Nassau Library System
Below Below are libraries from the Nassau Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2022! 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.
Book Giveaway and Shoe Donation Drive
October 15 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm
For all ages
The Great Give Back returns! Once again, the Library will be giving away books for all ages and interests, along with DVDs, CDs, and a few surprises. Grab a BPL bag (or bring your own) and fill it for free.
The Friends of the Library will also be here, collecting gently worn and new shoes. Your donated footwear will help support the Friends of the Library, and be given a second life helping people in developing nations start microenterprises that will create a sustainable income for their families.
All are welcome–no registration is required. Shoe donations are not required to participate in the book giveaway, but are greatly appreciated.
Harvest Festival and Food Drive for L.I. Cares
October 22 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Come celebrate fall at our Harvest Festival! We will have live music by Willie Steel and Jim Uhl, balloon twisting, pumpkin painting, fall craft stations, and a goat visit! Please bring canned food to donate to L.I. Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank. Registration is required. All are welcome!
Please bring canned food items to donate to L.I. Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank
Mill Pond Park Clean Up
October 15
10:00 am-12:00 pm
at Mill Pond Park, Merrick Road, Wantagh, NY 11793
For all ages
The Bellmore Memorial Library invites the Bellmore community to Mill Pond Park where we will walk the trail around the park and pick-up any litter found along the way. Participants of all ages can enjoy a refreshing day outside while helping to beautify the local park with the library.
Registration is recommended. Participants can RSVP on our website at https://www.bellmorelibrary.org/calendar/
Get Connected
October 15
12:00-4:00 pm
For Senior Citizens and Students in Grades 6 – 12
Teen Students Volunteer to Assist Senior Citizens with Tech & Computer Questions!
Do you have computer, Smartphone or iPad questions? Would you like to learn how to Skype or FaceTime with your family, or download free eBooks and Audiobooks to your eReader? Drop by the library for a one-on-one session with a Bethpage student. Ask them any tech questions you may have and they will answer to the best of their ability. It’s a win-win for all, as students receive community service credits for school and seniors receive answers to help them Get Connected!
Registration is required for both age groups, available online at: https://bethpagelibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar or in-person. Students will be awarded 21st Century School Credit and Community Service for every hour they volunteer.
Little Shelter Animal Drive
October 15 – November 15
Join The Bryant Library as we collect supplies to help rescued animals! Between October 15th and November 15th, bring in any of the following: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Bleach, Windex, Liquid Laundry Detergent, Paper Towels, Bath Towels, Dog Waste Bags, Pedigree wet dog food, 9 Lives wet cat food, Friskies wet cat food, Temptations cat treats, pet-friendly ice melt, or cat trees. Items will be gifted to The Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center.
Cards for the National Guard
October 15 – November 15
Help us make cards for our New York National Guard Soldiers who are currently deployed in Africa and Kuwait.
The Great Give Back- Birthday Wishes Collection
October 1-28
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 unopened.
• juice boxes
• small pack of plates and napkins (themed, please no solids)
• packs of party hats
• packs of balloons
• decorations such as banners, streamers etc.
• packs of blowers
Other items they are in need of include:
• new fuzzy blankets
• new pajamas size 18 months – 14/16
• unopened crayon packs- 24 count
Teens can earn 2 hours of community service for every bag of supplies they bring in. Please bring your supplies to the Young Adult Room to receive your service hours.
No registration required.
Collection for Long Island Coalition for the Homeless
September 12 – October 7
The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
dedicated to reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on Long Island
LICH helps hundreds of households access permanent housing each year through our
case management, street outreach, and resource navigation services. Additionally, LICH runs the Boutique, a free-distribution center of essential items. The Boutique is utilized by our clients and multiple non-profits on Long Island, distributing thousands of
essential items to homeless and at-risk individuals and families every year.
Please donate ONLY these listed items:
-Shampoo and conditioner
-Body wash/soap/hand soap
-Lotion
-Toothpaste & toothbrush
-Deoderant
-Baby wipes
-Laundry detergent
Elmont Memorial Public Library
Cat Toys for our Feline Friends
October 15 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm
For children 3 1/2 years – Grade 6
Come to the Children’s Dept. to make a colorful cat toy which will be donated to local animal shelters (while supplies last). We are also collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the Harry Chapin Long Island Cares Food Bank. There is no registration required.
