Suffolk County Public Libraries

Below are libraries from Suffolk County 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.

Amityville Public Library

Great Give Back for Kids
October 15 from 10:00-11:00 am
For grades 4-6
Decorate bags for a local senior center and earn an hour of community service. Registration required.

Great Give Back for Teens
October 15 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm or 3:00-4:00 pm
For teens
The Amityville Public Library is participating in “The Great Give Back”, a day when teens of Long Island can engage in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. This year we encourage our teens to help us beautify our library by volunteering for our Fall Planting Event. Plant spring bulbs this fall in our library’s Memorial Garden for a burst of beautiful color in early spring! Sign up for one of our sessions to earn 2 hours of community service credits.

Babylon Public Library

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library

Brentwood Public Library

The Great Giveback
October 15
11:00 am-3:00 pm at the library
For ages 13-17
Earn up to 6 hours of community service and give back to your community at the same time during our Great Giveback event! We will have various activities and crafts you can participate in to earn hours. Below list the activities you may participate in to receive credit:

Bookmarks for Patrons 11:00am-2:00pm
Mural Painting 11:00am-2:00pm
Community Organization Meet-n-Greet 11:00am-2:00pm
Cat Box Helpers 2:00-3:00 pm

No registration required.
Brentwood School District Residents Only

Center Moriches Free Public Library

Finger Knit Scarf
October 15
6th-12th Grades
Give back to your community and help keep people in need warm this winter. We will teach you how to knit a scarf with no needles. We will then give the scarves we make to people in need. Two hours of community service will be given to each teen that donates their completed scarf to our mitten tree. Check our Facebook page for a link to the video.
This program is for Center Moriches Public Library cardholders only. Registration begins on Saturday, October 1st.

Central Islip Public Library

Letters Against Isolation
October 15 from 1:00-3:00 pm
For ages 5-12
Every October, libraries in Suffolk County plan community service activities as part of the Great Give Back Initiative. This year, the Children’s Department invites you to take part in ” Letters Against Isolation.” Let’s get together to write letters to seniors in care facilities around the world to help brighten their day. We will provide all the materials, just bring the family and help us spread happiness!
All programs are for Central Islip Library cardholders only. There is a limited amount of spots available in each program. If a program fills, you will be placed on a waitlist for the event. If an available spot opens, you will be contacted and placed on the active program list.

Great Give Back Drop In Volunteer
October 15 from 2:00-4:00 pm
For grades 7-12
Join us anytime from 2pm-4pm for some drop in community service crafts and more! Decorate letters to be sent to active service members.
No registration required!

Cold Spring Harbor Library

Great Giveback: Teen Volunteer Beach Cleanup
October 15 from 10:00-11:30 am
For 7th-12th graders
Location: 95 Shore Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. We will meet at this beach.
Take a tour of the Shore Road Sanctuary here in CSH, learning about the biodiversity on the shore line with a member of the North Shore Land Alliance. We will end the program by cleaning up debris along the beach. Teens who attend will receive 1.5 hours of community service credit.
Teens below the age of 18 must have parental permission to attend the event. Limited parking on site, drop off and pickup suggested. Attached to this program is the permission slip. Please fill out and email scan to teen@cshlibrary.org or bring a copy in to the library. Thank you!

Commack Public Library

Community Service Fair 
Saturday, October 15th from 1:00-4:00 PM
Adults and Teens 
Chat with different community organizations to earn community service hours. Learn all the ways you can help out your community! For every two organizations you speak with you will receive an hour of community service.
No Registration Required 

Donation Drive 
September 15 – October 15
From September 15th thru October 15th, please drop by the Library to make a donation to the Baby Blessings Program to benefit the Helping Hand Rescue Mission in Huntington Station, The Birthday Bag Project to benefit The Community Pantry at the Suffolk Y JCC, and/or Lunchboxes with Snacks to benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. 
Click here to see lists of needed supplies.

Comsewogue Public Library

Pumpkins For Pantry Donations
October 15 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm
For families
Comsewogue Public Library will offer a free sugar pumpkin on October 15, while supplies last, to every participant who donates a non-perishable food item to Agape Meals for Kids (donation bin located at the Library).
Registration is not required – just a non-perishable food donation

Virtual Volunteer Fair
October 15
Virtual for Adults and Teens
Visit https://www.cplib.org/virtual-volunteer-fair/ to watch short videos from local organizations discussing opportunities for a variety of ages starting Saturday, October 15. Open to all!

