National Libraries Day 2014

Saturday 8 February 2014 is National Libraries Day, a culmination of a week’s worth of celebrations in school, college, university, workplace and public libraries across the UK. Portsmouth Library Service is celebrating with loads of fantastic, FREE, events across our libraries.

Anyone who joins a Portsmouth library as a new member on the 8th will receive a voucher for one free DVD or CD loan, or if you're already a member and introduce a friend then you'll get a voucher as well!

National Libraries Day Programme

Friday 7 February

Central Library

2.15 to 3.15pm.  A fascinating tour of the Portsmouth History Centre, taking in the Naval and Genealogy collections, the Dickens collection, and the City Archives. To book a place call 023 9268 8046.

Saturday 8 February

Beddow Library

11am to 2.30pm.  Open day organised by the Friends of Beddow Library. 

     The Pompey Pluckers will perform at 1pm. Watch craft demonstrations and buy homemade cakes and jams. All proceeds to the Friends of Beddow Library Fund.

Carnegie Library

1.30pm to 2.30pm.  Portsmouth's World War One Heroes, a talk by James Daly. 

     James' latest book builds a detailed picture of Portsmouth's First World War dead. Copies of his book will be on sale. To book a place pop into your local library or call 023 9282 2581.

Central Library

All Day.  A library Treasure Hunt for adults and families. 

     Solve the clues and you could win a prize in the Grand Draw.

10.30am to 11.30am.  Business Service Drop-in. 

     Our new business service can offer help and support to entrepreneurs and those running their own business. We will demonstrate MINT - this database of business intelligence will help you source suppliers, competitors and useful organisations. Elizabeth Caush looks forward to discussing your business ideas with you. For more information call 023 9283 4118.

11am to 12 noon.  Conan Doyle Collection talk.  

     Laura Weston will deliver an entertaining talk on the history and future of this world class collection devoted to Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle. There will also be an opportunity to explore some of the archive material. To book a place call 023 9268 8046.

11am to 12 noon.  Macmillan Coffee morning.

      Have you been affected by cancer, finished your treatment and would like further information or support?  Did you know that you can pick up a wide range of resources at your local library that can help you make positive changes to your health and well-being? Why not drop in to learn more, enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake made using recipes from the hugely popular Macmillan Recipes Book. For more information contact Suzanne 023 9268 8259.

11am to 3pm.  Photoshop for beginners workshop, with an hour for lunch (not provided). This taster will cover how to edit your photographs using Photoshop. Please bring a digital camera with cables, USB stick and SD card. To book a place call 023 9268 8057.

12.30-2.30pm.  Manga workshop for young people aged 11+. 

     Join artist Karin Rubins for a masterclass. To book a place email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Cosham Library

11am to 12 noon.  Cosham Kids Craft Club.

     Go Quackers! Join us for duck inspired stories, songs and craft. Suitable for the under 5s.

North End Library

1pm to 1.30pm.  Celebration Rhymetime.

Southsea Library

9.30am - 11.30am.  Digital Downloads Drop-In. 

     We offer free downloads for magazines and audio books, and will soon be offering free music downloads and streaming. Find out more at this drop-in. Bring your tablet, iPad, or other mobile device and get started straightaway! For more details, phone Mark on 023 9268 8258.

10.30am - 12 noon.    Neal Layton's Illustration Workshop.  

    Join award winning children's book author and illustrator Neal Layton, for an illustration workshop. Ideal for budding artists! For children 3-7 years. To book a place call 023 9268 8999.

2.15pm to 2.45pm.    Dad's Rhymetime. 

      Uncles and Grandads also welcome.