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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.
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.

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

Sep24

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

Sep25

Sandwiched In with Dennis Raverty - What is Illustration?

Join award-winning teacher and art historian Dennis Raverty as he asks the questions, "What is illustration and how does it differ from painting?" In his visual presentation Dr. Raverty will highlight the differences (and similarities) between commercial illustration designed for reproduction and fine art paintings or prints to be displayed in a gallery, museum, library, home or office building. The talk will also address the historical disparagement and marginalization of illustration by the art world elite (as well as some illustrators and most art historians), primarily because of its close ties to commerce and the marketplace. This presentation will coincide with the e-book release of American Illustration: A Cultural History by Dennis Raverty and Dennis Dittrich.

You can follow this link to Dr. Raverty's website which has sample chapters from the e-book:

Dennis Raverty - AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION PROJECT

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 'hybrid' event that can be attended either "In-Person" or "Online" on the Zoom platform. You can choose which option you wish to register for below in the "Attend In-Person" OR "Attend Online" choices below.

12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details

Sep25

Weekly Scrabble Meetup

Drop in and play a game of Scrabble. No registration required.

1:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

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Children's Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Sep25

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

Sep25

Family Baking: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

For families with kids in grades 3 to 6

Join Chef Rob as he shows you and your family how to prepare delicious pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies to bake at home. Register September 7.

PLEASE NOTE IT IS ONE REGISTRATION PER FAMILY.

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

Sep26

Read with Snowball

Grades 1-3

Read for 15-minutes with Snowball, a super-soft, certified therapy bunny! Register September 7.

Please note first-time participants will receive priority. For Port Washington residents only.

2:00pm - 3:30pm View Details

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Teen Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Sep26

SAT Crash Course

The SAT is coming! Is your student ready? Join Curvebreakers Test Prep for an SAT Crash Course at the Port Washington Library on Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. In just 2.5 hours, students will build confidence and sharpen their skills before test day. Registration with a PWPL library card opens on September 12th for teens in grades 10-12. Bring your charged laptop or Chromebook.This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

10:00am - 12:30pm View Details

Oct1

Zombie Special Effects Teen Event

Zombify Yourself! With a step-by-step process we will transform into a zombie. Using special effects techniques used in movies we will create cuts, tears, wounds, and other forms of zombification. Join us as we learn about the history of zombies and turn ourselves into the living dead! Registration opens on September 17th at 9:00 a.m.

3:45pm - 4:45pm View Details

Oct3

Craft and Puzzle Swap

Calling all crafters, teachers, and families! Get inspired and swap supplies for your next project.

Donate leftover craft supplies on Thursday October 1st and Friday the 2nd. Come to the Library for new-to-you supplies on Saturday the 3rd. Donations are not required to participate.

Please bring puzzles and supplies such as yarn, felt, fabric, drawing and painting supplies, knitting and crochet materials, scrapbook supplies, thread or embroidery floss, sewing items, etc. If you have small items like buttons or beads, please put them in a bag or container first.

If it can be used for creating things and is in good condition, it is welcome at our swap! Puzzles should be clean, complete, and still in their original boxes.

Donations will be taken on October 1st and 2nd.

11:30am - 1:30pm View Details

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