Nassau Library System
In the coming months the libraries from the Nassau Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2025 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 1st – 19th
All Ages. Children under 10 years should be accompanied by an adult.
2025 INN the Bag
This year, the Baldwin Public Library will again give back to The INN, a not-for-profit,
volunteer-based organization with the largest soup kitchen on Long Island. The INN
provides a broad variety of essential services to assist those challenged by hunger,
homelessness, and profound poverty.
From October 1 – October 15, we are asking for donations that will be used to create activity kits for children of families who are guests of The INN. All items should be new and unopened. Please donate: Coloring books, crayons, decks of playing cards, puzzle books, and sticker books with stickers.
Sunday, October 19, 2:00-3:00PM
Join us to create activity kits for children of families who are guests of The INN.
No registration required.
Firefighter Thank You Cards & Appreciation Kits
October 15th from 12:00 – 1:30
Adults Only
Show your appreciation for our local fire department by writing thank you cards and assembling candy care packages for first responders to enjoy. The library will provide supplies to make cards and assemble kits. Please bring candy/snacks for the kits we will donate.
Registration begins 9/15 for BML cardholders (+1 guest) and 9/22 for non-residents.
Registration link: https://bellmorelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/firefighter-thank-you-cards-appreciation-kits/
Great Give Back – Cards for Firefighters
October 18th from 10:00 AM—4:30 PM
Ages 3-12
Stop by the Children’s Department to create a card to thank our local heroes from the Bellmore Fire Department.
Registration is recommended and opens on 10/1
Registration link: https://bellmorelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/great-give-back-cards-for-firefighters/
Great Give Back Project: First Responder Kits
October 24th from 4:00—5:00 PM
Teens in Grades 6-12
Help our community first responders by making first aid kits. Decorate a pencil case and stuff the case with different items. This is a community service opportunity.
Registration opens on 10/1. Space is limited!
Registration link: https://bellmorelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/great-give-back-project-first-responder-kits/
Board Games for the Better
October 18th from 10:00 – 7:00
This year The Great Giveback will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. As this is during
OctaCon weekend (our library’s annual board gaming event), we will be hosting a donation
box for Board Games for the Better, which gifts board games and board game experiences
to under-served communities, such as children and families in foster care or experiencing
housing insecurity. Please bring your gently used or new board games to drop off in our
donation box.
No registration is required. For both in and out-of-district patrons.
Birthday Wishes Collection
October 1st – 25th
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
No registration is required.
Sock/Hygiene/Food Drive
October 11th – 19th
We are collecting NEW socks, Hygiene products IN PACKAGING, and non-perishable foods to benefit the Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead, a non-denominational food pantry and soup kitchen. No registration required.
Great Give Back
October 18th
All ages.
Make a difference by helping our local veterans from American Legion 1033. Donate any of the following items to participate in the day’s activities. NEW ONLY deodorant, undershirts, men’s and women’s undergarments, socks, canned goods, cereal, crackers, school supply items. We will have a temporary tattoo station, craft, coloring & notes to our veterans, games, as well as a giveaway. Teens will receive 1 hour of community service.
No registration required.
The Great Give Back: United for the Troops
October 18th from 9:00 – 5:00
This year, we’re collecting donations for United For The Troops to support our brave service members overseas.
Please drop off much-needed items at the Farmingdale Public Library, and help us send support and items to our deployed heroes. Wishlist for suggested donations will be available at the library. Important guidelines: No glass or aerosol items, items must be 16oz. or smaller. Items are easy to find at places like Dollar Tree!
Pajama Drive for Ronald McDonald House Charities
October 1st – 30th
We are collecting new pajamas for newborns, babies, and children to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. There will be a donation bin located in the Library’s lobby from October 1st until October 30th. Registration is not required. Pajama donations are welcome from anyone who would like to participate.
A Costume for Stash
October 1st – 31st
All Ages
Stash the Eastern Chipmunk, a Wildlife Ambassador for the Wildlife Center of Long Island, can’t choose what to be for Halloween this year, and he needs your help! Your $1 donation will go towards sponsoring Stash and his animal friends, providing food, enrichment, and veterinary care. It’ll also get you your own paper doll of Stash that you can dress up in a costume of your choice to display in the Children’s Room for the Halloween season!
Donation jar and paper dolls will be located at the Children’s Desk.
No registration required.
