Author Talk with James McGrath Morris

In partnership with Peninsula College's Writer in Residence program we are excited to host James McGrath Morris in the Carnegie Reading Room. About James McGrath MorrisJames McGrath Morris a biographer and writer of narrative non-fiction. His newest book is Tony Hillerm......More

In partnership with Peninsula College's Writer in Residence program we are excited to host James McGrath Morris in the Carnegie Reading Room. About James McGrath MorrisJames McGrath Morris a biographer and writer of narrative non-fiction. His newest book is Tony Hillerman: A Life. Aside from his previous book The Ambulance Drivers: Hemingway, Dos Passos, and A Friendship Made and Lost in War, Morris’s books include the New York Times Bestselling Eye on the Struggle: Ethel Payne, The First Lady of the Black Press, which was awarded the Benjamin Hooks National Book Prize; Pulitzer: A Life in Politics, Print, and Power—which the Wall Street Journal deemed was one of the five best books on American moguls and Booklist placed on its 2010 list of the ten best biographies; The Rose Man of Sing Sing: A True Tale of Life, Murder, and Redemption in the Age of Yellow Journalism—a Washington Post Best Book of the Year; and, Jailhouse Journalism: The Four Estate Behind Bars. He is also the author of the Kindle Singles Revolution by Murder: Emma Goldman, Alexander Berkman, and the Plot to Kill Henry Clay Frick. and The Radio Operator: Robert Ford’s Last Stand in the Fight to Save Tibet.Morris has written extensively for newspapers and magazines, as well as some academic journals.  Prior to becoming a full-time writer, he spent a decade as a journalist, a decade working in the book and magazine business, and a decade as a high school teacher. He is the former president of Biographers International Organization, of which he was among the original founders. In 2019 he received the BIO Award, which is given to a writer who has made a major contribution to the advancement of the art and craft of biography. Previous winners, among others, include: Jean Strouse, Robert Caro, Arnold Rampersad, Ron Chernow, Stacy Schiff, Taylor Branch, and Candice Millard.Morris earned his bachelor’s degree from American University and his master’s from George Washington University.Morris lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Patty McGrath Morris. 

Tech Help Thursdays

Tech Help is available to library patrons every Thursday in the Carnegie room. More info:Two appointment times are available; 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am. If you cannot make an appointment, or if appointments are already full, please come by during drop-in hours......More

Tech Help is available to library patrons every Thursday in the Carnegie room. More info:Two appointment times are available; 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am. If you cannot make an appointment, or if appointments are already full, please come by during drop-in hours from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  What we can help with...Personal devices (smartphones, e-readers, tablets, iPads, laptops, etc.)Library desktop computers (please note: you must have a library membership or guest pass to access a desktop library computer or library laptop)General questions pertaining to navigating the Internet, email, and social media accounts.The basics on making a job resume. We cannot help with...Filing taxes onlineFilling out online paperwork that contains patron's sensitive information (SSN, private passwords, etc.)Re-programming computers or hand-held electronic devices / fixing hardware issues.Virus or malware removal. To schedule an appointment please call the Associate Librarian Andrea at 360-344-3051 or email at [email protected] If you have general questions about this service, please call the library at 360-385-3181. Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download 

Artist Resource Help Desk

What is it? The Artist Resource Help Desk (ARHD) provides professional guidance for artists seeking assistance with grants, proposals, presentations, marketing (newsletters, flyers, etc.) and connections to resources to support their creative practice. The program offer......More

