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.

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.
The first ladies coalition

Join us on Friday, October 9 at 7:00pm for the First Ladies Coalition, A play created and performed by Ginger Grace. First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, and Mary Todd Lincoln time travel to Colleen's Sewing Shop, where they inspire Colleen, a survivor of domestic violence and former inmate, to overcome her past and find her strength. Together, they show how courage and resilience can transform lives. Join us for this special live theater event.

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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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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

Sep7

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

Oct5

Spice of the Month

Stop by the South Wing to pick up this month’s featured spice. Supplies are limited, so come early! No registration required.

Sponsored by the Health Advisory Council.

9:00am - 9:00pm View Details

Oct5

Books for Dessert

Books for Dessert is a book club for adults over 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who live, work or participate in a day program in or around Port Washington. Founded more than 20 years ago, Books for Dessert — the sessions begin with cookies and coffee — is made up of readers ranging in age from early 20s to their late 70s.

Books for Dessert collaborates with groups such as AHRC, Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA), and The Nicholas Center.

If you’d like more information about our book club, please contact Kate Monsour at 516-883-4400, ext. 1302 or monsour@pwpl.org.

10:30am - 11:45am View Details

Oct5

Books for Dessert

Books for Dessert collaborates with groups such as AHRC, Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA), and The Nicholas Center.

If you’d like more information about our book club, please contact Kate Monsour at 516-883-4400, ext. 1302 or monsour@pwpl.org.

10:30am - 11:45am View Details

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Children's Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct5

A Time For Kids- Baby Start

Ages 3 months to 17 months.

Join Ms. Karen as we introduce our littlest learners to the wonderful world of library programs. Activities include music, movement, fine and gross motor development and circle time. Focus is on early literacy, early language development and socialization. Registration required.

10:00am - 10:30am View Details

Oct5

A Time For Kids

Ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult

Ms. Karen presents educational activities, movement, music and a craft. Registration required.

10:45am - 11:30am View Details

Oct5

Graphic Novel Book Club

Grades 4 to 6

Discover a new graphic novel each month! Read along, share your thoughts, and enjoy lively discussions about the stories, characters, and artwork that bring each book to life. Pick up a copy of the book in the Children's Room. Register September 14.

4:00pm - 4:45pm View Details

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Teen Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct6

Haunted House

Create your own spooky haunted house, or a friendly, haunted house. The sky is the limit with this creative program in which patrons can design their own haunted house complete with a pumpkin patch or graveyard. In this program, you decide how you want your house to look and enjoy a snack in the process. Registration opens on September 22nd at 9:00 a.m.

6:00pm - 8:00pm View Details

Oct8

BANNED! Censorship in the Arts

As book banning records surge in the United States, we will look at artwork, literature, and films banned. But more

importantly, we will dive into why the use of censorship from public schools to countries continues. Join us as artist and

professor Chris Vivas lifts the ban! This event is open to participants in grades 7 through adults. Registration opens on September 24th at 9:00 a.m.

3:45pm - 4:45pm View Details

Oct9

Cricut All Abilities: Paper Bats

This easy project is necessary for Halloween decorating! Make paper bats galore at the library! This class is welcome to everyone; those under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

All supplies will be provided. Registration begins on September 25^th. Priority will be given to Port Washington card holders.

3:30pm - 4:30pm View Details

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