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Art Lecture with Alice Iglehart – Myer Myers

Myer Myers, a Jewish silversmith in colonial America, created outstanding works for leading members of the New York elite. Join us at the Library as museum educator, Alice W. Iglehart explores his exquisite objects, long regarded as among the most important American statements of the Rococo style. This is a America 250^th Celebration & Jewish American Heritage Month program sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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PWPL BLOOD DRIVE

You may be astounded to learn that New York has never been self-sufficient in meeting its need for blood. There is no substitute for human blood and 1 in 3 adults will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. You can help remedy this situation by donating blood and giving the “Gift of Life.” For this Blood Drive when you donate you will receive a box of Girls Scout Cookies while supplies last. Reminder: Please bring your blood donor card or valid ID and make sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

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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.

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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.

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

Adult Events

May7

Books for Dessert

7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details

May8

Sandwiched In with Janis Schachter - Birth of Freedom

Join Janis Schachter, a former journalist-turned social studies teacher as she explores the ideals of freedom our nation was founded on and how they have changed over time. With “Four score and seven years ago,” Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address directed our attention to 1776 and the aspirational words of the Declaration of Independence. He then declared a “new birth of freedom,” calling on Americans to recommit themselves to those words — a commitment Martin Luther King would refer to in his “I Have a Dream” speech 100 years later. What meaning did - and does - Lincoln’s call for a “new birth of freedom” have for Americans?

Janis Schachter was the New York State Council for Social Studies distinguished educator in 2020, and in 2021 was named a silver laureate by the international organization Global Youth and News Media for her work in news literacy.

This program is part of the Library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details

May8

Weekly Scrabble Meetup

Drop in and play a game of Scrabble. No registration required.

1:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

May8

Medicaid Sign-Up Help

Free, walk-in assistance from the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council.

2:00pm - 5:30pm View Details

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Children's Events

May8

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

May8

Mother's Day Story Craft

Ages K and older with an adult

In memory of the late librarian, Ms. Lucy Salerno, join us in the Children’s Garden to enjoy some of Ms. Lucy’s favorite books, rhymes, and songs, and make a craft. Sponsored by the FOL. Register April 20.

4:00pm - 4:45pm View Details

May11

Little Hands, Big Discoveries

6 months- 17 months with caregiver

Come join us for gentle sensory adventures for tiny hands and curious little minds! Separate registration required for each session. Registration begins April 27.

10:30am - 11:15am View Details

May11

Turning Pages Book Club

RESCHEDULED FROM MAY 4

Grades 2 & 3

Join us for our early chapter book club, where we’ll read and discuss a fun story. After our chat, we’ll dive into a hands-on activity that ties into the books. Registration required for each session. Register April 13. Pick up a copy of the book in the Children's Room.

This month's selection: Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

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Teen Events

May8

Make Your Own Mother's Day Gift

Crafts will be supplied to create a unique Mother's Day gift which you can give to your loved one. Gift bags and gift paper will also be provided for added decoration.

3:45pm - 4:45pm View Details

May12

Community Quilt Project: Love is Love

Open to all

Stop by to decorate a quilt square that will become part of the Be the Rainbow community quilt project, on display in the Library’s Community Gallery this June for Pride Month. No registration required.

5:30pm - 7:30pm View Details

May13

DIY HelpBy Appointment

Bring your own material and ask for one on one time with a librarian to help you use the equipment in The Lab. Everyone is welcome in the Lab, those who are 11 or younger need to be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins April 29th.

Equipment in the Lab:

Poster printer
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut heat press
Cricut mug press
Tumbler Press
Sublimation Printer
Brother xr9550 Sewing Machine
Resin and filament 3D Printing

2:30pm - 4:30pm View Details

May17

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

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