Below are libraries in the Nassau Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2026! 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
Baldwin Public Library
Baxter’s Pet Pantry/Long Island Cares
10/1/26 – 10/31/26 Pet Food Drive with Pet First Aid Workshop Saturday, October 17, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (no live pets)
All ages
Baldwin Public Library knows that families facing food insecurity often
struggle to provide for their beloved pets. That’s why we are happy to help Long Island Care’s Baxter’s Pet Pantry – to ensure that all members of the family have
enough to eat. Together, we are making a difference for both
people and their beloved furry, feathery, or scaley companions.
No registration required
DVD Drive for the Troops
9/23/2026 – 10/31/2026
For all ages
The Bayville Free Library has partnered with By Hy for Heroes to collect new and gently used DVDs to be sent to U.S. Service members stationed overseas. Comedy, action, suspense and classic movies are among the most requested for troop movie nights.
No registration required.
Food Drive for the Community Cupboard
10/1/26 – 10/31/26 (9:30 – 5:00)
For all ages
During the month of October the library will be hosting a food drive as part of The Great Give Back. The food will be donated to the Bellmore-Merrick C.H.S.D Community Cupboard.
The Cupboard is a student-run organization which helps to feed 50 families every 2 weeks.
Registration is not required.
1. The Great Give Back: Craft Donations
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
Help us make craft kits for kids and teens at Cohen Children’s Medical Center!
The following items are requested:
-Crayons, colored pencils, & markers
-Colored gel pens
-Journals (no wire bindings)
-Play-Doh & Model Magic
-Adult coloring books (for teens)
-Diamond art kits or any other craft kits
-Paint & paint brushes
Or purchase from their Amazon Wishlist:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1NEB9GDCFP4M9?ref_=wl_share
No registration required
2. The Great Give Back: Cards of Kindness
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
Visit our lobby in October to create handmade cards to send to active duty soldiers. They will be distributed by the Commander of the 369th Division Special Troops Battalion.
No registration is required
East Meadow Public Library
Pet Supply Drive
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
For all ages
In honor of the New York State Library Great Give Back program, East Meadow Public Library will be collecting supplies for Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
Teens can earn 2 hours of community service for every bag of supplies they collect and bring to the library.
TOH Animal Shelter’s Needs:
· Cat & Dog toys (especially rope and puzzle toys) · Kongs & Nyla · Collars and Leashes (non-retractable) · Jerky strips (turkey, duck, or beef) · Unopened, jarred baby food (chicken or turkey) · Cat treats (unopened) · Whimzees or Bully Sticks (6 in +) · Newspaper · Crates & Carriers (gently used) · Heating pads · Grooming supplies & nail clippers · Small cat scratching posts · Wee Wee pads · Shoe boxes
No registration required.
Sock/Hygiene/Food drive for the Mary Brennan INN
10/3/26 – 10/18/26 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
For all ages
East Rockaway Public Library is hosting a NEW sock drive, along with collecting non-perishable food and unopened hygiene products to donate to the Mary Brennan Inn (Soup Kitchen and Center for Transformative Change).
No registration needed – just drop off appropriate items and we will get them to the INN!
Elmont Memorial Library
Great Give Back
10/17/2026
For all ages
Leave notes and/or coloring sheets for our local fire dept.
No registration necessary
Paws of War Drive
10/12/26 – 10/17/26 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
For all ages
Help us make a difference for our nation’s heroes, both two-legged and four-legged! The library is collecting much-needed supplies for Paws of War. Paws of War rescues and trains dogs to provide vital support to veterans, first responders, and their families. By saving animals in need and pairing them with heroes, we help both ends of the leash heal and thrive together. Your donation will help support these incredible dogs and the veterans and first responders whose lives they change.
Requested donation items include Royal Canin canned and dry dog food (puppy and adult formulas), Kuranda beds, KONG toys and puppy tires, Stewart freeze-dried treats, dog seat belts, Nylabone Healthy Edibles, Benebone Wishbones, dog enrichment toys, Voyager harnesses, Bounty paper towels, Wee-Wee Pads, and Fancy Feast cat food.