Bibs and Bags for Babies
October 15
2:00-3:00 pm
for grades 6-12
Get involved and give back! Decorate bibs with special messages for babies in need. Teens will also decorate canvas bags for new parents to use. Registration is required. Program is for CPL cardholders.

Connetquot Public Library

The Great Give Back: Stars of HOPE
October 15
9:00 am-5:00 pm
For families
Please join us in the Children and Family Services Department to decorate a wooden heart that will be used to encourage hope for those who need it throughout our country.
No registration required. District residents only, while supplies last.

The Great Give Back Donation Drives for the Homeless
October 15
9:00 am-5:00 pm
For adults
Adult Services is collecting new men’s socks, t-shirts, underwear, and toiletries on behalf of General Needs Ltd.
No registration required.

The Great Give Back Donation Drives: for the Homeless
October 15
9:00 am-5:00 pm
For teens
Teens can earn a half-hour of community service by donating 5 of the following items to be put into tote bags: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a manicure/pedicure set, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, tweezers and socks. Tote bags will be donated to Help for People, Inc.
No registration required.

The Great Give Back Donation Drives: for the Homeless
October 14-15
9:00 am-5:00 pm
For adults
Starting Friday, October 14, Adult Services is collecting puppy food, wee-wee pads, dog beds, non-rawhide treats, wet and dry adult dog food, and wet and dry cat food on behalf of Paws of War.
No registration required.

The Great Give Back Donation Drives: for Pets
October 15
9:00 am-5:00 pm
For teens
Teens (Grades 6-12) can earn an hour and a half of community service when they drop off 15 homemade dog biscuits using the Mutt-i-grees (registered trademark) recipe found on our Learning Commons Teen webpage. Biscuits will be donated to the Islip Animal Shelter.
No registration required.

The Great Give Back: “Junk Food” Cat Toys
October 21
10:30 am-12:00 pm
For teens
Using felt and embroidery thread, we will cut out and hand-sew cat toys in the shape of tacos, donuts, and bacon. Each toy will be stuffed with a small amount of catnip. As part of The Great Give Back, all toys will be donated to a local shelter or rescue.
Limit of 16 in each class. Registration Required. District Residents only.

Copiague Memorial Library

Teen Volunteer Costume Drive
October 15 from 9:30-11:00 am
Celebrate the Great Give Back by donating your time taking in and organizing Halloween costumes for our costume drive! Registration is required.

Costume Drive
October 15 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm
For families
Browse and bring home the perfect costume for your little one or elementary age child. Selection is limited based on what is donated. Donations will also be accepted on this day. Registration is not required.

Cutchogue-New Suffolk Free Library

Marine Meadows Eelgrass Restoration Workshop (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
October 15
2:00-4:00 pm
Adults and Teens (grades 5-12)
Eelgrass provides essential habitat to our local marine life, including fish, shellfish, shorebirds and
seahorses! Join us at this hands-on workshop to learn more about the importance of eelgrass to our marine environment while helping Cornell Cooperative Extension staff assemble eelgrass planting units for use in local restoration efforts. This workshop is made possible thanks to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This program earns 2 hours of community service.
Registration required. This program earns 2 hours of community service.

Family Community Service Project #1: Cleanup
October 15
11:00 am-1:00 pm
The location will be Mattituck Inlet Park, adjacent to Breakwater Beach in Mattituck.
For families
Join us as we celebrate The Great Give Back, where local libraries give back to the community in which they live through meaningful, service oriented projects. This year we will be joining with The Group for the East End in stewardship of natural preserves within the town of Southold. Wear attire for clean up of our most precious nature settings. Please register each family member. 

Family Community Service Project #2: at Garden of Eden Organic Farm & Market in Riverhead
October 31
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Meet at 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead
For families
Join us for The Great Give Back, where local libraries give back to their communities. Help glean the farm fields for Long Island Cares, an organization that provides food to pantries across Long Island.
Registration required. Please register each family member.

Deer Park Public Library

Birthday Kits
September 26 from 7:00-8:00 pm
For grades 6-12
Take part in a great program that gives back! We will work in teams to create banners, cards and wrap birthday gifts for those in need! You will receive one hour of community service credit.
Registration is required.

