Michael W. Mello Program Room

Join us for a discussion of Written in Red by Anne Bishop.  No one creates realms like New York Times 

Join us for a discussion of Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell.  In 1580’s England, during the Black Plague a young Latin tutor falls in love with an extraordinary, eccentric young woman in this “exceptional historical novel” (

Join us for a discussion of All That She Carried by Tiya Miles.  In 1850s South Carolina, an enslaved woman named Rose faced a crisis: the imminent sale of her daughter Ashley. Thinking quickly, she packed a cotton bag for her with a few items, and, soon after, the nine-year-old girl was separated from her mother and sold.

Join us for a discussion of The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede.  The true story behind the events on 9/11 that inspired Broadway’s smash hit musical 

Now is your chance to improve your skill at cribbage!  Join experienced cribbage player Carol at Portsmouth Free Public Library and play with others, newcomers and more experienced players alike.  Crbbage boards and cards are provided, you provide the fun.  This card game uses strategy and decision-making abilities and has roots dating back to the 1600's.  Registration is not required.