Nassau Library System
Below Below are libraries from the Nassau Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2023! 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.
Baxter’s Pet Pantry & Long Island Cares
Donate October 1st-31st
Please join the Baldwin Public Library in giving back to Baxter’s Pet Pantry. We understand that when families with pets struggle with food insecurity, it also affects their pets. Emergency assistance should also include the provision of pet food and supplies. BPL asks patrons to donate supplies such as: 5 or 10 pounds bags of dog and cat food (larger bags always accepted); canned dog and cat food; kitty litter; treats; NEW toys; food for ALL PETS – included but not limited to reptiles, fish, ferrets, and hamsters!
Donation drop off boxes will be located in the Library’s lobby.
The Great Book Giveaway is Back!
Saturday, October 21st from 10:00am-3:00pm
In honor of The Great Give Back, BPL will once again host a great big giveaway of books and other items for the community. Come find a new title or uncover some old favorites. Grab a BPL bag (or bring your own) and fill it for free!
No registration required
Donations for Last Hope Animal Rescue
October 1st-31st
All ages
During the month of October we will be accepting donations for the Last Hope Animal Rescue. Last Hope Animal Rescue’s Wish List: https://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/wish-list/
On October 21, 2023 we will have three different programs for the Great Give Back:
10am-11am Read to a Dog – Therapy Dogs LI will be at the library for children ages 4-12 to read an age appropriate book to a therapy dog. We encourage all participants to bring items to donate to Last Hope Animal Rescue!
11am-12pm Teen Volunteer Project – Join us and give back to Last Hope Animal Rescue in Wantagh by either assembling a no sew blanket or make a tag for pet collars. All items will be donated to the shelter. No sewing skills necessary. Community service will be awarded.
11:15am-12:30pm Great Give Back Dog Trick Benefit Show – Be bow-wowed by Diana Frohman and her quartet of dancing golden retrievers as they bring their high-energy show featuring tricks and freestyle dancing to the library! After the performance, Diana and the goldens will do a 30-minute meet and greet. Bring the whole family to enjoy a charming show for a good cause.
Advance registration is required for each program. Please go to our website at www.bellmorelibrary.org/calendar to register. Priority registration is given to Bellmore Memorial Library cardholders.
Bethpage Food Pantry Donations
October 1st-31st
All ages
We’re working to Giveback to our community! Bethpage Food Pantry Donations Throughout the month of October the library will be hosting a collection for St. Mother Teresa Outreach and Food Pantry of Bethpage. Drop in to donate non-perishables or toiletries to help those in our own community. The donation box will be located in the lobby from October 1 – 31.
We are accepting donations from all in- and out-of-district patrons, no registration necessary.
OctaCon
October 21st & 22nd from 11:00am-4:00pm
Ages 12-17
Teens in grades 6 – 12 can volunteer to assist with Family Game sessions during the Library’s OctaCon event.
Registration is required, and teens can sign up to assist for multiple sessions. Community Service hours will be awarded.
Bryant After Dark Presents The Great Give Back
October 14th from 5:30-7:30pm
All ages
Bryant After Dark presents The Great Give Back in partnership with The Friends of the Bryant Library and Atria on Roslyn Harbor.
As part of The Great Give Back initiative, Bryant After Dark is a unique event that blends fun and community engagement in a building-wide celebration with activities for all ages. Try your luck with bingo, paint a birdhouse with your family, get creative with paint & sip, or join in on another activity! Enjoy pizza & refreshments and groove to the DJ’s beats! Come see your library after dark!
Admission: Each person is required to bring at least two non-perishable food items. For every two non-perishable food items donated, you will receive a raffle ticket. All non-perishable food items to be donated to the JCC Community Needs Bank. Don’t miss it!
Registration is required so we know how many people to expect and which activity they will be participating in. The program is open to anyone.
Birthday Wishes Collection
October 1st-13th
Teens
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 Teens can earn 2 hours of community service for every bag of supplies they collect and bring to the library.
Teens can earn an additional 2 hours of community service for wrapping and decorating the birthday boxes on Saturday, October 14 at 10 AM and 11 AM.
Registration for wrapping boxes will begin on Saturday, September 30 at eastmeadow.info
Sock Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
We will be collecting new pairs of socks to donate to the Mary Brennan Inn. Socks must be brand new and in unopened packaging. Socks in all sizes (men, women and children) are accepted. Children can decorate a paper sock with their name to hang on our sock clothesline.
