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

Oct16

Port Washington Adult Activities Center Art Exhibit

PW Adult Activities Center Art Exhibit

9:00am - 7:00pm View Details

Oct16

DATE CHANGE: America 250 Escape Room Challenge

The date of this Escape Room has been changed to October 9.

Celebrate America's 250th with an exciting Escape Room Challenge! Put your wits and problem-solving skills to the test as you uncover clues, solve puzzles, and race to escape before time runs out. No prior knowledge of American history necessary.

Registration is required. There is no group registration; each person must be registered individually.

Please only register for one session.

6:30pm - 7:30pm 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

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Children's Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct17

Creative Readers

For children in Kindergarten to 2nd grade.

Creative Readers is an arts and literacy inclusion program where children use theater, art, movement, and music to bring books to life. Facilitated by Program Director Elise May. Professional behavior support will be at all sessions. For program information and high school volunteer opportunities please email creativereaders@optimum.net or visit the Creative Readers page at pwpl.org/children/childrens-programs/cr/. Limited capacity. Application to register required.

Application opens September 14.

10:00am - 11:00am View Details

Oct17

Creative Readers

For children in 3rd to 5th grade.

Creative Readers is an arts and literacy inclusion program where children use theater, art, movement, and music to bring books to life. Facilitated by Program Director Elise May. Professional behavior support will be at all sessions. For program information and high school volunteer opportunities please email creativereaders@optimum.net or visit the Creative Readers page at https://pwpl.org/children/childrens-programs/cr/. Limited capacity. Application to register required.

Application opens September 14.

11:15am - 12:15pm View Details

Oct17

FOL Paperback Swap

At this event, patrons of ALL ages -- adults, teens, and children -- share thousands of books. You don't need to bring a book to take a book!

Please bring:

Gently used adult and teen paperbacks
ANY children's books ( paperbacks, hard covers or board books )
No more than 20 books per person

Please do not bring:

Adult and teen hard covers
Books with loose pages, broken spines, water damage or mold

Books accepted ONLY during the event hours; please do not leave books outside the library or in the lobby

2:00pm - 4:00pm View Details

See All Children's Events

Teen Events

Oct13

Cow Neck in the Revolution

12:00am - 12:00am View Details

Oct17

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

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

Oct19

Babysitting Workshop

Learn how to become a responsible and well prepared babysitter. Topics for this workshop include basic childcare and minor first aid. Please arrive promptly at 4pm. Registration begins Monday October 5th.

4:00pm - 5:15pm View Details

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