Halloween Costume Drive
September 24-October 15
We will be collecting clean, gently used costumes for all ages/sizes from September 24-October 12 in the Children’s Library. On October 15, patrons are invited to visit the Children’s Library and “shop” for a new-to-you costume. Teens can earn community service by sorting costumes and helping out on the day of the event. Teens can contact the Children’s Library at 516-249-9090 ext. 224 for more details.
No registration required
Toys for Shelter Cats
October 16 from 2:00-3:00 pm
For Families, Adults, Children, Tweens, Teens
Create wonderful toys for cats in shelters, keeping them company until they find their forever home.
Sign up online at floralparklibrary.org
Adopt a Cat Adoption Event
October 22 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm
All ages – Everyone is welcome
Come and meet your new best friend, and give a shelter cat its forever home. Sponsored by: Give Me Shelter Project, Inc.
No registration required.
Franklin Square Public Library
The Great Give Back drive for Rescuing Families inc.
October 15
10:00 am-5:00 pm
Adults are asked to contribute items needed to make baskets for a local charity’s Bingo event. The name of the Charity is Rescuing Families. Adults are supplying items to put in the baskets and our teens will be assembling the baskets and wrapping them up. Adults who are interested, can also stay to help.
Dog Toys to Donate
October 15
10:00 am-4:00 pm
for grades K to 4
Give back to the community by making a dog toy to be donated to a local animal shelter. All materials will be provided.
No registration required
Get Kids Ready for Winter
October 1-31
New winter clothing donations for birth to age 12.
The Great Give Back on October 15 is a Day of Service for Long Island Libraries. This year we are helping “Get Kids Ready for Winter” to benefit local families.
During the month of October, the Library will accept donations of new pajamas, socks, hats, scarves, or gloves for children from birth to age 12. Please bring new items to the Children’s Room by October 31.
The Great Give Back: Pumpkin Decorating
October 15 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm
For grades 6-12
Celebrate this day of community service by bringing in a small pumpkin to decorate with the supplies provided by the Gold Coast Public Library. Your pumpkin will be donated to The Regency Assisted Living Facility in Glen Cove, and you will receive an hour of community service for your donation! Registration is required on the Gold Coast Public Library website.
Cardmaking
October 10-22 – Grab & Go
Make a card for the organization Cards for Hospitalized Kids! Decorate at the branch or bring cards back by October 22. 1 hour of community service awarded for each completed card.
Dog Toys
October 14 from 4:30-5:30 pm at the Parkville Branch
Stop by the branch to receive supplies to create dog and cat toys for a local shelter! 1 hour of community service credit will be awarded. Go to greatnecklibrary.org to register.
Animal Shelter Blankets
October 15 at 11:00 am at the Main Library
Let’s make a cute blanket to donate to a local animal shelter. Registration begins 2 weeks prior to the event online, in person, or via phone.
Beautify Your Library
October 17 at 7:00 pm at the Main Library
Help beautify the library by making a Sailor’s Valentine, a piece of artwork made out of seashells in mosaic designs . 1 hour of community service credit will be awarded! Register online, in-person, or via phone.
The Great Give Back: Reason2Smile Bracelets
October 15 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm
For teens
Make paper bead bracelets for reason2smile and help provide educational opportunities for children at the Jambo Jipya Children’s Home. Please reach out to Mr. Joe, 516-481-6990×5 to register. Space is limited.
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
INN the Bag
October 15 from 1:30-3:30 pm
For Kids & Teens ages 5 and up
Kids and teens will assemble pre-collected food and drink items into snack bags to be donated and distributed to guests of the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen in Hempstead, NY.
Registration is required. Please visit our library calendar at www.valleystreamlibrary.org to register.
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library
Donate Unused Cat & Dog Supplies
October 1-31
DONATE UNUSED CAT & DOG SUPPLIES in HWPL’s Children’s Room to be given to local animal shelters. Teen volunteers will decorate bandanas for shelter pets to wear at adoption
events. Supplies will be collected through the month of October.
Healthy Food Drive
September 19 – October 31
Please consider donating non-perishable goods, household items, baby essentials, pet supplies or toiletries for our Healthy Food Drive to support Island Harvest. Check our website https://www.hicksvillelibrary.org/ for a list of suggestions.
Go High-Tech
October 15 from 2:00-4:00 pm
For teens
Give back to your community by teaching adults/seniors how to use and feel comfortable with all forms of technology. Community service credit will be awarded!
Please click here to register on our website.
Give Back to Your Local Ronald McDonald House!
October 15-31
Hillside Library will be collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Items most needed include paper towels, disinfecting wipes, disposable diapers, baby wipes, disposable plates and utensils, non-perishable snacks, and bottled water.