No registration required
Lunch Bags for Meals on Wheels
October 1st-31st
Ages 3-11
Make someone’s meal delivery more colorful with a bag decorated with crayons, markers and stickers. Children can stop by the children’s room on Saturdays during the month of October between 10AM- 12PM or 2-4PM to decorate a paper lunch bag for a Meals on Wheels recipient.
No registration required
Food/Sock/Hygiene Products Drive
October 14th-21st from 10:00am-5:00pm
All ages
We are collecting BRAND NEW socks (in packages), non perishable food and all sorts of unopened hygiene products for the Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead, NY. As a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization, The INN provides a broad variety of essential services to assist those challenged by hunger, homelessness and profound poverty. Bring your donation to the library anytime during library hours from 10/14-10/21. Stop in anytime the library is open to make your donation.
Birthday Wishes
September 1st – October 14th
All ages
The East Williston Library will be partnering with BIRTHDAY WISHES & collecting much needed items for their mission to improve & empower the lives of homeless children by providing joy, play & hope through the magic of a birthday party! WE WILL BE COLLECTING ONLY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Small pack of Birthday themed paper plates & napkins (no solids)
Birthday themed tablecloths
Birthday hats
Party blowers
Happy Birthday banners
Birthday wrapping paper
ALL ITEMS MUST BE NEW & IN THE ORIGINIAL PACKAGING. PLEASE DROP OFF ALL DONATIONS TO THE LIBRARY DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER.
All are welcome
Elmont Memorial Public Library
Color A Smile
October 21st from 12:00-2:00pm
All-inclusive up to grade 5
Children up to grade 5 can join us on Saturday, October 21 from 12:00 – 2:00pm and choose a drawing to color. These pictures will be mailed to the nonprofit organization Color A Smile whose mission is “to put smiles on millions of faces”. They will send these drawings to either our troops overseas, senior citizens or anyone in need of a smile. Sometimes a cheerful picture is all that is needed. Join us for this all-inclusive activity.
No registration required
Pet Supply Drive
October 21st from 10:00am-4:00pm
All ages
Please help us, help them! Donate pet supplies for our Great Giveback event. We will be collecting much needed pet supplies for the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Our donation box will be located on the first floor of the library by the fish tank. Items that the shelter needs will be listed on our website and social media. Lists will also be available at the library.
No registration required
Halloween Costume Collection for Anna House
September 15th – October 15th
For all ages
New Halloween costume collection for children of Anna House at Belmont
No registration required
Franklin Square Public Library
The Great Give Back
October 21st from 10:00am-5:00pm
Children, Teen and Adults
Children – Participation will occur with children sponsoring 2 animal ambassadors from the Wildlife Center of Long Island. Jade & Jasper who are Diamondback Terrapins.
Teens – will participate by supporting the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation Inc. a sanctuary for homeless cats. The teens will be making toys to be donated.
Adults – Can participate all month long (October) by donating no perishable food items to the local Long Island Cares Food Bank.
No registration required
Give a Hand
September 1st – October 21st from 9:00am-9:00pm
All ages
The Freeport Memorial Library is asking the community to donate new or gently used winter hats, gloves or scarves for the Family & Children’s Association Walkabout Home. Walkabout is transitional housing for homeless adolescents and young adults in Freeport. Donated items for other age groups will go to their Crisis Shelter. Items can be dropped off in the Great Give Back Donation box in the library lobby.
No registration required
The Great Give Back: Cove Animal Rescue
October 1st-31st
All ages
The Great Give Back, on October 21, is a day of service for Long Island libraries. This year we are helping Cove Animal Rescue (CAR) to benefit the homeless dogs and cats in our community. CAR’s mission is to increase the adoptability of these animals through training, socialization and a cage-free environment that facilitates a smooth transition to a forever home. Please bring your donations to the Circulation Desk by Tuesday, October 31. During the month of October, the Glen Cove Public Library will accept the following donations for CAR:
Cat Food – Friskies canned and Purina Complete Dry
Kitten Food – Fancy Feast cans, Purina Kitten Chow Dry
Cat Treats – Temptations (cat requested)
Cat Toys – They love them all
Dog Food – Any brand canned
Dog Treats – Medium and large Bully Stix, any jerky or bacon treats
Dog Toys – Large dog Kongs, medium/large dog toys
Small 6” plastic coated paper plates
Paper Towels
Trash Bags – Large black; white kitchen 13-gallon bags
Laundry Detergent
Fabuloso – Cleaner
Hand Sanitizer
Dish Detergent
No registration required
Community Service Club: The Great Give Back
October 28th from 10:30-11:30am
Grades 6-12
Celebrate this day of community service by decorating a small pumpkin to donate to a local nursing home! Every volunteer will receive an hour of community service for their efforts. Please note that you must bring a small pumpkin to decorate for this program!
