Tel: 023 9282 2251
Central Library
Last updated: 23 August 2010 12:30 UKPlease note that Central Library is closed until further notice. If you wish to speak to any staff based at Central, please call the City Helpdesk on 023 9281 9311
Opening times
- Monday: 10am to 7pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am to 7pm
- Thursday: 9am to 5pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10am to 3pm
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.
Central Library also boasts a tea room on the third floor that offers tea and coffee, home made cakes and a selection of hot and cold lunches.
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. For further information, call Clare Forsyth on 023 9268 8064.
Internet and email training
Central Library offers free One to One tasters in:- Beginner's guide to the Internet
- Beginner's guide to email
Designed for people with some computer experience, these tasters last approximately 2 hours and are tailored to your interests and requirements. For further details, or to book a session call Patricia Garrett on 023 9268 8039
Computer classes
Do you want to get online but can't use a computer? Central Library is now a UK Online Centre and we are offering free courses to help you get started and improve your confidence. Working through Myguide courses on the Internet, you can take your first steps with computers and the Internet and learn at your own pace with support from friendly staff.It's so important to be able to use the Internet; you can save money, keep in touch with family and friends, find a job, swap your council house and make your life a lot easier.
We meet every Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am. If you are interested in having a go, please call Gail Brown on 023 9268 8525 or Pat Garrett on 023 9268 8039.
Computer tasters
Highbury College run free IT tasters at Central Library on Wednesday afternoons.
These 3 hour sessions offer a chance for complete beginners to learn how to use a computer, a keyboard or even buy their own PC. Students can then progress onto more advanced skills such as shopping online, enhancing digital photographs and researching the history of Portsmouth online.
Courses resume in September 2010.
Computer training for the visually impaired
If you are visually impaired and want to learn how to use computers, we can help. We run a weekly drop-in and can offer support, training and advice. We meet every Friday from 2pm to 4pm.
For further information, please contact Community Library Services on 023 9275 1737.
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 Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon. For further information call 023 9268 8045.
Job-Seeker Drop In Sessions
If you're looking for work, we can help. Every Thursday afternoon from 2pm to 5pm, staff will be on hand to help you with online job applications, finding work on the Internet, and setting up email accounts.
Sessions take place in the IT suite on the second floor. For further information call Patricia Garrett on 023 9268 8039.
CV Writing Workshops
Are you looking for work or thinking about a career change? If so, you might like to attend a free workshop offering help and advice in designing a CV. They run on the first 2 Tuesdays of every month, from 2pm to 4pm.
For further information please call Next Step on freephone 0800 1954 700
Reminiscence Group
Share your memories of Portsmouth! Central Library is hosting a new monthly Reminiscence group starting on Thursday 26th August 2010 at 10am. Whilst Central Library is closed, we will meet at Portsea Library.
Reminiscence groups are an opportunity to meet new people and share your memories of the local area over a cup of tea or coffee. All are welcome to attend this group. Staff will bring along historic photographs but please do bring your own if you wish.
To reserve a place in the group, please call 023 9268 8064 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Room hire
If you would like to hire a room for a function or IT training event, please navigate to the room hire at Central Library page.
Children's Services
Rhyme Time
Every Wednesday from 10am to 10.30am.
Story Time
Every Tuesday from 11am to 11.30am.
