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

Oct13

SoundSwap: 'Rapid Transit' Performs Classic Covers and Original Music

Juan Rosado’s ‘Rapid Transit’ is a Long Island-based four-man American Rock / Alternative Country band. Their music captures the essence of rural life and personal relationships, often with a humorous twist. Their unique blend of country and rock, combined with catchy lyrics and soulful performances, are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

7:30pm - 9:00pm View Details

Oct14

Art Lecture with Alice W. Iglehart - Through the Lens - The Great Depression

Join museum educator, Alice W. Iglehart, for an exploration of the black and white photography of Walker Evans, Arthur Rothstein, and Dorthea Lange in America’s depression south.

This program is part of a yearlong series celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details

Oct14

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

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Children's Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct13

Cricut Family 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 school age children and family.

Please take some time to install the Cricut Design Space software before the program, https://design.cricut.com/#/. This class is for all ages, anyone younger than 11 must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies will be provided.

Registration begins on September 29^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 for the class, your spot will be given up.

6:30pm - 8:00pm View Details

Oct14

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

Oct14

Monster Story Craft

Grades K & 1

Join Miss Luisa for a monster-themed story, craft, and activity. Register September 28.

4:00pm - 4:45pm View Details

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Teen Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct15

Taking Charge of the College Admissions and Financial Planning Process

In this presentation, Rob Browne, College Admissions Consultant, of RAB College Consulting and Teresa (Tracy) Young, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® at Sound Private Wealth, will share strategies for developing clear academic, extracurricular, and financial plans. They will also discuss approaches to the college search and application process designed to help reduce stress and promote a more confident, informed experience for both students and their families. Registration begins October 1 for teens in grades 9-12 and parents.

7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details

Oct17

The Great Give Back- Share Kindness One Note at a Time

The Great Give Back is a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, in conjunction with the Nassau Library System. The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide library patrons throughout New York with opportunities to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. This year PWPL will be partnering with the National Kidney Foundation. The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone effected by kidney disease. Patrons are invited to visit the library on Saturday, October 17, to write notes of encouragement for individuals receiving dialysis treatment. Materials will be available at all services desks. Please return completed cards to a librarian.

9:00am - 5:00pm View Details

Oct17

SAT Crash Course

Teens in grades 10-12 are invited to a SAT prep session covering key math and reading & writing strategies. Students will build confidence and sharpen their skills before test day. Registration with a PWPL library card opens on October 3rd 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

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