Since 1896 the Portsmouth Public Library has served the city, now at 175 Parrott Avenue. Established in 1896, this is the civic place whose stated mission is to provide popular media materials to the public and to supply information and access to reference works. The library also does community outreach, working to foster an appreciation for reading and learning in youth while offering activities engineered to appeal to older demographics.
It is open seven days a week: 10–8 Monday through Thursday, 10–5 Friday and Saturday, and 1–5 on Sunday (the library is not open on Sunday during the summer months). Inside you’ll find computer stations with a variety of applications and library databases, internet access, and printing and copying services; the building and its immediate grounds provide wireless access as well. The library makes available special passes for free or reduced-price admission to regional resources such as museums and art galleries.
The entrance and facilities are handicapped-accessible, and the interior contains three larger meeting rooms available to the public as well as three smaller study and conference spaces. Notice the façade and entrance, and picture the wireless-equipped grounds welcoming readers just beyond it.