NYT Book Review Editor Headlines the Friends of the Library's 50th Anniversary Celebration This Weekend

In 2016, the Friends of the Library (FOL) is celebrating fifty years of service to the Port Washington Public Library. “Founded in 1966 to rally the community behind the construction of a new library building, the FOL today focuses on community outreach as well as programming, advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising,” said FOL President Amy Bass.

The FOL’s year-long Golden Anniversary celebration culminates in a special festive weekend from Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23. The FOL invites all to these free events in the library’s Lapham Meeting Room:

"Circle of Friends" discussion

Friday, October 21 at 12:10 p.m.

A moderator will lead discussion of Maeve Binchy’s classic novel at this special edition of the Sandwiched In series. Copies available at the Information Desk.

Silver City Bound concert

Friday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.

This New York City band is “Americana at its best” according to the Huffington Post. Led by accordionist/keyboardist Sam Reider and guitarist Justin Poindexter, Silver City Bound promotes cross-cultural collaboration and dialogue through American roots music. This concert is appropriate for adults, teens and families with school-age children. Refreshments will be served.

Paperback Swap

Saturday, October 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Return of the popular event with books available for all ages. Hundreds of patrons swap thousands of gently used paperbacks at this community-friendly gathering.

NYT Book Review Editor Pamela Paul

Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. Special refreshments will be served.

The FOL’s 50th Anniversary Distinguished Speaker will be Pamela Paul, Editor of The New York Times Book Review. Paul is also an author, TV commentator, Port native and 1989 Schreiber HS graduate! She has written four non-fiction books and will publish her fifth, My Life with Bob, in 2017. “Bob” (Book of Books) is her annotated journal about the books she has read since she was 17.

Paul has been a contributor to Time magazine and a columnist for Worth, The Economist and The New York Times Styles section. A graduate of Brown University, Paul began her writing career as a London and New York-based correspondent for The Economist, where for four years she wrote a monthly column on world arts trends. Paul has been a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Early Show, and Politically Incorrect, and has made regular appearances on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. She also speaks frequently on National Public Radio.

And... Shop to the Support the FOL and the Library!

Shop at Port’s charming philanthropic gift store Wit & Whim (6 Carlton Ave.) throughout October and all profits will be donated to the FOL in honor of its 50th anniversary. Those spending at least $75 will receive a special gift. For more information, please visit pwpl.org/fol or email fol@pwpl.org.