This program is for teens in Grades 6-12 and registration is required on the Gold Coast Public Library Website.
Great Give Back Toy Donation
October 1st – 21st
All ages
We’re accepting donations of unused and unopened toys for kids at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital all month long! Drop off is at our Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue Great Neck, NY 11023
No registration required
Cards for Kids
October 21st from 4:00-5:00pm
For ages 3-12 with an adult
Come create cards and drawings to share with children at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital!
At our Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue Great Neck, NY 11023
No registration required
Pillowcase Sewing Workshop
October 21st from 2:00-3:00pm
Adults
Sew a pillowcase to donate to Ryan’s Case for Smiles, a volunteer organization delivering bright, cheerful pillowcases in local hospitals for children and their families while they undergo treatment. Beginners welcome.
At our Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck, NY 11023. Register online or via phone. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Registration required
Kindness Rocks
October 21st at 4:00pm
Teens
Decorate a Kindness Rock with uplifting and positive messages. Teens may earn one hour of community service credit.
At our Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue Great Neck, NY 11023
Registration required
Thank You Vets – Letters to soldiers
October 21st at 11:00am
Ages 12 and up
Thank You Troops! Join us in a letter writing campaign to soldiers who have served or are still serving our Country!
Registration is required
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
Litter Pick Up!
October 21st from 11:00am-12:00pm
The Village Green
All ages
The library is joining forces with the Valley Stream Beautification Committee to clean up the Village Green and areas surrounding the library and village hall. The committee will also be launching their first ever poster contest! All ages are welcome but children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. This program is rain or shine. Supplies will be provided. Bring a friend!
Registration is requested. Visit our Eventkeeper calendar at www.valleystreamlibrary.org to register.
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library
Food Drive for LI Cares
October 1st-31st from 9:00am-5:00pm
All ages
During the month of October, the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library will host a food drive. Give back to our community by donating to Long Island Cares. Look for donation boxes in the library lobby.
No registration required
Donations for Ronald McDonald House and the Give Me Shelter Project Rescue
September 21st-October 31st
All ages
The Hillside Library is collecting donations for our local Ronald McDonald House and the Give Me Shelter Project Cat Rescue. Donations accepted until the end of October.
No registration required
The Jared Box Project
October 17th from 4:00-5:00pm
Tween/Teen &
October 21st from 11:00am-12:00pm
All Ages
Since 2001, communities have participated in the Jared Box Project to bring the “gift of play” to young patients in the hospital. The Jared boxes contain small toys, crayons, coloring books, and other fun items. The library will collect donations during the months of September and October. On Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 4-5 PM Tweens/Teens will decorate the boxes. On Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11 AM – 12 PM All ages are welcome to fill the boxes.
No registration required
The Great Give Back / Build a Birthday-in-a-Box
October 21st from 2:20-4:00pm
All ages
Build a Birthday-in-a-Box for homeless and sheltered children ages 1 to 18. Join us and fill a box with everything needed for a child to have a great birthday celebration. You Can Make a Difference by Giving Back!
No registration required
Empower Dreams, Foster Hope!
October 2nd-31st from10:00am-7:00pm
Children and Teens
We are collecting toiletries for children and teens, including full-size deodorants and Axe products. Additionally, we are making cards for hospitalized children. Cards will be make at the library during children and teens craft time, and Family Fun Night.
No registration required
The Great Give Back-Non Perishable Food, toiletries, and paper goods donations
October 1st-21st
All ages
The Levittown Public Library will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items, paper goods, and new toiletries to distributed to local facilities. We will start collecting on October 1st and will end collecting donations during our Fall Family Fun Day on October 21st.
No registration required
Songs from the Stacks
October 20th from 6:00-9:00pm
All ages
Please join us for our very first “Songs from the Stacks,” featuring live music and food.
Peformances will be held on the main floor of the library. This event will take place during library closing hours; the library will not be operational, but please feel free to roam around our stacks. Tonight’s performance : The Jon Divello Band.
As a participating library of The Great Give Back 2023 we ask our guests to bring a pair of new socks to donate towards Soldiers’ Angels Operation: Warm Feet for Warriors. This evening’s event is cosponsored by the Friends of the Locust Valley Library.