Donation Drive – New Toys for the Ronald McDonald House Long Island
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
For all ages
Donate new toys for kids of all ages (birth & up) to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Long Island organization. Please drop off your donation in the bin located in the Library’s lobby from October 1st – October 31st.
Registration is not required, and all participation is welcome.
Franklin Square Public Library
1. National Kidney Foundation: Comfort Bags of Kindness
10/9/26 – 10/30/26
Grades 7-12
Help bring comfort and encouragement to individuals receiving dialysis treatment this October! Teens will assemble a Comfort Bag of Kindness filled with small, thoughtful items such as travel-size tissues, lip balm, puzzle books, and other comfort supplies, along with a handwritten note of encouragement. The library will provide a gallon-size bag, note card, and decorating supplies. Teens may contribute comfort items to include in their bags and are welcome to add their own personal touch. A suggested supply list and sample note message will be included with each kit. Add a Recipe Card of Kindness (optional): Teens may also create a cheerful recipe card featuring a kidney-friendly recipe to include with their project. Recipe cards will be provided, and teens can use library resources to find recipe ideas or complete this activity at home. Completed Comfort Bags will be distributed to local dialysis centers to provide encouragement and support to individuals receiving care.
Registration required to reserve a Comfort Bag Kit. Kits will be available beginning Friday, October 9. Completed bags must be returned by Friday, October 30. Thank you for helping share kindness and brighten someone’s day!
2. Island Harvest Donation Drive
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
For all ages
Island Harvest Donation Drive
Donate non-perishable food or personal care items in the box in the lobby to be donated to Island Harvest.
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 razor’s, shaving cream, toilet paper, etc.
Baby Essentials: Baby formulas (unopened/not expired), diapers, baby wash
Household & Pet Supplies: Laundry detergent, cleaning products, paper towels, pet food (wet or dry)
No registration is required; all are welcome!
3. Help Eeyore Find His Tail This October!
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
Kids/all ages
Celebrate the Great Give Back and 100 years of Winnie the Pooh with the Franklin Square Public Library Children’s Department! Eeyore is visiting the Children’s Room and, oh dear – he’s lost his tail again! Let’s help Eeyore by helping our donkey friends at Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. Each time you donate $1 at the Children’s Desk, you’ll receive a tail-shaped raffle ticket. At the end of October, one lucky tail will be picked for Eeyore, its donor will receive a special surprise, and all of your donations will be sent to Peaceful Valley to support their mission as a sanctuary for abused, abandoned, or neglected domestic donkeys. Visit donkeyrescue.org to learn more about the cause and stop by our desk to make a difference!
No registration required
Personal Hygiene Item Collection for Veterans-VFW Post 347
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
The Glen Cove Public Library is proud to participate in the Great Give Back by collecting items for VFW Post 347 Glen Cove to benefit local veterans on Long Island. Throughout the month of October, we will be collecting NEW personal hygiene items for donation. Suggested donation items include: toothpaste and toothbrushes; soap and lotion; shampoo and conditioner; deodorant, combs and hair brushes; Q-tips and nail clippers; throw blankets; socks and slippers; men’s and women’s undergarments; stationery and pens; magnifying glasses. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference for our local veterans. Thank you for giving back and supporting those who served. Together, we can make a difference.
Registration is not required.
Gold Coast Public Library
Community Service Event: The Great Give Back
10/17/2026 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Teens (Grades 6-12)
The Great Give Back is a state-wide mission for public libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences on the same day. After registering, drop by between these hours to paint recycled large black bins and turn them into colorful planting tubs! You can take your tub home for your garden or donate it to the library to use on our new grounds and beautify the space! You will receive community service credit for your time.
Teens in Grades 6-12 are required to register on the Gold Coast Public Library website calendar.
Hempstead Library
God’s Love We Deliver: Thanksgiving Bags
10/17/2026 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Ages 13 & Up
Spread holiday cheer by decorating Thanksgiving bags that will be used by God’s Love We Deliver to send Thanksgiving meals to people living with severe illnesses. Participants are encouraged to create colorful and cheerful designs!
Registration Required
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
Toiletry Drive
9/23/2026 – 10/17/2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
For all ages
The library will be collecting toiletries to benefit The Inn, a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization, that provides a broad variety of essential services to assist those challenged by hunger, homelessness, and profound poverty. We are accepting donations of travel or full-size products including lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, dental care items, bath towels, and wash cloths.
