Central Library
Opening times
- Monday: 10am to 7pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9am to 7pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9am to 5pm
We are closed on Sundays. Opening times will be different on Bank Holidays and at Christmas, contact us for details.
How to contact us
Central Library
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2DX
Tel: 023 9281 9311
Fax: 023 9283 9855
Email for book renewals, reservations and general enquiries: lending.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Email for reference and specialised enquiries: reference.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Find Central Library on Multimap to see where we are.
Some of the services at this library
Books, talking books, DVDs, videos, recorded music, CD-ROMs, Playstation games, local history information, a children's fiction dual language collection, local information, books in European languages, business information, genealogical research and free internet and email.
Reading Groups
Central Library runs 2 reading groups. The evening group meet every 4 weeks on a Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8pm, and the daytime group meet every fourth Wednesday 10am to 11.30am.
Internet and email training
Central Library offers free One to One tasters in:
- Beginner's guide to the Internet
- Beginner's guide to email
- Advanced Internet Searching Skills
These last approximately 2 hours and are tailored to your interests and requirements. For further details, or to book a session call Pat Garrett on (023) 9268 8054.
Family History Drop In Sessions
Central Library is now offering you the chance to sample some of the important family history websites now available. Experienced staff will be available to help you with any questions.
Sessions take place in the IT suite on the second floor every Monday afternoon from 2.15pm to 4pm and Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon. For further information call (023) 9268 8045
English conversation group
Central Library runs an informal English conversation group for ESOL students every Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm on the first floor. Please note that there will be no class on 21st January 2009. For further information, please contact Linda Collins on 023 9268 8259 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Children's Services
Bounce and Rhyme
Every Wednesday from 10am to 10.30am.
Story Time
Every Tuesday from 11am to 11.30am.
Under 5s' Fun Mornings
Monthly on Tuesdays, 10am to 11.30am. Each fun morning includes Story Time.
- 6th January
- 3rd February
- 3rd March
- 31st March
- 28th April
- 26th May
- 23rd June
- 21st July
Russian Parent/Toddler Group
Чебурашка (Cheburashka) is an organisation for Russian speaking parents with young children. From January 22nd, Cheburashka will meet every Thursday in the children's activity room at Central Library from 4-5pm. For more information, please email cheburashka@russiansupportgroup.org or write to PO BOX 824, Portsmouth, PO1 9FJ.