Port Washington Public Library

IMPORTANT UPDATE & Holiday Hours

On Monday, October 12, the Library will be open from 1:00pm – 5:00pm in observation of Columbus Day.

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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.
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.

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

Oct8

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.

7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details

Oct8

Weekly Mahjongg Meet-up

Join us for our weekly drop-in Mahjongg games. The room capacity allows for four tables with four players each or 16 people. The Library currently has two Mahjongg set in the room. Additional sets and card will need to be supplied by those interested in playing.

7:00pm - 8:45pm View Details

Oct9

Voting Machine Demo from The Board of Elections

Board of Elections Demo on new voting machines.

11:00am - 3:00pm View Details

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Children's Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct9

Park Story Time

For children ages birth to five with an adult

Join your favorite librarians for stories, songs, and fingerplays across the street from the Library at Blumenfeld Park. No registration required.

In case of inclement weather, the Story Time will take place in the Lapham Room.

9:30am - 10:00am View Details

Oct12

Columbus Day

12:30am - 1:00pm View Details

Oct12

Gold Coast International Film Festival - FAMILY SHORTS

As part of a series of film festival events, the Gold Coast International Film Festival is proud to present FAMILY SHORTS, a fantastic and fun program of short films perfect for the whole family! This 45-minute program is suitable for all ages.

For this event you must reserve a seat in advance. Registration opens on Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m. Please make sure to use a valid email address. Each registrant can register for up to 4 seats for the Family Shorts screening.

2:00pm - 3:15pm View Details

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Teen Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am 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

Oct10

AAC Reception and Talk - Ilene Silberstein

AAC - Talk and Lecture

2:00pm - 4:15pm View Details

Oct12

Columbus Day

12:30am - 1:00pm View Details

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IMPORTANT UPDATE & Holiday Hours

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Cow Neck in the Revolution

Books for Dessert

Weekly Mahjongg Meet-up

Voting Machine Demo from The Board of Elections

Cow Neck in the Revolution

Park Story Time

Columbus Day

Gold Coast International Film Festival - FAMILY SHORTS

Cow Neck in the Revolution

Cricut All Abilities: Paper Bats

AAC Reception and Talk - Ilene Silberstein

Columbus Day

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