Best Bookstores & Libraries in Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
1. Waterstones Portsmouth
Spacious bookstore offering a vast selection of books, including bestsellers, local authors, and children's books. Located in the heart of Portsmouth's commercial district.
- Wide Selection: Offers a wide variety of books catering to different tastes.
- Central Location: Conveniently located in the city centre for easy accessibility.
- Café Area: Features a café area where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while reading your new purchase.
2. Portsmouth Central Library
Modern library offering books, e-books, DVDs, and more. Features quiet study spaces, a children's area, and free WiFi.
- Quiet Study Spaces: Provides quiet spaces for focused study.
- Children's Area: Dedicated area for children with books, toys, and activities.
- Free WiFi: Offers free internet access for patrons.
3. The Little Bookshop Portsmouth
Independent bookstore specializing in new and second-hand books. Offers a friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
- Second-Hand Books: Sells a variety of pre-owned books at affordable prices.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are eager to share their book recommendations and insights.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Provides a warm, inviting space for book lovers.
4. Guildhall Walk Bookshop
Small, independent bookstore offering a curated selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and art books.
- Curated Selection: Offers a carefully chosen selection of books.
- Independent Bookstore: Supports independent publishing and offers unique titles.
- Expert Staff Recommendations: Staff members are knowledgeable about the books they sell, providing personalized recommendations.
5. Portsmouth Cathedral Library
Historic library housed in a 12th-century cathedral, offering rare books, manuscripts, and archives related to Portsmouth's history.
- Historic Setting: Located within a 900-year-old cathedral.
- Rare Collections: Holds a collection of rare and historically significant books.
- Research Opportunities: Provides resources for researchers studying Portsmouth's history.
6. Portsmouth University Library
Large university library offering extensive resources for students and the public. Features study spaces, group study rooms, and a cafe.
- Extensive Resources: Provides a wealth of information resources for students and researchers.
- Study Spaces: Offers various study spaces to accommodate different needs.
- Cafe Area: Features a café where you can grab a bite or drink while studying.
7. The Works Portsmouth
Affordable bookstore selling a wide range of books, stationery, and art supplies. Offers regular discounts and deals.
- Wide Range of Items: Offers a broad selection of books, stationery, and art supplies.
- Regular Discounts: Regularly offers discounted items to save money for customers.
- Art Supplies: Stocks a variety of art supplies for artists and hobbyists.
8. The Mary Rose Museum Library
Maritime library housed within the Mary Rose Museum, offering books and resources related to maritime history and archaeology.
- Maritime Focus: Dedicated to maritime history and archaeology.
- Historic Museum Setting: Located within the Mary Rose Museum, a historic warship that sank in 1545.
- Exclusive Resources: Offers exclusive resources not found in typical libraries.
9. Portsmouth City Museum and Record Office
Museum and archive offering local history books, manuscripts, and archives. Features exhibits on Portsmouth's history.
- Local History Focus: Focuses on the history of Portsmouth and its surrounding areas.
- Exhibits: Features exhibitions showcasing artifacts from Portsmouth's past.
- Archives and Manuscripts: Houses valuable archives and manuscripts related to the city's history.
10. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Library
Library located within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, offering books and resources related to naval history and maritime studies.
- Naval History Focus: Dedicated to the study of naval history.
- Historic Dockyard Setting: Located within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Exclusive Resources: Offers exclusive resources on naval history and maritime studies.
11. University of Portsmouth Art & Humanities Library
Specialist library focusing on art, humanities, and social sciences. Offers study spaces, group study rooms, and a cafe.
- Art & Humanities Focus: Focuses on the study of art, humanities, and social sciences.
- Study Spaces: Offers various study spaces to accommodate different needs.
- Cafe Area: Features a café where you can grab a bite or drink while studying.
12. University of Portsmouth Faculty of Business & Law Library
Library focusing on business, law, and management studies. Offers study spaces, group study rooms, and a cafe.
- Business & Law Focus: Focuses on the study of business, law, and management.
- Study Spaces: Offers various study spaces to accommodate different needs.
- Cafe Area: Features a café where you can grab a bite or drink while studying.
13. Portsmouth Naval Base Family & Friends Club Library
Library catering to military families and friends, offering books, resources, and a comfortable space for relaxation.
- Military Focus: Focuses on the needs of military families and friends.
- Comfortable Space: Provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors.
- Resources for Military Families: Offers resources to help military families adjust to life in Portsmouth.
14. The University of Portsmouth Charles Reed Library Special Collections
Special collections library at the University of Portsmouth, offering rare books, manuscripts, and archives in various subjects.
- Rare Collections: Holds a collection of rare and historically significant books.
- Wide Range of Subjects: Covering various subjects including art, history, literature, and more.
- Research Opportunities: Provides resources for researchers studying a wide range of topics.
15. Portsmouth's Milestones Museum Library
Library located within Portsmouth's Milestones Museum, offering books and resources related to local history, social history, and education.
- Local History Focus: Focuses on the history of Portsmouth and its surrounding areas.
- Museum Setting: Located within the Milestones Museum, showcasing various aspects of Hampshire's past.
- Educational Resources: Offers resources to support lifelong learning and education.