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Budget Vote and Trustee Election Results

Our Library Budget Has Passed! 439 Yes versus 31 No votes.

Nancy Comer and William Keller have been re-elected as Library Trustees, each serving 5 year terms.

Thank you for your support!

America 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.
That’s Amore! A Musical Tribute to Harry Warren

Join us for a special musical performance of That's Amore!, a tribute to Harry Warren (aka Mr. Hollywood Musical), created and performed by Bob Spiotto. Mr. Spiotto will be accompanied on piano and his performance will include such memorable songs as Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Jeepers Creepers, I Only Have Eyes For You, We're In the Money, 42nd Street, and That's Amore! just to name a few. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Click here for more information.
BUY TICKETS NOW FOR THE FOL’S 57TH ANNUAL BOOK AND AUTHOR LUNCHEON

Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Garden City Hotel, 11am - 2pm

Featuring: Emma Straub, bestselling author of This Time Tomorrow and All Adults Here. She will discuss her new novel American Fantasy (coming April 7), one of the NY Times' most anticipated releases of 2026, in conversation with acclaimed novelist Meg Wolitzer, author of The Female Persuasion and The Wife. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at pwpl.org/fol or pick up a reservation brochure in the Library.
Earth Day Celebration 2026

PWPL invites you to our annual Earth Day celebration! Bach to Rock bands will kick things off with live music from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Representatives from the Town of North Hempstead, along with many Port Washington environmental organizations, will be on site from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., sharing information about their latest sustainability initiatives. Bring your kids to the children’s table to create a fun, eco-friendly craft. The Library will also be offering environmentally conscious giveaways, including native plants. Most of all, enjoy the music and discover meaningful ways you can make a difference in building a healthy, sustainable community. The Earth Day celebration is funded by the PWPL Friends of the Library.

For more information on our Earth Day events, visit pwpl.org/earthday.
Latest Newsletter Issue Now Available

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

Read Now
Pete Fornatale: Rock Radio Revolutionary

Pete Fornatale (1945-2012) was a longtime Port Washington resident and FM radio pioneer known for his eclectic music taste, insightful interviews with artists, and outspoken but measured commentary on the zeitgeist of the day. Over his nearly 50-year career as a DJ at New York stations WFUV, WNEW, and K-Rock, he inspired countless artists, industry players, and radio listeners. An exhibit of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia celebrating Pete’s life, work, and far-reaching influence is now on display in the History Center Annex.
Victoria Selbach – “We Are”

On view in The Adler Gallery from March 4 - April 30.

This exhibition features Victoria Selbach’s vibrant We Are paintings—large-scale silhouettes formed from natural imagery that celebrate our shared humanity and connection to nature. The series encourages us to look beyond differences, unite in protecting one another and the planet, and inspire the next generation of caretakers. A former Port Washington resident now based in rural Connecticut, Selbach is known for her empowering, lifesize depictions of contemporary women. Her work explores personal identity, generational feminine legacy, and collective responsibility. She has exhibited internationally, including at the Heckscher Museum of Art, the Butler Institute of American Art, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM).

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

Adult Events

Apr21

Adventures in Classic Readings Sponsored by the FOL's Ruth D. Bogen Memorial Fund

This reading group, facilitated by Dr. Laury Magnus, Professor of English, will feature great classic works -- ancient to contemporary -- as well as participatory reading out loud of selected passages.

This month, Dr. Magnus will present: Kingship and Kingdoms - Scenes from Hamlet in Films and Text.

Hamlet is Shakespeare's most popular, and most puzzling, play. According to Shakespearian actor and director Sir Kenneth Branagh, "Its a ghost story, a thriller, an action-packed murder mystery, and a great tragedy that is profoundly moving ." Major film adaptations of Shakespeare's Hamlet span decades, ranging from Laurence Olivier’s 1948 Oscar-winning version to modernizations by Kenneth Branagh (1996) and Ethan Hawke (2000). Dr. Magnus will discuss the text and its many adaptations.

Copies of the book will be available at the Information Desk. All registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book provided by the Friends of the Library’s Ruth D. Bogen Memorial Fund (while supplies last).

1:30pm - 3:30pm View Details

Apr21

Theater for Dessert

Reserved for Theater for Dessert rehearsals and performance.

7:00pm - 9:00pm View Details

Apr22

Stretch, Sculpt, and Balance

Move through poses to increase flexibility, balance, strength, and range of motion. Marlene Kirsh, athletic trainer, and certified Pilates instructor, will lead the sessions. Chairs will be available if needed.

Classes begin on Wednesday, January 21, and run weekly through June 3, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. No class on February 18, February 25, March 4, or April 8. Please bring a yoga mat and 3lb weights.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is required.

Sponsored by the Health Advisory Council.

*EXERCISE WAIVER

1:00pm - 2:00pm View Details

Apr22

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

Apr21

Sing and Swing

For children ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult.

Interactive stories, rhymes and songs emphasizing early literacy skills and help instill a lifelong love of learning. Admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

9:30am - 10:00am View Details

Apr21

Sing and Swing

For children ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult.

Interactive stories, rhymes and songs emphasizing early literacy skills and help instill a lifelong love of learning. Admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

10:15am - 10:45am View Details

Apr22

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 April 6.

1:30pm - 2:00pm View Details

Apr22

Chess

Grades 3-6

Learn the rules and strategies of chess and practice what you have learned by playing against your peers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library in memory of Lawrence Kamisher. Register March 30.

5:30pm - 6:30pm View Details

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Teen Events

Apr22

Raised Bed Gardening Workshop

Looking to start your own vegetable garden in 2026 or improve your current method of growing produce? Plant A Row for the Hungry Board Member and longtime gardener Bruce Frey will demonstrate how to build a raised garden bed on your own. He will also provide details on the types of soil components to use as well as the best way to irrigate your raised bed to enable you to bring out the best from your gardening efforts. No registration is required.

Sponsored by Plant A Row for the Hungry Port Washington

7:30pm - 8:30pm View Details

Apr23

Teen Pom Pom Sushi Workshop

Learn how to create non-edible sushi with yarn and pom-pom makers. Each project will also come with a set of chopsticks that you can decorate as well. Registration begins April 9.

7:00pm - 9:00pm View Details

Apr25

Earth Day Celebration 2026

PWPL invites you to our 11th annual Earth Day celebration! Bach to Rock bands will kick things off with live music from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Representatives from the Town of North Hempstead, along with many Port Washington environmental organizations, will be on site from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., sharing information about their latest sustainability initiatives.

Bring your kids to the children’s table to create a fun, eco-friendly craft. Visit with some live insects and birds of prey. The Library will also be offering environmentally conscious giveaways, including native plants. Most of all, enjoy the music, and discover meaningful ways you can make a difference in building a healthy, sustainable community.

The Earth Day celebration is funded by the PWPL Friends of the Library.

12:00pm - 4:00pm View Details

Apr29

Postponed- Teen Craft Bedazzle and Razzle Dazzle

Unleash your inner artist in this exciting workshop experience! Dive into the sparkling world of bedazzling, where rhinestones turn ordinary items into extraordinary treasures. Get ready to sparkle, shine, and celebrate your one-of-a-kind style! Registration begins April 15.

3:45pm - 5:00pm View Details

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