Hobbies Arts & Crafts Clubs

All libraries in Portsmouth offer a range of books and resources for adults, carers and children that aim to help you improve your health and wellbeing. All our libraries have Wellbeing Zones where you can browse up to date books and leaflets on any aspect of mental and physical health. Our staff are also happy to signpost you to local services that can help you manage your own health.

Portsmouth Film Society aims to use English and international film as a medium to support the development of local culture, community and education and encourage both film and diversity appreciation.

Portsmouth Music Hub aims to transform lives through music.

Portsmouth Philosophy Book Club: Want to discuss and politely debate numerous issues? We often read articles from Philosophy Now magazine and discuss these.

We meet once a month. Free of charge. The Club has been running for 15 years. We have a new venue, Wetherspoons, The Lord Palmerston, Southsea. Email for more information and to say you'll be coming.

The group guidelines are:

1.Come with an open mind. Prepare to have your own thoughts challenged, and possibly changed, as opposed to wanting to be "right" and change other's minds. We encourage listening as well as talking.

2. Keep speaking to no longer than 2 minutes, at a time, so everyone can have a say.

3. We welcome respectful debate, as well as politely critical discussion. 4. It's surprisingly sociable and good fun at times, even when we disagree.

Joining a reading group is a great way to meet new people, try new authors and books and share your feedback.

There are a number of groups that you can join that are run by the Library and Archive Service both in and outside of libraries. There is sometimes a waiting list to join the groups but we will let you know when a space becomes available if you tell us which group/s you are interested in joining.

We can also support you in setting up your own reading group. The Library and Archive Service supports independent reading groups that meet in community locations or in peoples' homes by providing free book sets of up to 15 copies on a regular basis.

Take a look at our selection of reading group sets here:

https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/whats-on/reading-groups/

If you'd like to ask about availability in one of the Library run groups or would like to find out more about setting up your own group email reading.groups@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Our goal is to inspire and enable people to give the gift of voluntary service to meet the needs of the day in their communities. We believe that our volunteers’ service makes them, and Britain, healthier and happier.

We also work closely with the NHS, providing valuable support services that allow hardworking hospital staff time to focus on looking after the people in their care.

Working one-to-one, in groups and online, our network of trained volunteers provide the time and skills that help people feel stronger, healthier and more able to cope with any challenges they may be facing.

Through social activities and groups, they create connections and friendships that help communities thrive and boost the wellbeing of the people involved.

Our services vary from area to area and in some cases are available via your local authority or health services.

If you enjoy playing Rummikub or would like to learn as you meet new people, drop-in to our friendly group. We recommend you ring the library first to check the club is running that week.

If you enjoy playing scrabble and meeting new people, drop-in to one of our Scrabble Clubs. We recommend you ring the library first to check the club is running that week.

Seekers Create offers a diverse range of services designed to engage and empower communities. From creative workshops and immersive walkshops to interactive trails and community murals, we collaborate with various community groups to ensure their voices are heard. We're committed to promoting inclusion and actively partner with local councils, charities, schools, universities, and businesses to facilitate creative consultation events.

Browsing and borrowing books and resources
Click & Collect services
Access to PCs and printing
Photocopying
Visitor Parking Permits

Regular activities
Rhymetime – Monday and Thursday 10.00am-10.30am
Rhymetime – Saturday and Sunday 10.30am
Mah Jong – Monday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Storytime – Tuesday 11.00am
Scrabble Club – Wednesday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Slow Sew Group – Wednesday 10.30am to 12.30pm (first and third Wednesday of each month). Bring any items you would like repaired or learn how to repair it yourself.
Table Tennis - Thursday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Crafternoon - Craft activity for adults, Thursday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Knitting and Crochet Group - Fridays 10:30am-12:30pm. Beginners welcome.
Rummiklub – Friday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Children’s drawing workshop – Once a month on Saturday 2.30pm-4.30pm