The Franklin Square Public Library recently participated in the Great Give Back, a community service initiative operated in tandem by the Nassau and Suffolk County Library Systems.
During October, patrons of all ages had the opportunity to participate in programs such as a donation drive, and interactive activities for community members of all ages. While the Great Give Back is on Oct. 18, libraries statewide have the flexibility to create programs often spanning weeks or the entire month.
“For us, the Great Give Back is one of the many opportunities for teens and other members of the community to get involved in the community and give back,” Daphne Levy, a teen services librarian said of the annual tradition.
This year’s donation drive sponsored the Mary Brennan Inn in Hempstead, a soup kitchen founded in 1983. Members of the community had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food or personal care items like rice, pasta, soaps, shampoos, and other sustainable items from Oct. 1 through Oct. 18.
At the conclusion of the donation drive, teens also had the opportunity to donate items and assemble hygiene kits for homeless individuals served by the Mary Brennan Inn.
Using a similar criteria of acceptable items, young members of the community sorted donations into “care bags” with colorful and motivational “kindness cards,” instilling positive messages into those in need.
The library also selected two other organizations where community members had the opportunity to help furry creatures.
Participants donated money to aid Stash the Eastern Chipmunk and the Wildlife Center of Long Island — which helps provide our animal friends with food, enrichment, and veterinary care. The donation also unlocked the opportunity to dress up Stash’s paper doppelganger in a Halloween costume — which were displayed in the library Children’s room.
Children and teens grades 2 through 12 also enjoyed the opportunity to make dog treats and create tie-dye bandana for dogs at the Hempstead Animal Shelter.
Library Director Aviva Kane spoke highly of the Great Give back, highlighting the flexibility and opportunity for libraries statewide.
“We get to pick ways to give back to the community,” she said. “We try to get everyone involved.”
Last year’s format featured similar activities, including a donation drive and bag assembly for the Ronald McDonald House, as well as a pet parade and dog goody bags.
Both Kane and Levy highlighted the commitment from the library’s teenage population. Kane called the young community members “very giving,” and Levy mentioned that they “enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community.”
Created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, the goal of the Great Give Back is to create opportunities for library patrons to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences and programs.
For more information on the Great Give Back and its impact on Nassau County Libraries, visit TheGreatGiveBack.org.