What is it? The Artist Resource Help Desk (ARHD) provides professional guidance for artists seeking assistance with grants, proposals, presentations, marketing (newsletters, flyers, etc.) and connections to resources to support their creative practice. The program offers guidance and access to some cloud-based tools. Artists may bring their own computers and materials or use public computers and resources at the library.The goal is to help artists as they seek funding and opportunities and look to build their audiences. Artists should come with a specific project in mind which they want help to realize or feedback to refine. This program also serves as an important opportunity to learn more about the needs and dreams of artists in our community!  Through the ARHD, artists can access support and consultation for opportunities that take administrative or computer skills, such as:Grant editing and development Marketing materials Slide decks  Sponsorship or partnership proposalsResearch for residencies, funding, or other opportunities Who will be there?  Katy Goodman, arts and culture coordinator for the City of Port Townsend, will be staffing the Artist Resource Help Desk every Thursday from 12:00-2:00pm. Katy has 20+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, and programming in arts and education non-profits. During this time, she wrote hundreds of grants, organized and promoted events of all shapes and sizes, and worked with a wide variety of artists. This program is designed to put these skills to use for local artists so they have more time and resources to spend on their creative practice.  Why? There has been a demonstrated need for this kind of support from artists. As the City of Port Townsend steps up its role in supporting our creative community, this time is also an important and low-barrier way for artists to participate in shaping the City’s arts and culture work through the learnings that happen in collaborating and discussing projects and ambitions.This flexible and no-cost access to resources is designed to support creative practitioners no matter how much time or money they have to spare.  How do I participate?   Come to the Port Townsend Public Library any Thursday between 12:00-2:00pm and head upstairs to the Carnegie Reading Room! (The ARHD will be closed the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.) If you would like to make an appointment and say a little about your project or needs, you can book one here:Book an ARHD AppointmentQuestions?Contact [email protected] or call (360) 385-3000 x5098 

Friends Bookshop Open

The Friends of the Library Bookshop is now open in the Library Learning Center (a.k.a. Pink House, next to the library). Stocked with wonderful books, digital media, puzzles, and games, the bookshop is open Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 pm.

Friends Bookshop Now Open

The Friends of the Library Bookshop is now open in the Library Learning Center (a.k.a. Pink House, next to the library). Stocked with wonderful books, digital media, puzzles, and games, the bookshop is open Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 pm.

Sing-a-Ling

Sing-a-Ling is scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of each month from September-May at 10:30am in the Children's Room of the Port Townsend Public Library.The dates for January-May 2026 are:Wednesday, January 21*Wednesday, February 11Wednesday, March 18Wednesday, April 15Wed......More

Sing-a-Ling is scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of each month from September-May at 10:30am in the Children's Room of the Port Townsend Public Library.The dates for January-May 2026 are:Wednesday, January 21*Wednesday, February 11Wednesday, March 18Wednesday, April 15Wednesday, May 20*Sing-a-Ling will be held on the 2nd Wednesday in FebruaryPart story time, part sing-along, this musical program blends rhyme, finger play, and picture books with ukuleles, harmonicas, and songs you can’t help but hum.Join Keeth from Harmonica Pocket for a playful, music-filled story time that gets toddlers, preschoolers, families and the greater community singing, moving, and laughing together.

Tech Help Thursdays

Tech Help is available to library patrons every Thursday in the Carnegie room. More info:Two appointment times are available; 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am. If you cannot make an appointment, or if appointments are already full, please come by during drop-in hours......More

Tech Help is available to library patrons every Thursday in the Carnegie room. More info:Two appointment times are available; 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am. If you cannot make an appointment, or if appointments are already full, please come by during drop-in hours from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  What we can help with...Personal devices (smartphones, e-readers, tablets, iPads, laptops, etc.)Library desktop computers (please note: you must have a library membership or guest pass to access a desktop library computer or library laptop)General questions pertaining to navigating the Internet, email, and social media accounts.The basics on making a job resume. We cannot help with...Filing taxes onlineFilling out online paperwork that contains patron's sensitive information (SSN, private passwords, etc.)Re-programming computers or hand-held electronic devices / fixing hardware issues.Virus or malware removal. To schedule an appointment please call the Associate Librarian Andrea at 360-344-3051 or email at [email protected] If you have general questions about this service, please call the library at 360-385-3181. Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download 

Artist Resource Help Desk

What is it? The Artist Resource Help Desk (ARHD) provides professional guidance for artists seeking assistance with grants, proposals, presentations, marketing (newsletters, flyers, etc.) and connections to resources to support their creative practice. The program offer......More

