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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.
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

Apr23

Books for Dessert

7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details

Apr24

Sandwiched In with Ron Brown - Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg

Join Professor Ron Brown as he begins a new series about his recent travels with a program about the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa. Who writes history? For centuries the Dutch and English settlers wrote the history of South Africa. With the overthrow of the Apartheid system in 1994 this system of racism, oppression and exploitation of millions of Blacks by a small number of Whites came to an end. The government of Nelson Mandela assembled a group of historians, religious leaders, social groups, former Apartheid generals and delegations of the victims of the regime and organized a museum and narrative that attempted to present the events of this complex era. The museum was greeted as one of the greatest museums devoted to modern history.

12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details

Apr24

Weekly Scrabble Meetup

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

1:00pm - 5:00pm View Details

Apr24

Port Cooks! Cooking with Chef Rob: Panko Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

Cooking demonstration with Chef Rob. Panko Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with a Parmesan Herb Sauce, also on the menu a Warm Marbled Pound Cake with Apricot Preserves, Mascarpone, and Toasted almonds.

Registration is required.

6:00pm - 7:30pm View Details

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Children's Events

Apr23

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

Apr23

Roblox Lego Tower Challenge

For grades 3-6

This physics-based building game lets you create structures and contraptions, challenging participants to build the most stable tower that can withstand earthquakes or other challenges. Register April 6.

6:00pm - 7:00pm View Details

Apr24

Ready, Set, Story Time

For children ages birth to five with an adult.

Join your favorite librarians for stories, songs, and fingerplays. No registration required.

9:30am - 10:00am 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

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Teen Events

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

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

Apr30

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

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