Nassau Library System
In the coming months the libraries from the Nassau Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2024 will be listed here! Check back often for updates; details about programs will begin to be shared around the beginning of September. Please contact libraries directly for questions regarding offered programming.
Click here to view past GGB Events from Nassau Library System
INN the Bag
October 19th from 10:00AM – 2:00PM
The Baldwin Public Library is currently accepting pre-packaged snack items, such as individual servings of chips or apple sauce; small bottles of water; and juice boxes as well as paper lunch bags. On October 19, from 10AM-2PM, join BPL to create snack bags for guests of the INN Soup Kitchen, located in Hempstead, NY. We will fill lunch bags with the donated snacks. Light refreshments will be provided to volunteers while supplies last.
All ages; No registration required.
Donation Drive
October 5th – 31st
Bayville Free Library is hosting a donation drive supporting North Shore Animal League! We are accepting donations of unopened pet food, and gently used blankets / towels. We will be taking donations from now until October 31st. Please drop off donations at our circulation desk, look for the poster of the dog!
All ages. No registration required!
MOMMAS House Donation Drive
October 1st – 31st
Join us for this year’s Great Give Back! All month long the library will be collecting donations for the MOMMAS House. The Great Give Back provides opportunities for patrons of all ages to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. The Bellmore Memorial Library invites the Bellmore community to help us in collecting donations for MOMMAS House!
MOMMAS House Wishlist: https://www.mommashouse.org/inkinddonations
Items greatly needed include:
Cleaning products for the floor, bathroom, kitchen and dishes
Paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper
Please call MOMMAS House at 516-781-8637 if you have additional questions regarding their most up to date needs.
Registration is not required! Donations will be accepted by anyone.
Great Give Back Project: Paracord Bracelets for the Military.
October 23rd at 7:00PM
Grades 6-12
Are you a teen looking for community service hours? Teens will have the opportunity to participate in an additional Great Give Back Project: Paracord Bracelets for the Military.
Register at: https://bellmorelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/great-give-back-project-paracord-bracelets-for-the-military/
The Great Giveback – Board Games for the Better
October 19th – 20th
Please bring in your lightly used or new board games to donate to Board Games for the Better.
No registration required – drop box will be in the library lobby.
GREAT GIVE BACK KICKOFF
Saturday, October 19-26 | Main Lobby
We are collecting items to donate to Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center in Huntington. Donations will be accepted through Saturday, October 26.
THE GREAT GIVEBACK EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, October 26 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Ages: Intergenerational
In Person | Separate registration is required for the Amazing Dogs Show and Bingo
Join us for a day of fun to celebrate the Great Give Back. Come watch the Amazing Dogs Show, play bingo with friends, make cards for veterans, win prizes, and support animals in need!
Please email publicrelations@bryantlibrary.org for more information.
Birthday Wishes Collection
October 1st – 26th
We will be collecting supplies for Birthday Wishes of Long Island.
Birthday Wishes is an organization that makes a difference in the lives of homeless children and their families by bringing them the joy of a birthday party.
We are collecting the following items in order to make “birthdays in a box” for children living in shelters. All items must be new and unopened.
Items needed include: Themed plates and napkins, plastic table cover, birthday banner, party hats, birthday candles, etc.
More information about Birthday Wishes can be found at birthdaywishes.org
Hygiene/Food/New Sock Drive for the INN
October 12th – 20th
We are accepting donations of hygiene products, new socks in package, and non-perishable foods for the INN, a nonprofit soup kitchen and food pantry in Hempstead, NY. Drop off here at the library, and we will bring all of the donations on Monday, October 21.
No registration is required.
Elmont Memorial Public Library
Great Give Back
October 14th – 19th
The Elmont Memorial Library will be collecting donations for our veterans, currently accepting the following:
Deodorant (male & female)
Undershirts
Boxers
Bras (various sizes)
Panties
Canned goods
Cereal
School supplies
Detergent
Crackers
Socks
We will have coloring pages for kids and pages for adults to write small notes to our local veterans.