What is it? The Artist Resource Help Desk (ARHD) provides professional guidance for artists seeking assistance with grants, proposals, presentations, marketing (newsletters, flyers, etc.) and connections to resources to support their creative practice. The program offers guidance and access to some cloud-based tools. Artists may bring their own computers and materials or use public computers and resources at the library.The goal is to help artists as they seek funding and opportunities and look to build their audiences. Artists should come with a specific project in mind which they want help to realize or feedback to refine. This program also serves as an important opportunity to learn more about the needs and dreams of artists in our community!  Through the ARHD, artists can access support and consultation for opportunities that take administrative or computer skills, such as:Grant editing and development Marketing materials Slide decks  Sponsorship or partnership proposalsResearch for residencies, funding, or other opportunities Who will be there?  Katy Goodman, arts and culture coordinator for the City of Port Townsend, will be staffing the Artist Resource Help Desk every Thursday from 12:00-2:00pm. Katy has 20+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, and programming in arts and education non-profits. During this time, she wrote hundreds of grants, organized and promoted events of all shapes and sizes, and worked with a wide variety of artists. This program is designed to put these skills to use for local artists so they have more time and resources to spend on their creative practice.  Why? There has been a demonstrated need for this kind of support from artists. As the City of Port Townsend steps up its role in supporting our creative community, this time is also an important and low-barrier way for artists to participate in shaping the City’s arts and culture work through the learnings that happen in collaborating and discussing projects and ambitions.This flexible and no-cost access to resources is designed to support creative practitioners no matter how much time or money they have to spare.  How do I participate?   Come to the Port Townsend Public Library any Thursday between 12:00-2:00pm and head upstairs to the Carnegie Reading Room! (The ARHD will be closed the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.) If you would like to make an appointment and say a little about your project or needs, you can book one here:Book an ARHD AppointmentQuestions?Contact [email protected] or call (360) 385-3000 x5098 

Friends Bookshop Open

The Friends of the Library Bookshop is now open in the Library Learning Center (a.k.a. Pink House, next to the library). Stocked with wonderful books, digital media, puzzles, and games, the bookshop is open Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 pm.

Library Closed for Memorial Day

Friends Bookshop Now Open

The Friends of the Library Bookshop is now open in the Library Learning Center (a.k.a. Pink House, next to the library). Stocked with wonderful books, digital media, puzzles, and games, the bookshop is open Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 pm.

Tech Help Thursdays

Tech Help is available to library patrons every Thursday in the Carnegie room. More info:Two appointment times are available; 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am. If you cannot make an appointment, or if appointments are already full, please come by during drop-in hours......More

Tech Help is available to library patrons every Thursday in the Carnegie room. More info:Two appointment times are available; 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am. If you cannot make an appointment, or if appointments are already full, please come by during drop-in hours from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  What we can help with...Personal devices (smartphones, e-readers, tablets, iPads, laptops, etc.)Library desktop computers (please note: you must have a library membership or guest pass to access a desktop library computer or library laptop)General questions pertaining to navigating the Internet, email, and social media accounts.The basics on making a job resume. We cannot help with...Filing taxes onlineFilling out online paperwork that contains patron's sensitive information (SSN, private passwords, etc.)Re-programming computers or hand-held electronic devices / fixing hardware issues.Virus or malware removal. To schedule an appointment please call the Associate Librarian Andrea at 360-344-3051 or email at [email protected] If you have general questions about this service, please call the library at 360-385-3181. Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download 

Artist Resource Help Desk

What is it? The Artist Resource Help Desk (ARHD) provides professional guidance for artists seeking assistance with grants, proposals, presentations, marketing (newsletters, flyers, etc.) and connections to resources to support their creative practice. The program offer......More

What is it? The Artist Resource Help Desk (ARHD) provides professional guidance for artists seeking assistance with grants, proposals, presentations, marketing (newsletters, flyers, etc.) and connections to resources to support their creative practice. The program offers guidance and access to some cloud-based tools. Artists may bring their own computers and materials or use public computers and resources at the library.The goal is to help artists as they seek funding and opportunities and look to build their audiences. Artists should come with a specific project in mind which they want help to realize or feedback to refine. This program also serves as an important opportunity to learn more about the needs and dreams of artists in our community!  Through the ARHD, artists can access support and consultation for opportunities that take administrative or computer skills, such as:Grant editing and development Marketing materials Slide decks  Sponsorship or partnership proposalsResearch for residencies, funding, or other opportunities Who will be there?  Katy Goodman, arts and culture coordinator for the City of Port Townsend, will be staffing the Artist Resource Help Desk every Thursday from 12:00-2:00pm. Katy has 20+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, and programming in arts and education non-profits. During this time, she wrote hundreds of grants, organized and promoted events of all shapes and sizes, and worked with a wide variety of artists. This program is designed to put these skills to use for local artists so they have more time and resources to spend on their creative practice.  Why? There has been a demonstrated need for this kind of support from artists. As the City of Port Townsend steps up its role in supporting our creative community, this time is also an important and low-barrier way for artists to participate in shaping the City’s arts and culture work through the learnings that happen in collaborating and discussing projects and ambitions.This flexible and no-cost access to resources is designed to support creative practitioners no matter how much time or money they have to spare.  How do I participate?   Come to the Port Townsend Public Library any Thursday between 12:00-2:00pm and head upstairs to the Carnegie Reading Room! (The ARHD will be closed the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.) If you would like to make an appointment and say a little about your project or needs, you can book one here:Book an ARHD AppointmentQuestions?Contact [email protected] or call (360) 385-3000 x5098 