Giving Back Buddies: Doggy Edition
October 17th from 4:00 – 5:00
Grades 2-6, Grades 7-12
Children and teen volunteers will have a tail-wagging good time making dog treats and creating tie-dye bandanas for dogs at the Hempstead Animal Shelter. Community service hours will be awarded to teen volunteers.
Registration is required for children (https://franklinsquarepl.libcal.com/event/15009569) and teens (https://franklinsquarepl.libcal.com/event/15009558) and opens to all on Wednesday, October 1st at 10am for residents and non-residents.
Mary Brennan Inn Donation Drive
October 1st – 18th
Donate non perishable food or personal care items in the box in the lobby to be donated to the Mary
Brennan INN.
Food Items: Non-perishable and unused items such as canned goods, breakfast foods, rice, pasta, snack items, etc.
Personal Care Items: Soap (bar or body wash), shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper.
No registration required. Participation is open to everyone.
Caring Care Packages
October 18th from 2:00 – 4:00
Teens
Teens will donate items for and assemble hygiene kits for homeless individuals served by the Mary Brennan INN. They’ll sort donated items, pack them into care bags, and create colorful kindness cards with uplifting messages to include in each one.
What to Bring:
Please bring at least one item from the list below. Every single donation helps!
Choose one of the quantity options listed for each item (for example, 4 large bars of soap or 10 small bars).
-Soap – 4 large bars or 10 small bars
-Shampoo – 1 large bottle or 10 travel-size bottles
-Body Wash – 1 large bottle or 10 travel-size bottles
-Conditioner – 1 large bottle
-Toothpaste – 2 large tubes or 10 travel-size tubes
-Toothbrushes – 4
-Razors – 3
-Shaving Cream – 10 travel-size cans
-Toilet Paper – 2 large rolls
-Deodorant – 2
-Lotion – 1 large bottle or 10 travel-size bottles
Registration begins October 1st @ 10am. Limited to district residents only.
Earn 3 hours of community service while spreading kindness and hope—your time and compassion matter! Any additional questions please contact: teens@franklinsquarepl.org
The Glen Cove Public Library is partnering with the Sid Jacobson JCC to support the Nikki Schwartz Memorial Community Needs Bank
October 1st – 31st
The Glen Cove Public Library is proud to participate in The Great Give Back by partnering with the Sid Jacobson JCC to support the Nikki Schwartz Memorial Community Needs Bank. Throughout the month of October, we will be collecting non-perishable food items to help support local food pantries and neighbors on Long Island’s north shore. Donation boxes will be in the Glen Cove Library during the month of October. Suggested donation items include: canned vegetables, beans, soup, tuna fish, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, boxed cereal, oatmeal, shelf-stable milk, juice boxes, peanut butter, jelly, baby food and formula, granola bars and healthy snacks. Contributions make a real difference for individuals and families in need. Together, we can make a difference.
Diaper Drive
October 1st – 31st
Do you have extra diapers? Want to give back to the Long Island parenting community? Drop off diapers anytime during the month of October. All diapers will be donated to the Allied Foundation.
No registration required.
Located at our Main Library, Children’s Room
Children’s Costume Drop and Shop
October 18th from 10:00 – 2:00
Families
Need to drop off old costumes and dress up ware that no longer fits? In need of some new dress up things? Pop by our swap!
No registration required.
Words of Encouragement Swap
October 12th – 18th
All Ages
Stop by the children’s room the week of October 13 through 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.
First Responder Kits
October 25th from 12:00 – 1:00
Adults and Teens
Create cards and small canvas bags with Theresa’s Programs to donate to local first responders and brighten their day! Kits will also include much needed items like lip balm, trail mix and more. Please dress for a mess!
Registration for Great Neck cardholders and residents begins August 28 at 10:00 AM, online, in-person, or via phone. Non-residents are welcome as walk-ins, as space allows.
Artful Thanks
October 18th from 11:00 -1:00
Ages 12 & Up
Grab your markers and spread some joy. Let’s make Thanksgiving bags as beautiful as the cheer they carry for God’s Love We Deliver!
Registration is required and open to Hempstead students only, ages 12 and up. Please contact Mr. Joe at 516-481-6990, extension 5.
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
September 22nd – October 18th
The library is hosting a food drive to benefit the Valley Stream Long Island Cares Food Pantry. Help nourish our Valley Stream community by bringing non-perishable food donations to the library. All food donations are welcome but the pantry is especially in need of shelf stable milk, canned fruits and vegetables, individually packaged snacks, cereals and pasta.