Veterans Day Thank You Plaques
October 1 at 10:00 am
For grades 6-12
Teens will make one of a kind items to donate as a special thank you to a veteran that has served our country and is struggling. CONCERN for living currently has 80 apartments for veterans. Leslie’s goal is to make sure every single one gets a handmade thank you, while inspiring charity and kindness in the teens that participate in this program. Kits will be ready for pick up October 1st. Return plaques by November 1st to receive one hour of community service credit.
Registration is required.

East Hampton Library

Color-A-Smile
October 11-15
Program can be done in the library or at home
We will have a table in the Children’s Room for a program called Color-A-Smile. Pick a coloring sheet and be as creative as you want and we will send them to the Color-A-Smile Organization. They will send your pictures to veterans, seniors and anyone else who needs a smile. You can choose a premade coloring sheet or draw your own picture and color it in.
No sign-up is required.

East Islip Public Library

The Great Give Back – Teens
October 1 from 9:00-10:00 am
For teens
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. Pick up a canvas tote bag at the Reference Desk starting Saturday, October 1st to decorate. Return finished tote bags with one or more nonperishable items by Saturday, October 15 at 5:00 p.m. All tote bags will be donated to a local food bank. You will receive one (1) hour of community service for this opportunity.
Registration is required.

The Great Give Back – School Age
October 15 from 10:00-11:00 am
For children
Join Ms. Giulia and volunteer your time to give back to your local community!

Elwood Public Library

E-Waste Recycling Day
October 15
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Bring your used computers, cell phones, printers, televisions, keyboards, cables, wires, circuit boards, CD-ROMS or stereos to the library parking lot for safe disposal. Items Not Accepted: large appliances, microwave ovens, power tools, lawn mowers, fluorescent bulbs and vacuum cleaners.

Recycled Crafts for Kids
October 15
9:30 am-5:00 pm for children
Join us in our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Recycled materials will be on hand for kids to use their imagination and create something awesome with those items. No registration required.

Book Sale
October 15
9:30 am-4:30 pm for adults
The Friends of the Library book sale offers hardcover and paperback books, DVDs, CDs, children’s books and more. Bring a bag to fill! Small $3 | Medium $5 | Large $10
No registration required.

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library

Floyd Memorial Library

Supporting Migrant Workers and their Families
October 1-30
*Concert with Heather Forest on Saturday, October 15 at 11:00 am
This year Floyd Memorial Library has partnered with Eastern Suffolk BOCES and their migrant education program. The Long Island-Metro Migrant Education Program at Eastern Suffolk BOCES provides advocacy and educational services to farm workers under 22 and farm workers’ children. For the month of October, we will be collecting new winter clothing, (hats, mittens, coats of all sizes, warm socks, etc.). On Saturday October 15th at 11:00 am we have Heather Forest coming to perform. Heather combines song, sounds, and words to tell magical tales and fables. Her show will help us understand the joys and hardships of constantly moving from place to place. After the show, children and their families can give back to the migrant workers who do so much for us. As we head into the harvest season, these hard-working people are the ones who will pick the vegetables we buy for our holiday dinner table. To show our appreciation, we will stuff bags with travel size necessities and some travel size toys/games to be used when the families move on to their next job.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

The Great Give Back Fall Festival
October 15 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Dix Hills building
For all ages
See how you can give back to your community! A community service initiative created by Long Island Library leaders. No registration required. 

Full schedule of events and charitable organizations will be posted at hhhlibrary.org beginning October 3. 

The Great Give Back Fall Festival Teen Volunteers
October 15 from 12:30-3:30 pm at the Dix Hills building
For grades 6-12
Earn 3 hours of community service by helping at The Great Giveback Fall Festival. Tasks may include: crafts/games and set up/clean up. Dress to be outdoors and bring a drink/snack. You must stay the entire event, partial hours can not be awarded. District Residents Only.

Registration is required. Please abide by the age and grade restrictions. Programs may be photographed/videotaped for library publicity. Notify library staff if you prefer not to have your child or yourself photographed. This program will take place at 55 Vanderbilt Parkway.