No registration required.
The Great Diaper Drive
October 19th from 9:00AM – 5:00PM
The Farmingdale Public Library is excited to once again participate in the 2024 Great Give Back! This year we will be collecting diapers and pull-ups for St. Kilian Outreach located in Farmingdale. Their most requested sizes are 4, 5, 6 and pull-ups, 4T/5T, but any size will be accepted and greatly appreciated. All diapers must be NEW and in a sealed box/package.
There will be a table by the Fish Tank on the main floor of the library for donations.
No Registration
Warm Drive to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities
October 1st – 20th
The Floral Park Public Library is having a “warm drive” to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Please donate new children’s hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, socks & stuffed animals to cuddle!
No registration
Franklin Square Public Library
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
October 19th from 2:30PM – 3:30PM
Kids (All Ages – and Species!)
Halloween is going to the dogs! (…and cats, birds, hamsters, fish!?) Bring your pet to the library all dressed up for the occasion and parade them around our parking lot for a good cause. In honor of the Great Give Back, we’ll be collecting items for Baxter’s Pet Pantry of the LI Cares Harry Chapin Food Bank. Acceptable items include unopened bags or cans of food, treats, litter, or toys. No pet of your own? We’ll need an audience to admire the pets and judge the costume contest!
Registration required for all pet participants beginning on Tuesday, October 1st, at franklinsquarepl.org/newsletterevents/ and open to all.
Saturday Story Craft: Great Give Back Edition
October 19th from 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Ages 2-6 with family
Stories, songs, and a craft with a barking nice twist in honor of the Great Give Back! Please consider bringing an item to donate to Baxter’s Pet Pantry of the LI Cares Harry Chapin Food Bank. Acceptable items include unopened bags or cans of pet food, treats, litter, or toys.
Registration required but open to all beginning on Tuesday, October 1st at https://www.franklinsquarepl.org/newsletterevents/
Ronald McDonald House Community Service
October 19th from 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Teens
Teens will decorate and assemble gift bags for Ronald McDonald House for 2 community service hours. Please bring unopened bags of treats or small toys & stickers that will then be distributed to children and their families. We will also create drawings that will be included in the bags.
Registration ongoing on Event Calendar at franklinsquarepl.org/newsletterevents/ for all teens looking for community service hours.
Shred It and Forget It!
October 19th from 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Adults
Give back to Earth! Join us for a free paper shredding event in the library parking lot. There is no limit on how much you can shred. A suggested donation toward the Franklin Square Public Library Scholarship Fund for local high school students is encouraged.
No registration required and open to all
Halloween Treat Bag Donation & Assembly for Ronald McDonald House
October 19th from 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Ages: Teens, Grades 6-12
Teens will decorate and assemble gift bags for Ronald McDonald House for 2 community service hours. Please bring unopened bags of treats or small toys & stickers that will then be distributed to children and their families. We will also create drawings that will be included in the bags. Open to all teens in grades 6-12.
Volunteer Fair
October 19th from 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Ages 14 and up
Looking for an organization to do volunteer work with? Come meet different organizations looking for volunteers like you. We will have representatives of several organizations from around Long Island to answer your questions about their community work.
No registration is required. This program is NOT limited to Freeport residents only.
Health and Hygiene Drive
October 1st – 31st
The Glen Cove Public Library is having a health and hygiene drive to collect new, unopened personal hygiene products to be distributed to local organizations to help those in need of day-to-day health supplies.
Registration is not required.
Words of Encouragement Swap
October 13th – 19th
Great Neck Library, Main Library (Children’s Room)
Stop by the children’s room the week of October 13th through the 19th to participate in our words of encouragement swap. Leave a nice message for someone else to grab, and you can take one for yourself while you’re at it.
No registration required.
