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Latest Newsletter Issue Now Available

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

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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.
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.
Jonathan Butterick – “Everything Must Go”

On view in The Adler Gallery from May 1 - July 1. Reception: Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Jonathan Butterick is a painter who works from his own photographs, creating acrylic gouache pieces on paper that act as small, luminous “windows” into overlooked moments. His work highlights saturated color, theatrical light, and quiet, human traces within dense, layered environments. With a background in printmaking, he uses flat shapes, bold edges, and layered color that are often enhanced with fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark pigments that shift under different lighting. Balancing memory and invention, his paintings aim to preserve fleeting places and evoke a sense of wonder in the everyday.
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.
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Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

Adult Events

May3

"That's Amore!" - A Musical Tribute to Harry Warren

Join us for a special musical performance That's Amore!, a tribute to Harry Warren (aka Mr. Hollywood Musical) created and performed by Bob Spiotto. Harry Warren composed more than 1,000 songs, many of which have served as the soundtrack of our lives for over a century. Mr. Spiotto will be accompanied by Peter A. Pece 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.

3:00pm - 4:30pm View Details

May4

Herb of the Month

Stop by the South Wing to pick up this month’s featured herb. Supplies are limited, so come early! No registration required.

Sponsored by the Health Advisory Council.

9:00am - 9:00pm View Details

May4

Books for Dessert

10:30am - 11:45am View Details

May4

Books for Dessert

10:30am - 11:45am View Details

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Children's Events

May2

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.

10:00am - 11:00am View Details

May2

Creative Readers

For children in 3rd to 5th grade.

11:15am - 12:15pm View Details

May4

A Time For Kids- Baby Start

Ages 3 months to 17 months

Join Ms. Karen as we introduce our littlest learners to the wonderful world of library programs. Activities include music, movement, fine and gross motor development and circle time. Focus is on early literacy, early language development and socialization. Registration required.

10:00am - 10:30am View Details

May4

A Time For Kids

Ms. Karen presents educational activities, movement, music and a craft. For children ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult. Registration required.

Please note: each date is a separate registration.

10:45am - 11:30am View Details

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Teen Events

May3

Intro to Computer Science with Python

Discover coding through Python—a beginner-friendly, professional programming language used for data science, AI, web development, and more. Students learn the fundamentals through short, focused lessons and lots of hands-on practice. By the end, students will understand core programming ideas and approach problems with a clearer, more logical mindset. Both beginners and experienced coders are welcomed. Students must bring a laptop (district administered chromebooks are ok). *Please note that by signing up students are expected to come to every session - missing a week will cause students to fall behind. Registration April 16 for students grades 6-8.

1:30pm - 3:00pm View Details

May4

May the 4th / Lego Star Wars Gaming

Teen is grades 7-12 are invited to join us and play LEGO Star Wars Switch games to celebrate May the 4th.

5:30pm - 7:00pm View Details

May5

Button Making

Come in and learn how to make buttons for any occasion!

Our button machine makes two different button sizes, 1 inch and 1.5 inch.

Registration begins April 28th. All abilities are welcome, but we do ask that participants under the age of 11 be accompanied by an adult.

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

May6

Bedazzle 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 - 4:45pm View Details

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