Hampton Bays Public Library

Supplies Drive for Long Island Cares
September 1-October 14
The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day or more of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. We are asking for your help in giving to our neighbors in need during this time. From September 1st through October 14th we are collecting:
• Unexpired non-perishable food including canned goods of soups and vegetables, pasta, coffee, tea, etc.
• Baby supplies
• New personal essentials such as toothpaste, deodorant, and soap
• Pet food
Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank has been on a mission to feed Long Island’s food insecure and stamp out the root causes of hunger since their founding by the late Harry Chapin in 1980. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Hampton Library

Great Give Back: Beach Clean Up
October 15 from 10:00-11:00 am
For families
Stop by the library and pick up garbage bags and gloves, then head out to Ocean Road Beach and help us clean up! Snap pics of your adventures and we’ll repost them on our social media. Stop back at the library when you’re done for a prize!

Harborfields Public Library

Support our Furry Friends
October 1-31
for Birth – Grade 5
Let’s Give Back to our Furry Friends. Families with children birth – grade 5 are invited to participate in our annual Great Give Back program. This year, the Children’s room will be collecting wish list items for the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center of Huntington throughout the month of October. Items include Dog & cat food, blankets and bowels, beds, bowls, toys etc. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Hauppauge Public Library

The Great Giveback Volunteers
October 15
9:30-11:30 am
at Brook Street Wetlands in Islip
For all ages
Join the Hauppauge Public Library and local community members as we take part in the annual International Coastal Cleanup sponsored by Keep Islip Clean. The object of this event is to remove and catalog litter and debris from our local waterways. Determining what is found where, helps the Ocean Conservancy track pollution trends and devise ways to protect the global marine environment. We will meet at the Brook Street Wetlands (the corner of Brook Street and Milton Street) in Islip at 9:30am. Roads will be closed to traffic, making this a good event for all ages, but guests under the age of 18 must have an adult with them to participate. Registration is required. Please register no later than Thursday, October 13th. (2 hours service credit)
All are welcome, but registration is required.

Huntington Public Library

Library-wide drive for Helping Hands Rescue Mission
October 15
12:00-4:00 pm
At the Main Building – Back Driveway; weather permitting. Main Auditorium if it rains.
For all ages
Let’s help the Helping Hands Rescue Mission re-stock their shelves! We will be conducting a library-wide food, toy, and winter coat drive to support their endeavors. Please bring your donations to the back driveway where we will collect and organize them to be delivered at a later date. We will also have a craft table set up for kids and teens to decorate drawstring bags to be distributed to children to hold their belongings.
No registration required. Donations accepted from anyone.

Islip Public Library

Adopt-A-Thon
October 15
11:00 am-2:00 pm
For all ages
It’s time for the Great Give Back! Come down to the Library and support our very first Adopt-A-Thon! Last Chance Animal Rescue will be here from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Stop by and help give a new home to cats and/or dogs! For more information, visit http://www.lcarescue.org/

Winter Accessory Drive
October 1-31
The Islip Library is partnering with St. Patrick’s Church Youth Ministry for a winter accessory drive during the month of October. Patrons/Guests are asked to donate hats, gloves, scarves, and any other winter accessories (please no coats). Everything collected will benefit the Youth Ministry’s annual winter drive in November.

Birthday Wrapping Paper Drive
October 1-31
The Islip Library will be collecting birthday-themed wrapping paper for the month of October.
All wrapping paper will be donated to the organization “Birthday Wishes” to help make a difference in bringing the joy of birthdays to underprivileged children and their families.

John Jermain Memorial Library

Lindenhurst Memorial Library

Longwood Public Library

No-Sew Fleece Blankets
October 15
2:30-4:30 pm
Teens in grades 7-12
Help keep someone warm this winter! Spend your day off from school making a no-sew fleece blanket that we’ll donate to local families in need.

Everyone who participates will receive a certificate for 2 hours of community service.

Registration begins September 26. Call the Teen Services Desk at 631-924-6400 ext. 249 to register. This program is open to teens in grades 7 through 12 only. You must have a valid Young Adult LPL card to register.

Mattituck-Laurel Library

Birthday Bag Donation Drive for CAST
During the month of October, the library is collecting Birthday supplies to prepare birthday bags to be donated to CAST.

Middle Country Public Library

Positive Lawn Signs
October 3 from 2:00-3:00 pm
For adults
Come create lawn signs with positive affirmations that will be displayed around the library.
Registration is required

The Great Give Back
10:00 am-1:30 pm
For all ages
Join us at the library for a fun-filled morning of community service! All are invited to drop in! The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for patrons of Suffolk County libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.
No registration required.