Toy Donation
October 1st – 31st
We are accepting NEW and UNUSED toys to donate to the children’s hospital. Please stop by any Great Neck Library location to drop off.
No registration required.
Toys must be unopened.
Make a Pollinator Garden
October 15th from 4:00-6:00
Parkville Branch
Give back to your community and plant a vegetable and a pollinator garden at the library! We will meet outside the Parkville Branch at the Garden area.
Registration recommended. https://greatnecklibrary.libcal.com/event/13066245
THE GREAT GIVE BACK: Thanksgiving Bags
October 19th from 11:00AM – 2:00PM
For people living with severe illness in the NYC area, decorate a bag that will be used to deliver a Thanksgiving meal. Your artwork will add a personal touch for the Holiday season.
Registration is required. For ages 13 and up. Please reach out to Mr. Joe, 516-481-6990×5
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
Used Crayon Drive
October 1st – 19th
Donate your old, used, broken crayons at the library. This collection is in support of The Crayon Initiative which keeps crayons out of landfills by remanufacturing them into new, free crayons to give to kids in hospitals all over the country.
All ages. No registration required.
Cards for Kids
October 19th from 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Drop by the library to make an encouraging greeting cards for gift bags in support of The Little St. Nick Foundation, which distributes gift bags to every pediatric patient who enters the emergency or admissions department at any of the many healthcare facilities they partner with.
Registration is not required but for those who wish to receive volunteer credit for their time, please visit our Eventkeeper calendar at www.valleystreamlibrary.org to sign up.
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library
Animal Lovers Club: Dog Treat Bags
October 8th from 7:00PM – 8:00PM
For teens in grades 6 – 12. This month teens will be making dog treat bags for Diego’s Trunk or Treat event hosted by the Nassau County SPCA! One hour of community service will be awarded! This program is in the library during the designated time.
Registration will begin on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00am.
Crayon Drive
October 13th – 19th
For all ages. We will be collecting used or unwanted crayons for the Crayon Initiative in the Children’s Room! The Crayon Initiative is a nonprofit organization that creates three-sided crayons and donates them to children’s hospitals across the United States.
No registration.
Great Give Back & Pumpkin Pageant
October 19th at 10:30AM – 1:00 PM
Patrons are invited to decorate their own pumpkin for our Pumpkin Pageant and bring a donation for our local Ronald McDonald House.
Registration is open to everyone.
We will be collecting for Ronald McDonald House the entire month of October
Halloween Costume Donations
October 1st – 26th
During the month of October, the Island Park Library will be collecting new and gently used Halloween costumes for donation to a local charity.
Participation is not restricted
Supply Drive & Adoption Event with Last Hope Animal Rescue
October 19th from 11:00AM – 1:30PM
This year ITPL is focusing on Last Hope Animal Rescue. Join us Saturday, October 19 to meet some adoptable animals! Last Hope is also in desperate need of the following items:
Paper Towels
Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
Canned or Dry Cat Food
Science Diet Dog Food
New Toys (no catnip or rawhide please)
No registration required, open to all
Community Food Bank Drive in support of Sid Jacobson Jcc’s Community Needs Bank
October 1st – 31st
Join us as we help our neighbors in need with a food drive to support Sid Jacobson Jcc’s Community bank.
All Ages. No registration is required.
Birthday Wishes
October 2nd – 31st
Join us in supporting the birthday wishes organization by bringing birthday parties to homeless children. Donate new toys and books and put a happy smile on a child’s face.
Since 2002, over 100,000 children have experienced birthday wishes celebration. Please help us keep the candles lit.
We are collecting donations throughout October. Please check the following link:
https://birthdaywishes.org/gifts and click on long island, NY wish list
Please bring items from the list to the library and we will deliver them.
