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Home | Learning | Libraries | Central Library

Central Library

Last updated: 13 December 2011 09:59 UK

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, recorded music, local history information, a children's fiction dual language collection, local information, books in European languages, business information, genealogical research and free Internet and wifi.

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.

Basic Chinese classes

Free classes in Chinese are being offered from 11 January 2012. Every Wednesday at 1pm on the Third Floor in Room F. Places are limited so book your place by calling 023 9268 8065 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

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 the Outreach Team on 023 9268 8037.

Reading Groups for the visually impaired

Central Library runs a reading group for the visually impaired. The group listens to books using mp3 players and meets once a month on a Thursday at 2pm.

For further information, please contact Julie Duffy on 023 9268 8032.

Reminiscence Group

Come and share your memories with this new reminiscence group. Bring an item of interest to share with the group! If you are interested, please ask a member of staff for details, or phone 023 9268 8046. The group meets monthly in the Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library, 2pm to 3.30pm. The next date is Tuesday 17 January.  

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 Go-On 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 Thursdays from 9.30am to 12 noon. If you are interested in having a go, please call Tom Williams on 023 9268 8065.

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 3.30pm.

For further information, please contact Community Library Services on 023 9268 8998.

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 Learning Zone on the third floor every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon. For further information call 023 9268 8046.

Job-Seeker Drop In Sessions

If you're looking for work, we can help. Every Thursday afternoon from 2pm to 4.45pm, 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 Learning Zone on the third floor. For further information call Patricia Garrett on 023 9268 8039.

CV Writing Workshops and careers advice

Are you looking for work or thinking about a career change? Next Step visit Central Library every Tuesday from 9am to 5pm to offer free careers advice, plus help and advice in designing a CV.  

For further information or to book an appointment, please call Next Step on 0800 1954 700.

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.