story Time
Thursdays January 12, 19 & 26
10 AM
Join us for Waddler Time! This is a story time designed for our mobile young patrons ages one to three. We will do lots of songs, rhymes and dances.
Family Story Time
Saturdays January 14, 21 & 28
9:30 AM
Our Saturday Family Story Time is open to all ages. We offer this program so families can experience story time together as many can’t make it to our programs during the week. We plan a mix of stories, music, movement, and language play (with occasional crafts and other activities) to serve a wider spectrum of ages. The goal is to enjoy story time together at the library! No registration is required – please join us when you can.
Registration is requested for all except Family Story Time. Please register ONCE for your family group, and let us know how many are in your group. Registration is on a weekly basis, so you will need to register for EACH WEEK you plan to attend. View all Story Times!
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Adult Book Clubs
No library card necessary!
Need to talk about all these books you're checking out? Want to meet like-minded book lovers? Trust us—you need a book club. Nonfiction and Fiction Book Clubs are hybrid (attend in person or online). Classics Book Club and Speculative Fiction Book Club meet online this winter.
Fiction Book Club
The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories by P.D. James
Monday January 9 | 1 PM or 7 PM
Nonfiction Book Club
Owls of the Eastern Ice by Jonathan Slaght
Monday January 23 | 7 PM
Speculative Fiction Book Club
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Tuesday January 31| 7 PM
Classics Book Club
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Tuesday February 7 | 7 PM
Fiction Book Club
The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
Monday February 13 | 1 PM or 7 PM
Nonfiction Book Club
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
Monday February 27 | 7 PM
Speculative Fiction Book Club
Galatea 2.2 by Richard Powers
Tuesday February 28 | 7 PM
No registration is required. For more information, synopses, and future titles, read more about our Adult Book Clubs!
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Youth & Teen Book Clubs
No library card necessary!
Book Club Grades 3 & 4
Monday January 9
4 PM
Students in grades 3 and 4 are invited to join book club! This month's title is Beverly Right Here by Kate DiCamillo. Readers can pick up the book at the library ahead of time and then join us for a fun conversation about it as well as other activities and snack! Registration is requested and students are also invited to bring friends! Please click the link above to sign up.
Blast Off Book Club
Tuesday January 17
3:30 PM
Blast Off Book Club is our book club for emerging readers in grades K – 2 (at all reading levels!). We will discuss our book, complete an extension activity and play some word games. This book club does not teach reading – rather the goal is to foster an early love of reading and promote literacy skills for new readers! Copies of the book are available at Youth Services on the first of each month. Please reach out to Mollie with any questions: memulligan@cityofportsmouth.com
Early Chapter Book Club
Wednesday January 25
4 PM
The Early Chapter Book Club is designed for independently reading 1st and 2nd graders. We will discuss our early chapter book, complete an extension activity and play literacy games. This book club does not teach reading. Rather, the goal is to foster an early love of reading and promote literacy skills. Copies of the book are available at Youth Services on the first of each month.
Teen Book Club @ PHS
Tuesday January 31
2:30 PM
DURING FLEX BLOCK AT PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
Teen Book Club returns during Flex Block at Portsmouth High School. Book club will meet each month and teens outside of PHS are still welcome to join – just please let us know in advance! Copies of the book are available from Ms. Raab or Ms. LaVallee at the high school or at the Youth Services desk in the public library. Come if you loved the book, hated the book or landed somewhere in between! Questions? Contact Andrew: awhouldsworth@cityofportsmouth.com
Registration is requested or required for all Youth & Teen Book Clubs. Use the links above to register!
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World Affairs Discussion Group
No library card necessary!
Every Monday
4 – 5 PM
Online
Are you fascinated by international affairs and the world of foreign policy? If so, please join our Library Director and a group of your peers on Mondays to discuss World Affairs topics.
If you plan on attending and would like to vote on the week's possible topics, send our director an email at ccfriese@cityofportsmouth.com, and she will send you a link to the webpage where you can vote. The list of topics is posted each Wednesday afternoon and voting concludes that Friday afternoon. At that point, the director will send out an email to the group letting them know the two selected topics, and a list of links to suggested articles.
No registration is required—email the director at the link above for the Zoom link.
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Language Discussion Groups
No library card necessary!
Each of our language discussion groups is volunteer-facilitated. These are not classes, and are geared toward people who already speak or are learning the language. They will have no teachers and may have no native speakers. Some groups meet online, others meet in person, and one meets both in person and online. Groups that meet in person gather in the Hilton Garden Inn Room or the Macleod Board Room on the second floor.
Chinese
Every Thursday | 5 – 6 PM
Online
French
Every Friday | 1:30 – 2:30 PM
In Library
German
Every Monday | 2:30 – 4 PM
In Library
Italian
Every Friday | 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Online
Spanish
Every Tuesday | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
In Library or Online
No registration is required. Find out more and connect to Language Discussion Groups!
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Weekly Meditation
No library card necessary!
Every Wednesday
12:15 – 1 PM
Levenson Community Room & Online
Whether you've meditated before or you'd like to start learning, this weekly drop-in is for everyone. Our volunteer instructors teach a variety of different techniques, and we provide a friendly, low-pressure environment for beginners to learn!
To read more about our instructors and get the Zoom link to connect, visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/weekly-meditation.
No registration is required.
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Mah Jongg
No library card necessary!
Saturdays
10 AM – 12 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Room
MAH JONGG, the Chinese game of tiles, is back on Saturdays! It's fast, free, and fun for all ages. Held every Saturday 10 – Noon. Taught every week at 10 AM—and it only takes 15 minutes to learn.
No registration is required.
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Reading Dogs
No library card necessary!
Saturdays January 14, 21 & 28
10 – 11 AM
Youth Services
Come read to a friendly golden retriever! Chloe and Tillie will be here eager to listen while you read!
No registration is required.
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.... And So Much More!
Library card necessary for some services.
We tend to highlight upcoming events and new services in this newsletter, but the library is so much more. Here's a taste of our other offerings...
Services that require a Portsmouth Public Library card
Services that do not require a library card
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