No registration is needed
The John Theissen Children’s Foundation Donations
October 1st – 31st
The Levittown Public Library is happy to participate in the Great Give Back again this year! We will be collecting donations for The John Theissen Children’s Foundation. The Foundation has been helping sick and underprivileged children across Long Island since 1992. Donations can be placed in boxes located in the library from October 1 through October 31. New and unwrapped items will be collected for ages 5 to 17. Suggested, but not limited to: sporting goods, arts and crafts, slime kits, jewelry making kits, kinetic sand kits, and Play-Doh TM. There will also be a representative from the Foundation collecting donations during our Fall Family Fun Day on October 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additional information can be found about the Foundation at JTCF.ORG
Donations for CancerCare
October 1st – 31st
The Levittown Public Library will be collecting donations for CancerCare. CancerCare has been providing help and hope to people affected by cancer since 1944. Boxes will be located inside the library for new and unwrapped donations during the month of October. Suggested items, but not limited to are: gloves, scarves, hats, small toys, crosswords, puzzles, cozy socks, lip balms, toiletries, and moisturizers. There will also be a representative accepting donations during our Fall Family Fun Day on October 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additional information about the organization can be found at CancerCare.org
CancerCare Inspirational Bracelets and Buttons
October 30th from 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Teens grades 6 through 12
Teens will make uplifting bracelets and buttons to raise awareness for breast cancer and support CancerCare services.
Registration required at www.levittownpl.org – Upcoming Events
Coffee Drive
October 1st – 31st
This year the Locust Valley Library has decided to have a Coffee Drive, of any variety or brand of sealed coffee to donate to our charity of choice:
Living Water for Women; located at 85 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Cove.
We will be collecting donations of coffee starting October 1st through the 31st.
A donation box will located near the main desk area.
Your donation will mean a lot to someone in need.
No registration
Pantry Drive
September 19th – October 19th
We are collection non-perishable goods to resupply local pantries in Long Beach!
Registration not required
Book & Halloween Costume Giveaway
October 20th – 28th
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Book Giveaway: Need to build your home library? Come and pick from a selection of new and gently used books.
Costume Giveaway: Calling all kids and parents who need a Halloween costume! Come and pick out a costume for you to keep
No Registration Required.
Book & Costume Donations also accepted during the program.
Blood Drive
November 23rd from 10:30AM – 3:00PM
Ages: 17 years or older-16 with written parental permission
Blood drive conducted by the New York Blood Center will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in the Manhasset Public Library’s lower-level community room. Individuals can register for appointments either in person or online beginning on Saturday, Oct. 19 – the official day of the Great Give Back . (Registration information will be posted on the Library’s website.) Appointments highly recommended but walk-ins may be accommodated on Nov. 23rd. Open to all who meet donor requirements.
Registration stongly encouraged via QR code or on in person during designated hours on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Open to all who meet donor requirements. Walk-ins may be accommodated but are not guaranteed.
Great Give Back Food Drive
October 19th – 26th
Give back to your community by donating non-perishable food items starting October 19th.
No registration required.
The National Diaper Bank Network and Umoja Partnership
October 1st – 31st
This October, support two meaningful causes at the Merrick Library. We’ll be collecting clean diapers all month for the National Diaper Bank Network.
Then, on Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., join us for a recycled beaded bracelet activity to support the Umoja Partnership in Kenya, which funds educational opportunities and the Reason2Smile Umoja Library. Kits include everything you need, and all ages 3+ are welcome!
No registration required.
The Great Give Back
October 19th at 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Join us in helping to feed hungry Long Islanders by making sandwiches that will be donated to a local Salvation Army Center. We will supply everything required to make a healthy lunch and snack for our neighbors in need, including lunch bags that can be decorated to help brighten someone’s day. A maximum of one hour of community service may be earned. Note: Please be aware that sandwich making *is not recommended* for patrons with food allergies. Lunch bag decorating will be done in a different location within the library, away from food and possible allergens.
This program is open to all members of the community.