Montauk Library

North Babylon Public Library

Fashion for a Cause
October 15
2:30 pm for 6th-12 grades
Volunteer to help run a children’s fashion show. The children will be invited to dress in fancy dress, a costume, or favorite outfit. Volunteers will be asked to announce the children as they enter the stage, play music, and direct the children and audience. The audience is invited to bring a non-perishable good to be donated to the North Babylon Food Pantry at St. Paul’s Reformed Church.
Registration required. Open to North Babylon School District residents in grades 6-12.

North Shore Public Library

Northport-East Northport Public Library

The Great Giveback
October 15 from 2:30-3:30 pm
For families
Come design a picture frame that will be donated to a local senior center and make one to take home for your family to enjoy.

Patchogue-Medford Library

The Great Give Back Halloween Costume Swap
October 15
11:00 am-4:00 pm
for all ages
Need a little Halloween costume inspiration? Donate your clean, gently used costume from Sept 1st – Oct 15th. Pick out your perfect costume on October 15th during The Great Give Back: Halloween Costume Swap!

Port Jefferson Free Library

The Great Give Back
In honor of The Great Give Back, the PJFL will join libraries all over New York State on a day centered on giving back to the community. Stop by the Library to donate your canned, non-perishable food items, unused crayons or recycle your old eyeglasses, batteries and more!

Quogue Library

The Great Give Back: Quogue Library Fosters Love
October 15
10:00 am-2:00 pm for teens and family
This year for The Great Give Back, Quogue Library is teaming up with again with Suffolk County Department of Social Services to collect NEW items for kids in the foster care system from Sept 11th – October 15th.

Join us on October 15th and meet local non-profits from all over Long Island during our Volunteer Fair. Perfect for those looking for volunteer/community service opportunities!
Register at Quoguelibrary.org

Riverhead Free Library

The Great Give Back
October 15
10:00 am-1:00 pm
at Iron Pier Beach
for all ages
Meet at Iron Pier Beach located on 320 Pier Avenue in Riverhead. All cleaning materials and supplies will be provided, but you must provide your own transportation. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please call the Children’s Reference Desk 631-727-3228 ext. 120
Registration is required

Rogers Memorial Library

Digital Great Give Back
October 6 from 6:30-7:30 pm
For adults
Take part in the Great Give Back digitally. Some people are just wired to want to give back to their community, and these apps are designed to help you do just that. See how much you can do to help countless others, all by yourself and with just a mere few taps and swipes of your mobile device.
Registration is required.

The Great Giveback
October 15 from 9:30 am-4:45 pm
The library will be collecting new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, and gloves which will be donated to local families in need. Drop off items in either the Family or Teen Departments and create a card for a hospitalized child while you are here. Cards will be mailed to children in hospitals all around the country.

Sachem Public Library

The Great Give Back Food, Toy & Pet Supply Drive
October 15 from 9:30 am-1:00 pm
For all ages
Today is a day to help out our community. 

  • Food Drive– help local food pantries stock up. We are looking for non-perishable foods, toiletries, baby items, and more.
  • Toy Drive– bring NEW, unwrapped toys for any age.

If you need Community Service hours please contact the TEEN Department.

The Great Giveback Lake Cleanup
October 15 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm
At Lake Ronkonkoma County Beach
Meet us at Lake Ronkonkoma County Beach on Lake Shore Road for a lake cleanup. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Participants must provide their own gloves and transportation. Anyone can attend. Registration is on going through our library calendar.

Sayville Library

Birthday Donation Drive
September 1 – October 15
Teen Central is running an all-things birthday donation drive. In preparation for our Great Give Back Birthday Bags program, we will be accepting small new toys, birthday candles, gift bags, blank birthday cards, and wrapping paper, etc. All ages can donate but teens who need community service hours will be given one hour of community service credit for each donation.

Sharing a Meal Winter Supplies Collection
September 1 – October 15
As the cold weather approaches, people experiencing homelessness face new challenges. To help them face these challenges, we are collecting non-food items to be distributed at the Sharing A Meal Soup Kitchen. Items needed include: New men’s socks (black & white), new scarves, new winter hats, full-size deodorant, hand warmers, and wipes. See the library’s website, or stop by the display in the library for the full, up-to-date list of items needed.

