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Children
All of Portsmouth’s libraries have books to suit every child’s taste and ability, from “fun” reads to homework help, all needs are catered for. There may be a particular book your child would like that’s not on the shelf. If it's available in other libraries in the city, we will have it sent to your local library free of charge.
All our libraries offer free internet access.
What to look for in the library
To help parents and children select appropriate reading material, children's books have logos on the spine that reflect reading ability and content.
- Caterpillar: stories for children beginning to read
- Butterfly: longer stories for more confident readers
- Asterix: picture books for older readers
- 11up: fiction suitable for older children. Please note age does not refer to reading level.
Summer Reading Challenge
During the summer holidays the Library Service run reading challenges to promote the fun that reading can offer. Children who participate are invited to read 6 books, and if they pass this with flying colours they are invited to a special winners' event for a certificate.Links
Portsmouth Book Awards
The Portsmouth Book Awards allow young people in the city the opportunity to decide their book of the year. The pupil judges decide the winners in two categories following extensive reading and debating. The Award is administered by the School Library Service, which works closely with school staff. For more information and for details of our current winners, please navigate to the Portsmouth Book Awards link under 'Internal links'.
Britannica Junior Online
Encyclopaedia Britannica is a leading provider of learning and knowledge products. They are one of the world's most trusted sources of information on every topic imaginable. The Junior Edition is suitable for use by children aged between 5 to 11 years. You can use the Junior Encyclopaedia Britannica Online in a Portsmouth library or from your own computer at home, by accessing the website under 'External links'. You will need your library card to log in.