Friends Bookshop Open

The Friends of the Library Bookshop is now open in the Library Learning Center (a.k.a. Pink House, next to the library). Stocked with wonderful books, digital media, puzzles, and games, the bookshop is open Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 pm.

One Book One Coast Book Discussion

We’re thrilled to join in the first year of One Book, One Coast, the largest library book club on the West Coast! Over 100 libraries throughout Oregon, Washington, and California will gather from April 1 to May 31 to read a shared book together. The program aims to unit......More

We’re thrilled to join in the first year of One Book, One Coast, the largest library book club on the West Coast! Over 100 libraries throughout Oregon, Washington, and California will gather from April 1 to May 31 to read a shared book together. The program aims to unite libraries by celebrating literacy, learning, community, and civic discourse. Please join us for a book discussion about this year’s pick is They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. This bestselling graphic memoir recounts Takei’s experiences in internment camps during his childhood. Stop by the Port Townsend Library this spring and join us in this new community reading project. We have several copies of this book in our catalog and a limited number of free copies of the book will be available at the Port Townsend Public Library on a first-come first-served basis. There are also ebook copies available on Libby and Hoopla. Thank you to the Friends of the Port Townsend Library for sponsoring this event.

One Book One Coast Author Talk with George Takei Livestream on YouTube

We’re thrilled to join in the first year of One Book, One Coast, the largest library book club on the West Coast! Over 100 libraries throughout Oregon, Washington, and California will gather from April 1 to May 31 to read a shared book together. The program aims to unit......More

We’re thrilled to join in the first year of One Book, One Coast, the largest library book club on the West Coast! Over 100 libraries throughout Oregon, Washington, and California will gather from April 1 to May 31 to read a shared book together. The program aims to unite libraries by celebrating literacy, learning, community, and civic discourse. We'll be watching the author talk, George Takei, on YouTube about this year’s pick is They Called Us Enemy. This bestselling graphic memoir recounts Takei’s experiences in internment camps during his childhood. Stop by the Port Townsend Library this spring and join us in this new community reading project. We have several copies of this book in our catalog and a limited number of free copies of the book will be available at the Port Townsend Public Library on a first-come first-served basis. There are also ebook copies available on Libby and Hoopla. Thank you to the Friends of the Port Townsend Library for sponsoring this event.If you are unable to make it to the library, the author talk will be streamed by the LA County Library on their YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LACountyLibrary .

Summer Reading Program 2026

Summer Reading Program 2026: A Beautiful Place to LiveStarting Monday, June 1st, stop by the library to celebrate the start of our annual Summer Reading program! Learn about upcoming programs, pick up a reading tracker and an activity book. How it Works:Every summer, th......More

Summer Reading Program 2026: A Beautiful Place to LiveStarting Monday, June 1st, stop by the library to celebrate the start of our annual Summer Reading program! Learn about upcoming programs, pick up a reading tracker and an activity book. How it Works:Every summer, the Port Townsend Public Library invites community members to participate in our annual Summer Reading program. The Summer Reading program includes self-paced reading challenges, interactive programs and activities, and live performances and events. Reading challenges for kids, teens, and adults run from June 1st-August 31st. Participants can track their hours with one of our reading trackers. Pick up a reading tracker at the library starting June 1st or print one from our website (available below). Fun prizes are available for kids, teens, and adults that accomplish the reading challenge in each age category.  Any and all reading that you do from June 1st- August 31st can be applied to one of our summer reading challenges. Read a book with a friend, listen to an audiobook, attend one of our weekly storytimes, enjoy a graphic novel, it all counts! The Port Townsend Public Library's Summer Reading program is available to all community members and no registration is required. Just start reading! Kids & Teens: Read 10 hours to earn a new book. Read 50 hours to earn a limited edition t-shirt designed by local artist Shannon Kidd. All t-shirt orders must be received by August 31st at 6:00 pm.  Teens and young adults, ages 13-24, can wear their Summer Reading t-shirt to The Nest and receive a free drink. Limit 1 use by September 7th, 2026. Adults:Read 10 hours and get a free vinyl sticker and be entered for a raffle drawing. Read 100 hours to earn a limited edition t-shirt designed by local artist Shannon Kidd. All t-shirt orders must be received by August 31st at 6:00 pm. Activity Book:Kids, teens, and adults are encouraged to pick up an “explore your parks: activity book” at the library and visit seven beautiful City parks over the Summer. After completing the activity book, program participants are eligible for raffle prize to the Port Townsend Garden Center.'Learn more about our Summer Reading program here. Thank you to the Port Townsend Library Friends & Foundation for their ongoing support and for funding the prizes!