Hewlett Woodmere Public Library
Giving Back to SibsPlace
October 1st – 31st
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library is collecting new and unused art supplies for Mount Sinai South Nassau’s SibsPlace, a free prevention and support program for children ages 5 to 17 who are dealing with serious illness within their family. Bring new gel pens, markers, notebooks, canvases, and other art supplies to our collection box within the library. No registration required.
Additionally, adults over 18 who are neurodivergent or have developmental disabilities can come to the Hewlett Woodmere Library to volunteer to pack individual craft kits for children who attend SibsPlace on Tuesday, October 21 at 11am. Registration is required.
There will be a special community service event for teens from 6th through 12th grade to pack arts and craft bags to give to participants of SIBSplace. This Great Give Back event will take place on Sunday October 19th between 2-3pm. Registration is required. Hewlett-Woodmere residents may register for this event through our events calendar at hwpl.org.
No registration is required for the art supply drive. Registration is required to pack craft bags. Groups and individuals may registration through the calendar on our website at hwpl.org/
Volunteer Fair
October 7th from 1:30 – 4:30
Teens (Grades 6-12) and Adults
Looking to give back to your community and get involved? In honor of the Great Give Back, join us at our Volunteer Fair! Adults and Teens (Grades 6 – 12) can connect with local organizations actively seeking volunteers and learn about the meaningful opportunities they have to offer! A list of participating organizations is available on our website: https://hicksvillelibrary.libcal.com/event/14700865?hs=a
*Please consider bringing new coloring books or new or gently used crayons for the 4Kidz LI & NYC Coloring Book and Crayon Drive. Donations can be dropped off at the Hicksville Public Library table in the Community Room during the event. Teens that bring a donation to the event will receive one hour of community service.*
Registration is not required. Walk-ins welcome. Register to receive an email reminder.
4Kidz LI & NYC Coloring Book and Crayon Drive
October 1st – 31st
We are collecting new coloring books and new or gently used crayons for 4Kidz LI & NYC. 4Kidz LI & NYC is a youth led nonprofit organization that aims to spread hope and positivity to hospitalized children around the world. Donations will be given to New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital & Good Samaritan University Hospital.
No registration.
Costume Donation Drive and Giveaway
September 2nd – October 10th
Donate an old costume and get a new-to-you costume for Halloween! We will be collecting new or gently used Halloween costumes for all ages (adults, teens, and children) in the Children’s Room from September 2 – October 10.
On October 18, from 9:30am – 4:30pm, we welcome Hicksville residents to “shop” for a costume! One costume per family member. You do not have to donate a costume to participate in the giveaway.
No registration required for the Costume Giveaway. Hicksville residents only!
Ronald McDonald House Donation Drive
October 1st – 31st
The Hillside Library is collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Please consider donating the following items to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island to
help make Halloween a little more festive for the families staying at the RMHLI during
medical treatment. Donations accepted through October 31th!
Taste Test & Donations to Benefit Bethany House
October 18th from 1:00 – 2:30
All ages welcome
High School Girl Scout Troop 2486 has created a cookbook for residents of Bethany House, a safe haven and shelter for women with children facing homelessness.
Join us at the Library to sample menu items from the cookbook, learn about the organization and donate nonperishable food items and kitchen basics for the residents of Bethany House. Items to donate include: paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags , toothpaste, Clorox wipes, dish soap, kitchen sponges and snack packs. Gift cards to BJs and Stop & Shop are also welcome in any denomination.
Registration not required. Donations will be accepted beginning on Oct. 1st. Please hand any gift card to be donated directly to our circulation staff. Thank you!
Blood Drive
October 20th from 1:30 – 7:30
Ages 17+ (16 years old can participate with permission slip)
In conjunction with the New York Blood Center, the Manhasset Public Library invites you to participate in our Blood Drive. We thank you in advance for your support!
Patrons from any library are welcome to participate. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Patrons over the age of 17 do not require parental permission, however, all patrons who are 16 years of age must have a parent or guardian fill out a permission form.
When you make an appointment, you will be asked for a sponsor code. Our sponsor code is 20083. The link to register can be found here: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/331253
Children’s Pajama Collection
October 1st – 18th
We’re collecting new children’s pajamas for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Pediatric Ward, for kids ages 1-18.