Great Give Back Community Breakfast and Organizations Networking Event
October 15 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
For all ages
Local organizations and community groups will have display tables on the top floor of our library. Come learn about all the local organizations that enrich our community and learn how to get involved! This is a great event to learn about our community and network with active volunteers! No registration required.

Community Service – Birthday Bags
October 15 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
For grades 6-12
As part of The Great Giveback, help Teen Central put together festive bags to be donated to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital patients on their birthdays. We will be organizing the donations we received as well as making birthday cards.
Registration is required

Decorating Grocery Totes
October 15 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
For families
Drop in during the morning with non-perishable donations to fill the Library’s Little Free Food Pantry and then decorate a reusable grocery tote that will be donated to Sayville-area food pantries for their clients to use. **Can’t join us for The Great Give Back? No problem! Drop off your food donations to our Community Outreach department anytime!**   

Child ID Program provided by New York Life
October 15 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm
A representative from New York Life will be on hand in the Children’s Department to make Child IDs free of charge. Leave with peace of mind, knowing that should anything ever happen to your child, you will have an ID with vital information to distribute to the local authorities. No registration required. **Please note: children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.**

Walk and Wag
October 15 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
For all ages
Teen Central will be hosting a Walk and Wag event in which you and your pets can come up to the Library and take a lap or two around the Library grounds for a good cause. We will be collecting pet food donations for our pet food pantry. Sayville Library bandanas and dog treat giveaways for the participating pets, while supplies last! Teens will receive community service for their donation.

Shelter Island Public Library

The Great Give Back of 2022
September 6 – October 15
October 15th is the day of the Great Give Back which is a community service initiative that was created by the Suffolk County Public Library System and Directors Association. The goal is to provide the opportunity for our patrons to participate in meaningful ways to give back to our community. Last year we organized a successful beach clean up and this year we are organizing a food drive. Boxes will be available in the lobby and we will take non-expired cans, boxes, and jars of food that we will then donate to the local food pantry. Our goal is to make sure that no one in our community goes hungry or struggles to put a meal on the table. The food drive will run from September 6th to October 15th.

South Country Library

South Huntington Public Library

Long Island Cares Food Drive
October 15-28
We will be hosting a food drive for Long Island Cares. Non-perishable food only(no glass please). Donation boxes will be located in the library’s front lobby

Operation Gratitude Stuffed Animal Donations
October 1-31
The YA Department will be collecting small new or gently used stuffed animals which will be sent to Operation Gratitude. One goes in every single care package that are sent to service members deployed all over the world. Donations will be accepted the entire month of October.

The Great Give Back Pet Food Drive
October 15-29
Join us as we support New York State’s Great Giveback where libraries get together to help their communities. You can help a pet in need by donating unopened pet food and new supplies and toys. Items for all kinds of pets can be dropped off in the Baxter’s Pantry Box in the Children’s Department.

Give Back with a Month of Community Service
October 8-29
For those in grades 6-12
Walk into the YA Library on a Saturday in October from 1pm-3pm for in person, on your own community service projects. A maximum of 2 hours for each project. October 8-Letters for Military Members, October 15 & 29- Decorate Lunch Bags, October 22 – Create dog toys (braiding experience required)
No registration required, but is only for SHPL cardholders in grades 6-12

Southold Free Library

Helping our Neighbors: CAST of Southold Town
October 15 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm
For all ages
Patrons can drop off gently used and new costumes for Halloween and new and gently used infant and toddler clothes. Patrons of all ages can get creative and decorate canvas bags for the CAST food pantry.
All clothing donations and decorated canvas bags will be given to CAST of Southold Town (Center for Advocacy, Support, Transformation). For more information about CAST: castnorthfork.org

Suffolk Cooperative Library System

H.O.G. Farm Garlic Planting Worksong Day
9:00 am – 12:00 pm for SCLS staff only

Branches of Long Island Donation Drive
October 1-31
See Sustainability Newsletter for items in high demand

The Smithtown Library

Commack Building
Animal Shelter Drive
October 1-15
Families are invited to participate in The Great Give Back. This year we will be collecting cat food, toys, beds and litter for The Golden Paw Society Cat Rescue. We will be collecting new items from October 1-15 at the Commack Building.

