Port Washington Public Library

Back

Visit the Catalog / My Account

Latest Newsletter Issue Now Available

The May/June issue of Happenings is out! Discover what's happening at the Library.

Read Now
America 250th Anniversary

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the USA with the Port Washington Public Library as we not only recognize this important semi quincentennial founding of the United States of America, but also explore topics of freedom and democracy that are part of our shared American history. Throughout this year, the Library has organized a wide variety of programs and activities to commemorate the celebration as well as recommended reading and watch lists that have also been added to our America 250 webpage. A new a new local history exhibit, Cow Neck in the Revolution, is also on display in the History Center Annex from June through December 2026.

Click here for more information.
Pete Fornatale: Rock Radio Revolutionary

Pete Fornatale (1945-2012) was a longtime Port Washington resident and FM radio pioneer known for his eclectic music taste, insightful interviews with artists, and outspoken but measured commentary on the zeitgeist of the day. Over his nearly 50-year career as a DJ at New York stations WFUV, WNEW, and K-Rock, he inspired countless artists, industry players, and radio listeners. An exhibit of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia celebrating Pete’s life, work, and far-reaching influence is now on display in the History Center Annex.
Jonathan Butterick – “Everything Must Go”

On view in The Adler Gallery from May 1 - July 1. Reception: Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Jonathan Butterick is a painter who works from his own photographs, creating acrylic gouache pieces on paper that act as small, luminous “windows” into overlooked moments. His work highlights saturated color, theatrical light, and quiet, human traces within dense, layered environments. With a background in printmaking, he uses flat shapes, bold edges, and layered color that are often enhanced with fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark pigments that shift under different lighting. Balancing memory and invention, his paintings aim to preserve fleeting places and evoke a sense of wonder in the everyday.
Mason on Main: A Photographic History of Mason Studio 1920-1985

This new local history exhibit, now on view in the Columns Gallery, highlights over 50 years of photography produced by Mason Studio, formerly located at 118 Main Street in Port Washington. Following its 1985 closure, the Library acquired approximately 20,000 photographs taken throughout Mason Studio’s many years in business. These photos are snapshots of life in Port Washington from the 1920s through the 1970s and include individuals, buildings, businesses, and events. This exhibit was made possible through the support of the Friends of the Library. Join us on Monday, September 15 at 2:30 pm for a reception.
Get a Library Card Today!

Apply for a New Card (Adults, Families, or Employed in PWPL Service Area)

Apply for a New Children's Card

Obtenga Una Tarjeta De La Biblioteca (formulario en Español)

Request a Replacement Card

Renew an Expired Card
Career and Personal Finance Center

The PWPL Career and Personal Finance Center proudly offers our patrons both scheduled and ongoing access to a varied set of resources that includes in-person and online programs, workshops, web-based services, and seminars. Subjects may include Resume Critique, Interview Preparation/Mock Interview Practice, College Interview Practice, Career Coaching, Career Testing and more! Please note, services are often prioritized for patrons in the PWPL library card district.

For more information, call 516-883-4400 x1400 or visit www.pwpl.org/research/career-testing

Upcoming Events

View Monthly Calendar

Upcoming Events

Adult Events

May6

Stretch, Sculpt, and Balance

Move through poses to increase flexibility, balance, strength, and range of motion. Marlene Kirsh, athletic trainer, and certified Pilates instructor, will lead the sessions. Chairs will be available if needed.

Classes begin on Wednesday, January 21, and run weekly through June 3, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. No class on February 18, February 25, March 4, or April 8. Please bring a yoga mat and 3lb weights.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is required.

Sponsored by the Health Advisory Council.

*EXERCISE WAIVER

1:00pm - 2:00pm View Details

May6

The World of Digital Audio: Part 1 - 'Decoding' the Digital World

Ever wonder what the difference is between an MP3 and a FLAC file, or why "bit rates" actually matter? PWPL Librarian Tony Traguardo will guide you on a deep dive into the 'DNA' of digital sound. He’ll break down the jargon and attempt to settle the age-old debate: Does analog really sound better than digital? Gain the foundational knowledge you need to hear and preserve your music in a whole new way! This is part one of a program that concludes with Part 2: Master Your Digital Music Library at the same time on Wednesday, May 13.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT!

1:30pm - 3:30pm View Details

May6

Open Research Hours at The History Center

Open Research Hours at The History Center. Entrance to the Research Room is through the History Center Annex in the South Wing.

Outside of these hours, the History Center’s Research Room is accessible by appointment: please email localhistory@pwpl.org to make arrangements. Click here to view our Collection Guide.

2:00pm - 4:00pm View Details

May6

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is a free program from NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island that utilizes the principles and slow, gentle movements of Tai Chi to help older adults enhance their balance and increase their confidence in performing everyday activities. This evidence-based program is proven to reduce falls, improve fitness, and is designed for older adults who are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength.

Classes are led by a trained/certified instructor for 60 minutes for 14 weeks. Participants will learn: Balance Skills, Proper Body Alignment, & Coordinated Tai Chi movements. Chairs are available.

Registration is required. No class on February 18 or April 8.

Priority is given to Port Washington residents.

*EXERCISE WAIVER

2:30pm - 3:30pm View Details

See All Adult Events

Children's Events

May6

Preschool Story Time

Ages 2 1/2 to 5 years with an adult

Enjoy great stories, songs, and fingerplays, while your child develops essential early literacy skills. Registration begins April 6.

1:30pm - 2:00pm View Details

May6

Pipe Cleaner Flowers

Grades 2 to 6

Create flowers using pipe cleaners for yourself or someone special! Register April 20.

4:00pm - 4:45pm View Details

May6

Chess

Grades 3-6

Learn the rules and strategies of chess and practice what you have learned by playing against your peers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library in memory of Lawrence Kamisher. Register March 30.

5:30pm - 6:30pm View Details

May7

Tummy Time Meet Up

For pre-crawlers

Join other parents and caregivers for a group tummy time and play session! Please bring a blanket for your child. For pre-crawlers; no walkers, please. Limited spots - Entry is first-come, first-served.

9:30am - 10:15am View Details

See All Children's Events

Teen Events

May6

Bedazzle Razzle Dazzle

Unleash your inner artist in this exciting workshop experience! Dive into the sparkling world of bedazzling, where rhinestones turn ordinary items into extraordinary treasures. Get ready to sparkle, shine, and celebrate your one-of-a-kind style! Registration begins April 15.

3:45pm - 4:45pm View Details

May6

Cricut All Abilities: Monarch Butterflies

Make monarch butterflies using the Cricut Maker 3.

All abilities are welcome, but we do ask that participants under the age of 11 be accompanied by an adult. All supplies will be provided.

Registration opens on April 29th. Priority will be given to Port Washington card holders.

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

May8

Make Your Own Mother's Day Gift

Crafts will be supplied to create a unique Mother's Day gift which you can give to your loved one. Gift bags and gift paper will also be provided for added decoration.

3:45pm - 4:45pm View Details

May12

Community Quilt Project: Love is Love

Open to all

Stop by to decorate a quilt square that will become part of the Be the Rainbow community quilt project, on display in the Library’s Community Gallery this June for Pride Month. No registration required.

5:30pm - 7:30pm View Details

See All Teen Events