No registration
Board Games for the Better
October 1st – 30th
Looking for a simple way to give back to the community? Participate in the library’s Great Giveback! Our annual event is back for the full month of October, and we have paired up with Board Games for the Better. They are a Queens-based nonprofit that is working to distribute puzzles, tabletop, and card games to people going through difficult times. They aim to improve mental health and relieve stress by encouraging people to get together and play some games.
We will be collecting new, unused games, card decks, and puzzles. Games aimed for any age group from 3 years and up are welcome. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any games that require apps or batteries for ease of use. Your donations will be distributed to foster care homes, veterans, shelters, game day programs, psychiatric centers, and to families that lost everything in natural disasters. A collection box will be located in the lobby.
No registration or restrictions.
Socktober
October 1st – 31st
We will be collecting only NEW, in the package, socks for the Mary Brennan INN. There will be a box across from the Circulation Desk. Donations may be in any size for men, women and children. Thank you!
Registration is not required, there are no residential restrictions.
Diaper Drive Supporting Momma’s House-Levittown, NY
October 1st – 31st
We will be collecting diapers and pull-ups of all sizes during the month of October to be donated to Momma’s House located in Levittown, NY. We hope our donations will help young mothers in need.
All are welcome to donate. No registration is required.
Monster Bookmark Making with the Kindness Kits Organization
October 18th from 12:00 – 3:00
Join the Oceanside Library to participate in The Great Give Back – a day of meaningful, service-oriented experiences in libraries across New York State! Kindness Kits (NP), an organization created by Oceanside High School students, is seeking donations for patients at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital. They are accepting brand-new/unopened fuzzy socks, color pencils, activity books, rubix cubes, travel-size toiletries (ex: shampoo, comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant). Donate to participate in a fun Halloween-themed craft!
Donate an item to participate – while supplies last. Registration not required. Must be in-person to participate.
Crafts with Kindness Kits
October 18th from 12:00 – 3:00
All Ages
Kindness Kits (NP), an organization created by Oceanside High School students, is seeking donations for patients at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital. They are accepting brand-new/unopened fuzzy socks, colored pencils, activity books, rubix cubes, and travel-size toiletries (ex: shampoo, comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant).
Stop by the Children’s Program Room between 12:00 and 3:00! Donate an item to participate in a craft – while supplies last. Children can make a monster bookmark and adults can make a fall wreath! Registration not required.
Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library
Collecting Cat Items for the Ladew Foundation
October 1st – 18th
For this year we will be collecting donated cat supplies for the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation.
Items needed:
-NEW cat beds, toys, and scratching posts
-Canned cat food: Fancy Feast Kitten Classic or Savory Centers, Friskies Classic Pate, Sheba Perfect Portions
-Cat treats: Churu Lickable or Temptations
-Gift Cards: Chewy or Amazon Gift Cards welcome!
No registration required.
Donation box located in the library near the Circulation Desk.
Great Give Back Coat Drive
October 1st – 18th
From October 1st-18th we will have a donation box in our lobby to collect coats for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library
Shred It and Forget It!
October 18th from 2:00 – 5:00
Give back to the Earth! Join us for a free paper shredding event at the Library. Limit of 3 boxes per person.
Personal paperwork only, not business-related. No magazines, newspapers, plastic sheets or cover sheets.
All paper is 100% recycled. No registration required and open to all.
Mid-Island Y JCC – Food Collection
October 27th – November 2nd
Give back to our community! Join us in donating various food items to the Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview.
Collecting high need items like:
-Canned Pineapple and Mixed Fruit
-Coffee and Tea
-Jelly
-Mayonnaise
-Granola Bars
-Paper Towels
-Dish Soap
-Laundry detergent
Port Washington Public Library
Great Give Back Stock our Pantries
October 1st – 18th
PWPL will be collecting food and personal care items for local pantries.
Food Pantry Needed Items: Cooking oil, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, mac
and cheese, applesauce, powdered drink mixes (singles), and canned vegetables.
Please no open or expired packages. Personal Pantry Needed Items: Laundry detergent, kitchen dish soap, tissues, hand soap, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
Rockville Centre Public Library
Dignity Drive
October 1st – 31st
This year, we invite you to take part in our Dignity Drive, where we’ll be collecting feminine hygiene products to support those in need. Let’s make a difference—together!