Kings Park Building
Blizzard Bags
October 15 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Decorate and assemble Blizzard Bags of food to help senior citizens during the cold winter. Donations will be accepted at the Kings Park Children’s Department until Friday, October 14. Requested food items and more information can be found here: https://bit.ly/KPGreatGiveBack22
Registration is required.

Nesconset Building
Cards for Hospitalized Kdis
October 15 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm
For families with children
Design cards for children in the hospital. All cards will be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, which will distribute them to hospitals nationwide. Stop by the Children’s Craft Room and create a smile for a child with us! No registration necessary.
No registration required.

Smithtown Building
Cards for Hospitalized Kids
October 15 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm
For families with children
Design cards for children in the hospital. All cards will be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, which will distribute them to hospitals nationwide. Stop by the Children’s Craft Room and create a smile for a child with us! No registration necessary.
No registration required.

The Great Give Back-Community Clean Up
October 15 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Off Site – Smithtown Historical Society
For all ages
The Great Give Back is a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of Long Island libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. Celebrate this county-wide day of volunteering by joining the Library for a community clean up at a local location. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided. Teens will receive community service for the event. Teens that participate without an adult will need a signed permission slip. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be rain or shine. Location: Smithtown Historical Society, Smithtown.
Registration required. All welcome.

West Babylon Public Library

The Great GIve Back 2022
Saturday, October 15, 11 am-3 pm (and beyond!)
Birth-grade 12
Join us as we “give back” to our community. It’s a day full creating community connections, but all month long. We will have human & pet food drives, garden harvest table, craft tables, fire prevention with our West Babylon Fire Department, MuttiGrees activities, animal shelter activities through Town of Babylon and so much more!
From the WBPL Community Garden to your table. When all the hard work pays off and we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. Stop in anytime during the month of October to pick from our Harvest Table. Don’t forget to save the seeds to keep the seed library growing.
No registration required

Car Seat Check
October 15
11:00 am-2:00 pm
parents caregivers
Whether you’ve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, get help from a certified car seat specialist and make sure your loved ones are safe in their seats for every ride. The Suffolk County Police Department will be conducting a fitting station to educate adults on how to properly install a child safety seat in their personal vehicle. Registration is required as safety seat checks will be conducted by appointment only. Please call the Library at 631-669-5445 ext 5. Registration begins Wednesday, September 7. Patrons will be required to call the suffolk county police department to schedule appointments

Mobile Mammography Van for Breast Cancer Screenings
October 26
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Stony Brook Medicine’s custom designed 40-foot van offers state of the art 3D digital mammograms with a comfortable waiting area, private dressing room and exam room. Screenings are performed by NYS registered radiologic technologists with advanced training in mammography. Individuals who do not have health insurance will be processed through the Cancer Services Program of New York. Early detection is best! Call for an appointment SBU Cancer Center’s Mobile Mammo Unit: 631.638.4135

West Islip Library

The Great Give Back
October 8 from 2:00-3:00 pm
For grades 7-12
The Great Give Back is an island-wide community service initiative that allows teens to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. This year, teens can get 1 hour of community service credit for creating bird feeders for the winter that will be donated to the local chapter of the Audubon Society. Sat. Oct. 8. WI Teen Residents only.
Registration is required.

Westhampton Free Library

Join the library in celebrating “The Great Give Back!” This year, we are focusing on helping our local adoptable pets. Make treats and blankets for the shelter animals and meet some of the adoptable animals from Bideawee! Volunteer for one event or the whole day.

PEANUT BUTTER TREATS: from 12:00-1:00pm. Make no-bake peanut butter treats that the pups will love! Please be mindful of food allergies.

BELOVED BLANKETS: from 1:00-2:00pm. Make comfy, fuzzy blankets for the dogs and cats at Bideawee!

MEET THE PUPS: from 2:00-3:00pm. Meet some of the adoptable pets from Bideawee and talk with Bideawee volunteers about how you can continue to help!

Registration is required and space is limited. Registration opens Thursday, September 1 at 10:00am. Call 631-288-3335 ext. 171 or visit westhamptonlibrary.net.

Donation Drive
September 6 – October 15
We are focusing mainly on October being Adopt a Shelter Pet Month in teen but also collecting toys and toiletries.

Click here to view GGB 2021 events from Suffolk County Public Libraries.

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