Port Washington Public Library

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Libby app, Kanopy app and Nassau Digital Doorway now require a PIN to access your account. It’s the same PIN you may already use to log into your library account. You will see a message to verify your card and add your PIN. You can set or reset your library account PIN at any time. If you have questions or run into any issues, please call (516) 883-4400.

community spotlight with scott reich

Join Port Washington resident and best-selling author Scott Reich for a conversation about his new book, One Day in September: Baseball, Brotherhood, and the Birth of the All-Star Game. Discover the remarkable 1917 Fenway Park exhibition featuring legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, which brought baseball’s greatest stars together for a cause beyond the game. Scott will be joined by John O’Connell, former PWPL Board of Trustees president. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by the FOL.

Click here for more information.
Halloween On Main

On Saturday, October 31, embark on a scavenger hunt with the Library by finding Halloween symbols on various storefront windows. To begin, download your scavenger hunt card or pick up one at the Library. Once you’ve completed the hunt, claim your prize bag at the Library between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For details, visit portwashingtonbid.org/halloween-hunt. Sponsored by the FOL.
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Latest Newsletter Issue Now Available

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

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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.
Cow Neck in the Revolution

The area we now call Port Washington was occupied by the British for seven years during the Revolutionary War. Local families suffered immense hardship: they were forced to quarter enemy troops, had their children pressed into service, and even endured pirate attacks. Some Cow Neck Patriots bravely fought for American freedom while others assisted the revolutionary cause in secret – and some yet remained loyal to the Crown. These stories are explored in Cow Neck in the Revolution, presented in collaboration with the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society in celebration of 250 years of American independence. On display in the History Center Annex June through December 2026.
America’s 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.

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

Adult Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

The area we now call Port Washington was occupied by the British for seven years during the Revolutionary War. Local families suffered immense hardship: they were forced to quarter enemy troops, had their children pressed into service, and even endured pirate attacks. Some Cow Neck Patriots bravely fought for American freedom while others assisted the revolutionary cause in secret – and some yet remained loyal to the Crown. These stories are explored in Cow Neck in the Revolution, presented in collaboration with the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society in celebration of 250 years of American independence. On display in the History Center Annex June through December 2026.

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct16

Port Washington Adult Activities Center Art Exhibit

PW Adult Activities Center Art Exhibit

9:00am - 7:00pm View Details

Oct20

Cricut Craft: Disney Halloween

Get into the Halloween spirit at the library by creating your own festive sublimated T-shirt featuring Disney Halloween-themed designs. We'll guide you through the sublimation process as you press a spooky and fun image onto a shirt to take home perfect for Disney fans and Halloween lovers alike! This class is for Teens and Adults only.

Please take some time to install the Cricut Design Space software before the program, https://design.cricut.com/#/. This class is for adults and teens only. All supplies will be provided. Registration begins on October 6th. Priority will be given to Port Washington card holders.

Please note: Chromebooks are not compatible with the Cricut Design Space software, so will not work for this program. Laptops (both Mac and PC) and iPads work well. If you are 15 minutes late to the class, your spot will be given up.

3:30pm - 5:00pm View Details

Oct20

For the Record: ‘Established Artists Who Took Chances With New Sounds’

Tony Traguardo looks at some of rock music’s most popular artists who hit with music that was different from their usual styles. Were they expanding boundaries, changing their styles… or simply “jumping the shark”? Clips by artists including Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Queen may help to answer that question.

7:00pm - 9:00pm View Details

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Children's Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct20

Edible Tricky Treats

Grades 2 to 6

Create creepy edible treats, including Band-Aids, dirty Q-tips, and eyeball cake bites, then surprise your family and friends with deliciously gross creations. Register October 5.

May not be suitable for those with food allergies.

6:30pm - 7:30pm View Details

Oct21

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 August 31.

1:30pm - 2:00pm View Details

Oct21

Make Your Own Trick or Treat Bag

Grades 2nd to 6th.

Design your own Trick or Treat tote bag!

Registration begins on October 5th.

3:45pm - 5:00pm View Details

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Teen Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct20

Cricut Craft: Disney Halloween

3:30pm - 5:00pm View Details

Nov2

Teen Creative Readers Book Club

Creative Readers is a program for middle and high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will engage in multi-sensory activities, creating and acting out scenes, making props, and learning theater skills. High school volunteers will be trained to work with the participants, and behavioral support will be available at each session. Registration begins October 5, and participants will be notified by October 19. For more information, email creativereaders@optimum.net Registration applications: https://bit.ly/3VA9GXj

4:00pm - 5:30pm View Details

Nov3

America 250 Escape Room Challenge

Celebrate America's 250th with an exciting Escape Room Challenge! Put your wits and problem-solving skills to the test as you uncover clues, solve puzzles, and race to escape before time runs out. No prior knowledge of American history necessary.

Registration is required. Registration begins on October 20th. There is no group registration; each person must be registered individually.

Please only register for one session.

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

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