Great Giveback Beach Cleanup
October 1
10:00-11:30 am
at Masone Beach in Island Park
For all ages
Join us at Masone Beach for a clean-up to pick up any debris which may have accumulated since the summer.
Meet at the beach. No registration required.
Packing Out Boxes for Active Military
October 15 from 1:00-3:00 pm
For all ages
As part of The Great Give Back, the Library is holding a “Packing Out Box” day to send to our active military overseas. The Library will collect donations starting Saturday, October 1 through 1pm on Saturday October 15. Between 1-3pm on October 15, soldiers and sailors will join library volunteers to pack these special boxes that are scheduled to be delivered between Halloween and Thanksgiving to our active military overseas. All are welcome to join; teens can receive up to two hours of community service. Registration is free but required for community service hours.
The Great Give Back
October 15 from 2:00-4:00 pm
For all ages
Bring a non-perishable food item to give to someone in need through Jericho Cares and paint a Kindness Rock which will be put into our garden or given to a charitable organization.
You Can Make a Difference by Giving Back!
Open to All…No Registration Required
Lakeview Library Community Supports Bethany House
October 1-13
Collecting NEW cleaning supplies, paper goods, and compact umbrellas to support women, and women with children, experiencing homelessness. Contact us for additional information 516-536-3071
Volunteers for Wildlife Hospital and Education Center Supply Donations
October 1-15
For all ages
Levittown Public Library will participate in the Great Give Back on Saturday, October 15, 2022. 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. Our library is participating in bringing the community together to respond to the needs of the Volunteers for Wildlife Hospital and Education Center located in the Bailey Arboretum. Volunteers for Wildlife, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization. This Center continues to be dedicated to the preservation of Long Island’s wildlife & natural habitats through education & wildlife rehabilitation since 1982. Volunteers for Wildlife admit over 2,000 injured & orphaned wild animals to their hospital every year. They offer interactive educational programs to children & adults to foster knowledge and appreciation for Long Island’s wildlife. For more information, visit: https://www.volunteersforwildlife.org/
In an effort to support the Wildlife Center, we will be collecting donations in the lobby from October 1 through October 15. Items requested are:
Animal Supplies:
Heating pads (no auto shut-off)
Fleece blankets & Towels
Baby food (single flavors of fruit, vegetable, & meat- no fruit/vegetable blends that include meat)
Applesauce
Unsalted nuts (no peanuts or cashews)
Seeds: sunflower hearts, cracked corn, white millet, safflower (no seed mixes)
Pack-N-Plays
Pop Up Dog Playpen
Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves, Large, Box/100
Cleaning supplies:
13-gallon garbage bags
Heavy-duty 32-gallon garbage bags
All-purpose cleaners
Vinegar
Baking soda
Peroxide
Sponges
Scrub brushes
Nitrile Disposable Industrial Gloves 3 Mil Large
Hand and dish soap
Deodorizers
HE liquid laundry detergent
Office Supplies:
Black and red pens
Dry erase markers
Tape (any kind)
Sharpie markers
Printer paper
AA/AAA batteries
Forever stamps
On October 15, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. people can meet some of the Volunteers for Wildlife and Education Center’s wildlife ambassadors during The Levittown Public Library Fall Family Fun Day. Ambassadors have permanent homes at the center due to disabilities that prevent their release into the wild. They inspire the public to love and protect our native species. Decorate a bird house to hang in your own backyard or donate it to the Volunteers for Wildlife Center as part of the Great Give Back (prior registration required to reserve a bird house). We will also be accepting supply donations for the Wildlife Center during this event.
The Great Give Back Beach Clean Up
October 2 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
at Center Island Beach, 466 Bayville Ave
For Teens, Adults, and Families
We are removing litter from the south side to the bay side from Center Island Beach, we will be meeting in the parking lot.
No registration required, open to all residents, please bring reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
We will provide trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and wipes.
Halloween Costume Giveaway & Book Giveaway
October 15-31
The Book Giveaway is one day only! 10-15-2022. Books free for all ages to grow your home library! The Halloween Costume Giveaway will be 10-15-2022 through 10-31-2022. Take a Costume or bring a Costume or BOTH! Supplies limited to what is available. All ages.
