Suffolk County Public Libraries
In the coming months the libraries from the Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County Public Libraries.
Career Couture Clothing Drive
October 24th – 31st
Adults
Donate your gently used and cleaned business attire for people entering the workforce. Acceptable donations include: suits, blazers, slacks, skirts, dresses, blouses, shoes, and accessories. Please bring clothing on hangers. all donated items will be delivered to the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center in Hauppauge.
No registration.
NYBC Blood Drive
October 11th from 10:00 – 2:30
Ages 17 and over
New York Blood Center will be collecting blood donations. Registration is recommended but not required. For additional information about donor eligibility and to schedule an appointment time, visit www.nybc.org
Great Give Back Volunteers
October 18th from 11:00 – 3:00
Ages 13-17
Earn up to 6 hours of community service during our annual Great Give Back event at the library. This year we will be crafting ghoulish crafts and goodies to be distributed at local outreach events!
Registration is Required.
Brentwood School District Residents Only.
Donate Items to Those in Need/Personal Care Kits
September 2nd – October 11th
Drop off toiletries (bandages, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap), small non-perishable food items, socks, gloves, and /or water bottles. Items will be used to make personal care kits that Suffolk County PD, 5th Precinct COPE unit will distribute to those in need.
All welcome to donate.
Kits for Care
November 18th from 2:00 – 4:00
Help decorate and assemble toiletry kits that the Suffolk County PD, 5th Precinct COPE unit will distribute to those in need.
All are welcome to donate. Please register for Kits for Care.
Paws of War
September 23th – October 11th
Paws of War trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our U.S. Military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war. Donations of food, leashes, toys, and any supplies for cats or dogs.
All welcome. No registration.
Community Clean-Up
October 18th from 9:00 – 12:00
The Brookhaven Village Association and BFL are teaming up to help keep our local streets clean! Meet us at the Library; all supplies will be provided, and participants will be invited to return to the Library for a thank-you brunch at 11:00 AM.
All welcome. Please register.
Teen Volunteer: Great Give Back – Toys for Shelter Cats
October 18th from 1:00 – 3:15
Grades 6 – 12
Earn one hour of community service by creating different types of cat toys to be donated to various local shelters. Earn an additional hour of community service by bringing in five (5) new cat food items to be donated.
Registration is Required.
Commack Public Library Cardholders Only.
Informational Fair with Local Animal Shelters!
October 18th from 1:00 – 3:00
Adult Services
Visit the Commack Public Library to learn more about various local animal shelters and pet rescues throughout the area. Donation of new pet food items and toys are welcomed!
No registration required. All are welcome!
Great Giveback Halloween Costume Drive
September 2nd – October 6th
Our Copiague teens will be collecting new or gently used costumes to be distributed just in time for Halloween! Come down to the Library anytime to donate your previous Halloween or dance recital costumes. A donation bin will be placed inside the Library.
Donating costumes is open to all.
Call the Library should you have any questions about the costume donation program.
Old Toy Donation
September 2nd – October 18th
The Teen Department is looking for your old toys for an upcycling program we are hosting in October. We will even take toys with broken or missing pieces!
No registration needed.
Call or stop by the Information Desk should you have any questions.
Toiletry Drive
September 2nd – October 25th
Hygiene products are essential to maintaining good health and can provide relief to individuals and families who are in need. Join us as we celebrate the Great Give Back by helping those families by donating new and unused items such as: dental hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc.), sanitization and PPE items (face coverings/masks, sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves) bathing products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, etc.).
No registration needed.
Contact the Library for further details about the toiletry drive.
Repair Cafe
November 1st from 12:00 – 4:00
Adults
Have a small household item in need of repair? Don’t throw it away! Stop down to the Library for our annual Repair Café! Volunteers from Starflower Experience and our own local repairers will try to repair your lamp, radio, clock, small appliances, electronics, jewelry, and clothing.
Please call the Library to register (631) 691-1111.
Teen Halloween Costume Set-Up
October 2nd from 7:00 – 8:00
Teens
Celebrate the Great Give Back by donating your time taking in and organizing Halloween costumes.
Registration is required. Copiague Memorial Public Library Teen Cardholders can only register for this program.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Free Library
Laurel Lake Preserve Planting for Families, The Great Give Back Community Service Project
October 18th from 11:00 – 1:00
Location: Laurel Lake Preserve, 5501 NY-25, Laurel, NY 11948
Each year the Suffolk County Libraries participate in programs that give back to the community. Join us for our Laurel Lake Preserve Planting, Great Give Back Community Service Project. Meet at the Laurel Lake Preserve, in Laurel, N.Y. at 11:00am. Dress for planting trees, grasses and flowers. This event is sponsored by Group for the East End. This event is for families; you do not need to be an in-district family.
Hygiene Drive
September 2nd – October 18th
The Library is collecting unopened/unused travel size hygiene products to be donated to
those in need. Some item suggestions are: Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand
sanitizer, and deodorant.