Friends Bookshop Now Open

The Friends of the Library Bookshop is now open in the Library Learning Center (a.k.a. Pink House, next to the library). Stocked with wonderful books, digital media, puzzles, and games, the bookshop is open Mondays and Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 pm.

Storytime in the Park

Storytime in the ParkTuesdays, June 2 - August 25, at 10:30amChetzemoka Park Join us at Chetzemoka Park Gazebo for an outdoor storytime designed to build early literacy skills through stories, rhymes, songs, and full-body movement. Please dress for the weather and bring......More

Storytime in the ParkTuesdays, June 2 - August 25, at 10:30amChetzemoka Park Join us at Chetzemoka Park Gazebo for an outdoor storytime designed to build early literacy skills through stories, rhymes, songs, and full-body movement. Please dress for the weather and bring a blanket or cushions to sit on. All ages welcome! This event is a part of the Port Townsend Public Library's Summer Reading Program. For more information, visit: https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/summer-reading-program-2026

WSU Master Gardeners Plant Clinics

Jefferson County Master Gardeners are excited to partner with the Port Townsend Library for monthly “Ask a Master Gardener” plant clinics throughout 2026. Clinics will be held in the Carnegie Reading Room on the first Tuesday of the month from 12:00 – 2:00.  Master Gard......More

Jefferson County Master Gardeners are excited to partner with the Port Townsend Library for monthly “Ask a Master Gardener” plant clinics throughout 2026. Clinics will be held in the Carnegie Reading Room on the first Tuesday of the month from 12:00 – 2:00.  Master Gardener Volunteers are here to assist you with your gardening questions by providing advice grounded in research-based science.  We will work in partnership with you on a variety of horticulture topics including right plant for your environment, composting, insect infestations, unknown pathogen destroying your beloved plants, and everything in-between!  If you’d like to bring in a sample, please follow the instructions below:plant problem: the sample should clearly show both un-healthy and healthy tissue. To keep your sample fresh, put the cut end of the stem in a moist paper towel. Be careful to keep your cut plants in cool and dark location to prevent wilting.plant identification: include photos or samples of the vegetative part of the plant (leaves, branches, stems), a portion of the fruiting or flowering structure, and a representative portion of the stem or bark.  The more structures, the better chance for a correct id.  insect identification: bring an intact specimen in a small container soon after capture. Store in a cool dark place.For more information, please contact Bridget Gregg at [email protected] 

Read to Rover

Read to Rover1st Tuesday of the month, 3:30pm-4:30pmPort Townsend Public Library- The Children’s RoomDogs are wonderful listeners! Kids ages 5-11 are invited to bring their favorite book or choose one from our library, then build reading skills and confidence by reading......More

Read to Rover1st Tuesday of the month, 3:30pm-4:30pmPort Townsend Public Library- The Children’s RoomDogs are wonderful listeners! Kids ages 5-11 are invited to bring their favorite book or choose one from our library, then build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog for a 15-minute session

Fiber Arts Night (FAN)

Come and enjoy an evening of working on handiwork projects with other fiber artists (from knitting to quilting to weaving all fiber arts projects are welcomed). Please bring your own supplies. FAN meets the first Tuesday of the month from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Pink Ho......More

Come and enjoy an evening of working on handiwork projects with other fiber artists (from knitting to quilting to weaving all fiber arts projects are welcomed). Please bring your own supplies. FAN meets the first Tuesday of the month from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Pink House. Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download  Opens in new windowPDF DownloadWord DownloadExcel DownloadPowerPoint DownloadDocument Download