Donation to Kitty Cove
October 1-31
The Malverne Public Library is collecting items for the Long Beach Humane Society Kitty Cove, an animal rescue service. Donations of Purina Kitten Chow, Fancy Feast, Friskies wet food, clumping cat litter, baby food (chicken or turkey), paper towels, laundry detergent and Dawn dish soap are appreciated and can be placed in the box by our front lobby from October 1-31.
Kids and teens can also earn community service hours by stopping by the library from Oct. 11 – 15 to make cat toys to donate to Kitty Cove.
Island Healthy Food Drive
October 8-16
Island Harvest Healthy Food Drive! Donation boxes will be in the library lobby during open hours Saturday, Oct. 8-Satuday Oct. 15.
Birthday in a Bag
October 2-16
We’ve partnered with the Long Island Coalition of the Homeless to collect items for a ‘Birthday Party in a Bag’. We’ll have boxes in both locations to collect birthday napkins and plates, party hats, noise makers/party favors, wrapping paper/tissue paper , small gifts and supermarket gift cards.
Pajama program
October 1-31
This year the Merrick Library is partnering with Pajama Program. We will be collecting new, unused completer pajama sets (tops and bottoms) and new, unused books from our generous community.
Sizes newborn through adult XXXL are welcome.
The donations will be delivered to those in need in our own community.
Stop by and check out the display in our lobby. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Color-A-Smile, Porcellus Place Guinea Pig Rescue, and Personal Care and Diapers Drive for Mary Brennan INN
October 15
The Mineola Memorial Library will be partnering with three wonderful organizations Mary Brennan INN, Color-A-Smile, and Porcellus Place Guinea Pig Rescue.
Support Our Troops
October 15 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm
For all ages
There will be several crafts available that will support and acknowledge our troops. Participants will decorate care package boxes, make cards, and paint mini flags. In addition we will run a food drive in collaboration with a local American Legion that will benefit local veterans and their families.
Great Give Back to the Furture: Diaper Drive
October 15
2:00-4:00 pm for all ages
For the Great Give Back 2022 we will be giving back to future generations by holding a diaper drive for those in need. At 2:00 pm join us as we head back to the future with the Vic Vincent Group. Participants will have a photo opportunity with a real DeLorean and can enjoy retro video and board games in the Children’s Room. Please consider donating a pack of diapers or baby wipes. A donation bin will be in the library October 1 through October 15.
All are welcome! Please bring a lawn chair for comfort.
This is an in-person program. Residents and non-residents are welcome to drop by anytime during the event.
Fall Leaves Seasonal Art Display
October 15 from 9:30 am-4:00 pm
For all ages
Decorate and write positive messages on paper leaves that will be used to decorate a display area in our local Senior Center.
This will be a drop-in program between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm.
Oyster Bay-East Norwich Library
Socks for Veterans
October 9-15
The Oyster Bay community will be collecting socks for Veterans. Donation box will be located in the Oyster Bay – East Norwich Public Library
No-Sew Fleece Pillows
October 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm
Ages 10-18
Tweens and Teens will put together fleece pillows that do not require sewing to be donated to a local shelter for families. All supplies will be provided by the Library. Registration required. Not restricted to district residents.
Gifts of Appreciation
October 13 from 4:00-7:00 pm
For 5-16 years
Children will design and create bracelets or keychains for a friend, family member or neighbor to show how much they care about them. Registration required. District residents only.
Eyeglass Recycling
October 6-31
Patrons will donate their eyeglasses that are no longer needed to be recycled and repurposed by the Far Rockaway Lions club.
Sock Drive
October 23-28
The community will donate new socks for all ages to be donated to a local shelter.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library
The Great Give Back
October 3-14
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is participating in the Great Give Back again this year! The Library will be holding two collections: one for supplies for Last Hope Animal Shelter in Wantagh, NY, and the other for collections of used batteries and electronics to recycle through “The Big Green Box.” Please visit our website (poblib.org) for lists of items accepted for each collection.
Port Washington Public Library
The Great Give Back Donation Drive
October 1-15
The Great Give Back is a day of service at public libraries. This year it will be taking place on October 15th. In honor of The Great Give Back, PWPL will be collecting non-perishables for Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church food pantry. Needed items include oil, cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, Mac & Cheese, rice, pasta, oatmeal, canned tomatoes, canned and dry beans, canned tuna, salmon, and chicken, canned corn, string beans, peas, beets, banned soup, canned fruits, mayonnaise and ketchup. In addition, we will also be collecting items for the Paper Pantry at the Lutheran Church of our Savior. Desired items include laundry detergent, toilet tissue, paper towels, kitchen dish soap, hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby diapers, and baby wipes. The library will be accepting donations in the lobby, October 1-15th.