No registration required
Halloween Costume & Book Give Away
October 16th-22nd from 10:00am-3:00pm
All ages
Halloween Costume Giveaway: Calling all kids and parents who need a Halloween costume. Come and pick out a costume for you to keep!
Book Giveaway: Need to build your home library? Come and pick from a selection of new and gently used books.
No registration required
Great Give Back: Operation Gratitude
October 21st from 2:00-4:00pm
All ages
The Malverne Library will be making cards to show gratitude to those who serve our country. These cards will be included in care packages sent to deployed troops, veterans, wounded heroes and first responders by Operation Gratitude. We are also collecting puzzle books, crazy socks, card games and small toys like yo-yos, hacky sacks and beanie babies for the care packages. All items must be new and in original packaging. Anyone unable to attend this event can stop by the library anytime from October 21 – November 3 to make a card or drop off a donation. Community service hours will be awarded to all children and teens who participate.
No registration required
Pet Food/Toy Donation
October 20th from 4:00-5:00pm
Children Grades K-6
Kids are invited to BRING a can/bag of pet food and MAKE a special toy to go with it.
Online Registration for Residents.
The Great Giveback: Session 1
October 21st from 11:00am-1:00pm
Teens
Join Librarian Erin as we give back to the community! We will be making dog toys to donate to a local shelter and writing letters to send to homebound seniors.
To participate, a Manhasset Public Library card is required.
The Great Giveback: Session 2
October 21st from 1:00-3:00pm
Teens
Join Librarian Erin as we give back to the community! We will be making dog toys to donate to a local shelter and writing letters to send to homebound seniors.
To participate, a Manhasset Public Library card is required.
Decorate to Donate
October 2nd-21st
Take and Make
Teens
Pick up a kit to decorate a tote bag for donation to a local food bank.
To participate, a Manhasset Public Library card is required.
We Care Blankets & The Crayon Initiative
October 1st-31st
All ages
We will be collecting used crayons for The Crayon Initiative and yarn for We Care Blankets. The crayons will go to hospitalized children and the yarn will be used for blankets that are donated to children undergoing chemotherapy in local hospitals.
No registration required
Mineola Library’s Fall Family Fun Day
October 14th from 11:00am-2:00pm
Outdoors in Memorial Park
All Ages
Join us for a day of fun activities for all ages in Memorial Park. We will have: A Petting Zoo A visit from Saber Endor Temple A DJ Caricaturist Marty Macaluso Girl Scouts of Nassau County Travelling Trefoil Van Purchase Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches from SMUSHT Cart Child IDs Face Painting Free Snacks and more! We will be hosting a drive for General Needs, an organization helping veterans for over 14 years. Bring a NEW, SEALED, IN PACKAGE ONLY donation of socks, underwear, and T-shirts in adult sizes medium and up and receive a free mini pumpkin (while supplies last) to decorate. We will also continue collecting through Tuesday, October 24th. There will be a box in the vestibule. In the event of inclement weather, all activities will be moved indoors. Please check our social media pages for updates.
No registration required
Forest City Park Clean Up
October 21st from 10:00am-12:00pm
Forest City Park, Wantagh, NY
All ages
Community members and staff will come together to remove trash and debris from a local park.
No registration required
Treats for Troops
October 21st from 9:30am-5:00pm
All ages
Drop off unopened bags of candy that you have around the house to be donated to the troops.
No registration required
Operation Paperback Donation Drive
October 21st from 9:30am-5:00pm
All ages
Drop off your gently used paperbacks to be donated to the members and veterans of our armed forces. Please note, we will not accept any hardcover books or any books that are damaged (water stains, food stains, torn pages, etc.).
No registration required
Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library
Celebration Boxes
October 1st-21st from 11:00am-2:00pm
OBEN Public Library
All ages
We will be collecting party supplies for the underprivileged this year for The Great Give Back. We will be collecting from October 1 – 21. On the last day, we ask volunteers to come assemble boxes/kits to be donated to Birthday Wishes in Hicksville, NY.
We ask that the people coming to assemble the boxes will bring materials with them, as well.
Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcomed.
Island Harvest Collection
October 7th-21st
All ages
From October 7th-21st, we will have a donation box in our lobby to collect food for the Long Island Cares food bank. Acceptable items are those not damaged or expired. Community service credit will be given to each child or teenager who donates. They will receive 1 hour of credit for donating a minimum of 2 non-perishable, not expired food items. A maximum of 3 hours of community service credit can be received.
No registration required
Plainview-Old Bethpage Library
The Great Give Back
October 9th-21st
All ages
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is excited to once again participate in the Great Give Back in October 2023! 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.
