Have you ever gazed over the river and wondered about the historic Portsmouth Naval Shipyard? Do you have relatives who may have worked there, or served on a submarine stationed there for repairs? Have you ever been curious about the naval prison? Would you like to see the Russo-Japanese Peace Treaty signing room?  This month we are taking a tour, and look forward to hosting this exciting event with the staff of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard!

People of all ages are welcome to join us at the library to watch the solar eclipse! We will kick things off at 1 PM with eclipse activities, food, and trivia. At 3:30 PM the eclipse should be in totality, starting at 3 PM we will gather outside on the library's lawn to watch the eclipse.

Curious about this year's total solar eclipse? New Hampshire is in the path of totality this April 8th. Come learn all about the beautiful phenomenon of eclipses. We will discuss the science behind lunar and solar eclipses, how to view eclipses safely, and where & when to watch on April 8. This is a beautiful coincidence that only occurs on planet Earth and we're lucky enough that it's in our lifetime!

Following the presentation, we will show you how to make a pinhole viewer. Please bring a shoebox if you want to participate.

Beginning Monday March 25, the library will have eclipse glasses to distribute to library cardholders and those who can prove Portsmouth residency.

Supplies are limited and this giveaway of one pair of glasses per household will last until we are out of glasses.

Please bring proof of residency or your library card to pick up a pair of glasses to view the Solar Eclipse on Monday April 8.

Bonus! Attend one of our upcoming Eclipse programs and receive an extra pair of glasses. These are free and open to all:

As the April 8 solar eclipse nears, join us to learn more about the night sky with New Hampshire's renowned astrophotographer, Charles Cormier! He will share his spectacular photographs of the planets, stars, eclipses, and more! Explore these special celestial images in a free program open to all. In addition to sharing his phenomenal photos, Mr. Cormier, a professional photographer, will share advice and tips designed to help photographers capture the eclipse safely.

Thatcher Harrison is a guitarist and a composer playing everything from classical to jazz, from fingerstyle guitar to popular/rock guitar.  As a competitor, Thatcher Harrison has won 20 prizes in regional, national, and international competitions, most notably the 2020 Boston Guitarfest Competition, 1st Prize at the 2020 Atlanta Festival Guitar Competition, and a winner of the 2019 National YoungArts Foundation Competition.