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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.
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.
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.

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

Books for Dessert

7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details

May1

St. Francis Bus

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

Health screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, Body Mass Index, and referrals and education.

10:00am - 2:00pm View Details

May1

FOL- Annual Book & Author Luncheon - Garden City Hotel

See FOL webpage at pwpl.org/fol

https://pwpl.org/fol

11:00am - 1:30pm View Details

May1

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Sandwiched In program today

PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO Sandwiched In program today.

12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details

See All Adult Events

Crazy 8s Math Club

For grades K-2

Join us for 4 weeks of Crazy 8s – a math club like no other! Get ready to build, run, jump, make music, and even make a mess. This unique club combines math with fun, creativity, and a touch of mischief. Register March 30.

4:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

May1

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

May1

Star Wars - Paint Party

For grades 3-6

A special "Baby Yoda" painting program for artistic expression and Star Wars enthusiasm where participants get to take home their creation. Register 4/13.

6:00pm - 7:00pm View Details

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

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Teen Events

Apr30

Cancelled-Teen Journaling Wellness Workshop

Feeling a bit stressed about upcoming exams? Come join us and discover fun, creative ways to express your feelings with simple journaling prompts. This is a relaxed space to write it out—no pressure and sharing is completely voluntary. Journals will be provided. Registration starts on April 16 for this NAMIQN Creative Minds Program.

7:00pm - 8:00pm View Details

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