A collection bin will be located under the stairs near the Adult Reference Desk.
No registration.
Food Collection Drive
October 18th from 10:00 – 5:00
The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. 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 at the Seaford Public Library between the hours of 10:00am-5:00pm. We encourage everyone to help our community by donating non-expired non-perishable items or personal items in our main lobby. Thank you for your generosity and lighting up the lives of people in need!
Open to everyone. No registration required
Food Drive
October 1st – 31st
Join us as we help our neighbors in need with a food drive to support the Mary Brennan INN. Their wish list includes stuffing, canned yams, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, canned soup, boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed or packaged mashed potatoes, canned vegetables (corn, peas, string beans), and 64 oz apple juice. Absolutely no glass items, please. All donated items must be non-perishable and have expiration dates past Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025). The donation box will be located in the Library’s entranceway from October 1st through October 31st.
Tech Help For Adults
October 21st and 27th from 5:00 – 6:00
Adults
Adults looking for help with their devices including iPads, laptops, smartphones, and more can register for assistance provided by our Teen Tech Helpers.
Registration begins September 30th. When registering, please include what device you need help with. Please list the device in the “device” field when you register at www.srpl.org.
Beauty Techniques for Women in Cancer Treatment
October 6th from 10:00 – 12:00
Adults
Join us Monday, October 6th at 10 AM for The Basic Six, a free in-person cosmetic workshop for women undergoing cancer treatment. Led by licensed cosmetologists, the session covers skincare, makeup tips, and head coverings. Please bring your own makeup and wigs for guidance. An emotional support animal will be present.
Registration is required.
The Great Giveback: Squares That Care
September 5th – October 20th
Teens and Adults
Join with patrons at libraries throughout New York State in showing how much can be accomplished by working together. Donate a 36-inch by 36-inch, or larger, knitted or crocheted 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
THE GREAT GIVE BACK: Food Bagging Event for the Mary Brennan INN Soup Kitchen
October 24th from 4:00 – 6:00
The Great Give Back is a community service initiative, providing a day of opportunities for public libraries throughout New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. We are collecting specific nonperishable items to create meal kits for families in need from October 1-20 at The Bryant Library. All donations will benefit the at the Mary Brennan INN Soup Kitchen.
You are invited to join us and help bag the food during our special community service event on Friday, October 24 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Volunteers are not required to stay for the entirety of the event. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
No registration is required.
Requested food items:
-Beef Chili Cans
-Beef Stew Cans
-Vegetable Cans
-Instant Mashed Potatoes
-Oat & Honey Granola Bars
Learn to Make a Scarf or Neck Warmer
October 18th from 1:30 – 3:30
All ages.
Join award-winning artist Alicia Evan to make a scarf or neck warmer while enjoying ambient music. You will use yarn donated by our Library patrons. You are welcome to bring your crocheting hooks. The items will be donated to the Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead.
Registration is not required.
Men’s Clothing and Footwear Drive
October 1st – 31st
Donate new or gently used men’s clothing and footwear in sizes L, XL and XXL. Collected items will be donated to the Mary Brennan INN.
No Registration
Westbury Memorial Public Library
DIY Dog Blankets
October 13th from 3:30 – 4:30
K-6th Grade
Celebrate the Great Give Back by making a dog blanket to donate to a local animal shelter! For children in Kindergarten to 6th grade. Registration required.
Registration begins Monday, October 6th at 10am
Halloween Costume Donation
September 22nd – October 17th
Westbury Library is accepting donations of gently used, clean, or new Halloween costumes for all ages, from Monday, September 22 through Friday. October 17. Boxes will be available in the library for donations. Costumes will be given away to members of our community, who can come to our costume pick-up events to choose a costume, on a first-come, first-served basis, on the following dates: Monday, October 20 (3 pm – 5 pm), Wednesday, October 22 (4 pm – 5:30 pm), Thursday, October 23 (12:30 pm – 5 pm), and Friday, October 24 (2 pm – 5 pm).
Registration Required for Costume Pickup. Please register on our website: westburylibrary.org
Costume Pickup is for Residents Only.
Town of Hempstead Animal Adoption
October 19th from 1:00 – 4:00
All Ages.
Adopt, don’t shop! Come see some the animals available from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
Long Island Cares Food Donation
October 1st – 31st
Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected during the month of October.
No registration necessary. All are welcome to donate.