Port Washington Public Library

Back

Visit the Catalog / My Account

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 Para Adultos (formulario en Español)

Obtenga Una Tarjeta De La Biblioteca Para Niños (formulario en Español)

Request a Replacement Card

Renew an Expired Card
Latest Newsletter Issue Now Available

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

Read Now
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.
Ilene Silberstein – A Moment Preserved

On view in The Adler Gallery from August 31 - October 30. Artist Reception and Talk: Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Ilene has been creating art since her teenage years with her career including fashion design, floral design, and serving as Development Director for a nonprofit theater before becoming a full-time artist. Her artistic practice flourished after joining The Art Guild on Long Island nearly 20 years ago. There, she studied with accomplished artists, later served as Co-President, and now continues on its board while maintaining a studio at the Guild and another on the North Fork of Long Island. A former florist and lifelong gardener, Ilene draws inspiration from flowers and their ever-changing beauty. Working primarily in oils and pastels, she captures the fleeting effects of light and color in an abstract realist style. Her work has received numerous awards, and she was featured in The Artist's Magazine.
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

Upcoming Events

View Monthly Calendar

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

Sep16

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

Sep16

Needlecraft BYOP (Bring Your Own Project) Night

Bring your embroidery, crochet, quilting, or sewing project to this weekly gathering. Share ideas with fellow crafters, and get inspired from our collection of pattern and instruction books, generously provided by the Friends of the Library.

6:15pm - 8:30pm View Details

Sep16

For the Record: 'Stories Behind Pop Music Masterpieces'

Sometimes the stories surrounding the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s are as interesting and fun to listen to as the songs themselves! Tony Traguardo presents a multimedia program that shows clips of and tells the stories behind some of the greatest music by David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Sam & Dave and more.

7:00pm - 9:00pm View Details

See All Adult Events

Children's Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Sep16

Outdoor Nature Painting

Ages 18 months- 3 years

Enjoy our garden with your toddler as we paint, create, and explore nature together through a fun, hands-on art activity! Register August 31.

In case of inclement weather, the program will take place in the Children’s Activity Room.

11:30am - 12:00pm View Details

Sep16

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

Sep18

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

See All Children's Events

Teen Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Sep18

Cricut Craft: Monogram Makeup/Pencil Case

Design a cute, versatile case that you can use for pencils, makeup, or whatever you dream. Learn how to use the Cricut Maker 3 for simple vinyl projects! This is an adult and teen only class.

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 September 4^th.. 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

Sep22

Beginner Sewing: Pillow case

Learn the basics of sewing in this beginner-friendly class as we make a simple pillowcase from start to finish. You'll practice essential sewing skills, including measuring, pinning, and stitching, while creating a cozy pillowcase to take home. This is an adult and teen only class.

This is a beginner level project. Registration begins on September 8^th.

3:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

Sep22

Latte Art For Teens

September is National Coffee Month! To celebrate, we designed a class for teens to learn some basic barista skills. They will learn how to decorate Iced coffee with a variety of toppings (caramel, chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon & cold foam) Different designs will be demonstrated and then they will get a chance to practice their skills on their own cup of brew. Registration opens on September 8th at 9:00 a.m.

6:00pm - 8:00pm View Details

See All Teen Events