No registration required.
Hewlett Woodmere Public Library
Birthday Wishes Birthday Party Supplies Drive
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
For all ages
During the month of October, we will be collecting birthday party supplies for Birthday Wishes, a non-profit organization located in Hicksville that helps bring the joy of a birthday party to families in shelters experiencing homelessness.
Most needed supplies include birthday themed: Wrapping Paper, Tablecloths, Party Hats, Blowers, and Birthday Banners. All supplies must be new and unopened.
No registration required.
The Great Giveback Collection to benefit the National Kidney Foundation
10/1/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
We’ll be making bags of comfort for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. Please donate & drop off NEW: small packs of tissues, lip balm, coloring materials, puzzle books, water bottles, stress balls and pill cases.
Registration is not required.
Supply Drive for Last Hope Animal Rescue
10/1/26 – 10/17
For all ages
Join us Saturday, October 17 from 11am-1pm to meet a couple of adoptable dogs! We will be collecting the following supplies for Last Hope from October 1-17:
clean old towels
paper towels
toilet paper
13 & 30 gallon trash bags
bleach
pill pockets
poop bags
toys (no rawhide or catnip)
Fancy Feast canned kitten food (turkey)
Friskies dry adult cat food (no seafood)
Friskies canned adult cat food (no seafood)
new dog crates
new soft dog beds
8 1/2 x 11 copy paper
Teens will have an opportunity to earn Community Service hours by dropping off supplies!
Drop off items during our operating hours.
No registration required
Jericho Library
Toiletry Drive
10/6/2026 – 10/17/2026 (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
For all ages
Jericho Public Library is excited to partner with Jericho Cares for the Great Give Back 2026! Drop off new, unopened toiletries between now and Saturday, October 17th.
No registration is required.
Lakeview Public Library
Toy Drive
10/1/2026 – 10/30/2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Children aged 5 to 12.
Donate new, unopened toys for children aged 5 to 12. Your generosity can bring joy to children and their families. Together, let’s create smiles and make a difference. This is an opportunity to give back!
All donations will go to the Hispanic Brotherhood, a not-for-profit organization that will ensure families and their children receive our donations
No registration is required
Donations for The National Kidney Foundation and MOMMAS House
10/1/2026 – 10/17/2026
For all ages
The Levittown Public Library will be accepting donations for The National Kidney Foundation and MOMMAS House. The National Kidney Foundation requests simple comfort items for individuals receiving dialysis treatment. Suggested items can be found on their website kidney.org. MOMMAS House’s mission is to provide housing and support services to pregnant and parenting young mothers and their children. Suggested items can be found on their website mommashouse.org. Donation boxes are located inside the library’s front entrance.
There is no registration or resident restrictions.
Halloween Costume Giveaway
10/6/26 – 10/30/26
For all ages
FREE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES to those in need of a costume. Costumes that are available change daily. Sizes vary. Baby-Adult sizes often available.
Have costumes at home you know longer use?
COSTUME DONATIONS accepted during the hours of the giveaway too!
The giveaway hours are as follows: Sundays 12:15-3:45pm Monday 10:15am-8:45pm Tuesdays 4:30pm-8:45pm Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:15am-8:45pm Friday & Saturday 10:15 am -4:45 pm
Registration not required
National Kidney Foundation Drive
9/14/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
The Manhasset Public Library invites patrons to donate items to be donated to the National Kidney Foundation. Items such as travel sized tissues, lip balm, puzzle books, cards and notes, hand lotion (fragrance-free), neck pillows, new blankets, fuzzy socks, coloring books, and touch screen gloves will be accepted. Please note that no food items will be accepted. The donation bin will be located on the first floor of the library in front of the Circulation Desk. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
No registration required. Donations will be welcome from anyone.
Food collection
10/1/2026 – 10/18/2026
For all ages
We are collecting food, and pet food for Long Island Cares.
No registration- collection boxes will be at both library locations.
1. National Kidney Foundation Drive
10/1/26 – 10/31/26
The Mineola Memorial Library is partnering with the National Kidney Foundation to collect items to provide comfort for individuals receiving dialysis treatment. Small donations such as mini plastic water bottles, travel sized tissues, lip balm, puzzle books, and notebooks will be accepted. A collection box will be located on the main floor of the library.
