Get a library card?
Learn about where and how to apply, eligibility, renewing, and lost cards on the Library Card page here. You can now Apply for a Library Card Online.
Search the catalog?
Use the search bar at the top of this page (or in the menu if you are using a mobile device) and select "Catalog".
Or, visit the catalog directly by clicking here.
Search the library's website?
Use the search bar at the top of this page (or in the menu if you are using a mobile device) and select "Entire Site". It is worth noting that this will search the entirety of the City of Portsmouth's sites.
Renew an item?
How to Renew
- In person @ the library
- By telephone @ (603) 427-1540
- Renew online by logging in to your account, selecting the title you want to renew, and clicking the renew button.
Place a hold?
How to place a hold online:
- To place a hold you must have a valid Portsmouth Public Library card.
- Log in to your Library Account using your library card barcode number and PIN number from the My Account link or the link at the top of the Catalog that says My Account.
- Conduct a search in the Library Catalog.
- To request that the item be saved for you (placed on hold), click on the REQUEST button. The system will immediately notify you if your request was accepted – “your request for ________was successful” .
- The library will notify you by email, text or phone (depending on your account settings) when a requested item is ready for pickup. Please pick up your item at the Circulation Desk.
- Items are held for 7 days before the hold is automatically cancelled and the item is moved to the next person or returned to the shelves.
Learn more about placing a hold on the How to Borrow page by clicking here.
View my library account?
You can view your library account information by logging into the library catalog here. You will need your library card number. Your password is by default the last four digits of your phone number. If your login information isn't working, call us for help at 603-427-1540!
Contact a librarian?
Looking for a book? Need help with research? Send us an email! We read this email at least every two hours during business hours and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Learn more about Contacting a librarian by clicking here.
Find out about story times?
See all upcoming Story Times on our calendar!
Find out about library programs?
Visit the library's calendar to see all upcoming events.
Look up new items?
You can find a list of new items in the library catalog - click on New Items on the right to see all your options!
Get book recommendations?
We create Curated Book Lists to make it very easy to put a hold on items in our catalog. Or, fill out our PPL Rex form to get a book bundle, tailored just to your interests! Or, sign up for a NextReads newsletter to get new and noteworthy recommendations in different genres by email each month! Get more information and discover what to read next on our PPL Rex page.