Rockville Centre Public Library
Great Give Back – Animal Rescue Collection
September 1-October 15
Help shelter animals in need! The Rockville Centre Public Library
is collecting donations for local animal rescues Bobbi & the Strays and Long
Island Rabbit Rescue. You’re invited to donate goods such as canned
cat food (no fish please; Friskies preferred), timothy hay, dog and cat toys, Nylabones for all size dogs, clumping cat litter, paper towels, Lysol, distilled vinegar, sponges, laundry detergent, heavy duty garbage bags, office supplies and Chewy gift cards.
There is no registration required, anyone can drop off items during the library’s business hours.
It Takes a Village
October 1-16
We will be gathering food and other necessities for a community food bank.
The Great Giveback
October 15 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Food Drive with St. Williams Church 10/15/22
Cards for Hospitalized Kids
October 14
Registration opens in October
Inn the Bag
October 15
11:00 am-12:00 pm
For grades K-5
Decorate and fill snack bags for the Mary Brennan INN
Online Registration begins Saturday, October 1 for SRPL cardholders and registration will open to all on Saturday, October 8
Sweet Socks: A Sock Collection and Craft Program
October 20
4:15-5:15 pm
For teens in Grades 6-12
Giving back is always rewarding. Be a part of the Great Give Back and donate new socks to the library for those living in shelters. We will collect new socks in a collection box starting September 30, or teens can also bring a pair of socks to the program on October 20 at 4:15 pm. Teens will decorate a “Cupcake Container” for the socks as well as a mini cupcake painting. The craft and the donation of socks will be given to residents of a local shelter. Teens will earn up to 1 1/2 hours of Community Service for their sock creation, and for their donation of a pair of new socks. Socks are a much needed and requested item for those in shelters and we appreciate your help.
Teens in Grades 6-12 can register at srpl.org several weeks before the program which is restricted to Shelter Rock Library patrons. Any library patron can donate new socks in a collection box at the front of the library from 9/30-10/20 at 4 pm.
Food for Finds with Island Harvest
October 15-22
One food item donation will replace one book fine on Uniondale Library items.
All food items collected will be donated to our local Island Harvest branch.
Give Back and Bee Kind to Pollinators
October 15
12:00-4:00 pm for All Ages
Learn why pollinators are important and have them visit your garden with our Pollinator Garden kits. No registration required. While supplies last.
Teen Sock Drive
October 11-15
Homelessness exists and socks are an item greatly needed by that population. You can help by bringing even just one pair of new socks to the library. Those collected will be brought to The Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead, for distribution.
Bideawee – Pet Adoption Meet & Greet
October 15
11:00 am-2:00 pm
Come to Wantagh Public Library to meet Volunteers from Bideawee and some local dogs and cats up for adoption! The Meet & Greet will take place outdoors on the back library lawn. All are welcome to attend. No registration required.
Donations to Mary Brennan Inn
October 15-16
Donate any canned or boxed good to the Mary Brennan Inn
Westbury Memorial Public Library
Fall Festival
October 15 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm
For all ages
Take a little red wagon ride through our Haunted Forest to our outdoor Pumpkin Patch, where you can choose a pumpkin to decorate! While you’re here, take a fall photo with your family! Photo ops will be available throughout the day. In order to participate in the Pumpkin Patch, each child must donate 1 non-perishable item to the Great Give Back. First come, first served. For children up to 6th grade in the Westbury and Carle Place school district. The Library will join all its department to create a fun-filled day. NY Life will provide The Westbury Fire Dept. will bring their fire truck and children will enjoy it. At 11am, in the meeting room, there will be an instructional session on fire prevention, safety and smoke alarms. Registration is for Fire Prevention Presentation and Fire Truck only.
Career Expo
October 17 from 12:00-5:00 pm
For teens & adults
As part of the Great Give Back, Westbury Library will sponsor a Career Expo with many local and state partners for the community. We hope you will join our community to discover and learn about exciting careers and opportunities as well as have an opportunity to speak with individuals regarding your resumes. Please be prepared by bringing in a copy of your resume, prepare for an on-the-spot interview, and start networking for your next career. All are welcome at this event.
Registration Required – All Are Welcome at this event.
Please Dress in Business Attire as Interviews will be done on-site.
Baxter’s Pet Pantry (part of LI Cares)
October 15-31
Donations of pet food and supplies are greatly appreciated.
Click here to view past GGB Events from Nassau Library System