For all ages
No registration required. Anyone can donate.
2. Pack a Little Comfort Volunteers
11/2/2026 (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Grades 6-12
Teens are needed to help package the items we collected for the National Kidney Foundation as part of October’s Great Give Back Initiative. The care packages we create will be given to patients receiving dialysis treatment. This program will take place in the Children’s Room. One hour of service will be awarded at the end of the program.
Registration is required. Sign up (for all regardless of library district) begins 10/19.
Care Kits for Nursing Home Residents
10/17/26 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
For all ages
NBPL invites people of all ages to drop by the library to create “care kits” for local nursing home residents. These kits will contain much needed comfort and personal items as well as homemade cards.
No registration necessary. All supplies will be provided.
1. Birthday Wishes of Long Island
10/1/2026 – 10/18/2026
For all ages
To help celebrate North Merrick Library’s 60th birthday we are collecting birthday items for Birthday Wishes of Long Island. This organization makes birthday boxes and delivers them to children who are experiencing homelessness and are living in shelters. Help us make a child’s birthday special by bringing in fun themed birthday party items like: wrapping paper, napkins, plates, hats, blowers, candles, juice boxes and cake mixes. All items must be new and unopened.
All are welcome to participate.
2. Birthday Bash and Great Give Back
10/18/2026 (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
For all ages
This year we will be combining the annual Great Give Back Event with a 60th Birthday Bash Celebration. We will be collecting donations on behalf of Birthday Wishes. Since 2002, the mission of Birthday Wishes has been to support the social-emotional needs of families
experiencing homelessness, by helping build a foundation for healthy self-confidence and self-esteem through milestone celebrations.
There will be something for everyone! Inflatable obstacle course, face-painting and more!
The Journey Tribute Band, Any Way You Want It will be here to keep us entertained as we celebrate our journey from a small storefront on Jerusalem Avenue to our current location on Meadowbrook Road.
What to Donate: New unopened toys, party supplies or birthday themed wrapping paper!
Donations will be accepted starting October 1 through our Birthday Bash on Sunday, October 18.
Thank you for your generosity, see you at the celebration!
No registration required!
Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library
Collection for: People Loving People Pantry
10/1/26-11/31/26
For all ages
The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of
opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of
New York State to participate in meaningful,
service-oriented experiences. We invite you to join our
charitable efforts by contributing toiletries to the
People Loving People Pantry. A collection bin will be
in the library for the month of October. Here are some
welcome items: baby wipes, diapers, shampoo,
conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes,
laundry detergent, body wash, bar soap, etc.
No registration required.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library
1. Pet Supply Drive for Last Hope Animal Shelter
10/11/26 – 10/26/26 (9:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
For all ages
Collections will take place in the Library’s Lobby.
Pet Food, Toys, and Supply Drive
Food, toys and supplies will be collected to benefit local shelter cats and dogs in need at Last Hope Animal Shelter. Most needed items:
Milk-Bone dog treats
ANY cat food and/or treats
New dog toys, durable and washable (KONG and Nyla bone dog toys are preferred)
New cat toys (no cat nip!)
Leashes
Paper towels***
Towels***
Bleach (Clorox ONLY) and Windex
Rubber gloves (non-latex, medium-large)
NO RAWHIDE BONES/TREATS PLEASE
No registration is required
2. Eyeglasses Drive for the Plainview Lions Club
10/11/26 – 10/26/26 (9:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
For all ages
Collections will take place in the Library’s Lobby.
Gently used prescription eyeglasses and/or sunglasses will be recycled and help restore vision for those in need. In cooperation with the Plainview Lions Club.
No registration required
Port Washington Public Library
Share Kindness One Note at a Time
10/17/26 (9:00 AM – 4:45 PM)
For all ages
Share Kindness One Note at a Time • This year PWPL will be partnering with the National Kidney Foundation to improve the lives of everyone effected by kidney disease. Patrons are invited to visit the library to write notes of encouragement for individuals receiving dialysis treatment and recycle used crayons for coloring materials for children receiving treatment. Materials will be available at each of the library’s service desks. Please return all completed cards to a librarian.
