Using the Library foyer & the Library atrium

We are able to offer the Foyer and the Atrium as spaces to be booked by members of the University and the community.

  • We usually offer the Library Foyer to student groups and societies; to promote cycling and personal safety; for student fund-raising etc.  We will also consider booking requests from organisations/public bodies/members of the public as long as the promotion is non-commercial and relevant to our students or to the local community.

  • The Library Atrium is primarily used for University bookings, such as viewing the Estate masterplan, promotion of University strategies, ‘Haver with Harriet’, Student Well-being, Student Finance promotions. The Atrium is also used by the Library for promotions of our service and pop-up sessions.
  • Neither space is large enough to offer double bookings, so we can only offer one booking at a time in each space with the following furnishings:
    • Foyer: table and two chairs – these are left in the Foyer area, ensuring that the exit routes are not blocked.
    • Atrium: pop-up table and two chairs – these are provided for you in the Atrium, ensuring that the stairs and the exit routes are not blocked.
Foyer and atrium on Library map

Arranging your booking

To make your booking please email library@port.ac.uk, preferably with two weeks notice. Your booking is not confirmed until you receive an email confirming your booking.  

If you intend to sell or give away home baked food at your event we will send you a pack outlining everything you need to know about preparing food safely and how to label the allergens in your food. Please read the guidelines carefully, share it with anyone else involved, and make sure everyone involved in cooking, baking, preparing and supplying or selling the food/drink adheres to them fully.

When deciding on a date/time for your booking we recommend you consider term-time, Monday - Friday, between 1000 - 1800 to reach the majority of students using the Library.

On the day of your booking

Please ensure that:

  • you leave the area tidy and clean. You can obtain cleaning materials from the Reception Desk.
  • the table remains on the left-hand side of the Foyer (as you enter the Library).  You must not position the table on the right hand side of the Foyer (as you enter the Library), as this is an exit route if there is a fire alarm.
  • Library users are not prevented from entering and leaving the space, either by the table and chairs or by the people staffing the table.