Browsing the Library
The library does not limit general capacity in the building, or the length of your overall visit. However, you may still check how many people are currently in the building - view our current occupancy here!
Note that capacity and visit lengths are still limited in the Youth Services area of the building. Families or teens who plan to visit the Youth Services area of the library should make a 30-minute appointment in advance to ensure that their preferred time is reserved. Please read on for more information. Everyone visiting this area must check in at the Youth Services desk.
If you have items on hold, you can pick them up in the library lobby – already checked out and ready to go!
Magazines and Newspapers are open for browsing. Our Special Collections room will be open to two visitors at a time, and one person per table. Need assistance? Feel free to visit the Reference Desk or call us at 603-766-1720.
Study carrels and other seating options are available, but will be limited to maintain six feet between each seat.
Study rooms are unavailable until further notice.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms remain open at limited capacity for all new bookings. See below for updated capacity limits.
Meeting rooms are intended for library programming, and for public gatherings of a civic, cultural, or educational nature. They may be used by any Portsmouth cultural, civic, educational, or non-profit group or organization.
There are currently two meeting rooms available. Please note that room occupancy limits are smaller at this time.
- Levenson Community Room (1st floor), 30 people
- Hilton Garden Inn Room (2nd floor), 10 people
The MacLeod Board Room is closed at this time.
For more information and to apply for a meeting room, visit cityofportsmouth.com/library/reserve-room. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (603) 766-1712.
Youth Services Browsing Appointments
Capacity and visit lengths are still limited in the Youth Services area.
The library offers 30-minute appointments for families and teens to access this area. Please call the Youth Services desk at 603-766-1740 to make an appointment before coming.
You will be asked for the exact number of people in your family group, and we do encourage you to limit the total number of family members coming.
Everyone visiting this area must check in at the Youth Services desk.
Computer Use
You do not need to make an appointment for computer use. The library will offer computer use on the second floor for up to 50 minutes per visit. Computers are limited. Masks must be properly worn throughout the entire 50 minutes. Only one person per computer, please!
Staff will offer assistance while remaining six feet from computer users. Thank you for your patience.
Safety Precautions
Anyone over the age of 6 will be required to wear a face mask to enter the library, and at all times while in the building.
Staff will maintain social distancing with all visitors, remaining a minimum of six feet away. For this reason, we may not be able to assist everyone in the way you are used to. Thank you for your patience!
We ask all visitors to maintain social distancing with anyone not in their family group.
Please note that we have upgraded the library building’s HVAC system, and maintain adequate stores of protective equipment for staff.
How long will you offer this service level?
Until further notice. Since our service levels are determined based on a number of public health factors, we do not know when our services, or our hours, will change. Please check our website for updates.