No registration required
Rockville Center Public Library
1. Birthday Party Supply Drive
9/1/26 – 10/17/26
For all ages
In honor of the Great Give Back, RVCPL is collecting birthday party supplies (cake mix, frosting, decorations, oil, and candles) in order to compile birthday boxes for local organizations.
No registration required.
2. Community Service: The Great Give Back
10/15/26 (7:00 PM)
Teens
Help us put together birthday kits for those in need with cake mix, frosting, candles, and more as part of The Great Give Back communal charity event.
Registration opens on October 6 for all interested participants
3. Community Service: The Great Give Back Birthday Cards (grades 6-12)
10/17/26(10:30 AM)
Grades 6 to 12
Make birthday cards for the party kits we are assembling for The Great Give Back, a communal charity event.
Registration opens October 3
Yarn & Blanket Drive
9/1/26 – 10/26/26 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
For all ages
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 partnering with We Care Blankets for a Yarn & Blanket Drive! All donated blankets will go towards children fighting cancer, helping provide them with a special gift of love, comfort, and warmth. There are two ways you can make a difference:
DONATE YARN: Please note that yarn must be 100% acrylic, machine washable, and fringe-free
MAKE A BLANKET: If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, consider making a blanket to donate! Blankets should be brightly colored and a minimum size of 36″ x 36″; variegated yarn is preferred.
DONATION BOX WILL BE LOCATED IN THE MAIN LOBBY OF THE LIBRARY
1. Crochet for a Cause
9/3/26 – 10/29/26
For adults
Our volunteer crochet group is creating chemo caps, blankets, and other comforting items to support individuals affected by breast cancer this fall. The group is also making hat‑and‑scarf sets for teens, which will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters as holiday gifts. Intermediate crocheters are welcome.
Registration is required
2. Toiletry and Comfort Item Drive
10/5/26 – 10/19/26
For all ages
Join us as we help our neighbors in need with two donation drives running from October 5 through October 19. We will be collecting toiletries to support the Mary Brennan INN, whose wish list includes soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving cream, and toilet paper. Please donate full-sized items only, no travel or sample sizes. We will also be collecting comfort items for the National Kidney Foundation to distribute to dialysis centers, including travel-size tissues, lip balm, and puzzle books. Donation boxes will be located in the library’s entranceway throughout the drive.
Registration is not required.
1. Squares That Care
9/1/26 – 10/18/26
For 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. Donations of unused, washable yarn are also welcome. Bring donations to the second floor Readers’ Services Desk. For more information, visit wecareblankets.org.
No registration; open to all
2. Squares That Care
9/1/2026 – 10/18/2026
For all ages
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.
Donations of unused, washable yarn are also welcome. Bring donations to the second floor Readers’ Services Desk. For more information, visit wecareblankets.org
No registration required
2. Thanking Our Veterans
11/11/2026 (11:00 AM – 11:45 AM)
Grades 3 to 5
Decorate a wood plaque with patriotic and craft supplies to give to a local veteran.
Registration for Syosset School District residents begins October 28.
3. Thanking Our Veterans
11/11/2026 (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Grades 6-12
Decorate a wood plaque with patriotic papers and crafts supplies for a local veteran. Registration for SSD residents begins October 28. Presenter, Green Earth Craft.
1. Nonperishable Food and Toiletry Drive for Local Veterans
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
For all ages
Drop off nonperishable food items and toiletries that will be brought to the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency.
No registration required.
2. Thank You Notes to Local Veterans
10/12/2026 – 10/18/2026
For all ages
Stop by the Library October 12 – 18 and make a Thank You card for local veterans.
No registration required.
1. Words of Encouragement
10/18/26 (10:00 AM- 4:00 PM)
For all ages
Stop by our table and write some words of encouragement for breast cancer survivors. The signs will be displayed with our Love and Hope Exhibition.
West Hempstead Street Fair- Hempstead Ave
Registration is not required
2. Cat Toy’s – (Take and Make – Kit Pick up)
10/16/2026 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Teens Grades 6 to 12
Make cat toys to be donated to rescue cats. Projects must be returned to the WHPL by November 20 to receive 1 hour of community service.
Registration Required.