Birthday Wishes of Long Island
September 2nd – October 31st
Birthday Wishes of Long Island is a nonprofit organization that supplies birthday supplies &
gifts to children experiencing homelessness. Here are some of their most needed new items: Deodorant, hair ties, socks, journals, teen games (age 11 and up), emery boards, shampoo, makeup, party plates, nail polish, hair brush, makeup bags, party napkins.
The Great Giveback Crafts for a Cause
October 18th from 11:00 – 4:00
Grades 6-12
Help create items which will be donated to various local charities in the community. Please register for ONE session only. This program is open to Elwood Residents ONLY. Registration required.
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library
Pet Supplies Drive
October 6 – 31st
All ages
We’re collecting new pet supplies (food, blankets, leashes, cleaning supplies, etc.) in the Library lobby to be donated to local organizations that help pets in need.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours.
Dog or Cat Toy “Take & Make”
October 18th
Grades 3 – 5
Create a dog or cat toy at home while earning 1 hour of community service credit.
Register at emmaclark.org/programs starting 9/15 to reserve a Cat Kit or Dog Kit. Then come and pick it up! Return the completed product to the Children’s Library by Saturday, October 18, and we’ll donate them to a local animal shelter. One dog or cat kit per child, please. This is for Three Village residents only. Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org
Dog Treat Jars for Pet Supply Drive
October 27th at 4:30-5:30 PM
Grades 3 -5
Come get crafty with us as we decorate treat jars for our furry friends—these “pawsome” creations will be donated to our Pet Supply Drive! Participants will earn one hour of community service credit. Register at emmaclark.org/programs starting 10/13. This is for Three Village residents only. Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org
Dog Treats for Shelter Pups
October 5th at 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Grades 6 – 12
Create dog treats to be donated to local pet shelters. Taught by Chef Rob Scott. Earn 1 hour of community service credit for participating. Register at emmaclark.org/programs starting 9/16. This is for Three Village residents only. Questions? Email teens@emmaclark.org
Knotted Fleece Blankets for Shelter Pets
October 6th
Grades 6-12
Reserve your kit at emmaclark.org/programs starting 9/16. Pick it up at the Lower Level Service Desk between Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10. Instructions provided via email. Two hours of community service credit will be earned upon return of the completed project. This is for Three Village residents in Grades 6 – 12 only. Questions? Email teens@emmaclark.org
Hampton Library in Bridgehampton
Main Street Clean Up
October 28th from 10:00 – 11:00
We are partnering with the BVIS to help clean up Main Street! Community services hours will be given to those who participate. Meet on the Library Front Lawn!
Registration not required
The Great Giveback Volunteers
October 18th from 10:00 – 12:00
All ages
Join us for The Great Give Back, a state-wide day of community service! Help us to create recycled paper bead bracelets for distribution to area nursing home and assisted living residents.
No registration necessary unless community service credit is needed, in which case please register through your Hauppauge Library volunteer account. https://hauppaugelibrary.galaxydigital.com/
Community Collection Drive
October 18th
Community is at the heart of the Huntington Public Library, and we are dedicated to supporting our community members. Both of our locations feature a free mini food pantry and comfort care station. Join us on Saturday, October 18, for a collection drive to help us keep our food pantries and comfort care stations fully stocked. Donations can be dropped off on Saturday, October 18 to the Main Library’s driveway (on Prospect Street). Library staff will be there to collect donations of food, toiletries, and coats/jackets for a winter coat drive.
Suggestions for donations:
Non-perishable food that is not expired, canned goods, shelf stable milk, pasta/rice, nut butters, cereal, beans, nuts. Bar soap, shampoo/conditioner, menstrual pads, deodorant, individually wrapped toothbrushes, toothpaste.
We will also be collecting new or gently worn coats and jackets to help our community stay warm in the colder months. All sizes of children and adult coats/jackets are welcomed.
No registration required. All are welcome.
Toiletry Drive
October 1st – 31st
Adults & Teens
The Islip Public Library will be supporting the Parish of St. Patrick’s Food Pantry by collecting donations of unused shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, bar soap, body wash, baby wipes, washcloths, and toilet paper. Contact the Library for further details.
Food Drive
October 1st – 31st
The library is hosting a food drive to support Long Island Cares during The Great Give Back 2025. We are collecting shelf-stable foods, paper goods, personal hygiene products, pet food, birthday party supplies, and baby care products. The ten most needed items are
milk (non-refrigerated and boxed), rice, canned vegetables, cooking oil, cereals,
oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, and tomato sauce. No glass jars.
No registration required.
DIY Upcycled Dog Toys
October 20th from 10:30 – 11:45
Adults
Transform your old t-shirts into braided dog tug toys for our furry friends at a local animal
shelter. Please bring a tee shirt to cut and braid.
You must register to attend. Registration is ongoing. Call the Adult Reference Desk at 631-924-6400 ext. 250 or visit longwoodlibrary.org to register.
