2658 East Main Road | Portsmouth, RI | 02871 | (401) 683-9457 | Hours

What's Happening

Our Plant Sale returns! May 31st from 9 am to 1 pm
Bee Inspired! Join our Adult Summer Program starting June 9th!
Spring mushroom hunting information with Ryan and Emily Bouchard. Register today!
Our summer hours begin Tuesday, May 27

Book Clubs

The 3rd Tuesday Book Clubs will meet on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 PM.  Both groups will meet at this time.  This is our Annual Meeting where we will be book talking and voting on the titles for the upcoming year. 

June’s Mystery Meetup will be on Tuesday June 3rd at 6:30pm.  We will be discussing Skink: No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen. 

About Us

Portsmouth Free Public Library grew from a group of people called the Thursday Evening Group who met at the Guild House of St. Paul's Church and at members' homes to discuss literature and culture.  It was proposed that a meeting be held to explore the possibility of a town library.  About 50 of the town's influential people attended this meeting on March 18, 1897, and a charter was granted by RI Secretary of State Charles P. Bennett on March 26, 1897 to form a library "for the distribution of books and other literary purposes."  In March 2022, the Library celebrated its 125th anniversary and continues to provide Portsmouth citizens of all ages the best in reading material and so much more.  

The mission of Portsmouth Free Public Library is to serve as an essential resource that grows with our community, enhances the quality of life of our users, supports lifelong learning, and offers access to information in a variety of ways. We provide outstanding customer service and a welcoming environment for all.  The Library shall enthusiastically promote its functions in the community, provide full access to a broad variety of materials and information, including beyond the local collection, and function with efficiency and courtesy to provide a pleasant experience.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Portsmouth Free Public Library. It consists of members who are elected from the Portsmouth Free Public Library Association.  The Board meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 PM.  In case of a Monday holiday, the Board will meet on the second Monday of the month.  The first Monday in May is the annual meeting.

Association membership is open to all residents of the Town of Portsmouth who are eighteen years of age and pay annual dues. The Portsmouth Town Council may appoint two Trustees. The Trustees serve without remuneration of any kind. Non Residents may join the Association but do not have voting rights.

Hours & Contact

Summer Hours  
Mon - Tues 9-8
Wed - Fri 9-5
Sat 9-1
Sun Closed

Website funded by The Book Nook

Address
2658 E Main Rd
Portsmouth, RI  02871
 
Email

Phone

(401) 683-9457

 

Upcoming Events

Jun
02
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Now is your chance to improve your skill at cribbage!  Join experienced cribbage players Carol and Jackie and play with others, newcomers and more experienced players alike...
Jun
02
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Library board meeting
Jun
03
10:45am - 12:00pm
Marie is back with more chair yoga exercises!  Chair yoga is a gentle approach to Yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, and, often, standing using our chair. ...
Jun
03
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Welcome to our monthly mystery club! Join us on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 to discuss a new selection. We will read a variety of mystery stories throughout the...
Jun
02
Monday, June 02
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Now is your chance to improve your skill at cribbage!  Join experienced cribbage players Carol and Jackie and play with others, newcomers and more experienced players alike...
Jun
03
Tuesday, June 03
10:45am - 12:00pm
Marie is back with more chair yoga exercises!  Chair yoga is a gentle approach to Yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, and, often, standing using our chair. ...
Jun
06
Friday, June 06
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Open to everyone! If you are any type of fiber artist (knitter, crocheter, tatting, hand sewing, felting, etc.,) please join us for an hour of camaraderie and discussion....
Jun
09
Monday, June 09
9:00am - 9:10am
Today is the day!  Summer Reading registration begins today for all three of our programs: Kids, Teens, and Adults! Can't make it today?  Don't worry!  You can register for...
Jun
09
Monday, June 09
9:00am - 9:10am
Today is the day!  Summer Reading registration begins today for all three of our programs: Kids, Teens, and Adults! Can't make it today?  Don't worry!  You can register for...
Jun
13
Friday, June 13
10:00am - 4:00pm
...
Jun
16
Monday, June 16
10:00am - 10:30am
Calling all readers in grades 3–5!  Get ready for an exciting summer of books, fun, and pizza! This year’s Summer Book Clubs...
Jun
25
Wednesday, June 25
10:00am - 12:00pm
Slither, crawl, and hop on over to the library for a wild morning with Reptile Nook...
Jun
06
Friday, June 06
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Open to everyone! If you are any type of fiber artist (knitter, crocheter, tatting, hand sewing, felting, etc.,) please join us for an hour of camaraderie and discussion....
Jun
09
Monday, June 09
9:00am - 9:10am
Today is the day!  Summer Reading registration begins today for all three of our programs: Kids, Teens, and Adults! Can't make it today?  Don't worry!  You can register for...
Jun
21
Saturday, June 21
10:00am - 12:00pm
Ask, and you shall receive! Join us for our new Saturday edition of Fiber Arts - now you have TWO opportunities and times/days to join in the fun! Looking for a place to work...
Jun
23
Monday, June 23
9:00am - 8:00pm
Teens are welcome to pick up a candy sushi kit in the Teen Area starting Monday morning. Kits are for teens in rising 6th-12th grade only, and only 1 kit per teen is allowed...

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