The PPL Since 1810

The PPL provides a quiet, comfortable and friendly setting for members who can read and borrow from our extensive collection. The Library houses some of the oldest and rarest books in Devon right through to modern bestselling novels. In addition to biographies and a maritime collection, there is a classic crime section and works on the local history of Devon, particularly Plymouth.

The Library also holds a series of events throughout the year including talks, coffee mornings, plays, a book club and a watercolour society. We look forward to welcoming you here.

Talk - The Rules of Murder: The Golden Age of Detective Stories

Wednesday 12th June at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members

A talk by Elaine Henderson. 

Emerging in the gloomy, sooty streets of the mid-Victorian period, the British detective story quickly developed a life of its own, adapting to changing times, changing tastes, until the post-First World War eruption of new writers, including Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and Anthony Berkeley, who established the 'rules' of detective fiction and created what is known as the Golden Age of Detective Stories.

Come and join us as we investigate this enduringly popular literary genre - and take the opportunity to explore the PPL's own unique collection of Golden Age novels. 

Coffee Morning

Regular coffee mornings are held on the second Saturday of each month between 10.30am and 12.30pm and are open to all. So why not join us for good coffee, good cakes (homemade) and good company - you will be made very welcome.

The next coffee morning will be held on Saturday 8th June: 10.30am - 12.30pm. Cost: £4.

17th Century Book Donation

The PPL is pleased to announce a new acquisition: A Prophecy of Perillous Times published by the 'Parliamentary' Preacher, Rev. Thomas Willes in 1656 and tells of perious times during the English Civil War. 

There is a lot to discover within this generous donation as it has handwritten English, Latin and Greek annotations throughout.

This book will remain with the Plymouth Proprietary Library in perpetuity as we continue to develop our archives and rare book collection.

Latin Group

First Monday of the month: 10.15am - 12.15pm.

£2 for members. £4 for non-members.

Anybody with an interest in language, at whatever level, will enjoy both the ambience and the journey of a carefully paced introduction to the Latin language.

It is estimated that 30% of English words have Latin roots and there are about 51,000 Latin-origin words in English. Why not join us to find out more.

Book Club

The Book Club meets on the first Monday of the month when members get a chance to read and discuss last month's set book. Cost £2. 

Copies of the book are supplied to members who’d like to join us to discuss the book over a cup of tea or coffee.

Watercolour Group

Every first and third Wednesday of the month: 1.30pm - 3.30pm

The Group is run by the Plymouth Watercolour Society.

It costs £4 for Plymouth Watercolour Society members and £2 for PPL members. There is a charge of £5 for those wishing to try it and a member of neither. Materials provided if necessary and informal tuition for beginners.

More details from Robert Turner on 07938 722710.

Writing Group

Every first and third Friday of the month: 10.30am - 12.30pm.

£2 for members. £4 for non-members.

The Writing Group is open to anyone and is hosted by our trustee James Bridgwater. For more details beforehand, e-mail James at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to his website.

If anyone is interested in doing an accredited course, please also contact James.

History of Art Group

The fourth Monday of every month: 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

Exploring art movements with artists of all genres and their techniques.

In 2024 the group will be taking 'The Grand Tour', starting with the early 1600's and then moving forward. Artists of various nationalities will be researched including those no longer in fashion as well as the art of the female painter. We will consider what influence the foreign art brought to Britain such as architecture, garden design and fashion.

You do not need to be an expert on art to be a member: an interest in learning more about art is the only qualification. 

Membership of the U3A is a requirement for attendance as this group is not run by the PPL.  The cost is £4.00 per session.

Click on the following link for more information about joining the U3A https://www.plymouthu3a.org.uk/new-member-application/

PPL Online Book Catalogue

The PPL book catalogue is available online.

Over 17000 books have been catalogued by the team and indexed by their Dewey classification. 

Books can be displayed either by Title / Author / Date Added / Dewey Code or simply search by entering any of those parameters.

NEW - To view on a tablet CLICK HERE - Requires Google Sheets (FREE) to be installed on your device