Pet Food Drive and Adoption Event
October 19th from 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Great Give Back – Pawsitive Change. Starting October 1, as part of The Great Give Back initiative, we’re supporting local shelters with a month-long pet food drive. Donate canned or dry dog and cat food at the library throughout October to help animals in need.
Adoption Event: Join us on October 19 for a special adoption event with Bobbi and the Strays! Meet adoptable pets and maybe find your new best friend. No registration required.
The Pet Food Drive will take place from October 1 – October 31.
No Registration
Cards For Mental Health Initiative
October 19th from 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Oceanside High School student, Aleena Zeejah, recently created a project called Cards for Mental Health. This initiative encourages small acts of kindness to make a big difference in someone’s day. Through handmade cards, we can remind people that they are not alone. Stop by to create cards to be distributed to hospitals on Long Island.
Registration is not required, just stop by between 10:00 and 2:00 to create some uplifting, handmade cards!
Luggage Drive
October 19th – November 19th
Bring your old duffle bags, backpacks, luggage, etc. to PPL to be donated to those experiencing homelessness and help give people their dignity back.
No registration required
The Great Give Back
October 1st – 21st
Plainedge Public Library will be partnering with Long Island Coalition for the Homeless to run a coat drive for this year’s Great Give Back! There will be a donation box in our lobby from October 1st – October 21st. We are accepting any new or gently used coats in good condition. Students in grades 6th-12th can sign up to assist us with organizing all our coat donations in October. Community Service hours will be given. Patrons can also stop by the Plainedge Public Library on October 19th to see the Teen Standup Comedy Show at 1:00pm. Teens who took our 5-week comedy workshop course are getting the opportunity to perform their material!
Online registration is required for students, grades 6th-12th, to volunteer by helping sort through donated coats. Volunteer spots are limited.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library
The Great Give Back 2024
October 1st – 31st
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is excited to participate in the Great Give Back in October 2024! Donations can be dropped off in the front vestibule.
Sock Drive:
We are collecting new pairs of socks to donate to the Mary Brennan Inn in Hempstead.
Socks must be brand new and in unopened packaging. Socks in all sizes (men, women, and children) are accepted.
Household Batteries:
Properly recycle your household dry cell batteries through the organization EZ on the Earth!
Accepted batteries include: Alkaline, Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Zinc-Carbon (Zn),
Rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-Ion), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH),
Mercury, Silver-Oxid, OR: AA, AAA, C, D, PP3 batteries.
No registration required; all are invited to participate.
Port Washington Public Library
The Great Give Back
October 1st – 19th
The Great Give Back’s mission is to provide library patrons throughout New York with opportunities to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. The Port Washington Public Library will be collecting food and personal care items for local pantries. Please, no open or expired packages. For more information, visit thegreatgiveback.org. Food Pantry Needed items: cooking oil, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, applesauce, powdered drink mixes (singles), and canned vegetables. Personal Pantry Needed items: laundry detergent, kitchen dish soap, tissues, hand soap, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
No registration required.
Rockville Centre Public Library
Great Give Back
September 23rd – October 18th
We’re delighted to partner with The Mary Brennan Inn for the Great Give Back this fall. In the spirit of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, we will begin collecting donated diapers in all sizes (child and adult) beginning Monday, September 23, continuing through Friday, October 18. Look for donation bins by the adult and children’s reference desks.
The Great Give Back Drive
October 19th from 10:00AM – 5:00PM
The mission of the Great Give Back is to provide opportunities for the patrons of the New York State Public Libraries to participate in a meaningful, service-oriented experience. To support this cause, the Seaford Public Library will be hosting an all-day food collection drive for local food pantries. No registration required.
Food can be dropped off in our main lobby between the hours of 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Unexpired Canned and Non-Perishable Food Items.
No registration required
Eyeglass Recycling
October 1st – 31st
The Shelter Rock Public Library is partnering with Wize Eyes Eyewear to encourage patrons to donate their used eyeglasses.
Registration is not required. Participation is welcome to all!
