Official Portsmouth libraries

07/09/2026

Tickets are now on sale for the Isle of Wight's Story Festival, a children's festival celebrating stories and reading, that takes place 18th- 20th February 2027. They have a great line up planned. And look out for more news of our own festival, Portsmouth BookFest, coming soon!

🎟️ Tickets go on sale at 10am today! 🎉

Discover our brilliant line-up of authors and storytellers, find out more about them and book your tickets on the Isle of Wight Story

Festival website:
👉 https://www.iwstoryfestival.com/

Set your alarms — we can’t wait to see you there! 📚✨

05/09/2026

🎉 Carnegie Library Turns 120! 🎉

Join us on Saturday 12 September as we celebrate 120 years of Carnegie Library, Fratton with a day of free family fun, fascinating history, and birthday celebrations!

📚 10.30am – Discover the story of Portsmouth’s libraries with a special talk from PhD researcher Jo Holmes, exploring Carnegie Library’s place in the city’s rich library history. (Free tickets available from the library on 023 9282 2581.)

🎨 Throughout the day, children can enjoy drop-in craft activities inspired by the library’s beautiful stained-glass windows and have a go at an Edwardian-style game of hopscotch in the garden.

🎂 12 noon – Join us as we cut the birthday cake!

📖 2pm – Enjoy a special birthday Storytime.

🏛️ Don’t forget to explore our fascinating exhibition celebrating the history and heritage of this much-loved library.

Come along and help us celebrate 120 years of serving the community. We’d love to see you there! 🎈📚✨

04/09/2026

The Mobile Library has been repaired and will be stopping at Canoe Lake as usual today. Thank you for your patience while we resolved this issue.

02/09/2026

Join us for an exclusive live online event with Matt Haig on the 7th September! Don't miss the internationally bestselling author of The Midnight Library and Reasons to Stay Alive, as he talks books, ideas and his latest novel The Midnight Train, followed by a live audience Q&A. Hosted by – sign up via the link in the comments!

01/09/2026

We've now received an update from the garage and the Mobile Library will be off road for the rest of this week while it is being repaired. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Items can be returned to any branch library or renewed on 023 92819311.

Unfortunately the Mobile Library has had to be taken to the garage for repairs and will be off road for the rest of the week. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Items may be renewed on 023 92819311 or see the comments for the online link.

29/08/2026

Things are hotting up at the fantastic Victorious Festival today!
Anita Mangan the children’s illustrator stopped by the Official Portsmouth Libraries Tuk Tuk!
📚🎉
Official Portsmouth libraries

28/08/2026

We are at Victorious Festival ready to welcome you!
The library tuk tuk is full of books, there are puzzles and activities and the School Library Service have organised a fantastic programme of children's authors for the weekend. If you are attending and would like to say hello we are located near the junction of Avenue de Caen and Clarence Esplanade.

27/08/2026

Victorious 2026 is this weekend in Southsea, 28-30 Aug! 🥳🤩🎼🎸🎷 To get yourself in the mood for some of the great bands and artists appearing, stream our Victorious Freegal playlist now! 🎤🎧
Festival

27/08/2026

Andy's drawing workshop for children is happening this Saturday at North End Library at 1-3pm. Aimed at children aged 7-16 this session is for youngsters interested in improving their drawing skills.

Suitable for beginners or the more advanced. Materials will be provided but you can bring your own if you wish - Andy will show you how to get the best out of them.
✏️ 🖍️