The Oceanside Library buzzed with conversation, curiosity and community spirit as it hosted its fourth annual Volunteer Fair on Feb. 1, drawing hundreds of residents from Oceanside and across Long Island eager to find meaningful ways to give back.
The event brought together about 21 nonprofit organizations representing a wide range of causes, from mental health advocacy and environmental action to literacy, senior care and public safety. Tables filled the library as volunteers, students, retirees and families stopped to learn how they could make a difference close to home.
“This is our fourth annual fair, and the turnout really says a lot,” said Michelle Samuels, assistant director of the library. “We’re here to help the Oceanside community and to be a place where people can come for information, connection and opportunity.”
Organizations included the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Oceanside Community Warriors, Oceanside SAFE, the Oceanside Fire Department and Book Fairies greeted attendees and shared information about volunteer roles. Other participants included Citizens Climate Lobby, Oceanside Kiwanis, the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, the Oceanside Garden Club and several Long Island-based service groups.
For many nonprofits, the fair was not only a recruitment opportunity but also a chance to raise awareness. The Book Fairies explained how the nonprofit collects gently used books, sorts them by age and condition and redistributes them to communities in need.
“We primarily serve Title I schools,” said Judy Lauterstin of Book Fairies. “We host free book fairs in those schools and monthly events where teachers can select books for their classrooms or for students to take home.”
Founded 13 years ago, the organization has distributed nearly six million books locally and internationally, including efforts to help build libraries in Africa.
“Volunteers are especially needed to sort and package donations, to make sure that the quality is nice so that the kids are happy when they receive their books,” said Book Fairies member Mary Blanco.
Mental health advocacy was another strong presence at the fair. Representatives from NAMI Nassau spoke about their educational programs, support groups and recreational activities for individuals living with mental illness and their families.
“One of the most important things we teach families is that mental illness is not their fault,” said David Sils of NAMI.
David ran the table with his brother, Marc Sils, noting how the organization offers multi-week educational classes, peer-to-peer programs and regular support groups, many of which are held at the library.
“Events like this help reduce stigma and let people know help is out there,” David said.
In addition to connecting volunteers with organizations, the library used the fair to strengthen partnerships with nonprofits. Throughout the day, former assistant director of the library, Tony Iovino, and technology librarian, Carlo Mastrandrea, hosted seminars on collaboration, marketing and outreach. Workshops included a Canva basics session and a presentation on using the library’s online community calendar to promote local events.
“Our goal is to be a platform for the community,” said event organizer and programming clerk Aubree Pocock. “If people have one central place to see what’s happening — whether it’s a nonprofit program, a library event or a community gathering — it helps everyone.”
Library staff said planning for the fair begins months in advance, often as early as October, with outreach through email, phone calls and social media. Even organizations unable to attend in person were represented through informational displays.
Beyond logistics, organizers emphasized the deeper meaning behind the event.
“We see people of all stages of life looking for purpose — students who need service hours, families who want to volunteer together and retirees looking for something meaningful,” said adult program coordinator Tom Wojciechowski. “Yes, we are a library, but we are also a community center. The library is cooler than you think.”
As attendees left with brochures and contact information in hand, the message was clear: the Oceanside Library is more than a place for books.
“Yes, we are a library, but we are also a community center,” Wojciechowski said. “The library is cooler than you think. And events like this just show how powerful it can be when people come together to help one another.”