Donations can be dropped off in the front vestibule of the main entrance starting Monday, October 9 – Saturday, October. 21, 2023.
Food Drive
The Library is collecting non-perishable, unexpired food items to help support the Mid-Island Y JCC’s Rudman Family Food Pantry. Visit our website to view Items in high demand.
Recycle for Sight
Donate your gently used prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, or reading glasses to be donated to the Lion’s Club and help restore vision for someone in need.
Stars of Hope Program
Monday, October 23 at 6:30 pm
Help us bring positivity into the world! Join us to decorate and donate a wooden star to Stars of Hope. All completed wooden stars will be sent to Stars of Hope to bring inspirational messages to communities where tragedies and disasters have happened.
Online registration required. Registration begins Monday, September 25, 2023 at 9 am.
For Stars of Hope program: online registration only. Online registration begins Monday, September 25, 2023 at 9am.
Port Washington Public Library
Food & Personal Care Item Collection
October 1st-22nd from 9:00am-9:00pm
All ages
The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of Long Island libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. PWPL will be collecting food and personal care items for local pantries.
Food Pantries – Needed items include: cooking oil, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, applesauce and canned vegetables. Please be mindful of expiration dates on donated items and no opened packages.
Personal Pantry – Needed items include: laundry detergent, kitchen dish soap, tissues, hand soap, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
No registration required
Rockville Centre Public Library
The Great Give Back
October 1st-31st from 9:00am-5:00pm
All ages
RVC will be partnering with Hispanic Brotherhood for the Great Give Back. We will have a donation box in the library to collect toiletries, socks and slippers. Suggested toiletries include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, tissues and feminine hygiene products.
No registration required
Food for NOSH
October 21st
All ages
We are partnering with a local food pantry – NOSH to have community bring in supplies to restock their pantry. Participants can drop off supplies at the Main or Children’s libraries starting October 2.
No registration required
Tech Talk
October 7th-26th
Teens and Adults/Seniors
Teens from the Shelter Rock Public Library will be assisting adults with tech help on their devices such as iPads, Laptops, Smartphones and more.
Registration is required. Participation is not restricted to district residents only.
Pet Supplies Donation
October 4th-17th
All ages
The community is encouraged to donate new food, bedding and other ‘wish list’ items to be collected at the Shelter Rock Public Library for the Last Hope, Inc. Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation. Young adults will be in charge of sorting the donations and preparing them for delivery to the animal rescue.
Registration is not required and this program is open to anyone wishing to participate.
Winter Outerwear Drive
October 21st from 9:00am-4:00pm
Adults and young adults
The community is encouraged to donate winter items such as hats; gloves; scarves and new or gently used coats of all sizes. Our young adult volunteers will be sorting and packaging these items to be donated to the The INN.
Registration is not required. Open to district residents only.
The Great Give Back: Baby Diaper Drive
October 1st-21st
Adult
Help the Library give back to the community and donate some baby diapers today. All donations will go to the Mary Brennan Inn to help the diaper needs of families in our community. Please drop off any quantity, size or brand of unused diapers to the Adult Service’s Desk. Thank you for your donation and get behind our baby Diaper Drive!
No registration required
CHILDREN’S UNPLUGGED FAMILY TIME
October 21st from 12:00-4:00pm
Kids of all ages and their families
Play games with your family and relive some of the great games of the past! We’ll have everything from jacks to hopscotch and chalk to playing cards. Fun for the whole family, batteries not included (because you won’t need any). Games giveaway while supplies last.
No registration required
TEENS GIVE BACK: PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEM COLLECTION
October 16th-27th from 9:00am-6:00pm
Teens
Stop by Teen Space to drop off personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine care products. Collected items will be brought to The Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead, for distribution.
No registration required
BOOKMARKS FOR HOMEBOUND
October 21st from 1:00-4:00pm
Design a bookmark Uniondale Library will include in their homebound delivery services and outreach events.
No registration required
Town of Hempstead Mobile Adoption
October 21st
12:00-3:00pm
All ages
Stop by the West Hempstead Public Library to see some animals up for adoption through the Town of Hempstead Mobile Adoption Unit.
No registration required
Westbury Memorial Public Library
LI Cares–Baxter’s Pet Pantry
October 2nd-31st from 10:00am-5:30pm
All ages
The Williston Park Library is collecting pet food and supplies for Baxter’s Pet Pantry which is part of LI Cares.
No registration required
Click here to view past GGB Events from Nassau Library System