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.

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.
FOL Paperback Swap

At this free event, hundreds of patrons of all ages share thousands of books. You do not need to bring a book to take a book. Browsers welcome! Please bring: Gently used adult and teen paperbacks, Any children’s books (paperbacks, hardcovers or boardbooks). Please do not bring: Adult hardcovers, More than 20 books per person, Books with loose pages, broken spines, water damage or mold. Books are accepted ONLY during the event hours in the Lapham Room; please do not leave books outside the Library or in the lobby. For more information, email: fol@pwpl.org.
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Latest Newsletter Issue Now Available

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

Read Now
Children’s Halloween Costume Drive

Help make Halloween more affordable and sustainable! Donate clean, gently used children’s costumes and accessories in the Children's Room from September 23 to September 30. Then, stop by from October 9 - 11 to find a free new-to-you costume (while supplies last during Library hours). Donations are appreciated but not required to participate. Also sponsored by Parent Resource Center.
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.

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

Oct18

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. There is no group registration; each person must be registered individually.

Please only register for one session.

1:30pm - 2:30pm View Details

Oct18

Lisa Dellarosa Performs: The Grass of My Home: Songs of Love, Nostalgia and the Italian Heart

Join us as Lisa Dellarosa performs The Grass of My Home: Songs of Love, Nostalgia and the Italian Heart - L'Erba di Casa Mia: Canzoni d'Amore, Nostalgia e il Cuore Italiano. Come and enjoy a heartfelt musical journey celebrating the romance, warmth and rich traditions of Italy. Through beloved Italian classics, timeless melodies, engaging stories and some delightful surprises along the way, this program honors the memories, family ties and enduring spirit that lives in every Italian heart.

This event is made possible through the OSDIA John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 and the John Michael Marino Foundation, both located here in Port Washington. The JMM Foundation supports many local charities and educational programs, provides scholarships for local students and works to support educational and cultural programs that will foster an awareness of Italian-American heritage. Refreshments will be served.

3:00pm - 4:30pm View Details

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Children's Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct19

Baby Lapsit

6 months to 17 months with caregiver

With your child on your lap, we will explore the joys of movement, bouncy rhymes and songs. Register October 5.

10:00am - 10:30am View Details

Oct20

Sing and Swing

Ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult

Interactive stories, rhymes and songs emphasizing early literacy skills and help instill a lifelong love of learning. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. For Port Washington residents only.

9:30am - 10:00am View Details

Oct20

Sing and Swing

Ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult

Interactive stories, rhymes and songs emphasizing early literacy skills and help instill a lifelong love of learning. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. For Port Washington residents only.

10:15am - 10:45am View Details

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Teen Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct19

Babysitting Workshop

Learn how to become a responsible and well prepared babysitter. Topics for this workshop include basic childcare and minor first aid. Please arrive promptly at 4pm. Registration begins Monday October 5th.

4:00pm - 5:15pm 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

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

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