Food Drive
October 1st – 31st
Join us as we help our neighbors in need with a food drive to support Sid Jacobson JCC’s Community Needs Bank. Their wish list includes Canned Protein (Chicken, Salmon, Tuna and Sardines); Nutritional Beverages; Pasta; Canned Fruit in Juice; Peanut Butter; Canned Vegetables; Cold and Hot Cereal; Rice; Pancake Mix and Shelf Stable Milk.
Registration is not necessary. Participation is open to all!
Tech Help for Adults
October 9th from 4:30PM – 5:30PM AND October 17th from 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Adults looking for help with their devices including iPads, laptops, smartphones, and more can register for assistance provided by our Teen Tech Helpers.
Registration is required. Open to all.
The Great Giveback: Squares That Care
September 4th – October 19th
Join with patrons at libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties and throughout New York State in showing how much can be accomplished by working together. Donate a 36-inch by 36-inch knitted blanket to be delivered to We Care Blankets and distributed to children undergoing chemotherapy. All yarn must be 100 percent acrylic for cleaning and allergy reasons. Blankets must be fringe-free. Bring donations to the second floor Readers’ Services Desk. For more information, visit wecareblankets.org.
No registration.
Great Giveback Crayon Sorting
October 25th from 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Teens (grades 6-12)
Location: Story Room
Sort and pack used crayons for donation to The Crayon Initiative.
Registration for Syosset School District residents begin October 11.
Island Harvest Food Collection
October 1st – 19th
Drop off nonperishable food items to be donated to the local division of Island Harvest.”
No registration required.
Outdoor Jazz Concert
October 19th from 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Musicians Frank Barbera from Sunset Grooves and percussionist Michael Leuci will perform a mix of popular jazz, pop, R&B and blues numbers.
No registration required.
Canned Cat Food Collection
October 1st – 25th
Teens
Stop by Teen Space to drop off canned cat food to be donated to the animal rescue organization Bobbi and the Strays in Freeport.
No registration required.
Kitty Comfort
October 19th from 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Teens
Sew and stuff a small cat bed that will be donated to Bobbi and the Strays in Freeport.
No registration required.
Make a Card
October 19th from 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Children
The Children’s Department invites you for a fun-filled day where you will create a craft and make a card to be delivered to a local senior center.
Non registration required.
Westbury Memorial Public Library
Neighbors in Need
September 3rd – October 28th
Westbury Library will be collecting items for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Items such as soap. detergent, paper towels, bathroom/kitchen cleaners, etc. Donated items will help LI families get back on their feet.
No Registration Necessary
Dobby Sock Drive
September 3rd – October 19th
The Library is accepting donations of brand new, unopened pairs of socks to support the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.
No Registration Necessary
MPact Coalition Food Drive
October 1st – November 23rd
The Westbury Library will be collecting food items for MPact Coalition for local families for Thanksgiving. Any of these donated items will help families on LI enjoy the holiday season. Thank you for supporting our efforts in supporting families in our community.
No Registration Necessary
Wrapping Paper Collection
September 3rd – November 30th
Patrons may donate holiday wrapping paper that will be used to wrap toys collected for our December Grant a Wish Toy Project.
No Registration Necessary
Repair Cafe
October 20th from 12:00PM – 4:30PM
Stop by with your items that need sowing/fixing for volunteers to fix/repair.
Find out more about Repair Cafe at https://www.repaircafe.org/en/
Registration required. Call 516-481-6591 or visit us online www.whplibrary.org
Bideawee Pet Drive
October 1st – 19th
Pet drive for the animals at Bideawee.
No registration required, donations to be brought to the library 10/1 – 10/19.
For details visit www.wantaghlibrary.org
LI Coalition for the Homeless
October 5th – 31st
Food and clothing drive for LI Coalition for the Homeless.
Non-perishable food items and gently used clothing donations will be accepted. No registration required.
Donation boxes will be located in the library