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.

Click here for more information
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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

Oct1

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

Oct1

Divided Neighbors: North Hempstead in the Revolutionary War

Join historian Matthew Moshen for a presentation about how local Long Islanders experienced the American Revolution and how their loyalties were split between supporting the fight for independence or remaining loyal to the King. He will highlight the various roles that residents from Great Neck and Cow Neck (aka Port Washington) played in both organizing the independence movement, serving in local militias, and living under British rule after the Battle of Brooklyn through the end of the war.

This program is part of the Library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details

Oct2

DATE CHANGE: St. Francis Bus

The St. Francis Outreach Bus will be in the parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm.

Health screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure check, and flu shots.

The new date is Thursday, October 15, from 10 am to 2 pm. Click HERE to access the updated event.

10:00am - 2:00pm View Details

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Children's Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct1

CANCELLED: Bicycle Obstacle Course, Helmet Safety & Story Time

All Ages

Bring your child and their bike to the Manorhaven Beach Park Skating Rink for a free safety inspection and a fun-filled hour! Kids can ride through a bicycle course and enjoy a story time with a PWPL librarian. Must bring a bike or scooter and helmet. Proudly sponsored by PWPL, the Town of North Hempstead, and the Port Washington Police Department. No registration required.

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

Oct2

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

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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Teen Events

Sep7

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am 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.

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

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