In May, 1945, a drive spearheaded by the American Association of University Women, resulted in the establishment of a public library for the Manhasset Union Free School District No.6. After electing a Board of Trustees, Ruth Cowell was appointed as the first Director. The new library opened in a rented storefront on Plandome Road in March 1946 with an initial collection of 1,500 volumes and two small reading tables for Manhasset’s population of 13,000.
Today the Manhasset Public Library has a collection of over 217,000 items including books, DVDs, cd’s, magazines and audio books. The library offers public computers, quiet study rooms, meeting space and programs covering all interests and ages. Manhasset library card holders have 24/7 access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies and tv, magazines, foreign language learning, research tools and more, that can be viewed, streamed or downloaded.
The Manhasset library is constantly adding new services and the latest technology and our staff works diligently to provide the best possible user experience.
Photos from the History Center at Manhasset Library