Tote Bags
October 18th from 11:00 – 12:00
Children (Grades 3-6)
Earn one hour of community service while bringing joy to others and having fun! This month, we will celebrate The Great Give Back, a community service initiative, by decorating canvas grocery bags, which will then be donated to Long Island Cares food pantry for use in distributing groceries.
Registration is required and is open to Longwood Public Library cardholders only. Call the Children’s Reference Desk at 631-924-6400 ext. 236 or visit longwoodlibrary.org to register beginning October 3.
Caring Cards
October 18th from 11:00 – 12:00
Teens (Grades 7-12)
Join us to make cards that will be donated to brighten someone’s day in celebration of The Great Giveback! Everyone who participates will receive a certificate for 1 hour of community service.
Registration is required and is open to Longwood Public Library cardholders only. Call the Teen Services Desk at 631-924-6400 ext. 249 or visit longwoodlibrary.org to register beginning October 3.
Donation Drive for Southold Animal Shelter
October 1st – 31st
Throughout the month of October, the Mattituck-Laurel Library will be collecting donations for the Southold Animal Shelter as part of The Great Give Back. Patrons are encouraged to donate items such as blankets, paper towels, wet dog food, pet treats, and toys. Teen participants are eligible to receive community service hours for their donations. Donations can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk. For questions, please call the library at 631-298-4134.
No registration is required.
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Halloween Costume Donation Drive + Costume Swap
September 3rd – October 16th
Children / Teens
All 3 locations of the Patchogue-Medford library will be collecting new or clean, gently used costumes and accessories to be swapped on October 18th during Patchogue’s Fall Fest.
What’s hiding in your closet?…
Please note the costume donation drive is 9/3-10/16 going on now. The Swap will be in front of the Pat-Med Library (main location on Main Street) October 18th during Patchogue’s Fall Festival from 11:30- 1:30pm. Thank you!
The Great Give Back
October 18th from 11:00 – 4:00
All Ages
Come join us for the annual county-wide Great Give Back! This year, we will be collecting new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, and gloves, for children and adults, which will be donated to local families. We will also be collecting diapers for the youngest members of our community. Drop off items in either the Family or Teen Department.
Registration is not required.
Great Give Back- Food, Toy and Pet Collection
October 18th from 9:30 – 1:00
Help out our community by donating nonperishables and new/unwrapped toys. Drive up to the front of the library and volunteers will help you unload.
All ages. No registration required.
The Great Give Back
October 1st – 31st
The Great Give Back is a countywide service initiative that takes place every October. This year we are collecting canned and preserved foods to donate to the Shelter Island Food Pantry and collecting clean towels, blankets, sheets, and pillowcases to donate to the local Animal Control. Goods can be dropped off at the library trailer. Please do not donate expired or perishable items.
South Huntington Public Library
Wrap Our Heroes in Gratitude
October 18th from 1:00 – 3:00
Grades 6-12
Support our troops by decorating slap bracelets for Operation Gratitude and say thank you to those who serve. One hour community service.
No registration required.
LI Cares Food Drive
October 18th – November 1st
The South Huntington Library will be collecting donations of non-perishable food for Long Island Cares.
No registration required. Anyone may donate. No glass, please.
Pet Supplies Drive
October 18th – November 1st
As part of Suffolk County Libraries’ The Great Give Back, you can help the children’s department support Baxter’s Pet Pantry, so all members of every family have enough to eat. Bring your donations of new, unopened items to the children’s department October 18-November 1.
No registration required, anyone may donate.
Winter Coat Collection for Kids in October
October 1st – 31st
Throughout October, Southold Library will be collecting new and gently used children’s winter coats to support C.A.S.T. (Center for Advocacy, Support, and Transition). Your contribution will provide warmth and comfort to a child in our community during the cold months ahead.
Drop off winter coats anytime during library hours throughout the month of October.
Family Wellness Workshop
October 18th from 11:00 – 11:45
Grades K-4 with parents
Family Wellness is a way of giving back to yourself! This workshop incorporates breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to aid in the development of social emotional learning, which is essential for navigating life’s challenges and opportunities. Both parent and child will connect, share positive experiences, and bond together during this exercise.
This is an in-person event held at the library and registration is required. Please register through our Events Calendar on our website or by clicking on the following link: https://events.southoldlibrary.org/events/month/2025/10
Great Give Back
October 18th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3 yrs- Gr. 12
Join us for this year’s Great Give Back – a day of giving across NYS! Visit the library between the times above and help “give back” at different stations. All are welcome and teens can earn up to 3 hours of community service for participating. Can’t make it this day? All month long the library will be collecting donations Long Island Cares, Baxter’s Pet Pantry & the Crayon Initiative. Visit our website for more details.
Giveback Fall Festival
October 18th from 11:00 – 3:00
Join us for our 2025 Giveback Fall Festival. It’s a family affair !!!
Face Painting, Henna, Pumpkin Painting, Crafts, Games & Giving Back!
No registrations required.